Dapitan City's Dakak Park and Beach Resort

View of Dakak cove from the Repeater

This question goes to the people of my age: did you ever dream of going to Dakak when you were younger? As far as I can remember, there was an ad before about Dakak Resort running over and over during commercial breaks of a popular noontime show. Mom would tell me it’s Mindanao’s version of Boracay. I told myself that I would visit the place when I get older.

When my passion for traveling started, the thought of visiting Dakak never crossed my mind again until I chanced upon discounted plane tickets for Dipolog. After purchasing the tickets I looked for places that can be visited within Dipolog and the neighboring areas and apparently, Dakak is one of them.

Dakak Park and Beach Resort is a huge resort located off the coast of Sulu Sea in Taguilon, Dapitan City in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. The resort started its operation in 1988. No wonder I got negative comments from other people when I told them I was going to the resort, saying that the place is too old and has lost its charm. I wanted to prove them wrong but found limited information about the resort on the internet. Also, the resort’s old website was already inactive. Good thing I found TravelSmart, a travel agency which does bookings for Dakak. I was also able to check Dakak’s Facebook page. TravelSmart offers rooms and packages for individuals and even large groups. I booked a Barkadahan Room package for an overnight stay. My group paid 5,600 pesos plus a 224-peso credit card booking fee which was already good for 4 people. The package included a stay in a deluxe room, roundtrip transfers, buffet breakfast, use of some of the resort’s facilities, and 4 complimentary tickets to Gloria’s Fantasyland.**As of July 2012, the barkadahan package costs 6,600 pesos, good for four persons.

Our deluxe accommodation

The van was already in the airport when we arrived. A 45-minute drive brought us to the resort which was indeed quite far from the city proper. We checked-in in no time and placed our bags in the room that was assigned to us. It was built on the slope of a hill. It was quite a long walk from the reception area to the room, but it was convenient since the path was paved and the view was great. The deluxe room had a native theme. It had 2 double beds, sofa, airconditioning, television, a spacious bathroom, and a veranda. Though a bit far from the reception area, room service was just a phone call away.

Double beds

TV and living area

Before heading out to the beach my group decided to get some afternoon fix at the restaurant. Since our budget was limited and the food selections were expensive, we satisfied our hunger with sandwiches which, though not so special, were delicious and filling. We then proceeded to the beach area which was really gorgeous. I’ve heard (but failed to verify) that the white sand was just transported from some other place, but in all fairness, it looked inherent in the place. The resort is tucked in a cove bordered by lush mountains. We took advantage of the perfect sunlight and took pictures until it was almost sundown.

On the way to the resto

Is this the monte cristo?

Enjoying a relaxing view while dining

Emote emote ng konti.haha

Impressive shoreline

Friends

Relaxing to the nth level

Nearing sunset

After enjoying some time on the beach, we checked out the pools. There were quite a number of them but we only got to enjoy the kiddie pool (yeah, that’s right.haha) and the dive pool where I got to try platform diving for the first time (Coach Patrick said I was good. Achievement! Haha). Only my friend Joeper was allowed to use the Jacuzzi because he was the only one who brought swimming trunks.

First-class beachfront accommodation

Kiddie slides

Dive pool

The structures in the resort are tastefully designed, except for a few that seem to be out of theme. We were able to check out other structures and the other types of accommodation on the way to the Repeater. The Repeater is another attraction in Dakak that should not be missed. It is actually a viewing deck beside a communication tower located on top of a hill. Some 315 steps uphill may sound challenging (it is indeed challenging) but you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the resort, most especially the picturesque view of the cove once you get on top.  

The Repeater is on top of that hill

Another attraction on the rise

Free in-resort shuttle

The transfers were really useful as Dakak is quite distant from Dapitan City proper. On the other hand, the transfer service back to the city is offered until a little after lunchtime only. So if you plan to lounge longer on the beach area after checkout, you will have to spend for your own transportation. You can either pay the resort for a van service or, if you are adventurous enough like we are, rent a habal-habal (150 pesos per person) that can take you to the terminal where minibuses bound for Dipolog are located. Going back to the city, we rode motorcycles of the policemen who were off-duty and asked them to tour us a bit around Dapitan before bringing us to the bus terminal.

Watersports equipment available for rent

For some Italian fare, this is the place to go to!

Function hall

Beach beds

Dakak also has a resto-bar, duckpin bowling lanes, sports facilities, KTV bar, and souvenir shops. It offers buffet dinner with cultural show during weekends (around 500 pesos). Tours can also be arranged at the front desk. Staying overnight in the resort will never bore you.  

Disco bar in the form of a pirate ship

pool beds

Bread selection for breakfast

The resort did not disappoint us at all. It may not be as magnificent and lively as Boracay, but its unique appeal was just perfect for my group who wants to relax and enjoy the weekend. The facilities are world-class, service was prompt, and the resort itself was just amazing. Improvements are on their way, as seen from the ongoing construction during our visit. So expect a better Dakak in the future. At least now I already have proof that Dakak still has its charm despite its age.