A LOCAL'S GUIDE TO DIPOLOG CITY: 8 Tips and Tricks for First-time Travelers

Dipolog City is a one of the key cities in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. There are a lot of tourist spots and attractions to enjoy and activities to do in Dipolog and the nearby Dapitan City. What to do, where to eat and what not to miss in Dipolog City? Check out this interview we had with Charles Rotoni of the Department of Tourism Region 9 - Zamboanga Peninsula Region. As a local, he has extensive knowledge about the city and shared to us some of the best-kept secrets and gives travel tips when traveling to Dipolog for the first time.

TRAVEL GUIDE: Dipolog and Dapitan - Things To Do, Tourist Spots and Attractions, How To Get There, Where To Stay, Where To Eat, Itinerary, Expenses and Contact Persons (Zamboanga del Norte)

Relief Map of Mindanao in Dapitan City

Dipolog and Dapitan in the province of Zamboanga del Norte offer historical sights, beaches, islands and other man-made and natural wonders. There are a lot of tourist spots and attractions to enjoy and activities to do in Dipolog and Dapitan. This travel guide will provide you with basic information on how to get there, things to do, where to stay, where to eat, suggested itinerary, estimated budget and contact persons that will help you plan your visit.

DIPOLOG TOURIST SPOTS: The Century-old Dipolog City Cathedral (Zamboanga del Norte)

Dipolog Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. Located along Padre Ramon St., it was built by the Spanish friars sometime in 1894. The current church is a mix of both modern, and old architectures. The facade is made of yellowish cream brick stones which I think was added in recent decades. It is dominated by a huge arch leading to the church's main door and a central belfry above the massive structure.

THINGS TO DO IN DAPITAN: Historical Walking Tour in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Walking tours are my favorite introduction to a city. It's a great way to discover the place I'm visiting, see its sights, learn about its history, architecture and to meet people. After visiting Dakak Beach Resort and Rizal Shrine, I went back to Dapitan City center to walk around and do a walking tour. Dapitan City is declared a "Heritage Zone" in May 24, 2011 through the National Historical Commission of the Philippines' Resolution No. 03, s. 2011 in commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

EAT-tinerary: Montaño Spanish Style Sardines, the Best Pasalubong from Dipolog City

When it comes to food, the City of Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte is known for its Spanish Style Sardines. It is one of the things that travelers and tourists visiting the city are looking forward to bring home as pasalubong. It is one of their thriving industries which is evident in the many bottled Spanish sardines producers that can be found in the city. One of the most popular is Montaño's Spanish Style Sardines, "the home of the Best Spanish Sardines in Dipolog City".

DAPITAN TOURIST SPOTS: Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Who haven't heard about Dapitan? Almost every Filipino knows that Dapitan played a significant part in our history as this is the place where our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled during the Spanish rule in the Philippines. But not everyone knows where Dapitan is. It's actually located in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. That's why during this trip, I made sure that I visit this place after my day tour in the luxurious Dakak Beach Resort. From the resort, I took a habal-habal to Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City to have a piece of history and to know the place where Rizal spent four years of fruitful exile before he was executed in Bagumbayan.

RESORTS IN DAPITAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE: Dakak Beach Resort

I woke up early on my first day in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. Today, I'll be visiting one of my chilhood dream destinations - Dakak Beach Resort in Dapitan City! Yes, I am one of those "batang 90's" who grew up seeing that commercial of the resort in Eat Bulaga. Hahaha! Do you know that commercial too? Did you ever dream of going to Dakak when you were younger? Umamin na kayo! Hahahaha!

Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte, my 69th, 70th and 71st provinces!

I had an awesome weekend exploring the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte last July 12-15, 2012. My 69th, 70th and 71st provinces! Special thanks to Doc Wends of Journeys and Travels for accommodating me in Pagadian and for bringing me to Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. I had so much fun exploring the different interesting sites around Zamboanga Peninsula!