The Best Philippine Beaches: Visayas

The Best Philippine Beaches: Visayas

Yay! We are now at the last part of our Best Philippine Beaches series – the Visayas region. If you haven’t checked the first and second part of the series, please feel free to check them out. 

Undoubtedly, Visayas is a favorite of many vacationers from and outside the Philippines. It is jam-packed with lots of beautiful beaches with six major islands leading the pack – these are the islands of Panay, Negros, Bohol, Cebu, Samar, and Leyte. The Visayas region parades the best island destinations in the country; with Cebu, Bohol, and Panay as the most famous of all. We shall explore these 3 places and find out why their beaches are considered to be the best of the best. 

1. CEBU

The province of Cebu is the most developed region in Southern Philippines, with Cebu City as its capital and famously known as the "Queen City of the South". This island province is the forerunner in the Philippine exporting industry and has progressed significantly in terms of trade and industry. Similarly, Cebu is constantly flocked with vacationers every year because it is blessed with 167 small islands that showcase white-sand beaches and tranquil waters. With its flourishing industry and beautiful islands combined, Cebu is definitely a place where anything can happen.

Among the heavenly beaches in Cebu are:

                                                             Bantayan 

                                                          Malapascua

                                                            Camotes 

                                                             Mactan 

                                                            Moalboal

                                                            Sumilon

2. BOHOL

This island province is the 10^th biggest island in the country. It is found in Central Visayas and Tagbilaran City is its capital. Bohol has a shoreline that runs 261 kilometers long, boasting an abundance of wild and aquatic life. Because of the natural wealth of the province, the major industries here are agriculture and tourism. Thousands of tourists come to Bohol to experience its 4 chief attractions: the pristine beaches, the verdant tropical forests, the amazingChocolate Hills formations, and its native Philippine Tarsier which is one of the smallest monkeys in the world. 

Anyone who loves to have fun in the sun will certainly love the blissful beaches that Bohol has to offer. The feel of the sparkling waters and fine sand on your body will always make you come back for more. But the dream vacation does not end there because more things are waiting to be explored underwater. The beaches in Bohol are also endowed with a thriving ecosystem of marine life, thus, diving is another famous activity for beginners and experts alike. If you are a great lover of nature, the islands of Bohol will satisfy your penchants.

The top Bohol island get-aways are:

                                                           Panglao

                                                         Balicasag

                                                         Pamilacan

3. PANAY

The third major island in Visayas is Panay, which is composed of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo. Situated in the western portion of the Visayas region, Panay exhibits long coastal areas and rocky mountains. Unlike most of the islands in the Philippines, there are no volcanoes in this side of the country. Panay shores are naturally wealthy with diverse species of fishes, mangrove plantations, and coral reefs. With 881 rivers, 42 lagoons, and 27 lakes, it’s no wonder why the island of Panay has a blooming fishing and tourism industry. 

With great pride, one of the most renowned beaches in the world is found in the northwest part of Panay in the small island of Aklan – the tropical island of Boracay, dubbed by TripAdvisor 2012 as the 6th best beach in the world. Every Filipino knows about this beautiful paradise and each year, millions of foreigners fly from different parts of the world just to witness and experience the splendor of this much celebrated island. Boracay is the fulfillment of every person’s dream vacation – impeccable white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, great parties, sumptuous food, extreme adventures, shopping, and other fun activities. Whether you want to party like a rock star, do extreme sports, or simply relax and sink your toes in the warm sands, this is definitely the best place to go. Unquestionably, Boracay defines what a perfect tropical island vacation is. 

Check out these pictures and see why a Boracay vacation is like no other:

I really don't have to say anything at all. These pictures already paint a thousand words; they are description enough of how fun and relaxing it is to be in Boracay.

And this is it! We're finally done with our Best Philippine Beaches series. I hope I have entertained you with all the bits of information and pictures. The Philippine summer is here so grab your family and friends from here and abroad; let's show 'em how it truly is more fun in the Philippines :-)

Philippines Most Beautiful Places

Philippines Most Beautiful Places

                             Banaue Rice Terraces


                              El Nido, Palawan


                           Boracay island, Aklan


                           Monaco de Boracay, Boracay island.


                           Mount Pinatubo Crater
 

                          Wind turbines, Ilocos Norte


                           Mayon Volcano, Albay


                           Batanes Island


                             Mount Apo National Park


                            Pearl Farm, Samal Island, Davao


                           Tinuyan Falls, Surigao del Sur


                             Hundred Islands, Pangasinan


                        Tagaytay City


                           Panglao island, Bohol


                          Pagudpod Beach, Ilocos Norte


                          Roxas Blvd, Manila


                            Mall of Asia, Pasay City


                          Makati City

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor, officially named Fort Mills, was the largest of four fortified islands protecting the mouth of Manila Bay from attack and was fortified prior to World War I with powerful coastal artillery. At 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) across at its head, the tadpole-shaped island lay two miles (3 km) from Bataan.Corregidor is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 48 kilometers west of Manila which is stragetically located at the entrance of Manila Bay.


This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II. Corregidor island is approximately 4 kilometers long, 1.5 kilometers at its widest and a total area of approximately 3 square miles. At the tip of the tail, 2 kilometers south, lies Caballo island. Both Corregidor and Caballo islands are part of the province of Cavite.

Until June 1942 that the men of Bataan and Corregidor began to share a common experience. During the first nine months of Cabanatuan's existence, when the vast majority of the camp's 3,000 American deaths occurred, most of the deaths were men of Bataan, still suffering from the effects of Bataan, the Death March, and Camp O'Donnell. That the men of Corregidor were more fortuitous than their fellow Americans in avoiding starvation, pestilence, and atrocities up to this point is beyond question.

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Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano, in the Philippines, has been called the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located about 70-km south of Manila on an island inside a lake called Taal Lake. What makes Taal Volcano more unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the "Crater Lake." One of the most picturesque places in the country, it contains Volcano Island.


Lake, southwestern Luzon, Philippines. It covers an area of 94 sq mi (244 sq km) and occupies a volcanic crater less than 10 ft (3 m) above sea level. Volcano Island (984 ft or 300 m), which rises from the lake and is also called Taal Volcano, contains another small crater (Yellow Lake). The volcano has erupted 25 times since 1572, most recently in 1970. Located within a national park, the lake is a major tourist attraction.

The lake and its environs is home to many species of flora and fauna a number of which are endemic to the lake like the " Tawilis " ( Sardinella tawilis ), the only fresh water sardine in the world and the Taal Lake Seasnake ( Hydrophis semperi ) or known to locals as '' Duhol '', the only freshwater sea snake in the world.

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Rizal Park

Luneta has been the site of some of the most significant moments in Philippine history . Rizal Park is situated in the heart of the city of Manila, Philippines. It is at the northern end of Roxas Boulevard, overlooking Manila Bay.The park was a tribute to the Philippine's national hero, Jose Rizal, a doctor and novelist who was shot by firing squad at this site on December 30, 1896 on charges of fomenting local rebellion against the Spanish government.

Rizal Park's history began in the early 1700s during the Spanish rule. While Manila's social and business activities were confined within Intramuros, a small area just south of the walls was cleared to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area was shaped like a small moon and thus was named Luneta. The Park was also called Bagumbayan in Spanish colonial era, and later known as Luneta.


Among them are the execution of Dr. José Rizal on December 30, 1896, whose martyred death made him a hero of the Philippine Revolution. (It was officially renamed Rizal Park in tribute to him.); the Declaration of Philippine Independence from American rule on June 4, 1946; and the political rallies of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986. Named after the Philippines' national hero, Rizal Park could be considered the symbolic seat of the nation's heart and soul. More commonly called Luneta, it is spread out over some 60 hectares of gardens, wooded areas and open spaces, drawing crowds from all walks of life

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Manila Baywalk

Manila Baywalk is a famous open space in the city. Giant kaleidoscopic lamp posts, coconut trees and scenery cover-up the entire stretch besides the Roxas Boulevard. Manila Bay is the harbor which serves the port of Manila (on Luzon), in the Philippines. The entrance is 19 km wide and expands to a width of 48 km. Mariveles, in the province of Bataan, is an anchorage just inside the northern entrance and Sangley Point is the former location of Cavite Naval Base.This walkway lies in front of Manila Bay where visitors can experience one of the most spectacular sunsets of the world.

On either side of the bay are volcanic peaks topped with tropical foliage: 40 km to the north is the Bataan Peninsula and to the south is the province of Cavite.


Across the entrance to Manila Bay are several islands. The largest is Corregidor, which is 3 kilometers from Bataan and, along with the island of Caballo, separates the mouth of the bay into the North and South Channels. In the south channel is El Fraile Island and outside the entrance, and to the south, is Carabao Island. El Fraile is a rocky island, some 4 acres (16,000 m²) in area, which juts up into the southern entrance of the bay. To the immediate north and south are additional harbors.

Philippines Beautiful Spot

Baguio City

Baguio Philippines, Benguet province, North West Luzon, the Philippines. Baguio is the summer capital of the country, with many government buildings. It is also a noted mountain resort situated in beautiful pine forests and is the center of a major gold-producing area. The city is noted for the wood carvings of its Igorot aborigines. Nearby, at Lepanto, are important copper mines, and there is a major hydroelectric development on the Agno River.In the hot summer months of March, April and May, Baguio lives up to its title as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” The city’s wonderful climatic condition and beautiful landscapes attract many nature lovers all round the year.

Burnham Park
The 'mother of all parks' in the Summer Capital of the Philippines, all other developments like the main shopping area Session Road, City Hall, Baguio Cathedral and the Baguio City Market were built around it.


Designed by and named after premier American architect and urban planner, Daniel Hudson Burnham, who also designed the original plan for Baguio City. Burnham Park remains, to this day, one of the Philippines' most well known and best-loved parks.

Mines View Park
The Mines View Park is one of the most popular and most visited parks in the city of Baguio. The observation deck of the Mines View Park offers the tourists a breathtaking and panoramic view of the Benguet’s gold and copper mines and it is here where the surrounding mountains unfolds before you. It is perhaps because of these gold and copper mines that the park got its name as the Mines View Park. It’s a splendid sight and worthy enough to behold and should not be missed when you are visiting Baguio.


The park is usually the next stop taken by most visitors after seeing the Mansion or Wright Park. To reach the observation deck, you need to go down a winding stone-covered stairway which is just close to the parking area. One should be careful when ascending or descending the stairway just after a rain as the steps can be very slippery. There are a few benches at the promontory where you can sit down to rest and enjoy the view.

Botanical Garden
Also known as the Igorot Village, the Botanical Garden features native huts typical of the type of Igorot dwellings found in the Cordilleras. The village is said to capture the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorots and being tranquil and quiet, it is a nice place to just sit down and relax, take a leisurely stroll along its narrow and winding pathways and also enjoy the landscape where you will find numerous plants and trees.


It is the one place absolutely filled with the tallest pine trees. In fact, it is there that our Parks Service nurtures pine tree seedlings and other indigenous plants for the constant greening of Baguio. They will argue that Botanical used to be Baguio Botanical & Zoological Garden, that it actually used to be the Baguio Zoo. But that was when the whole of Baguio was filled with pine trees. Now it’s just Botanical Garden that keeps our temperature nice & chilly.

Lourdes Grotto
One of the popular tourist spots in Baguio City among devout Catholics is the Lourdes Grotto which sits on top of Mirador Hill in the western part of the city. The Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high hill in the western part of the city where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes.It is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week, especially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday

One of the most frequently visited and revered sites in Baguio is the Lourdes Grotto. Situated atop Mirador Hill in the western part of the city, it draws an equal number of pilgrims and tourists.


You have to climb 252 steps to reach Lourdes Grotto. It offers you an excellent view of the whole Baguio city once you reach at the top of it. The grotto is a favorite pilgrimage site which remains crowded during Holy Week most especially during Holy Thursdays and Good Friday and on Sundays. You can drive a light vehicle through the winding, narrow and steep asphalt paved road to reach Lourdes Grotto. Devotees usually pray by lighting up a candle at an altar below the image and ask for the blessing of Virgin Mary. There are vendors at the shrine who will light up a candle for you if you want and say a prayer for you.

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Rizal Park

Luneta has been the site of some of the most significant moments in Philippine history . Rizal Park is situated in the heart of the city of Manila, Philippines. It is at the northern end of Roxas Boulevard, overlooking Manila Bay.The park was a tribute to the Philippine's national hero, Jose Rizal, a doctor and novelist who was shot by firing squad at this site on December 30, 1896 on charges of fomenting local rebellion against the Spanish government.

Rizal Park's history began in the early 1700s during the Spanish rule. While Manila's social and business activities were confined within Intramuros, a small area just south of the walls was cleared to prevent sneak attacks from the patriotic natives. The area was shaped like a small moon and thus was named Luneta. The Park was also called Bagumbayan in Spanish colonial era, and later known as Luneta.


Among them are the execution of Dr. José Rizal on December 30, 1896, whose martyred death made him a hero of the Philippine Revolution. (It was officially renamed Rizal Park in tribute to him.); the Declaration of Philippine Independence from American rule on June 4, 1946; and the political rallies of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986. Named after the Philippines' national hero, Rizal Park could be considered the symbolic seat of the nation's heart and soul. More commonly called Luneta, it is spread out over some 60 hectares of gardens, wooded areas and open spaces, drawing crowds from all walks of life

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Subterranean River

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It is truly amazing and it’s now listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. To get here you just take about an half hour boat ride from the pier in Sabang.The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. The National Park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992.

On the way there you get to see several other nice beaches, that seems only to be accessible by boat.The boat will take you to a beach inside the national park, and from here it’s just a short walk to the entrance of the cave. The boats are like small canoes, and there is room for 3-4 people in each as well as a guide. When there we were told that the cave goes like 8 km into the mountain, but the guided tour is only a couple of kilometres in, still you get to see a lot on this trip.


Inside there are lots of facinating formations of stalactites and stalagmites, long corridors, huge chambers where you almost can’t see the ceiling as well as a bunch of bats flying around. I’ve never been to any cave like this one before, and it’s definitely a must see if you’re in the area. It costs like a couple of hundret peso each, with the park fee, boat fees and tips.

You will also see bats hanging on the wall and ceiling of the cave. Some portion of the ceiling rise up to a hundred feet or more and there are many natural shapes of stones and rocks that resembled castle, our saint, body of a woman, fruits, etc. The river water is about 8 meters deep and a little muddy. When high tide occurs the salt sea water just a hundred meters away will be able to pass through here.

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Tubbataha Reef

Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef located in the Sulu Sea of the Philippines. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. It is nominated at the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Rising from the volcanic depths of the Sulu Sea in the western Philippines, The park is the home of numerous marine species. Most divers visit this area because of the chance to see large pelagics such as sharks, mantas, rays, turtles, mackerels, tunas and barracudas but we also saw interesting smaller animals such as nudibranchs, special crabs and shrimps and corals.

This unique 33,200-hectare underwater splendor teems with abundant flora and fauna of the sea. Tubbataha Reef is situated almost in the middle of The Sulu Sea with the islands of Palawan to the west and Panay, Negros and Mindanao to the east. The 33,200 hectare site was declared a National Marine Park in 1988 and a World Heritage Site in 1994. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.

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Daranak Falls

Daranak falls is a popular summer getaway for locals, neighboring towns and tourists alike. Convenient to get to, about twenty minutes or so from the town proper then a scenic five to ten-minute route into the mountain side from the main road. Daranak Falls possesses a wide cascade dropping into a cool waterbed where visitors can enjoy swimming. This park is actually managed by the municipal government and charges a minimal entrance fee (P20/pax only) and rental fee for the cottages (but overnight stay is not allowed). Parking areas are also available for private vehicles.

Daranak Falls nestles quietly at the foot of the Tanay mountains, preserved with the natural vegetation, complemented with beautiful waterfalls, ponds, and rivers cascading through elaborate tropical trees and plants. This 14-meter high falls is truly a refreshing site

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Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active stratovolcano in the province of Albay, in the Bicol Region, on the island of Luzon, in the Philippines. Mayon rises 2,462 meters above sea level and is a most beautiful site. Renowned as the "Perfect Cone" because of its almost perfectly conical shape. One of the world's most perfect volcanic cones, it has a base 80 mi (130 km) in circumference and rises to 8,077 ft (2,462 m). It is popular with climbers and campers and is the centre of Mayon Volcano National Park


It must be one of the most beautiful volcanic cones anywhere in the world and is visible for miles around in the otherwise flat landscape of the region. it also is considered one of the world's most perfect cones.

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La Mesa Eco Park

La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City is the primary source of drinking water of about 12 million Metro Manila residents. It is located in East Fairview Subdivision, in Quezon City. It is in the heart of the La Mesa Dam Watershed which is the source of the Metro Manila water supply.The Ecopark spans 33 hectares and lies within the La Mesa Watershed which measures 2,700 hectares though the La Mesa Watershed itself is off limits to the public - of course to protect the reservoir of metro manilas' water source

Aside from this fishing lagoon, there is also an ochidarium where various plant species can be found. Adjacent to this orchidarium is an amphiteater of sorts, where concerts and other events can be held. La Mesa created Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch) and, in partnership with the MWSS, undertook the Save La Mesa Watershed Project. The project aimed to rehabilitate, reforest, preserve and protect La Mesa Watershed. The total area that needed reforestation was 1500 hectares.

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Ocean Adventure

Ocean Adventure, a unique marine park, is now open in Subic Bay with some of the world's most beautiful mammals - dolphins, whales and sea lions - in their natural habitat. Come in to the water and swim and play with the false killer whales. A photo and video service is available to capture this once-in-lifetime encounter.Ocean Adventure is the home of exotic marine life in the Philippines. It is located at Camayan Wharf in the former US naval base now known as the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. To get there from Manila takes about 2 ½ - 3 hours by land transport.


Bottlenose dolphins and false killer whales play inside their open lagoon by the rainforest, while you learn more about these fascinating animals. Meet one of the sea lions at the Nauticus Theatre and watch them perform their tricks. Here our animals live and play in a natural setting of clear water swarming with marine life, coral reefs, and a lovely white sand beach. Experience an encounter with whales, and sea lions, and a host of fish and sea creatures in a selection of exciting and cherished ways

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Hundred Islands

Hundred Islands in Alaminos, The islands (124 at low tide and 123 at high tide) are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 square kilometres (4,557 acres) Pangasinan is one of the iconic attractions of the Philippines. We've learned about it through our elementary text books and seen it extensively in our tourism campaigns. The islands were shaped from uplifted coral deposits millions of years ago and their unusual “umbrella-like” shapes caused by the eroding action of the ocean tides. Three of the islands were developed as places where visitors can stay. Ironically, I only got to visit it recently. But the visit, albeit short, was most definitely worth it.


At the Hundred Islands, you will find giant clams, also known as Taklobos to locals. They are believed to be about two million years old. Only three of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island. You can rent a motorboat and leave the navigating to a friendly boatman who would indulge your eyes with the best of the 124 islands and islets while letting you in on the secrets and interesting folklore that surrounds them. It is the First National Park in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

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Higantes Festival

Higantes Festival, also known as the Feast of San Clemente, is celebrated every November 23 in the town of Angono, Rizal. The Higantes Festival is part of a two-week long celebration of the Angono Town Fiesta. Activities include a Misa Cantada (a special sung mass), novena, song and dance contests, fried "itik" festival and cooking competition, a 5k Fun Run, on-the-spot painting contest, art exhibit, job fair, bingo and videoke challenge, and of course, the highlights of the festivities -- the Race of the Higantes and the Procession of the Pagoda. They use water bottles, squirt guns, and even drinking glasses, spraying water on everyone passing by.

The Higantes Festival takes its name from the oversized papier maché figures that make it a spectacle of hilarity and entertainment like no other. Expect water fights, hot air balloons, and a variety of fairs to round out your days—and keep in mind that this revelry has been occurring in this form since the late nineteenth century.

Daily activities such as the Higanteng tiangge (flea market) were held at the Municipal Park Plaza. There were singing and dance contests, fried Itik (Angono’s prized delicacy) festival and cooking competition, a 5k fun run, on-the-spot painting contest, an art exhibit, a job fair, a bingo and videoke challenge, government employees’ parade, and of course, the highlights of the festivities, the Race of the Higantes and the Procession of the Pagoda.

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Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano, in the Philippines, has been called the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located about 70-km south of Manila on an island inside a lake called Taal Lake. What makes Taal Volcano more unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the "Crater Lake." One of the most picturesque places in the country, it contains Volcano Island.


Lake, southwestern Luzon, Philippines. It covers an area of 94 sq mi (244 sq km) and occupies a volcanic crater less than 10 ft (3 m) above sea level. Volcano Island (984 ft or 300 m), which rises from the lake and is also called Taal Volcano, contains another small crater (Yellow Lake). The volcano has erupted 25 times since 1572, most recently in 1970. Located within a national park, the lake is a major tourist attraction.

The lake and its environs is home to many species of flora and fauna a number of which are endemic to the lake like the " Tawilis " ( Sardinella tawilis ), the only fresh water sardine in the world and the Taal Lake Seasnake ( Hydrophis semperi ) or known to locals as '' Duhol '', the only freshwater sea snake in the world.

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Dakak Beach

The famous Dakak Beach is most known for its strikingly shaped bay and powdery white sand, and as a diving Mecca in Mindanao. Perfect blue waters, tremendous dive sites with great quantity of coral reefs, and a wonderful sunset scope characterize this tropical Eden. Dakak Park and Beach Resort boasts 15 hectares of wooded land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, and a 750-meter private white-sand beach.

It’s famously known for its striking talcum powder beach and marvelous dive sites. The perfect azure sparkling seawater is brilliant for swimming. It nestled near the provinces of Cebu and Dumaguete. This 750-meter private beach is located at the tip of Northern Zamboanga and facing the exotic turquoise water of Sulu Sea. Dakak is located in the historical Dapitan City and make Zamboanga Del Norte a spot in the tourist map.


This idyllic spot is ideal for all year round destination. Dakak has its share of spectacular sights that will mesmerize you. Dakak offers ultra modern facilities that guaranty their guests the comfort and convenience they truly deserved.

This hidden paradise had received excellent award. Aside from its astounding environment, the foods are just superb with accommodating staffs and crew. Dakak is a perfect getaway for honeymooners, it just like to going to Boracay because its white sand beach is almost the same as Boracay.