A Tropical Paradise in Davao Oriental

Found on www.goodnewspilipinas.com

It's being billed as Davao's best kept secret. A tropical paradise tucked within one of the country's most prosperous regions, it's no other than Mati in Davao Oriental.

Situated at the southeastern most part of Mindanao, Mati is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Celebes Sea at the southern tip. This ideal geographical location not only makes for a long stretch of shoreline of powdery white sand but also of lush, beautiful landscaping.

It has long been enjoyed by locals from the nearby communities. But as beach lovers and adventurous travelers continue to scour for more of the Philippines' island gems, it won't take time before people enjoy the natural riches it has to offer and Mati becomes a byword for a great escape.

One destination that has been a consistent local favorite is the Pujada Island. It has a small, fine sand beach on one side, perfect for basking under the sun and a rich mangrove on the other with aquamarine waters that hold surprises under. The 30-minute banca trip to Pujada is quite a memorable experience in itself as you are greeted by a school of dolphins and if lucky, even white sharks and dugongs or sea cows. A visit scheduled anytime from January to May and island guests can even indulge in the sight of migratory birds.

For an exciting encounter with the wildlife, travelers should include a trip to Mt. Hamiguitan in their itinerary. Located not far from western coast of the bay, this tropical forest has become a host to a variety of trees, rare species of plants and bonsai which are believed to be a hundred years old or more. An hour-long trek to the top will reward the adventurers with the beauty of a hidden lake or what they call, "tinagong dagat," which is surrounded by flourishing flora and fauna.

There is just a lot to see, taste and experience in Mati that a day's trip will feel regretfully short. Guests can head to Dahican Beach where a leisure stroll can be as much fun as a ride on its waves.
Thumbnail: Curtain Fallas

"I and my family would like to think of it as returning to the essentials of life. These essentials - beauty, adventure, sustenance, harmony and romance - are the things that modern life has left behind" said Leo C.Saballa, a native of Mati and owner of a beach here in Dahican.

Here, there is an activity fit for the whole family ranging from adrenaline-pumping sports like mountain biking, trekking, skim boarding, jet skiing and motorboat racing to nature and culture trips like bird watching at Guang-Guang, enjoying the hot springs at Buso, playing with the turtles in the DENR sea turtle raising project and partying with the Davaoeños during the Pujada Bay Festival and Sambuokan Festival.

Loiue Rabat, Tourism president said "unknown to many, Mati boasts of being the coconut capital of the country."

A large area of its fertile land has been dedicated to produce coconuts, as such it has become a major livelihood among the Mandayas or the native people of Mati. Other agricultural products cultivated by them include corn, cacao, banana, and pomelo. Mati is also known for their lobsters and fresh seafood such as lapu-lapu.

Mati is 165 kilometers away from Davao City. Visitors can go to the city by a two and a half hour ride by land, coming from Davao City International Airport.

Have you found a wonderful place that hardly anyone else knows about? Have you have experienced things on your travel that only can happen in the Philippines? In short, if you have your very your own Philippine Travel Story, please share it with us and send your story and pictures to travelstories@phrs.com.ph. We will be happy to post your story too!

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