DAPITAN CITY
This trip was part of my 7-day CEBU-DAPITAN-DIPOLOG tour
Day 1-2: Camotes Island
Day 3-4: Dipolog and Dapitan City
Day 5-7: Cebu-Badian-Barili
There are two versions of how Dapitan got its name. One is from Fr. Urdaneta, who called the place “Daquepitan” which was later changed to “Dacpitan” and still later to “Dapitan” because of the difficulty in pronouncing the former. The second version is derived from the word “Dapit” which means “to invite” in the local Cebuano dialect. This refers to the original group of Boholanos from Panglao, Bohol who were invited by Datu Pagbuaya, the acknowleged founder of the city, to go with him to the “Dakung Yuta”, that is Mindanao, and the settlement they established was called Dapitan. This is the traditional version of how Dapitan got its name. Source: http://dapitan.com/sample-page/ |
I considered this trip as my most ambitious and weirdest thing I've ever done. Why? Because from Cebu, I decided to ride a ferry to reach Dapitan and Dipolog. This made this trip very expensive too.
When I booked the ticket bound for Cebu, I thought of doing something new. I also discovered that Cebu would be a great jump off point to visit nearby provinces. The only disadvantage is, you need to pay more. But that's better compared to waiting for an airfare promo which is quite disappointing sometimes.
From Cebu city, specifically SM Cebu, I hailed a cab and went to the ticket office of a shipping line that has a 9pm trip bound for Dapitan. It seems that I just slept in the ferry and when I woke up..... I am already at Dapitan port.
From the port, I hired a motorcycle going to the hostel. Since, it was still early, I just left my things and went to Dipolog for an early tour. It's just 20 minutes away from Dapitan. I went back after lunch and took a rest.
When I booked the ticket bound for Cebu, I thought of doing something new. I also discovered that Cebu would be a great jump off point to visit nearby provinces. The only disadvantage is, you need to pay more. But that's better compared to waiting for an airfare promo which is quite disappointing sometimes.
From Cebu city, specifically SM Cebu, I hailed a cab and went to the ticket office of a shipping line that has a 9pm trip bound for Dapitan. It seems that I just slept in the ferry and when I woke up..... I am already at Dapitan port.
From the port, I hired a motorcycle going to the hostel. Since, it was still early, I just left my things and went to Dipolog for an early tour. It's just 20 minutes away from Dapitan. I went back after lunch and took a rest.
WHAT TO DO IN DAPITAN?
VISIT THE BLACK BEACH NEAR GLORIA DE DAPITAN
At 5pm, I visited Gloria de dapitan. Just ride a tricycle and tell the driver your destination for just P8.
At 5pm, I visited Gloria de dapitan. Just ride a tricycle and tell the driver your destination for just P8.
WITNESS THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSET
I was so lucky and just right on time for sunset when I visited the black beach.
I was so lucky and just right on time for sunset when I visited the black beach.
STROLL AROUND GLORIA DE DAPITAN From the boulevard and back beach, just cross the road and enter the compound of Gloria de dapitan. There is no entrance fee here. You may choose to dine in one of the restaurants around, shop at Ultra mega or watch movie. EXPERIENCE GLORIA'S FANTASYLAND Unfortunately, I opted not to enter. Why? Because during that time the entrance fee was P1000. I did not find this worth it. |
CITY TOUR VIA BICYCLE
Travel Bee offers bicycle rental for just P50 good for 1 day. I rented during the last day of my stay and it was early in the morning. I was able to visit the nearby areas, like their own version of Luneta; Liwasan sa Dapitan, Dapitan St. James church wherein I attended the mass for 30 minutes, saw the statue of Rizal arriving the city and lastly was able to find a souvenir store near the bay walk. It was also a good cardio exercise, since I was not able to go to gym for 4 days already.
Travel Bee offers bicycle rental for just P50 good for 1 day. I rented during the last day of my stay and it was early in the morning. I was able to visit the nearby areas, like their own version of Luneta; Liwasan sa Dapitan, Dapitan St. James church wherein I attended the mass for 30 minutes, saw the statue of Rizal arriving the city and lastly was able to find a souvenir store near the bay walk. It was also a good cardio exercise, since I was not able to go to gym for 4 days already.
VISIT RIZAL SHRINE
EXPENSES:
Day 3
Taxi to the pier 100
Ferry (Cebu-Dapitan) 660
Habl habal 100
Hostel (booked online) 650
Tryc to Gloria de Dapitan 8
Dinner 100
Tryc back to the hostel 8
Snacks 20
Day 4
Bicycle rental 50
Souvenir 220
Brunch 120
Habal-habal to Dakak 400
Drink 50
Dakak entrance 1000
Ferry/Roro back to Cebu city 660
Drinks 45
Day 3
Taxi to the pier 100
Ferry (Cebu-Dapitan) 660
Habl habal 100
Hostel (booked online) 650
Tryc to Gloria de Dapitan 8
Dinner 100
Tryc back to the hostel 8
Snacks 20
Day 4
Bicycle rental 50
Souvenir 220
Brunch 120
Habal-habal to Dakak 400
Drink 50
Dakak entrance 1000
Ferry/Roro back to Cebu city 660
Drinks 45