Road Trip to the City of Mati, Davao Oriental

It has been months since we went to Mati, Davao Oriental. Yet, the adventure we had, especially on our way, is still fresh on my mind. Aside from exploring Davao City and Samal Island, a trip to the City of Mati in the province of Davao Oriental is another destination you might want to consider. It is also known to be a beach destination. So, shall we go for a road trip?

A LITTLE ADVENTURE ON OUR WAY TO MATI

As part of our Davao itinerary, after exploring Samal Island, we went for around 3 to 4-hour drive from Davao City to Mati. Since I am unfamiliar with the roads and it’s my first time driving around in this region, Waze and Google Maps were our best friends.

We passed by Davao City-Panabon City Road, then to Pan-Philippine Highway. We were supposed to turn right to Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, but our map probably wanted us to have a little adventure.

We were directed to a small neighborhood in Tagum with narrow, bumpy, and muddy roads until we reached Timog Avenue, then to Apokon Road, and finally at Surigao-Davao Coastal Road. In short, umikot kami at napalayo.

The second part of our adventure began along Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, which will pass by some municipalities of Davao de Oro (formerly known as Compostela Valley). At first, I was enjoying the music, the kulitan with friends, and the mountainous sceneries (expect curve/zigzag roads) when suddenly, it rained so hard. It was zero visibility. Imagine driving in an unfamiliar place in a lightly populated area with a heavy rain. Isn’t that worrisome? I felt that I am responsible for everyone’s safety.

According to my research, the province is usually warm and humid, but it’s also rainy all year round. Thank God we were safe. Eventually, at a certain point, it was dry, and the sun is out as we continued our journey. Tuloy ang road trip! 😁

QUICK STOP AT THE SLEEPING DINOSAUR VIEW DECK

The Sleeping Dinosaur View Deck was our first stop since we departed from Davao City. It is a known stop along the way to the City of Mati, which is located at Badas Point, Brgy. Dawan. In here, you will see an island-shaped like a dinosaur sleeping soundly on its belly along Pujada Bay. The view from the deck is so nice and relaxing. We took few snaps of photos of the island before hitting the road again. There are also few stalls that sell snacks.

By the way, before reaching the sleeping dinosaur view deck, you will pass by Davao Oriental Arc which you can stop by for a photo op as well.

THE CITY OF MATI

After spending hours on the road, we finally reached the city proper. The city for me is very peaceful. It’s kind of laid back despite being a city. It has its charm. Honestly, I was not expecting too much. Feeling ko kasi ang liblib niya. Yet, there were fast food chains such as McDonald’s and Jollibee. Food Panda and Grab Food services were available too.

We stopped by Ciangi Restaurant for our very late lunch. Ciangi is a known restaurant in Mati. It is situated near the bay walk area. The restaurant is spacious, and the food is affordable. I just noticed that in Mati, ginger is mostly present in their local dishes (or maybe it’s a staple in the region because I also noticed that when we were in Samal).

After which, we explored the bay walk area. The locals were very friendly. With their warm smiles, they offered to take pictures for us. I even had a little chat with those who were stationed at the entrance of the bay walk area. They recommended some things that we can do and places to check out in their city. We also rode a tricycle to explore the city even just for a very short period of time. We came across a fruit-cart vendor to which we bought some of his lanzones.

CHECK-IN AT SHEEPY’S SURFSIDE BEACH RESORT

After exploring the city, we hit the road again before it nearly gets dark. We went straight to Sheepy’s Surfside Beach Resort to check-in. The resort is located along Dahican-Bobon Road in Mati, and it is approximately 14 kilometers from the city proper.

Sheepy’s is a beachfront resort. It’s very nice and cozy especially at night when it’s quiet. I love how our pictures turned out. Worth to be posted I would say. We went for a night swimming when we finally settled in. You may check on my blog post about this resort here: Sheepy’s Surfside Beach Resort

A NOT-SO EARLY MORNING DIP AT DAHICAN BEACH

Just seven minutes away from Sheepy’s Surfside Beach Resort is a popular beach destination in Mati. We went to Dahican Beach the next day for a morning dip. Dahican Beach is a crescent-shaped, 7-km stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Strong waves are noticeable as it crashes into the shoreline. No wonder why Dahican is also known as a surfing and skim boarding destination. If you wish to surf, you can hire a surf instructor and rent a surfboard.

I did not attempt to surf nor go farther into the sea water. I tried, but somehow, I got scared kasi sobrang natatangay ako ng alon. Still, I enjoyed it at the shore even with just enough of sea water crashing through me. Besides, my friends were fun to be with, so no dull moments.

Also, there were moments of you know, muni-muni – reflecting and appreciating the beautiful scenery, which by the way was indeed very relaxing. It totally cleared my cluttered thoughts in mind. I never thought that I will be having the chance to see and experience this place. Yeah, just me being grateful. 🙂

LUNCH AT PENONG’S BEFORE HEADING BACK TO DAVAO CITY

Before we head back to Davao City, we went to Penong’s for lunch. Penong’s Barbeque Seafood Grill is a well-known restaurant in Davao. In fact, they have a lot of branches scattered all over Davao City and in other places such as Kidapawan, General Santos, and Zamboanga.

Penong’s is not just limited to grilled food. They also serve other dishes like kinilaw, binagoongang baboy, adobong kangkong, and a lot more which you can find on their menu. Their inato meals, which comes with an unlimited rice, would probably be the popular ones especially their chicken barbeque.

My friends and I tried their Inato meals. I had Inato 5. It includes a quarter of chicken barbeque, pork barbeque, atchara, and unlimited rice. Aba, masarap nga ang chicken BBQ nila, and the pork BBQ too.

We also ordered pinakbet and pritong isol (chicken ass) for sharing. I actually like their pinakbet. Even though there is ampalaya on it, it did not taste bitter. Lastly, let’s not forget the dessert, Pinoy halo-halo! Indeed, I enjoyed all the food I ate. I would recommend trying this restaurant when in this region.

HOW TO GET TO MATI CITY

1. Book a flight to Davao City. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Air Asia caters daily flights to Davao.
2. From Davao International Airport, go to Ecoland Transport Terminal and take a bus to Mati, Davao Oriental.
3. Alight at Mati City Bus Terminal. From there, you can ride a tricycle to go to one place to another around the city. Jeepneys are available as well if traveling from Mati to neighboring towns.

REQUIREMENTS NEEDED UPON ENTRY TO MATI

Note: Always check for updates on the requirements needed before traveling to Mati, Davao Oriental. We went here during the month of May 2022 so this might no longer be applicable.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the following requirements are needed to be submitted and presented upon entry to Davao Oriental:

1. Booking Confirmation Slip (2 copies needed – one copy will be submitted at the checkpoint and the other one is for the resort)
2. Travel Manifest Form
3. Valid ID
4. VaxCert or vaccination Card (no need for Covid-19 swab testing if fully vaccinated)
5. Davao Oriental QR Code (when we went, it was no longer required)

There will be two checkpoints. The first one is where you will be submitting and presenting the requirements stated above. After which, they will provide you a pass, which you have to submit at the second checkpoint. 

As for our case, we were traveling via a private vehicle. After our booking has been placed with Sheepy’s Surfside Beach Resort, they sent us the booking confirmation slip and travel manifest form via email. Then, I filled-out the necessary information needed and printed two copies of the booking confirmation slip and one copy of the travel manifest form.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT OR DO IN MATI

Our trip to Mati was short, thus we were not able to explore more of it. But here are some other places or things to do in Mati:

• Drop by the Provincial Capitol Building
• Visit Subangan Museum
• Fly on an ultralight plane
• Waniban Island
• Pujada Island
• Oak Island

WHERE TO STAY IN MATI

Here are some of the beach resorts in Mati:

• Tropical Kanakbai
• Dahican Surf Resort
• Sheepy’s Surfside Beach Resort
• Surf’s Up

Aside from the beach resorts, you can also find cheaper accommodations in the city proper.

So, that’s how our trip to Mati was. Very short, but fun! I wish we had more time exploring the city and nearby municipalities. The driving was challenging due to the weather condition, but I find it a memorable experience. Overall, I absolutely enjoyed our trip to Mati.

OTHER BLOG POST YOU MAY BE INTERESTED

• A Quick Stop at the Sleeping Dinosaur View Deck in Mati, Davao Oriental
• Sheepy’s Surfside Beach Resort, Mati, Davao Oriental
• Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte (Travel Guide and Sample Itinerary)
• La Vida Hostel: A Budget Friendly Accommodation in Samal Island
• Malagos Garden Resort: What to Do and Expect in this Garden Resort in Davao City
• Malagos Chocolate Park and Museum