While my hubby's parents are in the Philippines, we wanted to treat them to a historical vacation in Dipolog and Dapitan for them to be able to explore the place where Jose Rizal was exiled.
Our trip was not thoroughly planned because not much information can be found on the net. Hopefully this blog post can guide travelers planning to go to Dipolog and Dapitan.
Note: Prices posted are based on our 2015 trip. Check respective sites for updated prices.
Tip: Pasalubong Center can be found along Rizal Ave., they sell the famous Montano Spanish Sardines there and other local goodies. For souvenir shirts, you can buy one at a shop in Sunset Blvd.
Tip: Make sure to check with Fantasyland if all their rides are running to get your money's worth. When we went there, all their 3 major rides were closed for maintenance. Make sure to stay for their show, it was amazing.
Tip: There are scattered pasalubong stalls in the city but since we didn't have the time we bought our pasalubong in Dakak resort instead.
In summary, we have spent more or less than Php 17,000 for 4 pax which could have been so much less if we chose to stay in a hotel within Dapitan City rather than Dakak. You can always opt for a Dakak Day trip instead of staying there overnight if you have an extra day to spare.
Our trip was not thoroughly planned because not much information can be found on the net. Hopefully this blog post can guide travelers planning to go to Dipolog and Dapitan.
Note: Prices posted are based on our 2015 trip. Check respective sites for updated prices.
Day 1 - DIPOLOG - June 10, 2015 (Wednesday)
| Time | Itinerary | Per Head | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01:50 PM | Flight from Manila to Dipolog (delayed flight) | ||
| 03:15 PM | Arrive in Dipolog Airport | ||
| Van transfer to D'Hotel + Suites | FREE | ||
| * most accommodations in Dipolog and Dapitan offer free airport/port transfers | |||
| 03:45 PM | Check-in in D'Hotel + Suites, Rizal Ave., Dipolog City | 702.50 | 2,810.00 |
| 04:00 PM | Walk to Julie's Halo Halo for snacks | 61.00 | 244.00 |
| 04:30 PM | Go on a Dipolog Walking Tour: | ||
| Listed below are sights along Rizal Avenue: | |||
| New Provincial Capitol (under construction) | |||
| City Hall | |||
| Magsaysay Park | |||
| The three Prominent Pioneers' Statue | |||
| Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral (century old) | |||
| 05:30 PM | Walk to Sunset Blvd | ||
| * Don't forget to take a shot of Santa Cruz Marker (Punta Corro) | |||
| * If you are craving for some grilled pork and chicken (BBQ), there are stalls lined up in the blvd just near the marker. | |||
| 07:00 PM | Walk back to hotel for dinner. | ||
| Dinner at Tonino's, ground floor of D'Hotel + Suites | 375.00 | 1,500.00 | |
TOTAL
| 4,554.00 |
Day 2 - DAPITAN - June 11, 2015 (Thursday)
| Time | Itinerary | Per Head | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 AM | Breakfast at the hotel | ||
| 10:00 AM | Check-out from hotel | ||
| * If you already have reserved accommodations in Dapitan, make sure to ask if they offer free transfer. | |||
| 10:15 AM | Commute to Dapitan City | ||
| Ride Tricycle to bus terminal | 8.00 | 32.00 | |
| Ride van bound for Dapitan (45 minutes) | 25.00 | 100.00 | |
| * Buses are also available at lower rates ranging from Php20 to Php22 | |||
| 11:00 AM | Drop off at City's Plaza and go on a Dapitan Walking Tour: | ||
| St. James Church | |||
| Relief Map of Mindanao | |||
| Old Dapitan City Hall | |||
| * Other places to go: Ilihan Hill/Fort de Dapitan, Our Lourdes of Grotto | |||
| 11:30 AM | Commute to Rizal Disembarkation Site | 8.00 | 32.00 |
| Commute to Rizal Shrine | 8.00 | 32.00 | |
| Commute to Heritage House | 8.00 | 32.00 | |
| 12:00 NN | Commute to Kamayan ni Manay | 8.00 | 32.00 |
| Lunch at Kamayan ni Manay | 375.00 | 1,500.00 | |
| 01:00 PM | Hotel transfer pickup at Gloria de Dapitan | FREE | |
| 01:30 PM | Check-in in Dakak Beach Resort | 2,075.00 | 8,300.00 |
| 02:00 PM | Free time to explore the resort and take a dip in the beach and pools | ||
| 06:00 PM | Dinner at | 130.00 | 520.00 |
| 08:00 PM | Transfer to Gloria de Dapitan | FREE | |
| Try out the rides in Fantasyland | FREE | ||
| 11:00 PM | Transfer back to resort | FREE | |
TOTAL
| 10,448.00 |
Day 3 - DAPITAN- June 12, 2015 (Friday)
| Time | Itinerary | Per Head | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 AM | Breakfast at the resort | FREE | |
| 11:00 AM | Check-out from hotel | ||
| * Make sure to coordinate with frontdesk regarding your transfer back to Dapitan or Dipolog a day before check-out. | |||
| 12:00 NN | Lunch at Inato Lang (8 pax) | 203.13 | 1,625.00 |
| 03:00 PM | Depart from Dapitan bound for Zamboanga City | ||
TOTAL
| 1,625.00 |
In summary, we have spent more or less than Php 17,000 for 4 pax which could have been so much less if we chose to stay in a hotel within Dapitan City rather than Dakak. You can always opt for a Dakak Day trip instead of staying there overnight if you have an extra day to spare.
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