Dipolog was the first Christian settlement in Mindanao so I visited the Sta. Cruz Cathedral in Punta Corro to see the altar that Rizal designed. Here I was advised by one local that I should only drive to Zamboanga City during daytime to avoid “incidents”.
Contents
1 CITY HOPPING IN ZAMBOANGA
2 NATURE TRIPPING
3 SAMPLING SOUTHERN FOOD
4 LOCAL FINDS
5 BOARD AND LODGING
6 GETTING AROUND
CITY HOPPING IN ZAMBOANGA
zamboangaDapitan City is on the northern part of the Zamboanga Peninsula in a region some folks still refer to as Western Mindanao. If you remember your Philippine history, you might remember Dapitan as the place where our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled before he was shot in Bagumbayan.
The city today is very proud of the connection that there are several shrines around town dedicated to him. Most notable is the Rizal Shrine in Talisay where almost anything and everything about Rizal is on display. Souvenirs are also available around the shrine ranging from shirts to keychains. Also in Dapitan is the new Gloria's Fantasy land along Sunset Boulevard which happens to be the biggest theme park outside Metro Manila (call the Dapitan tourism office, tel. no. 065-906-0054).
En route to Zamboanga City, I stopped by Dipolog, which is half an hour away from Dapitan. Dipolog will soon also host another seaport that could accommodate RORO passengers which could complement its beautiful seaside. The roads were fairly goodland from Dipolog, " Zamboanga City is still seven to eight hours away so I opted to stay in a hotel near the plaza and took shots of the Dipolog Hall, an American-era building which also » serves as the City Hall. A stone’s throw away is the Provincial capitol building of Zamboanga del Norte which reminds me of the American Embassy in Manila for some reason.
Not letting the thought of those “incidents” get to me, I opted to go via the rough roads to Lugulian City in Zamboanga del Sur instead of plying the Zamboanga del Norte coast. . . Pagadian is the regional center of Region IX (No, it’s not Zamboanga City). Driving around the city is difficult because the terrain is inclined by as much as 40 degrees.
Just imagine driving around San Francisco or getting up to Baguio without the zigzag. I was amazed though of how tricycles, which is a local form of transportation built on three wheels, have adapted to the topography of the city.
From a vantage point in Mt. Palpalan, one can see a stunning View of the city proper and Illana Bay, Which is pretty similar to the Hong Kong Harbor. I assume this is the réason why"'Pagad1an is also called “Little Hong Kong”. After four hours passing Zamboanga Sibugay, I reached Zambotanga City via the newIy—paved ’ Ma. Clara L. Lobregat Highway.
NATURE TRIPPING
If you are up for the thrill of exploring nature in its unspoiled stage, the Zamboanga Peninsula sure has a lot to offer. In Dapitan, Dakak Park Beach Resort (from Dapitan, roughly 15 minutes. by car. Place reservations via tel. no 065.213 6813) is one of the most famous beach resorts that offer white sand beaches and seclusion of a private beach which is hard to find in other famous beaches in the Philippines.
The resort usually offers tour packages that include transfers and pick—ups from the airport (ranging from » Php 2,000- 8,000). In Dipolog, try the Linabo Peak, which offers a 360 degree view of the city and nearby areas. The peak is lead by the locally famous 3003 steps that are lined with trees.
You might also want to visit the Cogon Eco-Park which is a 344-hectare reforested area in Brgy. Cogon. Inside the e Cogon Eco—Park is the Sungkilaw Falls, a quiet place to contemplate which is quite good for solo travelers like me. (City Tourism Office tel. no. 065-2122485). In Pagadian, Dao Dao Islands is an underdeveloped tourist attraction accessible by boat (10-minute boat ride costs Php 500- Php 1,000). There are two islands to visit: Dako (or big) and Gamay (small).
Much of Gamay is only visible during low tide and most of it is submerged during high tide (Pagadian Tourism Office tel. no O62-214-2472). Mt. Palpan ’ ) offers a stunning View of the city anld Illana Bay (15-20 minutes by tricycle costs Php 50 and another 30 minutes’ by foot to reach its peak) . In Zamboanga, try visiting the Serenity Falls in Brgy La Paz and Pamucutan. Also, there are diving sites along the Santa Islands (7km from the coast accessible by boat costs Ph 1 000) and it is home to Samal tribe.
SAMPLING SOUTHERN FOOD
A feast of food“ finds can be found anywhere in the peninsula fitting any type of budget. Dishes are usually the same with little variations. Most dishes are composed of coconut milk and chili and seafood is abundant in the peninsula.
Worth trying are Locon or boiled crab and lobster at Abalone Seafood Restaurant in Zamboanga City (Mayorjaldon Street, tel no.’ 062- 9916806) or at Savory also in Jaldon St. (tel. no. 062—99111298). If you are on a tight budget you might Want to try street delicacies such as Zambo Rolls and Lul LOCAL FINDS
ln Dapitan, the Gloria de Dapitan~ Leisure Complex is being developed into a modern shopping center where - local furniture and clothing finds are available. Also, try visiting the Yakan ~ Village in Zamboanga City to have a closer look at the local weaving. You can also buy place mats, table cloths, in various geometric designs here. ' Pasalubong trinkets are also available at the Zamboanga Home Products Store " (Juldon and San Jose Rd) which include baskets and key chains. Various malls ' dot the city centers throughout the Zainboanga Peninsula where you can i buy clothes and souvenir items.
LOCAL FINDS
ln Dapitan, the Gloria de Dapitan~ Leisure Complex is being developed into a modern shopping center where - local furniture and clothing finds are available. Also, try visiting the Yakan ~ Village in Zamboanga City to have a closer look at the local weaving. You ' can also buy place mats, table cloths, in various geometric designs here. ' Pasalubong trinkets are also available at the Zamboanga Home Products Store " (juldon and San Jose Rd) which include baskets and key chains. Various malls ' dot the city centers throughout the Zainboanga Peninsula where you can i buy clothes and souvenir items.
BOARD AND LODGING
A variety of hotels are AVAILABLE In Zoambozlnga City. lf you don't have the budget to spend try the Grand Astoria Hotel (tel. no. 0918-9234284, costs around Php 800/night) along Jaldon St. which is practically in the City centre or the Marcian Business Hotel in Cesar Climaco Ave. (tel. no. 062-991-0005, costs Php 1,000/night).
For high end hotels, try La Vista del Mar Beach Resort (tel. no. 062-991- 3038, Php 3800/night), where you could sleep in tree houses for 21 unique dozing opportunity. In Dapitan, there’s Dakak Park Beach Resort (tel. no. 065-213-6813, costs Php 8000/package) on Dakak Bay. Ifyou are on a budget, try Dapitan Beach Resort Hotel in the middle of the city at Sunset Blvd (tel. no. 065-213- 6413), which provides a panoramic waterfront view of Dapitan.
GETTING AROUND
The Western Corridor of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway or the Roll-on, Roll—off (RORO) port ends in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte (costs around Php 4,000 in total if from Manila Via Durnaguete Port). Within the peninsula, jeepneys and buses (average bus from Dapitan to Zamboanga City costs Php 350) are available and regularly ply the Lobregat Highway.
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