Dapitan has been a name that almost all Filipinos are familiar with because of its importance to Philippine history. It won’t be left unmentioned in every story about their national hero, Jose Rizal. But Dapitan isn’t only a historic site as it stands today in the province of Zamboanga offering various sights and activities that tourists can enjoy. There are a number of beautiful hotels in and near the city as well. To make the most of your stay, here are the best things to do in Dapitan City, Philippines.
1. Know more about the Philippine national hero in The Rizal Shrine
The Rizal Shrine is one of the best places to visit in Dapitan as it was built by the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. Its construction is made mainly with bamboo as what most of the houses were made of in earlier times. The house is surrounded by greenery with trees grown by the hero himself. Entrance is free and if you want to bring home some souvenirs, the shrine houses a shop where you can buy shirts, necklaces, bracelets, and more.
José Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape (Rizal Park and Shrine)
Address: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
2. Cycle around the city
Trying to figure out what to do in Dapitan that will guarantee a good time? There’s no better way to see and feel the city than by cycling around it. It does get you fit too at the same time! There are some areas in the city wherein you are safe to roam around, feel the fresh breeze, and see what the locals are up to. Always remember to wear the proper attire and safety gear to keep you safe.
Dapitan City
Address: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Website: Dapitan City
3. Watch the sunset at Rizal's landing site, Santa Cruz Beach
Wrap up your day with the beautiful sunset in Sunset Boulevard. Expect to get caught right away by its beauty especially when you just happen to pass by the area. But better get yourself ready too in dipping those toes in its cool waters.
Watch the sunset at Rizal's landing site, Santa Cruz Beach
Address: Sta. Cruz, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
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4. Have a fun day with the kids at Gloria's Fantasyland
Having a mega-sized theme park can be surprising to see in a place far south of Metro Manila. Dapitan’s Gloria’s Fantasyland is the best go-to destination for families with kids (or childish adults). The theme park opens from Mondays to Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. On Sundays, it opens from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. only. It consists of 35 different rides which you can try for as low as 8 USD.
Gloria's Fantasyland
Address: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Website: Gloria’s Fantasyland
5. Dive around Aliguay Island
Aliguay Island is one of the must-visit tourist spots in Dapitan as it features a white sand beach with turquoise waters making it a picture-perfect scenery for all. Besides staying by the beach to relax and tan, you can also go diving. Dive in to see the lively corals bringing color to the underwater world. This is just the best place to put your waterproof cameras into use.
Aliguay Island
Address: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Website: Aliguay Island
6. Laze around the white beach of Sitio Guimputlan
Wondering where to go in Dapitan City to spend your spare time? Sitio Guimputlan would be the best place for you to watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset from the shore. Not only does the place have beautiful breathtaking scenery but it’s also good for playing beach volleyball, sunbathing, picture taking, and forgetting about the city even just for the moment.
7. Have an action-packed day at Dakak Resort
If you want an action-packed vacation, you can enjoy the activities offered in Dakak Resort. There are loads of things to do in here such as bungee jumping, trekking, zip lining, rock and wall climbing, horseback riding, airsoft, banana boat ride, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and speedboat riding. If you don’t want to spend that much, you can always just lie down on the sand or enjoy swimming.
Dakak Park and Beach Resort
Address: Barangay Taguilon, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Website: Dakak Park and Beach Resort
8. Look up inside St. James Church
A church can be the last thing you want to see on your trip but it doesn’t hurt to see what’s in St. James Church. The church’s walls and even the altar pillars are plainly decorated, but once you look up to its stunning ceiling, you’ll surely feel amazed or dizzy with its art.
St. James Church
Address: Ipil-Dipolog Hwy, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Facebook page: The Roman Catholic Parish of St. James the Greater, Dapitan City
9. Travel to the past by visiting Dapitan's heritage houses
Visit Dapitan’s Heritage Houses to know more about the city’s past. Dapitan is declared a historic district because of its prehistoric origins, collections of many structures, and more. If you enjoy a slice of history, don’t miss this experience.
10. See Dapitan from above by hiking up Ilihan Hill
Ilihan Hill is located at Barangay Potol. Going up the hill is not as hard as you think because they made a concrete staircase to make it safer and easier for guests to climb. When you reach the top, you’ll see the aerial view of Dapitan you’ll never see in other sites.
Ilihan Hill
Address: Maria Uray Lane, Potol, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Facebook page: Ilihan Hill
11. Take a break at the City Plaza
Tired from all of the things you did? Bored inside your hotel room? Roam around the one-hectare city plaza that is full of grass and enjoy the fresh air you can breathe in. This place is perfect for a picnics or just a quiet time to people-watch.
Dapitan City Plaza
Address: City Hall Drive Corner, Justice Florentino Saguin St, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Facebook page: Dapitan City Plaza
12. Hang out at night at Gloria de Dapitan
Go to Gloria de Dapitan where you can enjoy the different dishes served all around the place. Besides going here to fill your tummy, you can also check out their disco bar, children’s playground, and salon. Here, you can have a picnic or play badminton, volleyball, and Frisbee.
Gloria de Dapitan
Address: Sunset Boulevard, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Facebook page: Gloria de Dapitan
13. View the Relief Map of Mindanao
The Philippine national hero Jose Rizal left the country with numerous contributions from literature to science. One of his works is the Relief Map of Mindanao, which he used as a motivating device to teach geography and history to the townspeople. You can check it out right in front of St. James Church. Though historic, the map doesn’t accurately show what Mindanao is in the present due to natural changes in climate and geography. But, it still captures the beauty of Mindanao which remains until today.
Relief Map of Mindanao
Address: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Website: Relief Map of Mindanao
Come on down to Dapitan
There are many things to do here in Dapitan City. The places to see around here aren’t only relaxing, but also offer great sceneries and a rich history to share. It’s like traveling back in time but with the convenience of snapping scenes and selfies through your smartphone.