Located in the southeastern Philippines, Davao is a city totally given over
to the distinct smell of durian which is a delicious tropical fruit with a
less than heavenly odor. One doesn't need a map of the Philippines to locate
the islandcity of Davao, a good sense of smell will do. Durian is something of
aparadox but there's far more to this idyllic isle than meets the nose.
Anaquamarine surf laps at bountiful beaches. Mountains soar in the distance,
and rainforests squawk with the sound of exotic creatures. Waling Waling, a
prizedorchid, and other tropical flowers bloom in the Eden Nature Park, while
the majestic Philippine eagle and endangered species have found a haven at the
Eagle Sanctuary. Davao is a city with a distinct smell- the unmistakable smell
ofdurian fruit. Sometimes intense, sometimes faint, the unfortunately fetid
odor ofthis otherwise delicious fruit lingers on streets, at hotels and even
on airplanes. Indeed, it seems to taint the air in every corner of this
southeastern Philippine island city. The popularity of this stinky, spiky,
green tropical fruit is on full display at the local durian market,swheresit
can be foundin abundance and retails for a fraction of what it costs in
Shanghai. Afterseveral days spent gorging on the fruit, the smell seems to
seep to yourskin. About 1,545 kilometers from Manila, Davao is considered
the gateway tothe southern Philippines. Durian may be its most famous fruit,
but Davao ishome to veritable jungle of other exotic tropical delights,
includingtangy grapefruit and juicy rambutans, a red plum-sized prickly fruit.
Davao sharesmany characteristics with other islands on the Philippine archipelago,