Some ads are really striking that it sticks in our mind even as we grow older. Call me curious, but who wouldn’t? Since I was young I have seen that classic ad of Dakak Beach Resort in Dapitan through the noontime show – Eat Bulaga. For years I wondered how luxurious that place must be where only wealthy tourists can afford to go on vacation.
Dakak Beach Resort is located in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte. Dakak is actually a name of a village in Dapitan, the name is said to be derived from the sound of the bird that thrives in this place. It is actually one of the safest and peaceful places in Mindanao. It is well known as the haven of Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines and the first theme park in Mindanao- Gloria de Dapitan. Dapitan is blessed with majestic white sand beaches and it has a pretty good diving spot to flaunt like diving in Dakak Beach Resort.
So when I heard that Dakak Beach Resort offers day tour, I was more than ecstatic. I imagined myself walking on the most spectacular stretch of coastline, my feet sinking quickly in its soft sand. I sit and dig my hands on its powdery white sand, lay my camera on the side and start walking to the beach. I swim in its translucent ribbon of azure and emerald waters.
Check out the room rates here: Dakak Beach Resort
I waved my hand, and the tricycle stopped in front of me with an amiable-looking tricycle driver. His hair has been discolored by the unforgiving sun and so is his skin. He was wearing a printed brown polo and tailored pants. He smiled and inquired politely where I was going. I must say that I have pretty good experience with the kind trike drivers in this place. The old man doesn’t know how much to charge since he has never been to Dakak Beach Resort. We settled on a Php 400 roundtrip fare including waiting time.
The road to Dakak from the city center of Dapitan is well-paved but I must say it is pretty far. Towering mountains with pristine forest can be seen along the road. I can hear birds chirping from the forest. Dapitan’s mountains and forest must be very well preserved; I see no signs of illegal logging. Everything seems untouched.
“This place is pretty peaceful, “ the old man was starting a conversation. “Yes, surprisingly. In Manila, a lot of people think Dapitan is dangerous because it is part of Zamboanga peninsula, and I used to think like them too. Heck, I was so wrong.” I confessed. He just smiled. “I’m from Abra, a province in North Luzon, I moved here a few years back when I married my lovely wife”, he started talking about his personal life. “Oh, I’ve been to Bangued last year with a friend.” “Oh really, I suppose the place must have been developed already, with high buildings and booming industry?,” he asked. “ No. It looks frozen in time.” “Politics is killing the place ”, he said with disappointment. We stopped and he approached a woman with her baby sitting in their shack. I see the woman pointing her hands towards the crossing.
They say, too much expectation can kill you. Dakak is a private – extremely private – retreat, but it is quite obsolete. There’s an enormous Chinese Hall that serves as function hall. Lush manicured garden surrounds the 2 old school designed swimming pools; one is child-friendly, while the other has an artificial falls. A gigantic magnificently-designed ship sits close to the pool, looks to me like a bar that is only open when dusk sets in. There’s a restaurant fronting the beach packed with tourists. Towering limestone formations surrounds one part of the beach while verdant hills hugging the shores of the calm beach. The day tour fee has increased from Php 200 to Php 500, no food and drinks included. Quite expensive compared to the free admission in the posh Amorita Resort or the Php 50 day tour fee of the magnificent Kawasan Holiday Beach Resort. The beach seems ordinary, or maybe I arrived a little early ; the sun is not that bright so the true color of the water may not have been revealed yet . The shore is dotted with coconut and talisay trees. I see tourists lounging by the beach, sailing, boat cruising, and waterskiing.
Sadly, I find Dakak overrated. I expected to find modern luxury seamlessly incorporated in its architecture and interiors. Maybe I find the theme of the structures chaotic, like it does not match, one building is Chinese-inspired, while the other is Subanen in architectural style and the other is a huge ship.
But as they say, every place has its hidden beauty, and Dakak’s treasure is their spunky and utterly charming staff. Their passion is palpable and contagious. I was treated like any other checked-in guest. They even made sure I have my souvenir photos. They don’t know me and I am not dressed like their wealthy visitors, but they made sure I enjoy my quick stay. Dakak Beach Resort may not be the island paradise that I have daydreamed of, but it is overflowing with true gems – its gracious people.
Dakak Beach Resort
*Dalak is not as expensive as I thought it was.
Check out theDakak room rates here: Dakak Beach Resort
How to Get to Dakak Beach Resort from Dapitan:
You can either hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) if you are alone or a tricycle if you are in groups. Fare is Php 300-400 roundtrip.
Dakak Beach Resort Day Tour Rate is Php 500. No foods and drinks allowed.
Prepare at least Php 300 per meal if you plan to eat in their restaurant.
I can’t find any official website of Dakak Beach Resort.
The nearest airpot to Dakak is Dipolog city. From there, you can ride a bus to Dapitan (approxiamtely 1 hour).
There are cheap hostels starting at Php 300 (good for 2 persons) at the bay area (near Gloria Fantasyland) in Dapitan.
It became one of my childhood dreams because of that commercial… that’s why, kahit mahal ang day tour, pinuntahan ko pa din cya… hehehe! 🙂
Akala ko din malapit lang cya from the city proper, medyu malayo pala… hehehe! when the habal-habal asked for 150 pesos, i bargained for 100 since i’ve read from the others that a one way trip going there is only 100 pesos… when i went there last month, yung day tour na 500 pesos now has a free pasta meal… 🙂
I agree, it’s overrated… but their staffs are really commendable! nag-feeling mayaman ako… hehehe! 🙂
what the! nakuha mu ng Php 100?? lucky you! haha yung nabasa ko is Php 400. ah cguro kase trike yun, dapat habal-habal. toinks.
wow, bute naman my free meal na. haha kase mahal tlga yung 500 kase ang effort puntahan. usually naman my free meals yung mga day tour. 🙂
magkano poh budget nyo??i really wanna go there but im lack of money still im saving for it ambisyosang studyante lang poh kasi ako ..hehe ..please i need a reply :)thx
Prepare at least 3k for touring Dapitan. Look for a cheap guesthouse nlng, cheapest is around Php 300 per night. for Dakak, it’s written in this post. 500 for day tour.
Ganito pala siya. Ganito kasi name ng isang team namin sa Office lol. And ganda nga ng sand kaso parang super sosyal nga hahah! pang day trip lang siguro ako here. 😉
Curious din ako sa Dakak. lagi nasa commercial dati. so eto pla xa.. i think I’ll consider Dakak Next yr. 🙂
yeah RIz, try it. its worth visiting.. kinda far from the city but its nice.. 🙂
I have always been curious about Dakak and at one point got very close to visiting the place. I now regret not stopping by, I will definitely make the trip next time.
Eat Bulaga!!!! Sadly di kami nakadaan dito nung nag Zanorte kami. Ang mahal naman din kasi ng entrance, tas di pa pala consumable for food yun? Nii mahal.. 🙁
my ksama na daw na pasta yung 500 ngayon sabe ni Mervs. hihi
Was in Dakak for a three (3) days conference on May 2-5, 2012. I agree it’s quite old – the tv in my room was the big bulky one – not LCD flat screen, telephone system – have tried but i can’t use them; wifi is limited at the main resto only. But the whole facility is maintain well and the place is really beautiful because of the trees. Yes their staff are warm and we’re treated to a nightly cultural show – very nice.
It’s really pricey but i think worth it because of the excellent service. Would love to back in Dakak in the future.
Glad to hear your feedback Sir. Didn’t get to see the rooms, just saw some photos online. Nice to know they have cultural shows.
Been there! nice place, a so private resort. Kung marami lang ako pera babalik ako dyan eh.. heheh… but this resort is worth visiting… you’ll never regret it… Alaga ng may-ari tong resort na to eh, pati amenities nila magaganda… then pagbalik mo sa dapitan town proper magaganda pa mga tao, at mababait.. 🙂
true. mababaet mga taga-Dapitan!tsaka ang peaceful ng place. 🙂
yeah… ur ryt pinay… the whitesand is so smooth, ang lawak pa ng aplaya nyan. oh.. i missed dapitan… lalo na yung mga binigay sa akin na Marang… hehehe…
I visited Dakak several times. Just like before, its still an typical average destination to me. Not the “super de luxe” place they want to call it. Overpriced, almost no connection to the www, poor rooms with telephone that does not work, bulky tv set, chaotic structures, etc…, etc… (They even have no website!) I find it offending to the Philippine people if they announce their prices in US $ Note that the hefty entrance fee for “day tourists” does not allow you in the most attractive swimming pool with artificial falls! You will learn this only when you reach there!
When you have a complaint, “the manager is in Cebu”, or “the manager is out for lunch (!), while the manager just dont want to show up! What a mentality! Mabuhay tourists! Just leave your dollars and shut op!
been there last year.. dun kami nagsummer outing at dahil medyo kapos sa budget, ngday tour lang kami, may iba pa kasi kaming pinuntahan bukod sa Dakak.. and this year we’re planning to spend the summer outing there AGAIN.. and this time, nag-avail kami nung promo package nila.. libreng transportation, one night stay, and free meals.. cant wait!!
Magkano po ang airfare?balikan
Magkano nmn ung sa airfare from manila-zamboanga?pag balikan na?
not sure about that. kindly check philippineairlines.com or cebupacificair.com. if you are heading to dakak, nearest airport is Dipolog not Zamboanga City.
I used to live in one of the municipalities in Zanorte and I’ve been to dapitan city several times, however I haven’t been to Dakak. haha pricey nga daw kasi as what my friends told me. But now, after this pandemic, I’m considering to visit the place.