Text and photos by Marifi S. Jara, Mindanao Bureau Chief
WHEN I WENT to Mati City, the capital of Davao Oriental province, for the first time in August 2012, there wasn’t much to do or see there really except visiting Dahican Beach, a long stretch of white sand with patches of rocky areas where the Philippine Sea on the side of the Pacific Ocean brings in waves ideal for skim boarding and surfing.
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The road to Dahican then was unpaved and while the very few resorts offered food, the only restaurant worth recommending was La-ne’s, which was in the downtown area some seven kilometers away.
The city was obviously not set up for tourism, but Mati — with its surrounding mountains, Pujada Bay and the ocean — was beautiful in a raw, laid-back way.
Three and a half years and several typhoons later — the biggest of which was Bopha (local name: Pablo) that devastated many parts of Davao Oriental — Mati is a changed place. And it is an impressive kind of transformation.
The road to Dahican is now paved and signage for directions are well-placed; there’s a diversion road upon entering the city even though the commercial downtown area is not (yet) maddeningly congested like many town centers are in the Philippines, and it is worth noting that the people are disciplined about using pedestrian crossings; there are a lot more beachside resorts as well as inns in nearby locations; and more dining options at the baywalk area, although the food choices are still limited to basically Filipino fare. La-ne’s is still my recommended dinning place and the best thing is, they now have a branch, with accommodation facilities, right at Dahican Beach.
When in Mati, don’t miss the Subangan Museum. It’s not a big one, so spare at least an hour and some pesos (P100 for foreigners; P50 for adult Filipinos; discounted rates for children, students and senior citizens). It is just two floors with five sections, but it was evidently planned, designed and executed professionally.
The visitor center for the Mt. Hamiguitan Range and Wildlife Sanctuary (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014) is now on soft opening, with some of the interactive and informative gadgets are still pending delivery and installation. Like the museum, it is a modern, well-designed facility that is definitely worth the stop.
Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel town, a good three hours away from Mati, is another destination in the province, which I heard is just as well organized. Another reason to plan another road trip to Davao Oriental.
Having your own or hiring a vehicle provides the most flexibility and convenience for a road trip to and around Davao Oriental. But the province can also be reached by public transportation, buses and vans (I would recommend the bus), from Davao City. Habal-habal (motorbike with a driver) and tricycles are available for getting around town.
