Things to Do in Dipolog City

           Dipolog City, dubbed as the gateway to Western Mindanao, has certainly evolved overtime. This year alone, more banks were opened, more function halls and restaurants were introduced, and more hotels emerged, showing that it is capable of bagging the Most Business Friendly LGU award from other competing cities in the region. So before you tick out Dipolog from your list, check out this list of things to do in the city, and you might be surprised that it may even be at par with other renowned cities in nearby areas.

Let’s start at the heart of the city, shall we?

Find serenity and exercise your faith at the Holy Rosary Cathedral

            Erected in 1800’s by Spanish friars, the cathedral still stands proudly and gloriously until today. The altar was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, who obtained his inspiration from that of San Ignacio Church in Manila. You can hear mass, light up a candle, or soul search in the adoration chapel.

photo from skyscrapercity.com

Relax and sit back at Plaza Magsaysay

       Fronting the Holy Rosary Cathedral is the Plaza Magsaysay. Its lush foliage, clean pavements and pathways, ampitheater, mini stairways, and mobile food stalls make it a prominent feature in the heart of the city. It is where both old and young ones meet, study, and chat.

photo from alltravels.com

Give yourself a refreshing treat at Julie’s Halo-Halo and Refreshments

         Julie’s a staple halo-halo spot in Dipolog City beside the UCCP. Its accessibility, affordable prices, and mouth watering halo-halo make it a go-to for both students and adults in the locality. For only 50php, you can have a halo-halo topped with a slice of delicious leche flan, a must-try for every meticulous consumer who wants to get more value from their penny.

Marvel the sunset at Dipolog Sunset Boulevard

          About 5-minute ride straight from the Holy Rosary Cathedral is Dipolog Sunset Boulevard. In this place lies the splendid Sulu Sea that’s worth all your time, especially during sunset. Essential amenities like benches, toilets, food stalls, and dining spots are well situated in the area. Listen to the sea’s hush-hush; let your curious palate savor the exotic taste of balut; sweat it out with Zumba and Taebo that’s done daily at 5am and 4pm; or have fun with the gang in any of its KTV bars.

photo from dipolog.com

Shop ‘til you drop at Lee Plaza

            With Lee Plaza in the city, you can now shop for anything that you need or bond with your kids in Toyland located in its 4^th floor. Gastronomic spots like Mang Inasal, Jollibee, Chowking, and Café Isabelle are also available in the building, providing satisfaction to hungry tummies and tired feet.

Take a plunge in the city’s popular venues with swimming pools

            Spots like Manuel Pool and Function Hall, Sylvia’s Best Mibang Hotel, C & L Sea View Hotel, and Royal Farm are a great way to seek escape from the summer heat. Large swimming pools for kids and adults, superb services and modern amenities, and pocket-friendly rates are all a common feature in all of these relaxing locations.

photo by Lito Garcia 

photos are from the Manuel Function Hall Facebook account 

Test your stamina at 3003 Steps to Linabo Peak

            Almost 40 minutes from the city proper lays one of the most challenging man-made spots in the area, the 3003 steps to Linabo Peak. It is characterized by cemented steps that are built closely to each other with steel handles on the sides, dense foliage that surround the area, a big rock near the school on the mountain top, and a gazebo at the pinnacle. Every 50 steps or so, you will find a station of the cross with few benches for adventurers to rest on. The place is warmed by both Dipolognons and tourists of all ages during the Holy Week on April.

Feels like Superman at the Linabo Peak.

Curl your feet on the dark beaches of Galas

            Galas beaches may not have pristine, white sands like that of Boracay’s, but it can assure you of soft sands and pure bliss that quiet beaches can offer. Unlike commercial beach resorts, Galas beaches help you achieve total seclusion. Apart from that, you will be greeted beaming vendors of lechon or roast pig in the morning and barbecues at night, particularly on Sundays. Definitely, it’s worth your every penny.

Get closer to nature at Cogon Eco-park

            Established in 1958 in the hinterlands of Barangay Cogon, the place, enveloped with dense foliage and plethora of fauna, is home to numerous endangered species in the likes of fruit bats, pigeon dove, Philippine turtle dove, and many others. Fresh air, scenic landscapes, beautiful creatures, and warm people make every visit to this place more memorable.

Sources from:

imfromaroundhere.blogspot.com

dipolog.com