*Must see in Zamboanga del Norte part 5...

[danvangent]

DAKAK.

The famous Dakak Beach is most known for its strikingly shaped bay and powdery white sand, and as a diving Mecca in Mindanao. Perfect blue waters, tremendous dive sites with great quantity of coral reefs, and a wonderful sunset scope characterize this tropical Eden. Dakak Park and Beach Resort boasts 15 hectares of wooded land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, and a 750-meter private white-sand beach.
Nestled on the tip of Northern Zamboanga, Dakak faces the Sulu Sea in the west and is surrounded by mountains on its east side. Conveniently encircled by large island, Dakak tactfully avoids the typhoon belt, making it the ideal all-season destination.
Accommodation
Sensitively designed in keeping with the natural surroundings, the distinctive native style cottages are constructed in traditional bamboo and nipa leaves, and feature marble tiled bathrooms and capiz shell window panes. Individually controlled air-conditioning, intercom phones, mini-bars and TV with in-house videos and CNN add the modern touch. Set down by the beach or snuggled among wild orchards of papaya, mango, coconut, banana, and frangipani, the entire village follows the natural contours of this vast 15 hectare resort.
Food and dining
Absorb the informal ambience of the al fresco Port Orient restaurant, a delightful day-round setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or try out the Japanese flavor of the Sushi Bar at the Verandah, whilst those with adventure in mind can take a trip up a mystical river to Lab Kamayan, Dakak's very own prawn farm built over the water on bamboo stilts, where fresh seafood is the order of the day.
Experience sumptuous buffet dinners laid out on the beach or hidden amongst the tropical gardens, but always with a certain magic in the air. Whatever your choice, dining at Dakak is truly an experience not to be missed
Amenities
Each bungalow has its own veranda facing Dakak Bay. Beachfront bungalows are by the beachside.
Room Facilities
Air conditioned
Satellite TV
NDD/IDD telephone
Mini bar
Shower/bath with hot and cold running water
Dressing area
In-house movies
Hotel Services
Child care facilities
Laundry
Medical facilities
Parking
Business Facilities
Conference room(s)
Convention centre
Recreational Facilities
Archery
Billiards
Boating
Bowling
Children's play area
Children's pool
Diving
Golfing
Horse riding
Jacuzzi Massage
Nature trails
Religious facilities
Sailing
Shops
Sports centre
Swimming pool
Tennis court
Water sports
Diving
Diving in Dakak is best in the months of March until September.
Dakak dive sites in the beach resort provide a variety of environment from gradual slopes to coral thickets, vertical walls and caves. Marine life is assorted. Some spots are thick with soft coral growth and huge basket sponges, others with schools of jacks, surgeons, and small reef inhabitant.
Liuay Rock
A low dive, sloping bottom, and a good selection of invertebrates, especially soft corals. Unusual nudibranchs and several species of starfish. Good for novices for general poking around. Ideal for check-out dives.
The Caves
Striking walls drop to an average of 60 degrees where there is a sandy bottom and a series of caves occupied by sweepers, soldier fish, puffer fish, and sea plumes. Some nice bushes of black coral are seen here. Night diving is impressive with Spanish dancers, sleeping fish and a wide diversity of nocturnal crustaceans.
Mushroom Wall
At only 10 ft, the shallow roof area turns to a nice wall with fan corals, encrusting sponges, crevices, small ledges and dramatic undercuts, bottoming out at 60 feet. Huge scraps of hard corals (Stag horn, lettuce leaf) with thousands of reef fish separate Mushroom Wall from "The Caves" on its end and to Snapper Ridge to the West.
The Gardens
A sequence of coral gardens, small walls, sandy area with coral heads and slopes with soft corals. Plenty of anthias, hawk fish, and invertebrates. Good for snorkelling and for trainee or beginner in diving.
Cesar's Reef
Tiny reef area with bounded coral covers. Rich with large fish such as napoleon wrasses (Chiefly tropical marine fishes with fleshy lips and powerful teeth; usually brightly colored), tuna and parrot fish. View schools of surgeon fish, barracuda (Any voracious marine fish of the genus Sphyraena having an elongated cylindrical body and large mouth with projecting lower jaw and long strong teeth), snappers, and blue-spotted sting rays. For experienced divers only.
The Wreck
Seven year old sunken passenger liner with bottom depth of 180 feet, and 130 feet at its highest point. Big schools of fish from deck such as black and white snappers, red snapper, jacks, and groupers. Great visibility. For adventurous, experienced divers.
Octopus Wall
Small wall with pretty growth, octopuses, scorpion fish, sponges, tubastrea, continuous into a slope to the north with some strange crinoids covered formations provide a very scenic view of rudderfish, groupers, etc.
Buchok's Reef
A series of large coral mounds with nice selection of marine life: giant reef rays, small white tip sharks, unicorn surgeons, snappers and sweetlips. For experienced divers only.
Challenger Reef
The reef area is almost half the size of Aliguay, its top is about 125 feet deep, with soft coral growth. The northern part of the island has short walls and a long narrow opening and a few juvenile fish.
Romy's Reef
Plenty of coral mounds, with enormous basket sponges, a fine and nice selection of reef fish and invertebrates. Sightings have been reported of blue spotted rays and a few turtles. Some coral damage and unfruitful areas though; eastern area though has massive coral thickets and extends through to Escuelahan.
Eskuelahan
Named for the numerous schools of fish (snappers, jacks, rainbow runners, surgeons, etc) and occasional tuna found in the area. It is a centre of activity with fish of all sizes feeding. Giant frog fish have been also sighted. Currents may be a problem for novice divers.

[danvangent]

FANTASYLAND.

The biggest theme park outside of Metro Manila is now in Dapitan City. Gloria's FantasyLand is composed of 35 rides comparable to the Disneyland theme parks.
OLD WESTERN TRAIN
An 18-seater mini train powered by a two-seater diesel locomotive prime mover that pulls the train in an existing mini forest area of FantasyLand.
MIDI FLUME RIDE
A small version of Enchanted's LOG JAM, the ride is likewise located inside the mini forest of the park. The midi flume was placed under old tress of the park so as to create a riverwild/forest ride atmoshere. This is a bit bigger than the river ride of Festival Malls' Pixie Forest.
MINI COASTER RIDE
Comparable to Roller skate ride of Enchanted Kingdom. It is also located in the area of the MIDI FLUME RIDE.
FLYING BALLS WHEEL RIDE
A kiddie ride that functions like a Ferry's wheel. It has six attractive ball-designed gondolas.
TEA CUPS RIDE / CHOCO CUPS
Another exciting rides for kids. The ride is composed of six giant tea cups/choco cups rotating simulateously with its huge circular 9-meter metal base.
WONDER FLIGHT
Made up of 8 fiberglass gondolas designed like the air balloon ride. It has a circular base of 8 meters.
TELECOMBAT RIDE
A 24-seater / 12-gondola ride, a modern version of the famous octopus ride. It has a circular base of 12 meters.
CAROUSEL RIDE
A design of mix animals, put together in one rotating base with its own music.
HORSE CAROUSEL RIDE
An all horse carousel ride for kids and adult.
BUMPER CAR RIDE
Ten (10) exciting electric bumper cars, housed inside a 12 meter x 18 meter covered area with turbo lightings.
GIANT ROLLER COASTER
A huge 20 meters x 47 meters based ride with a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour. This ride can accommodate 20 passengers at a time. An Italian made Pinfari ride named Zyclone.
APOLLO RIDE
Unlike in Houston, this has no problem because it stays on the ground. It however gives the riders an illusion of being in the spaceship while inside this ride.
SWINGER RIDE
A 32-seater circular ride with exciting light decorations. This ride has a 14 meter rotating base area covered by a fiberglass canopy.
PIRATE SHIP
In other theme parks this is called GALLEON SHIP or ANCHORS AWAY ride. A 32- seater exciting ride with an imposing 30 meter high A-frame.
HAPPY JOURNEY RIDE
An interactive ride. This is the first of its kind in the Philippines. The six electric powered cars is equipped with 2 laser guns for each car. There are 8 fiberglass animal figures made for targets.
FIGHT SHARK RIDE
Likewise a first in the country, another interactive ride with 12 boats equipped with 2 water guns per boat. This ride can accommodate 24 shooters at a time.
HORROR WALK
A place for suspense and thrill seekers. This house is designed by the group of Tony Tuviera of TAPE and APT Productions. APT Productions is the producers of the successful first Filipino animated movie URDUJA.
FERRY'S WHEEL
The park will not be complete without this ride.
GO KART RACE CIRCUIT
10 GO KART racing units in an exciting and challenging race course.

[danvangent]

GLORIA DE DAPITAN.

Aside from the enchanting Dakak Park and Beach Resort and the historic Rizal Shrine which are among country's favorite tourist destinations, Dapitan City can now boast of a world class commercial center. Gloria de Dapitan, which is situated at Sunset Boulevard, is a one-of-its kind three hectare commercial complex.
Right at the very heart of Gloria de Dapitan is Gallera de Dapitan which architects Fernando Mirasol designed. It has a deluxe cockpit which may also be used for live entertainment shows, boxing matches and other crowd-drawing competitions. There is fully-air-conditioned Exodus Bowling Center, which is the first of its kind in northwestern Mindanao, and could be at par with best bowling lanes in Metro Manila. It has eight lanes and setting the pins are computer-aided. Those who enjoy boxing, aerobics and belly dancing, there are state-of-the-art fitness equipment at Powerhouse Gym-the biggest gym is Zamboanga peninsula.
Gloria de Dapitan also has a computer game arcade, internet café, disco pub, resto bars, coffee shop and bakery, boutiques, shoe and souvenir shops, fruits gallery, flower shop, pharmacy, derma and spa centre, money changer and foreign exchange and an automated teller machine. Directly in front of Gallera is a colourful and intricately designed fountain-the main attraction, in fact. Not far from the fountain is Bistro Paborito where one could unwind listening to music, live acoustics and keyboards. Bistro Paborito serves meals, cocktail drinks and beverages.
There is a meat shop for fresh meat, ranging from beef, pork (including native pig) and fish. Exotic products, imported wines and varied types of cheese are also available. Just within the vicinity is the Cold Front where fresh fruits, ice-cold shake and juices are served. Beside it is the Nize Pizza where one would have a wide array of choices for toppings and even crusts. Then, at BB Edna Restaurant, one could enjoy native dishes form litson to seafood, barbecue to sutukil (sugba-tula-kilaw) and bas-oy (a mixture of several types of leafy and fruit vegetables) to satisfy one's craving for distinctively Filipino.
Yummy snacks are also available at Sweet Angels-pork siomai, puto cheese, suman, bibingka, fresh lumpia and what you have. A place to get loose and enjoy will be the Willem's Sport's Bar. Aside from dart boards and billiard tables, it has a videoke bar and once in a while, an acoustics night. Soon to open is a beauty and grooming salon which will be named, High-End. It is going to be managed by Manila-based Jessie Mendez.
The amusement facilities include a carnival where one will find a carousels, mobile rides such as pagoda wheel, horror train, ferries wheel, wagon, bumper boats, merry mix-up fish coaster, majestic swan, red baron, astroliner, mini-safari, scramble, convoy ride dragon, mini lantern, sea birds and mad house. These are operated by Luzvimin Carnival Grande. The designers are architects Aaron A. Hamak and Delito Sagario Calasang Jr. of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP). The project manager is Birnoben Nayal.
The entire commercial complex is fenced and further secured by guards who are on duty for 24 hours. It has wide spaces for vehicle parking. Literally means "to bring glory to Dapitan," Gloria de Dapitan is 12 kilometers the airport, six kilometers from the seaport, and 14 kilometers from the urban center of Dipolog City. It is just 20 minutes from the Dakak Beach Resort, 10 minutes from Rizal Shrine and 8 hours bus ride form Cagayan de Oro City.
Source: The Official Website of Dapitan City

[danvangent]

RIZAL SHRINE.

A major historical landmark of Dapitan City is the Rizal Shrine. It is the original estate of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who lived for four years in Dapitan as an exile from July 17, 1892 to July 31, 1896.
Casa Cuadrada
Rizal's home together with members of his family who came to visit him. It has been faithfully reconstructed in its original light, native materials.
Casa Redonda
An octagonal dwelling which served as the pupils quarters. It was later converted to a clinic and it was here where George Taufer, the foster father of Josephine Bracken was operated on his eyes.
Casa Redonda Pequena
A hexagonal structure which served as the chicken house.
Casitas de Salud
There are two of these structures intended as tea houses but which our national hero converted into clinics to accommodate patients from far flung municipalities.
Aqua duct
A reservoir which served as a good water system. Bamboo tubes used to connect the diversion canal to the kitchen and lavatory.
Mi Retiro Rock
It is a natural heart shaped rock so called because it was here where our national hero is known to have scribbled beautiful verses of his famous poem "Mi Retiro" and "Himno a Talisay". He also spent many hours watching the sunset here.
Amphitheater
An open air auditorium with a seating capacity of 500 which was constructed beyond the Mi Retiro Rock by the city government from funds from the office of the Regional Commissioner headed by Rear Admiral Romulo M. Espaldon, now Minister for Muslim Affairs.
Rizaliana
A modern, concrete building constructed in 1972 which houses all Rizalian books, periodicals and all sorts of historical exhibits. Part of it also serves as the Office of the Rizal Shrine Curator.
Source: The Official Website of Dapitan City

[danvangent]

DAPITAN.


Official site.

http://www.buklodsadapitan.com

[Tank]

Prachtige informatie Dan, Dakak ken ik als mijn broekzak, is inderdaad schitterend aangelegd.
Rizal shrine is geschiedkundig ook leuk om te bezoeken.
Dat nieuwe pretpark ken ik niet.
Maar nu mijn vraag:
Je bent toch een Belg, waarom dan in het Engels deze post geschreven ?
grt

[danvangent]

De verkregen info vertalen naar het Nederlands zou teveel van mijn tijd vergen. Vooral nu, want ik ben slechts enkele weken verwijderd van mijn afreis voor het maandenlange verblijf in ZaNorte.
En zo hebben onze Pinay's die (nog) niet volledig Nederlandskundig zijn er ook iets aan...
Mvg,
Danvangent.

[Tank]

ok, duidelijk.
grt