Dapitan City, a name that resonates with echoes of history and resonates with the vibrancy of Filipino culture, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Philippines. Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the country, this unassuming city offers a unique cultural odyssey that transcends time. Beyond its serene beaches and lush landscapes, Dapitan holds stories that stretch back centuries and encompass the journey of a nation. In this article, we embark on a voyage of discovery through Dapitan City, unraveling the layers of its cultural tapestry, and delving into the heart of this enchanting destination.
Jose Rizal's Place of Exile
Because of the Spanish Government's suspicions of Rizal and his involvement with the ongoing rebellion at that time, he was sent to Dapitan to be exiled and where he spent the last years of his life. In Dapitan, Rizal managed to improve the quality of life in his place of exile, making several contributions like draining the marshes, establishing a boarding school for other children, and giving medical care to people who are living there to name a few.
During his stay in Dapitan, he had a total number of 16 students. During which, instead of charging the students for the matriculation, he made the students do community work for him like maintaining his land. He taught them reading, writing, arithmetic, and history while also encouraging his students to strengthen their physical bodies. During their stay there they also created a mini-dam inside Rizal's farm.
Places to Visit in Dapitan
Now that we have established the relevance of Dapitan City to the history of the country, we can head on and talk about the key places to visit while you're there.
Rizal's Landing Site
In Sunset Boulevard in Dapitan City, there will be a statue where Rizal is shown to have landed in Dapitan City. He is escorted by Spanish Guards where they accompanied them to Talisay, his place of exile. The statue can be seen in the coast where you can take pictures and take beautiful shots of the scenery behind Rizal as it is also a good view, especially when sunset arrives.
Rizal Shrine
Rizal's farm and school can also be visited in Talisay where you can see almost all of the developments made by Rizal and his students. His house, classroom, student dormitory, the dam that his students built and many more. This place is a must visit area if you're ever in the city as it can really make you appreciate our national hero even more.
Dakak Resorts and Properties
If you want to unwind and relax in the beach, inside the pool, or play golf, Dakak is the place to go. With its beautiful white sand beach and astonishing view of the infinity pool with an actual poolside bar, one can truly relax when inside Dakak.
If you're a golfer then the golf course in Dakak is definitely not a place to miss. With its quality and difficulty being in an international level, it's definitely a different experience from the usual golf courses that Filipino golfers are used to. While playing golf you can also take a break and appreciate the beautiful view.
Dakak is also home to a zipline that is approximately 1.3km long and 300 meters high where you start at the highest point of the area and down to the clubhouse. During the ride you will be going over hole number 4 of the golf course and I must tell you the view and experience is amazing. Of course initially there will be fear but as soon as you move, there is nothing else to do but to appreciate the beauty of the landscape.
There are also other activities like ATV rental, scuba diving (both for licensed and unlicensed divers), jet ski rental, banana boat rides, and many more.
Glorious Fantasyland
Dapitan is also home to the Glorious Fantasyland. Dapitan's own theme park where there are many rides like Sky Drop where you are lifted into the sky and the ride will suddenly drop you. Fantasyland is also home to a horror house where you walk around a mysterious house with different scary attractions.
The most impressive event to wait for is the scheduled show that almost always takes place at around 8pm. Every month, there will be a different production wherein there will be fire shows, cultural dances, and parades. In my opinion this is the most awaited time during your stay in Fantasyland.
There is also a place called Snow World wherein the whole attraction simulates the feeling of snow. The actual attraction is very cold and very slippery. They provide free jackets to use while inside the attraction. There is also a cafe inside the actual attraction but aside from that there's nothing much to do. It's a very popular attraction during summer where everyone is trying to escape the heat.
Selinog and Aliguay Island
If you're more of an island-hopping person, you can go island hopping to Selinog or Aliguay Island. Both are owned by Dakak and you can arrange water transport to go there. In those islands there will be various island activities, including: Snorkeling, scuba diving, bonfire by the beach, tent camping, and many more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dapitan as Rizal's place of exile, it is a very culture-rich place and everywhere you go you can feel the tradition and history of the place. Not only is the place full of culture and history, there are also lots of beautiful spots to visit as mentioned above. Not all are of historical value but holds almost the same value with its beautiful sceneries and attractions.
Dakak as the main source of vacation activities is surely a must visit for every tourist visiting Dapitan City. Offering various activities from merely swimming in a pool or on a beach to playing golf on its international grade golf course to island hopping and doing various water activities. Dapitan is one of the hidden gems of the Philippines and it is surely worth travelling to.