A Short Trip to Dipolog City | DIY Travel Guide
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Dipolog City is located in the province of Zamboanga Del Norte. It is known as the Gateway to Western Mindanao. Famous for its Spanish Sardines from Sulu Sea. Other than that, we know little about the place. So when I had a chance to explore what Dipolog has to offer, I took the opportunity even if I only have a day to spend.
From Manila, I took a direct flight to Dipolog City. The landing in Dipolog was incredible. During the descent, I remember the plane was nearly sideways turning to the right. It was flying pretty low as I can see through the window that the plane was close to the water. Once the plane landed, you can see the water next to the runway.
There are a handful of accommodations in Dipolog City. I stayed at C&L Sea View Hotel.
It was easy to explore Dipolog City because you can rent a tricycle for a tour. It was already late afternoon, so I wasted no time and started my DIY Dipolog adventure. Based on what the driver/tour guide told me, I have 2 options: go to Sungkilan Falls or hike Linabo Peak. For a change, I decided to skip the water adventure and went to Linabo Peak.
Linabo Peak is just outside Dipolog City Proper. When we arrived at the drop-off point, I noticed that there were no tourist in the area. From what I learned this hike doesn’t need a tour guide because there’s a concrete stairway to the peak. My driver also told me that it was an easy hike so I didn’t even bother buying additional water for this activity.
I can say that the first part of the hike was relaxing. The pathway was surrounded by a dense forest. You can hear the melody of birds, insects and leaves rustling. Then the mood slowly shifted as the hike started to take its toll on me. 3,003 steps was no joke especially when you didn’t prepare for one. I struggled to reach the top. I remember thinking about quitting several times. As I climb higher, my pace gets slower and slower.
After several hours of hiking, I finally reached the summit – 486 MASL. I forgot how tired I was when I saw the view of Dipolog City and Sulu Sea – It was breathtaking.
Took some videos and setup my GoPro for a time-lapse. Then, I used the time waiting to regain my strength. With no water left, I continued the 2nd half of the activity – which is the descent.
I’ve completed the whole hike for more than 4 hours. It was a challenging activity but the view at the end was very rewarding. What I don’t like about the experience was the communication tower placed at the peak – It ruined the view.
Still soaked in sweat, we continued our Dipolog tour to the heart of the city. We stopped at Magsaysay Park to check Dipolog Cathedral or Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral.
After that, I’ve asked the driver to end the tour in Dipolog Sunset Boulevard – The longest one in Mindanao. Facing Sulu Sea, Dipolog Boulevard is perfect for sunset.
Here, I’ve checked the restaurants and food stalls in the area so I have an idea where to eat dinner. Then walked a little bit and observed how locals spend their afternoon. Then, I looked for a good spot and setup my GoPro for a time-lapse of the sunset.
For dinner, I’ve tried Chapters Book Cafe. A coffee shop with an Alice in Wonderland atmosphere. This Cafe do serve rice meals, pasta, etc. What I like about the place: Affordable and Decent Serving.
This was a very short trip. I plan to visit Dakak, Sungkilan Falls and the other tourist attractions of Dipolog on my next visit.
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DIPOLG CITY
The best time to visit Dipolog City is January and May. January is the peak of tourism in Dipolog because of the Sinulog sa Dipolog Festival. This happens every 3rd Saturday of January.
In May, Dipolog celebrates the Pagsalabuk Festival. The word Pagsalabuk means “Get Together”. This is to celebrate the different ethnicities in Zamboanga.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO DIPOLOG CITY
Comfortable Outfit
Swimwear
Sandals / Slippers
Hiking shoes / Rubber shoes
Camera / Action Cam
Tumbler
Dry bag
Protection from the sun
HOW TO GET TO DIPOLOG CITY FROM MANILA
The fastest way to Dipolog City from Manila is via a direct flight. Flight time is 1 hour 30 minutes.
DIPOLOG CITY BUDGET AND ITINERARY
The estimated budget for an overnight trip to Dipolog City is around Php3,500.00 per person. Assuming the accommodation is Php2,000.00 per night with breakfast included. Also, a Php200.00 budget for 4 meals. Air fare not included.
Half Day Tour – Php500.00
I do not know the standard pricing of tours in Dipolog City. I’ve settled for what I think a reasonable price for my trip.
NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING DIPOLOG CITY
Going around Dipolog City is easy. Mode of Transportation is Tricycle.
You can rent a tricycle for a tour of Dipolog.
Food is affordable.
There are ATMs in the town proper.
Credit card is accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops. But still bring cash.
Signal is not a problem in Dipolog City.
Respect the locals.
Follow your tour guide’s advice before going places.
DIPOLOG CITY TRAVEL TIPS
If you plan to hike Linabo Peak, bring extra shirt.
Looking for Pasalubong? Specialty is Montano Spanish Sardines.
You can do a Dapitan side trip from Dipolog City.
Do not leave trash behind.
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”
Exploring Mirador Heritage and Eco-Spirituality Park.