Danao

About

Danao was originally founded as part of the Cebuano Kingdom of Nahalin, before being conquered by the Spanish. From the 16th through 18th centuries, it was used as government controlled farmland - a practice that was only abolished when abuse of the native workers became apparent. Danao remained a small rural settlement until the 20th century when mining and gun-making spurred rapid development. Today, Danao remains off most tourists’ maps, with the small, family owned resorts mostly being used by those looking to explore the area’s natural attractions. This also means that it’s still untainted by the influence of mass tourism, allowing visitors to experience authentic local culture, like perusing the fresh goods and street food at the bustling city market. For a calmer experience, the main landmark in Danao is the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva parish church, which was built between 1755 and 1824 and features an arcade for visitors to relax in.