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Why Dapitan should be on your travel bucket list
Why Dapitan should be on your travel bucket list
Cheryl Baldicantos
Published Jul 29, 2017 12:15 PM PHT
DAPITAN CITY - Dapitan has already made its mark in history.
DAPITAN CITY - Dapitan has already made its mark in history.
This isle of abundant green in the northeastern wing of Mindanao was where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was once exiled. This is where he furthered his medical career by operating on his mother’s eyes, and where he built a relationship with his common-law wife, the Irish woman Josephine Bracken.
This isle of abundant green in the northeastern wing of Mindanao was where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was once exiled. This is where he furthered his medical career by operating on his mother’s eyes, and where he built a relationship with his common-law wife, the Irish woman Josephine Bracken.
More than a century later, Dapitan is now a bustling city, where residents can enjoy urban pleasures such as going to the mall, watching movies and eating at restaurants at Gloria de Dapitan, which also has a theme park named Fantasyland that features a roller coaster, a horror house and a walking dinosaur!
More than a century later, Dapitan is now a bustling city, where residents can enjoy urban pleasures such as going to the mall, watching movies and eating at restaurants at Gloria de Dapitan, which also has a theme park named Fantasyland that features a roller coaster, a horror house and a walking dinosaur!
Another must-visit place here is Dakak Park and Beach Resort. For a long time now, busloads of tourists have been coming here to spend a few nights or even just a day. Here, a white sand beach in a hidden cove serves as a quick respite from city life.
Another must-visit place here is Dakak Park and Beach Resort. For a long time now, busloads of tourists have been coming here to spend a few nights or even just a day. Here, a white sand beach in a hidden cove serves as a quick respite from city life.
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But those longing for an island feel of white sand and blue waters should go beyond Dakak and onto the Selinog and Aliguay islands. Imagine Boracay without the foot traffic.
But those longing for an island feel of white sand and blue waters should go beyond Dakak and onto the Selinog and Aliguay islands. Imagine Boracay without the foot traffic.
The area's rich underwater life has also been a come-on for both local and foreign tourists. In fact, the city recently joined the Dive Resort and Travel Show in Beijing.
The area's rich underwater life has also been a come-on for both local and foreign tourists. In fact, the city recently joined the Dive Resort and Travel Show in Beijing.
According to tourism officer Apple Marie Agolong, Dapitan City had around 1.17 million visitors in 2016. But tourist arrivals have gone down since martial law took effect in the whole island of Mindanao after clashes erupted between state troops and terrorists in Marawi City more than two months ago.
According to tourism officer Apple Marie Agolong, Dapitan City had around 1.17 million visitors in 2016. But tourist arrivals have gone down since martial law took effect in the whole island of Mindanao after clashes erupted between state troops and terrorists in Marawi City more than two months ago.
This hasn't stopped Dapitan City from celebrating its annual feast to honor Señor Santiago or St. James the Greater. Ongoing until July 31 are religious, cultural and sports events.
This hasn't stopped Dapitan City from celebrating its annual feast to honor Señor Santiago or St. James the Greater. Ongoing until July 31 are religious, cultural and sports events.
In this city where almost everything could be viewed from a nearby hilltop, the peace that Rizal once found still remains.
In this city where almost everything could be viewed from a nearby hilltop, the peace that Rizal once found still remains.
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