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The 7 Best Things to Do in Mati, Philippines
Discover the best top things to do in Mati, Philippines including Mindanao Saga Flying Club, Dahican Beach, Sleeping Dinosaur Island, Subangang Museum, Amihan sa Dahican, Waniban Island, Mayo Beach.
1. Mindanao Saga Flying Club
Overall Ratings
5 based on 107 reviews
We provide a safe, affordable, and exciting way to see Mati City, Dahican, Mayo Bay, and Pujada Bay. The thrill of flight in an open ultralight aircraft is enough to send adrenaline through your veins. We have an impeccable safety record and our aircraft are new and well maintained. Come see for yourself and experience the best 15 minutes of your life!! We are open from Tuesday to Sunday, and flights start at sunrise which is usually 5:30 - 6:00 AM.
Reviewed By Alicia M - Makati, Philippines
Everyone should try flying ultralight plane at MSFC! It's a great experience. I didn't feel scared at all because of the great pilots. Plus the view of Mati City from the top is really amazing. Thank you so much MSFC!Thank you Alice! We appreciate the review!
2. Dahican Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By CzarEmmanuel - Manila, Philippines
Davao Oriental is perhaps one of the less visited tourist destinations in the Philippines, partly because of travelers' prejudice and preconception about Mindanao, particularly its political situation. This is quite a pity because Davao Oriental has much to offer. One place worth-visiting there is the Dahican Beach.
The word "dahican", I was told, comes from the word "dahik" which means "to dock." Others say that Dahican Beach is where turtles "dock" at night to deposit their eggs. There's is some truth to this, because the area, up to now, welcomes these gentle sea creatures and, if you're lucky, you might see them coming ashore to lay their eggs on the beach at night.
Dahican Beach is a crescent shaped cove, with a 7 km stretch of fine white sand rendered even more beautiful by lush palm trees. Although the waters are clean, the waves are quite strong, making the beach a good place not so much for swimming, but for Surfing and skim boarding.
To reach the place one has to fly to Davao City, then take either a bus or a van going to Mati (travel time: from 3-6 hours! ... vans are definitely faster) and, from the bus or van terminal there, take a motorcycle ("habal-habal") to the beach. It would take you around 15-20 minutes to reach it. There are resorts in the area (like Dahican Surf Resort, Kubo sa Dahican, Amihan sa Dahikan, Tropical Kanakbai, and Botona Dahican Beach Resort) where you can stay. Price ranges from 2000 pesos a night per room, upwards.
3. Sleeping Dinosaur Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By MijnlieverdFH - Amsterdam
It was just like an animal sleeping. or a dinosaur for that figure below.
Great view overall. Nice to have stopped for longer period to breath the fresh air and see this beautiful view.
We did stop again when we came back but the weather changed so the photos vary one was cloudy and the other got the sun.
I like to visit again Mati maybe during the cultural celebration.
4. Subangang Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By dpalisoc - Cainta, Philippines
I was able to come to Subangang Museum past 5pm and they are still open. Stayed and enjoyed the history of Davao Oriental particularly Mati City. Displayed in the entrance is the skeleton of the largest sperm whale captivated in the Philippines. Very friendly tour guide. There is also a souvenir shop outside of the museum at affordable prices.
5. Amihan sa Dahican
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By jun_barnes - Makati, Philippines
The best thing about Amihan sa Dahican is there's nothing intimidating about it. Instead, you will immediately feel the friendly atmosphere and relaxed mood in the resort that made me feel I'm one of the locals. The people there were respectful and very friendly so I got to talk and surf with some of them.
I also praise Amihan for their conservation activities such as the provision of area for the hatching of sea turtles, and their efforts for responsible diving and snorkeling. No wonder, the beach looked naturally beautiful and unabused.
It's my first time ever to surf in Amihan so it will always be memorable for me. For just P500, I learned the basics and even got to stand up on the board three times. Thanks to my very patient teacher who never gave up on me. Now I'm thinking of Surfing again because I truly enjoyed the experience. They also offer lessons on skim boarding which looked simpler but is actually more difficult than Surfing according to them. If you're not really into water activities, you may just sit on the sand and watch the surfers or swim in the ocean.
6. Waniban Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Lita H - Manchester, United Kingdom
This beautiful island off Blue Bless Resort with its white fine sand captivates everyone who set foot on it..Although you have to bring your own provisions as there are no shops available on the island. Also make sure you have your life vests on,,.on the way back to the Mainland!
7. Mayo Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Cecilia J - Geneva, Switzerland
After several visits to Dahican beach in Mati, it was refreshing to discover, just 10 minutes away by car, a calm natural fresh water lagoon facing the more turbulent waves of Mayo bay. Easily seen on the main road because of a new signage, the Mayo beach resort charges very cheap entrance rates (5 pesos per person!), makes available tables and picnic huts also at low rates and was well maintained and clean. The lagoon itself was supplied with continuously flowing fresh (cool) underground water which eventually spills into the sea. It felt like we were in an infinity pool except that there was no chlorine and water was simply fresh. The beach was rocky and when we were there, the waves were high so we did not venture to the sea. Anyway, the fresh water was enough for us; and one can easily go back to Dahican for the fun waves on sandy beach.
