2D1N Summer Escapade at Dakak: Dapitan’s Tropical Eden
Anyone who thinks Dapitan City is just the land of shrines and historical landmarks is in for a big surprise. According to folklore, the name “Dapitan” derives from the Cebuano word “Dapit”, which means “to invite”. Interestingly enough, Dapitan’s exciting offerings would lure you to grace its invitation.
Coined as the Shrine City of the Philippines, Dapitan is a third class city in the province of Zamboanga del Norte and dubbed as the twin sister of Dipolog City, a neighboring city and the capital city of said province. Dapitan is imbued with enchantment in each quirky nook, charming fort, and rolling natural landscape. But while the city itself may be magical, its people are some of the most down to earth. Unpretentious and welcoming, they’re enthusiastic to tell you a story about the inspiring city they call home.
Well, as for me, I personally consider Dapitan City as my second home. I grew up in Dipolog City and I spent my childhood and adolescent years in Dapitan as my go-to place whenever I felt like wanting to escape from the noisy and cluttered life of my hometown. Fast forward summer 2018, Dapitan City’s paradise is once again calling and I must go. The feeling of finally coming back excites me more than ever.
And so, I spent two (2) days and one (1) night in a tropical eden in Dapitan called Dakak, as part of my long-weekend summer escapade. Be on the lookout for these tourist attractions and fun activities:
Dakak Park & Beach Resort
If my memory serves me right, I visited Dakak way back when I was 10 years old. I couldn’t remember the exact life affair celebrated that time but the charming beauty of Dakak Park and Beach Resort really made a mark and left a lasting impression on me. After two decades, nothing much has changed, except for the most notable improvements and developments around the Park. But more than its pristine location, this luxury resort also boasts an array of facilities and services that will fill your stay with conveniences and endless opportunities for adventure.
And yes, I officially kickstarted my summer adventure in Dakak Park & Beach Resort. Other key places of interest in Dapitan City are all within close proximity from Dakak (not highlighted in this article): Rizal Shrine, Holy Rosary Cathedral, Dapitan River, Aliguay and Selinog Islands. Back to the resort, you’ll surely love it’s beautifully shaped cove and beach. With the presence of salty sea breeze, pristine blue waters and fine white sand, what’s not to love about loafing in the beach on a hot summer day?!
Villa Angelina Luxury Suites
If you love exclusivity and stillness, Villa Angelina Luxury Suites is the place to go. Situated in Taguilon, Dapitan City, this luxurious accommodation perched on a cliff is what tropical dreams are made of. Its stunning infinity pool produces a visual effect of boundary-less waterscape making one to believe you’re floating on a calm, blue ocean. Perfect for a romantic honeymoon and special engagements.
One of the best things while staying in Villa Angelina Luxury Suites is the priceless beauty of the sunset unfolding right in front of you. No dramatic quotes needed to appreciate such magical view.
See full review of this place here -> Villa Angelina Luxury Suites: A Premier Hideaway in Dapitan
Dakak Adventure Zone
Experience the extreme, thrill and excitement at Dakak Adventure Zone, one of the highlights of Dakak Park & Beach Resort. It includes Airsoft, ATV, Climbing (rappelling, rock climbing, biking, trekking) Horseback Riding, Diving, and Zipline with an outstanding 1,364 meters and 300-meter drop. It claims the title of “Longest Dual Zipline in Asia”. And oh, did I mention that zipline is perfect during sunset too?
You may opt for a chill sport like golf in Dakak’s very own golf course. With a perfect scenery, playing golf on a 50-hectare property lets you embrace nature, satiate your soul and hit some balls! (no pun intended)
The Spa at the Villa
You can never go wrong with The Spa’s otherworldly sauna. Spoil yourself with the breathtaking views of the lush mountainscape while being pampered inside a prime dry-heat-inducing sauna. Come on, indulge ‘coz you deserve it!
This exclusive jacuzzi is all you need right now. Private group spa party or solo retreat — it’s definitely a health sanctuary for your body and soul. FULL REVIEW here: The Spa at the Villa
Fantasyland at Gloria de Dapitan
Did you know that Dapitan City is also home to Gloria’s Fantasyland, the first amusement park in Mindanao? Well, you don’t need to go to Manila for a theme park or as fasr as Hongkong to visit Disneyland ‘coz you can experience the real-life magic at Gloria’s Fantasyland. It’s like I was transported to another realm of dreamland where fun and happiness is never ending.
There are lots of “theme” rides inside Fantasyland. The child in me was awaken as I stroll around the park and try out all my fave rides. To pump up my nerves, I went inside the classic horror booth, dubbed as the “Scariest Horror House in Asia”. With so much fun happening that night, the most nostalgic part of the evening belonged to the festival of lights and colors featuring various float parades adorn with various lovely characters and international costumes of beautiful queens atop each float. Two thumbs up for a spectacular show!
To say that Gloria de Dapitan is amusing is an understatement. It was my first time in Gloria and I was totally surprised by the production that night. Acrobatic stunts and the fire show – all grand! Every rolling performance guarantees a “WOW” from the audience. I would love to watch it again live ‘coz I thought it was the crème de la crème of my visit to Fantasyland.
Gloria’s Fantasyland is open at 4 PM to 12 midnight from Tuesdays to Sundays only. To maximize the thrill and fun, go for the unli-ride or ride-all-yo-can package! See ticket rates above.
Restaurant and Bar Hopping
Where else can you taste authentic cuisine from around the world in just one park? The hotel complex offers an abundance of gastronomical delights with a boundless variety of world-class cuisine. You have classic Italian dishes in Il Patio Ristorante Italiano. Their carbonara is a must-try! If you’re craving for something Japanese, then head to Japanese Sushi Bar at Hugo Restaurant. Their freshly-prepared sushi is the best sushi I’ve tasted in my whole life! And of course, the comfort foods you love are served in Le Bamboo Cafe at the heart of the resort.
Onsite, there are as many as 9 dining venues, including a 24-hour cafe. Personally, my gourmand journey at Bamboo Restaurant (Le Bamboo Cafe) is a memorable one as I was entertained with live music and dance performances from the local entertainers. To witness raw talent and pure joy from the people around you is truly heart-warming and that made my 2D1N summer escapade in Dapitan City one for the books.
And yes, the night is not yet over. You can do bar hopping within the vicinity of Dakak Park & Beach Resort and Villa Angelina Luxury Suites. Outdoor regular bar, infinity pool-submerged bar, private pirate bar — it’s totally up to your mood. A quick fix of your favorite spirit or juice is totally a great way to cap off your memorable trip.
How To Get to Dapitan City
Dakak Park & Beach Resort of Taguilon, Dapitan City is a 30-minute drive from Dipolog City Airport. Daily trips offered by various local airlines are available to and from Dipolog City. It is also accessible by land from Dipolog, Ozamis, Pagadian and even Cagayan de Oro. You may also reach Dapitan City via boat travel from Dumaguete, Cebu and Zamboanga City. For convenience, you may contact Dakak for a van service or complimentary roundtrip transfers (see contact details below).
Tours and Contact Details
For inquiries about rates, services, and tours, you can reach Dakak Park & Beach Resort using these contact details.
TeleFax: (065) 918 – 8000
Mobile: 0946 643 1814 / 0915 318 5238 / 0927 823 6216
Email: onlinedakak@gmail.com
Website: www.dakak.com.ph
Facebook: Dakak Park and Beach Resort
Instagram: DakakPropertiesOfficial
Great place for adventure