Magsaysay Park and fruit stands

The Permanent Kadayawan Village

Magsaysay Park is now the year round home of the Kadayawan Village, a cultural peace site featuring 11 traditional houses representing the ethnolinguistic tribes of Davao. These houses are open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM for cultural immersion and educational tours. A PHP 20-million modernization project has added better restrooms, admin halls, and improved landscaping, making it a comfortable heritage stop. The cultural compound within the park serves as a physical representation of indigenous architectural traditions, hosting educational tours and tribal gatherings during city festivals.

2026 Fruit Prices and Selection

The park's edge is lined with one of Davao's most famous fruit markets. As of June 2026, durian prices typically range from PHP 60 to PHP 120 per kilogram for common varieties like Puyat and Arancillo.

Other seasonal fruits like mangosteen (PHP 40 to PHP 60 per kg) and marang (PHP 50 to PHP 80 per piece) are also abundant. Many stalls provide tables and water for those who want to eat their durian on site.

Prices peak in August during the festival but remain lower than mall prices year round. Puyat is the most popular variety because of its thick and creamy texture but you can also find native and Arancillo varieties here.

Vendors provide free seal and pack services with plastic wrap and tape if you need to bring fruit onto a flight as checked baggage. You can often negotiate a better price if you buy more than five kilos or choose to eat the fruit right at the provided tables.

Sta. Ana Wharf: Boats to Samal and Talikud

Adjacent to the park is Sta. Ana Wharf, the primary departure point for public boats to Samal and Talikud Island. For 2026, the Isla Reta boat (Rosie) typically departs at 9:00 AM, while other liners like Pacific and Jessa leave between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM.

Fares for public liners range from PHP 120 to PHP 200 per person. The wharf is currently affected by Davao Coastal Road construction, so expect some mud and a small vehicle entry fee of PHP 20.

On weekends, boats often leave once full, so arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled time. Visiting during the early morning hours allows guests to witness local fishermen docking their boats at the adjacent wharf before the heat of the day.

Skating, Community Life, and the Daily Scene

Magsaysay Park remains one of the few truly working public spaces in the city. The park has a dedicated area for roller skating and skateboarding that becomes active in the late afternoon.

Organized Zumba classes are held near the bayfront every morning for the older crowd. The park's location near the port means it is always busy with commuters and workers, giving it a gritty, authentic Davao energy that you will not find in the manicured gardens of People's Park.

A Working Park Near The Wharf

The park sits beside the Sta. Ana wharf area. It is a working park: not a manicured garden or a gated cultural center, but a place where fruit vendors, families, joggers, commuters, and portside workers share the same open ground.

The park itself has shade, benches, and open lawns used for rest, casual exercise, and everyday gathering. It is not a polished destination built for tourists. Its value is that it reveals Davao through daily use rather than scheduled events. There is no entrance fee for the general park area making it a very affordable spot for families and joggers. The park itself closes at 10 PM but the fruit vendors along the road are known for being open 24 hours a day.

Fruit Culture At Street Level

The park's strongest identity is its fruit culture. Durian and pomelo vendors set up along the park edge and nearby sidewalks, and for many visitors this is one of the most accessible places in Davao City to buy durian without going to a dedicated market or mall.

The stalls are informal and prices can vary, which is part of the experience. For a first durian stop in Davao, the vendor strip near Magsaysay Park is practical because visitors can smell, inspect, ask about varieties, and decide before buying.

Davao Fruit Identity In Daily Use

Davao is closely identified with durian nationally, and Magsaysay Park is one of the places where that identity remains visible in street form. Fruit market events, city programs, and harvest season activity all make more sense when the everyday fruit stall geography is kept visible.

The park's location near the port also places it at a natural crossing point between different kinds of Davao movement. Jeepney and multicab routes pass nearby. The side facing the bay gives water context, but it is the working port edge of Davao Gulf rather than a scenic promenade.

When To See It Clearly

Early morning gives the clearest read of the place: cooler air, active vendors, less heat, and a quieter view of how the park fits into the city routine next to the port. Later in the day, it becomes more of a rest stop and a public space where people handle errands on the side.