The story of Dapitan City dates back beyond the Spanish era. The area it presently occupies has been home to different tribes of people. However, the significance of Dapitan City in Philippine history was during the time the country’s national hero had been exiled in this place. This is also the reason why the mere mention of Dapitan City immediately brings to mind, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
Though he is exiled, Rizal fell in love with Dapitan City. Surrounded by green mountains and rugged coastlines, one will quickly understand why the great national hero easily fell in love with the place. Unaffected by modern commercial touch, Dapitan City is not just a tourist spot, but also an ideal place to retire to.
Modernized city hall of Dapitan City: Iamjepoi [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Dapitan City Plaza
One of the works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the city plaza was inspired by the different places he visited during his days in Europe. With giant acacia trees and perfectly-manicured flowering plants, you’ll get to refresh your mind and your lungs with fresh air. At the center of the plaza is a statue of the great hero himself.
Dakak and other beaches
Dakak Beach Resort might be the most popular beach in Dapitan, but there are lots of equally beautiful beaches in the city. Though it is not easy to ignore the call of the turquoise water of Dakak, you might also want to tour Aliguay Island, check out the talcum-white beach of Senilog Island, or get chummy with the locals while basking in the glory of Sitio Guimputlan beach.
Beautiful Dakak Beach Resort in Barangay Taguilon, City of Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Photo by Jose B. Cabajar: Cabajar [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Trace Rizal’s life in exile
While in Dapitan City, you might want to check out how Rizal spent his life in this city. There are lots of spots in the city that will remind people that the national hero once lived here and the time he spent here had been one of the most significant parts of his life.
Aside from Rizal monument at the Dapitan City Plaza, there is also the Rizal’s landing site in Sta. Cruz beach and the Rizal National Park.