The Paradise of Mati

If islands such as Boracay, Puerto Galera or Panglao are the only places you have been to so far in the Philippines, then my recent trip to the southeastern tip of Mindanao will inspire your next adventure: such place being Mati, a city in the province of Davao Oriental.

A perfect vacation spot for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Mati can be reached around 3 to 4 hours via Davao City which serves as the entry point for all international travelers. Despite the fact it is the capital of Davao Oriental: Mati is said to be an unlikely choice for tourists because of its far-flung location.

However, unbeknown to many, the sweetest grapefruit in the Philippines comes from Mati. Menzi Farm is also found here, a 50-hectare farm dating from the 1960s; its land produces the country’s top quality pomelos. Mati is also the largest supplier of grapefruit in Davao region and entire Philippines.

Being a coastal city, Mati’s beaches are obviously exceptional. One of them is the popular Dahican Beach where I first visited the following morning, after lengthy hours of land travel, starting from northwestern part of Mindanao down to its southeastern side.

With its 7-kilometer spread of white sand and a varying hues of blue waters, surrounded by coconut trees, Dahican is the primary attraction of Mati. A suitable niche for swimming or sunbathing, its water waves also make this spot a haven for surfers and skim boarders. Such water activities, however, are seasonal. The months of October to May are ideal to enjoy huge swells. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it a perfect place for recreation and relaxation.

The splendid coastline of this phenomenal city, moreover, is indeed pristine paradise. The local government of Mati, goes to great lengths to keep the area protected as it is also a turtle sanctuary. Dahican’s aquatic environment is home to various marine species, including the critically endangered hawksbill and green turtles.

Although the Philippine islands are currently experiencing abnormally hot weather conditions, usually it is humid and tropical with a maximum temperature of 32°C.

From there I proceeded to Lawigan, a hidden coastal locality in Mati to see its tranquil beaches. Lawigan offers white sand and calm sea waters, inhabited by rock formations, mangroves and is dotted with coconut trees. It is also near a marine protected area, perfect for diving and swimming. Lawigan’s coastline is an ideal area to hang out with family and friends. It is 31 kilometers away from Mati and takes around 45 minutes to reach by car.

The next day I went to visit the central part of the city, spending time along its Baywalk Park which provides a cozy view of the sea. Numerous stores and souvenir stands line the outside, selling keepsakes to tourists. Food and beverages are allowed to be brought inside the park. After this, I went to visit Mati’s renowned museum, took time to visit Menzi, and dined in at one of the city’s restaurants.

To give a wider view of Mati’s most important attractions, apart from Lawigan and Dahican, there are more places of interest that need to be seen when you are not already in this city:

*Subangan Museum – here you’ll get to see everything from intricate indigenous crafts to exhibits on marine life and ecosystems. Another highlight of the museum is the remnants of a 53-feet-long sperm whale, which washed ashore in the province in 2010.

*Tinikaran Peak – offers a short but challenging hike to a summit covered with hundreds of bonsai trees. A visit is a memorable day activity in Mati City for those who love the outdoors.

*Pujada Island – accessible via island hopping tour, it is known for its powdery white-sand beach and vibrant marine life, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

*Waniban Island – One of the beautiful islands along Pujada Bay, Waniban Island boasts a secluded fine, white-sand beach on one end and interesting rock formations on the other.

*Oak Island – a sand bar within Pujada Bay, which appears during low tide and vanishes during high tide.

*Sleeping Dinosaur Island Viewpoint – a rock formation that resembles a reclining T-Rex when viewed from a distance. Contrary to common belief, it is not an island but a promontory referring to a piece of land sticking out to the sea (Katherine Cortes).

Mati attracts those seeking a peaceful escape within the captivating beauty of nature. The remaining hours of the 4-day escapade I spent in this paradise had given me the opportunity to also learn more of its cultural heritage, history, and most importantly, its hospitality and peace loving people.

After this, I found myself along the highway spending a fleeting time overlooking Sleeping Dinosaur Island, and then returned to the van as we took the Davao del Norte – Bukidnon routes, heading home to Northwestern Mindanao.