Thursday, September 20, 2007 Getaway to ZaNorte By Emily Jade Valero
WHEN considering a quick getaway, the province of Zamboanga del Norte is worth mulling over as it clearly has the right combination of riveting historical heritage and awe-inspiring attractions.
Zamboanga del Norte (ZaNorte) is dubbed as the “Twin-City Province” because of the famous cities of Dipolog and Dapitan. Dipolog is also known as the “Orchid City of the Philippines,” “Gateway to Western Mindanao,” and “Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines” while Dapitan is also called the “Shrine City of the Philippines.”
The province is not only accessible (it can be reached via plane through Dipolog Airport or by boat at Dapitan City), it also promises to fulfill a vacationer’s wish for relaxation, sightseeing or adventure.
Linabo Peak
Adventure travelers will find numerous activities to enjoy in ZaNorte.
One is hiking up Linabo Peak, Dipolog’s highest elevation (460 meters above sea level) which can be reached via 3,003 concrete steps. The peak offers magnificent views of the twin cities from a mountain vantage point.
Libutan cave
Feeling adventurous? Sun.Star Cebu’ s marketing department sure did when they visited the province for their conference. The accommodating provincial tourism council of ZaNorte gladly arranged a mountaineering expedition to Libutan Cave in the municipality of Manukan (famous for its historical landmark in the shape of a giant chicken).
With the help of the knowledgeable Dipolog Outdoors Society, Inc. (Dosi) the Sun.Star group trekked for an hour towards the “family cave,” which, as its name suggests, the whole family can explore.
Cave exploration (which took two hours) was easily one of the highlights of the whole ZaNorte trip. Everyone was amazed at the unspoiled, well-preserved and beautiful limestone cave full of stalactite and stalagmite formations. The visit was made unforgettable when Dosi declared Tita Caballes, Sun.Star Cebu assistant vice president for marketing, and Ines Neri, daughter of Julius Neri, Jr., Sun.Star Cebu vice president for marketing, as the oldest and youngest individuals who have explored the cave to date.
Dakak
A ZaNorte trip will never be complete without staying at the world-famous Dakak Park and Beach Resort (DPBR) located in Dapitan City.
DPBR is the first five-star resort in the island of Mindanao. In the '90s, it peaked in popularity with the influx of local and foreign tourists. Now, the Jalosjos family, who owns the resort, is trying to put Dapitan on the world map again by operating the world-class beach resort at full blast.
The very popular Dakak is described by many as a tropical Eden. It is set against a beautifully shaped cove and is most known for its 750-meter virgin white sand beach, pristine blue waters, and numerous dive sites with its well-preserved coral reefs.
In the vast 15-hectare Dakak, activities are limitless. One can go cove hopping, play tennis, bowling, billiards or golf; relax in the privately enclosed sauna and Jacuzzi,; go horseback riding, nature trekking, swim in the spring-water fed pool, explore waterfalls and mini-islands; dance the night away in their disco, watch cultural shows, attend themed parties, try various aqua sports, scuba dive, eat your heart out and experience a sunset cruise.
Aliguay Island
In Dapitan, one can opt to explore nearby islands. Just a pumpboat ride away and one of the most popular is Aliguay, which is known for its white sand beaches and rich aquatic resources.
Rizal Shrine
Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our national hero, who once lived in exile in Dapitan City, accentuates Dapitan’s rich heritage.
His original estate in Dapitan has been declared a national shrine and is being administered by the National Historical Institute. Now considered a major historical landmark in the country, tourists and students who want to see how Rizal lived then visit it often.
On the 16-hectare property that Rizal acquired, one can see replicas of different structures he built there, these include Casa Cuadra, Casa Redonda, Casa Redonda Pequena, Casitas Hospitales, Aquaduct, and Mi Retiro Rock.
In 2020, Dapitan is prepared to become the Dr. Jose Rizal Heritage Center of the Philippines, because of the wealth of Rizal memorabilia and memorable places associated with the hero.
Gloria de Dapitan
The prime commercial complex of Dapitan City, “Gloria de Dapitan” surely adds glory to the city.
Opened in 2005, it houses various business establishments like a fully air-conditioned eight-lane bowling center, disco pub, Internet café, restaurants, billiards and dart hall, coffee shop and bakery, salon, boutique, souvenir shops, pharmacy, foreign exchange outlets, carousels, bump cars and a carnival, all within the fenced perimeter with parking area monitored by 24-hour security.
