When you mention the name Dipolog, the first thing that comes to people’s mind: bottled sardines. What most people don’t know is that Dipolog is home to a few must-see tourist attractions in the Philippines. In fact, the city has become of the most interesting places to live or visit for fun, adventure and relaxation.
The name “Dipolog” was derived from Subano terms “di” and “pag”, which means across the river. The pronunciation was corrupted and mixed with Visayan, thus becoming “Dipolog.” To get to this city in Zamboanga del Norte, you can travel by air, sea or land.
Now to convince you that Dipolog is an ideal place for vacation and adventure, here are some of the things to see and do in the city:
SICAYAB BEACH
It’s a 7-kilometer stretch of fine gray sand that offers solitude and a captivating view of the sunset.
COGON ECOTOURISM PARK
Located in the hintelands of Cogon, this ecopark stretches 344 hectares of protected area that hosts important kinds of flora. The park also has an expansive natural forest that spans 40 hectares and serves as home to at least 10 documented rare fauna species.
There’s also an aviary just a few meters from the park’s entrance where you can find exotic endemic birds. Then, there is the replica of a typical Subanen Village inhabited by real Subanen tribesmen.
The Cogon Ecotourism Complex offers exciting outdoor activities like camping, trekking, rappelling, canyoneering and swimming to give every family member fun things to do.
SUNGKILAW FALLS
The cool cascading water of this falls is a welcome reprieve from all the nature tripping you will do in this part of the country.
DIPOLOG BOULEVARD
This park has a perfect location in that it faces the Sulu Sea. It’s estimated to be 1.4 kilometers long and has become a major tourist attraction for recreational activities.
MAGSAYSAY PARK
This one-hectare park provides an oasis for various plants right in the middle of Dipolog City. Because of its central location, the park has been host to numerous activities and program, both by governmental and non-governmental organizations.
P’GSALABUK CIRCLE
Its design is both abstract and classical as it is the artist’s interpretation of the modern Dipolog, which is an exquisite blend of modernity, ethnicity, rich culture, heritage as well as deep-seated traditions and customs. The three statues are a representation of the tri-people of Mindanao, symbolizing the diverse cultures in the place. The bowl raised to the heavens is a way of giving thanks and offering to God Almighty.
DIPOLOG CITY HALL
The original design of the town wall was an exact replica of that in Maribojoc. It used to be the same in size, but has been expanded, thus you can’t see the original design any more. A notable feature of the City Hall is the Monument of the Three Prominent Dipolognons: Hon. Pascual T. Martinez, the first appointed Mayor of Dipolog (1913-1918), Rev. Fr. Nicasio Y. Patangan, the first Filipino Diocesan Priest of Mindanao and Eugenio R. Margate, a farmer who introduced the Margate System of planting rice.
LINABO PEAK
There are 3,003 concrete steps that lead to a panoramic view of the sky, sea, plains and the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan. Situated at 486 meters above sea level, it is considered the highest peak in the city. Here, you will also find the 14 Stations of the Cross as well as a community chapel.
Be sure to check out these local attractions when you visit Dipolog the next time.
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