Mati City has various tourist spots including white sand beaches to unwind on, a museum with humongous skeletal remains of a Sperm Whale, ultralight planes to ride on, and excellent waves to surf. Moreover, they also have numerous hiking trails, hot springs, waterfalls, pristine islands, delicious foods, and accommodating locals. They got it all here in Mati!
In the southeast of the island of Mindanao, in the province of Davao Oriental, you will find the beautiful paradise of Mati City. It is roughly 147 km from the Ecoland Terminal (Davao City Overland Transport Terminal), 111 km from the City of Tagum in Davao del Norte, and 212 km from Bislig, Surigao del Sur through Davao de Oro.
Some tourist spots in Mati City are too far away to stroll. Therefore, we suggest getting a Habal-habal or Tuk-tuk driver/tour guide to drive you around. Driving your car or motorcycle is, of course, the most convenient.
Mati has plenty of sights you can visit on the weekend or for more than 24 hours. So, choose from the following options, depending on your itinerary.
Wake up the Sleeping Dinosaur
When you enter Mati, you first enter Barangay Badas. Then, you will pass through a zigzag road along a cliffside that offers a captivating vista of Pujada Bay and the remarkable Sleeping Dinosaur Island.
If you only have a short amount of time and prefer to observe the Sleeping Dinosaur from a distance, then you can stop by the Brgy. San Isidro. There is a view deck nearby the highway wherein you can take beautiful pictures and enjoy the panoramic view of the island.
However, you can also enjoy the island up close and try numerous activities. This Sleeping Dinosaur is approximately a 579-hectare of natural wonder, perfect for camping and hiking. You can also explore the island using a pump boat and swim in the clear, refreshing waters.
To get to the island proper, you can rent a local motorcycle called habal-habal from Brgy. Badas and secure a guide. Then, you need to pay the 10php entrance fee. The tree borders, refreshing air, calm blue water, and superb view make Sleeping Dinosaur Island perfect for everyone who loves adventuring with nature.
Breakfast at Harry’s Point
After waking up with the sleeping Dinosaur, you can have breakfast at the top of the mountain with a panoramic view of Mati City. Harry’s Point is located at Brgy. Culian, Mati City Davao Oriental, 10 minutes from the national highway.
Harry’s Point has alluring landscapes with different types of flowers surrounding the whole area. They also serve delicious breakfast with hot roast coffee or hot chocolate. Moreover, you can also enjoy their lunch and dinner. The stress-relieving atmosphere and fresh air will enhance the flavor of your food while you enjoy the scenery.
During the night, tourists and guests will also experience being serenaded by a live band while simultaneously enjoying the city’s dancing lights. Furthermore, it has a bat sanctuary where old trees are home to hundreds of bats.
Subangan Museum
Out of the numerous tourist spots in Mati, Subanagan Museum is among the top visited places in the city. The Subangan Museum exhibits the skeleton of a gigantic sperm whale that washed up on shore in 2010. Aside from that, this two-story structure shows the province’s distinctive flora and fauna, culture, and people and how they all prospered in this biodiverse province.
Subangan means “east.” It comes from the Bisayan word Subang, and Subang can also mean “sunrise” or a place where the sun rises. The museum was founded after an unfortunate event along the shores of San Isidro and Governor Generoso towns. A 20-metric-ton sperm whale had washed along the coast. The people of the province decided that the bones of this 53-feet-long mammal should be recovered and preserved.
As a result, scientists and researchers began traveling to the area to research the sperm whale. By 2011, they had finalized the decision to establish a museum in the province. People expressed a desire to protect not only the sperm whale but also the province’s various land and seascapes.
One of the museum’s highlights is the exhibit about the Davao Oriental Tribes since it was able to effectively display the province’s rich cultural heritage. There are also numerous portraits with descriptions that present information on tribes such as the Mandaya and Kagan. These exhibits help tourists and locals learn more about Davao Oriental, its culture, and its people.
Additionally, Subangan featured Mt. Hamiguitan, and its wildlife sanctuary. UNESCO also recognizes Mt. Hamiguitan is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. It is one thing to see a spot with your own eyes, which is another to learn more about how and why it is as wonderful as you see it.
Mindanao Saga Flying Club
Our next stop is the Mati City Airport or Mati Flying School, wherein you can experience Ultralight Flying. This activity is ideal for people who love adventure, flying, and heights.
The Mindanao Saga Flying Club (MSFC) is a flying club where you can enroll in various courses based on your level of expertise. Beginners are highly welcome. Moreover, they also provide an introductory flight for curious cats and weekend warriors, which tourists and residents of Mati City typically do when they visit.
Through this activity, you will get a fantastic ride with an incomparable bird’s eye view of the whole of Mati City. Ultralight flying is indeed a nerve-racking yet exhilarating experience. You can also challenge yourself and ask for brief lessons from the pilot. Then, you can try controlling the plane when it is airborne.
However, check the weather first before going to Mindanao Saga Flying Club. They do not allow flying in bad weather or unstable wind conditions to ensure the clients’ and pilots’ safety. Therefore, they advise that flying between nine (9) and ten (10) in the morning is the most optimal.
You can also play golf at the Don Paco Rocamora Golf & Country Club. It is the only golf club in Mati City where you may ride in a golf cart and play golf whether you’re a beginner or a professional athlete.
Baywalk
Our next destination is for someone who loves sunsets, which is perfect for observing from Mati City Baywalk. There is a photo opportunity here since there’s an I heart Mati standee installed, and the view immensely helps comfort your body from a whole day’s worth of activities.
The Baywalk is the avenue where plenty of students, family, tourists, and lovers alike come at night to watch the sunset over the bay. There is also a night market and numerous restaurants nearby.
If you get hungry after a fast trip to the Sleeping Dinosaur, Subangan Dinosaur, and Mindanao Saga Flying Club, take a moment to unwind and sample some nearby street foods and restaurants. Finally, do not miss to try their famous Empanada.
Dahican
Mati City is Davao Oriental’s top surfing spot because of its enormous waves. Hence, it’s among the best tourist spots in Mati. In addition, Dahican is known for its incredible fusion of natural beauty, including its pristine and long stretch of white sand beach, sparkling clear waters, and rich marine life.
Dahican is also a renowned spot for adventure seekers and offers a variety of water sports, including surfing, skimboarding, and much more. Additionally, this is the home of the well-known Amihan Boys of Dahican, a group of teenage Filipino skimboarders and surfers. Additionally, skimboarding is a thing here, given that it’s a 7-kilometer stretch of white sand beach. There are many activities in this area and various beachside resorts where you can camp or rent lodging.
The local government also strives hard to preserve the environment in Dahican because it is a sea turtle (pawikan) sanctuary. The name “Dahican” is derived from “dahik,” the word locals use to describe their act of coming in from the sea to the nest. A hectare of the bay has been recognized as a marine sanctuary due to the abundance of marine life, including dolphins, sea cows, and sea turtles.
Another marvelous thing you must experience in Dahican is watching the breathtaking sunrise. Dahican is located in the easternmost part of the Philippines and has a beautiful sunrise that will give you a fresh start to the day.
Dahican’s nightlife is another incredible experience you must try because local live bands play reggae music, ballads, indie music, song covers, and many more. All the locals, guests, and tourists are delighted with this activity.
Mati City Capitol
The three-story Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol Building, often known as “The White House,” is a must-see when you visit Mati City. It has an all-white exterior, massive pillars, and a sentinel-like facade. This majestic white structure is situated atop the Capitol Hills in Barangay Central of Mati City, overlooking the picturesque Pujada Bay.
The Capitol houses various provincial government offices and agencies, which serves as the province’s center of political power. In addition, it has a playground for kids, a park, and courts for basketball and tennis.
The construction began under the term of the former Governor Ma. Elena Palma Gil. They succeedingly completed it under the administration of Governor Corazon Malanyaon. Today, the Capitol Building is considered one of Mindanao’s most stunning capital buildings.
When visiting Mati, do not overlook the magnificently built Provincial Capitol Building of Davao Oriental. This well-known landmark is a sight to behold.
Island Hopping
Mati has gained popularity for its stunning tourist spots, such as the Sleeping Dinosaur and Dahican’s long stretch of white sand beach. It does, however, provide more to its tourists. You could never go wrong when visiting Mati, from the highland to island attractions.
There are various islands in Mati that you should explore in addition to skimboarding on Dahican Beach. Don’t be concerned about crowds because the islands of Pujada, Oak, and Waniban are less visited and provide white sand beaches and distinctive rock formations.
If you prefer island hopping, you should never miss the chance to triangulate the three islands that dot the seas of Pujada Bay: Oak, Pujada, and Wanniban. Each of these islands offers a distinct experience that anyone looking for an out-of-the-ordinary encounter should attempt.
Final Thoughts
Mati City is the place to be if you enjoy relaxing and spending the day by the beach or are an adventure seeker looking for a thrilling experience. This city is an undeniably magnificent mixture of natural wonders, featuring well-preserved historical buildings, esteemed museums, white-sand beaches, and a prominent location for various water sports activities such as skimboarding, surfing, diving, and snorkeling.
Overall, the tourist spots in Mati that include breathtaking landscape, warmth of the locals, and the bright smiles and enthusiasm made this Mindanao excursion pleasantly unique. Visiting Mati City and its neighboring municipalities is the ideal option for your summer itinerary. Discover Davao Oriental with your own eyes and expectations; the place will fascinate you and likely entice you to stay.