Dapitan City Travel Guide 2023: Best Things To Do and Top Destination Spots

Born and raised in the beautiful province of Zamboanga del Norte, Dapitan City is more than just a place that we have read in history books. It’s far beyond the historically based stories of Dr. Jose Rizal’s exile. Dapitan being rich in history and culture is what usually captivates Filipino tourists to visit this thriving city, but all the events that took place in it has wonderfully shaped this ever-changing place into a magnificent destination city. 

Dapitan City is most well-known because of its historical treasure as our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent 4 years of his life in the city where he was exiled. He gives Dapitan its identity establishing it as a unique place where Philippine history unfolded. It is like slipping into the crack of time and find yourself caught in a time wrap.

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Dapit na sa Dapitan City this 2023 through this ultimate travel guide with updated list of the best destinations in the city, new places for food trip, things to do, and a lot more.

Top Travel Destination Spots in Dapitan City

With a number of scenic attractions, breathtaking views and very inviting travel spots that have emerged in the city over the years, Dapitan has remained raw, calm and admirable. My one week itinerary has taken me to a lot of places in Dapitan City, but these are my most recommendable destination that you must visit.

1. DAKAK PARK AND BEACH RESORT — The Best Beach resort in Dapitan City

Dakak Park and Beach Resort offers all the fun and excitement within the comfort of your own spacious and private bedrooms with a touch of class and elegance

Over the years, the amenities and activities of Dakak have been expanding and so, a day tour possibly wouldn’t be enough especially if you’re an adventure seeker like me. I’m not saying that you have to try everything, but with a wide varieties of things to do, your adventurous self might want to consider.

2. VILLA ANGELINA LUXURY SUITES — The Luxury Wing of Dakak Park and Beach Resort

Villa Angelina Luxury Suites is a highly exclusive resort that is a luxury wing of Dakak Park and Beach Resort.

It has an exclusive amenities with a royal service treatment to its guest. If you want to be a bit luxurious when you travel to Dapitan City, book an overnight stay in Villa Angelina Luxury Suites and get a free access in Dakak Park and Beach Resort with your own resort service.

• Soaked in a warm bubble jacuzzi bath
• Get mesmerized with the view of Infinity swimming pool
• Experience a premium relaxation in Spa At The Villa
• Visit the manmade waterfalls at Sabores Del Mar
• Chase that sunset at Sunset Cove

3. ALIGUAY ISLAND — Best Diving Spot in Dapitan City

Living the island life in #CampAliguay means beautiful sunrise, bike tour, scuba diving, bonfire by the beach, and a lot more. The way of life in the island is much slower, but time seems to be moving fast.

Aliguay Island boasts of its calm, serene vibes with rich natural resources, heartwarming locals, white sand, and heavenly blue waters. The vast and alluring clear water of the Sulu Sea is a sight to see as you cruise by and if you get lucky, dolphins may jump in the fun along with the boat with you.

• Take a photo in the “I  Aliguay”
• Rent a bike for PHP50 to tour the island
• Bonfire by the beach
• Bring a tent and camp out
• Book a scuba dive experience through Dakak Aqua Sports
• Play a beach volleyball
• Enjoy a sunrise or sunset walk in the coastline
• Seafood trip at Tacubo Restaurant
• Take a photo of the beach swing in front of the Tacubo restaurant
• Freediving in Aliguay island

4. SELINOG ISLAND — Must-Visit Island in Dapitan City

Selinog Island is one of the best destinations that you must visit along with Aliguay Island. 

With its white sand beaches and rich aquatic resources, this island is a breath of fresh air especially to travelers who seeks of an island escape away from home. The island can be enjoyed in one day, but to make the most out of it, I highly suggest that you should book an overnight trip instead of a day tour.

• Bike Tour in Selinog Island
• Visit Catappa Cafe — The first cafe in Selinog Island
• Swimming in the crystal clear water near the Sandbar
• Snorkeling
• Take a Photo in “Selinog Island” Landmark

5. GLORIOUS FANTASYLAND — The Best Theme Park Destination in Dapitan City

10 Best Things To Do In Dapitan City

As a local, I have seen and experience its vibrance and diversity. Now, I want to celebrate its culture, people, food, nature, and a lot of adventures by sharing the best things to do in Dapitan City.

1. Freediving in Tag-ulo and see the beauty of #TagUloReef

2. Daytour Hike or Overnight Camp in Mt. Lab

Mt. Lab is

Mt. Lab in Dapitan City is a beginner-friendly peak to trek.

3. Tour the Rizal Shrine Park

4. Visit the Disembarco de Rizal

5. Visita Iglesia in St. James Church

6. Relief Map of Mindanao

7. Aniano Heritage House

Where to Eat in Dapitan City

• Beer and Barbecue
• Chow Bai
• Kusina
• Taguilon Bay Bistro

PRO RECO: Craving for some affordable coffee? Try the pop-up coffee store at Buena’s Brewery located at Sta. Cruz Beach, Sunrise Boulevard.

How to get to Dapitan City

Dapitan City can be traveled by a different mode of transportations as more transportation facilities were developed to give convenience to those who want to visit the Shrine City of the Philippines.

Getting Around The City of Dapitan

Getting around is easy because Dapitan City has motorized tricyles that are spread throughout the city for affordable, laid-back trips. You can also have it rented for a private trip to tour around Dapitan City.

For group travelers, I highly recommend to rent a private van/car to tour the city of Dapitan. It will also conveniently reached you to coastal areas which are the best destinations that you should tick off on your list when you visit Dapitan City,

Where To Stay in Dapitan City

• Travelbee
• Racquel’s Pension House
• Dakak Park and Beach Resort

If you feel extra luxurious, stay in the most premiere hideaway in the south — VILLA ANGELINA LUXURY SUITES and experience the vacation fits for royalty.

Pasalubong Delicacies of Dapitan City

Dapitan City proudly stands for its local delicacies exported and distributed in the national market and even outside the Philippines.

One of their well-known product delicacy is the cassava chips. The product is made purely by the hands and heart of pure Dapitanons wherein the production has became the main source living of some of the local farmers of Dapitan City.

With its satisfying taste, it’s not surprising to me that this cassava chips has gone international as well and they are now exclusively exporting to S&R market.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO To DAPITAN CITY

Dapitan is a laidback lifestyle city. It’s adaptable to most people from different walks of life because it has a lot to offer. From budget traveler, solo adventurers to those who want to experience luxurious staycations. But no matter what type of traveler you are, here are some tips that you can take away with you when you visit Dapitan City.

• Bringing cash with you is less-hassle than paying through cards.

More information about Dapitan City

Follow their official social media pages to get the latest updates about Dapitan City

• Local Government Unit of Dapitan City
• Dapitan City Tourism