Chill Out at Mati’s Dahican Beach
Here’s what to expect and a travel guide to Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental.
Coming from a quick cool down session in Pangyan Falls, we then headed for Dahican to spend the rest of the afternoon. After parking our Tuk-tuk ride, we then entered a small gate leading to the beach front. It was a rather gloomy afternoon, but Dahican Beach really do look gorgeous in person.
Creamy white sands of Dahican Beach stretch for almost 7 kilometers along the crescent shaped shore. Coconut trees fringe the whole area providing that tropical feels. Dahican has become one of Mati’s tourism jewels, drawing most of the more than 40,000 tourists who visited the city last year, about 1,700 of whom were foreigners.
Then waves incessantly break loudly among the shore, inviting kids and adults to skimboard along the almost glassy shoreline. During swell seasons, this is definitely a good place to surf!
With waves from mellow to raging high swells whipped by the high winds, this piece of paradise invites surfers and adrenaline junkies almost all year round.
Warning: Chill Out Zone
With the azure waters contrasting against the afternoon sun, the beach sends off a relaxing vibe where one can just bum out and goof off the whole day. What was once a coastal village for the sun-scorched fisherman sons of the Mati, inevitably, became the prime surfing destination in Mindanao.
What I liked the most about this beach is the resorts and establishments lined up along the shore is evenly spaced apart. This proper spacing of the establishments is not an eyesore in my opinion, unlike with that of Boracay and Palawan beaches.
Moreover, this move done by the local government does not compromise the pristine vibe of Dahican Beach, because of strict regulations and implementation of ordinances.
Despite the continuous slew of developments along this once secluded paradise in this side of Mindanao, never have I felt that the environment was compromised. It is said that local hotels and resort chose to build beach camps, and few rooms. Beach parties are also not done much in here, so as not to disturb the turtle sanctuaries dotting some portions of the beach.
We then spent the afternoon under tree canopies near the Surf Shack where we had snacks. It was already late in the afternoon when we bid our farewells, surely, we will be back.
Off to the next!
Waking Up the Sleeping Dinosaur of Mati, Davao Oriental
How Things Went South at Mindanao Saga Flying Club
How To Get There:
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- There are no direct flights going to Mati City. The nearest airport hub is in Davao City.
- Francisco Bangoy International Airport is serviced by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Air Asia. They have several flights daily from Manila, Clark, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro and Cebu.
- From the airport, charter a taxi to take you to Ecoland Terminal. Fare is around 250-300php, travel time is around 20-30mins.
- Ride a bus with the signage Mati or Cateel, fare starts at 220php and travel time is around 4-5hrs. Another option, is to take the commuter vans outside the terminal, fare is around 250php, travel time is 3-4hrs depending on traffic conditions.
- Mati City is around 147 kilometers from Davao City’s Ecoland Terminal. Usually it takes 5-6 hours by bus, or around 4-5 hours by van. Leave early in the morning in Davao to maximize your time in Mati.
- Charter a tuk-tuk or habal-habal to take you to the resort of your choice in Dahican Beach. 100-150php per way.
- Contact person Junjie Salibay – 0997 794 8783, Earl Salibay – 0997 762 5491
- There are no direct flights going to Mati City. The nearest airport hub is in Davao City.
Already visited Dahican Beach? How was it? Share your awesome stories in the comments section below!
Updated November 02, 2019
