Dakak Beach Resort Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte

It was a long anticipated trip to Dapitan City, the home of Jose Rizal in exile for four years, via Dipolog City that made the trip to Dakak Park and Beach Resort possible for Tutubi. After a hard days work, Tutubi hied off to a gem of Zamboanga del Norte.

The road to Dakak was said to be unpaved and rocky, something unexpected for a tourism magnet, but this time, construction's in full blast of a long winding road leading to the resort with the road blocked by payloaders, dumptrucks and backhoes.

Tutubi checked in early, booked a twin-sharing room for PhP2800.00 (standard room rate) that was upgraded to a super-deluxe at no extra charge. He snoozed off his first 1.5 hours then later took pictures before sunset but never bothered to take a splash in the swimming pool nor the beach, something unusual for him.

Dakak's main lobby

Tutubi's room at Dakak Beach Resort

Dakak Restaurant sporting a Subanen architectural style evident in the roof design

part of Dakak's long white sand beach sans people as there were only few people at the resort when Tutubi checked in

Dakak Beach Resort lies on a cove with exclusive beach front of white sand beach about 800 meters long with coconut trees, talisay et al lining the beach front.

Chirping birds are usual sounds you hear while you can see butterflies freely flying around the resort complex, testament to the preserved environment surrounding the place.

Sunset at Dakak Park and Beach Resort

On the origin of the name dakak, when Tutubi inquired from the front desk personnel, dakak is an onomatopeia, it originated from the sound of local birds that thrive in the area, even up to now, that why locals call the place as such.

Dakak Beach Resort Review:

Facilities are generally clean: about 800 meters of fine white sand beach, two swimming pools (one with a man-made waterfalls), basketball court, two souvenir shops, a bar shaped like a sinking ship and a main building showcasing Subanen architecture.

Dakak's one of two swimming pools has a man-made waterfalls

Looking for things to do in Dakak? Activities: swimming, beach volleyball, jet skii, kayaking, snorkeling, island-hopping to Aliguay Island, gambling, scuba diving, drinking, eating, sleeping :P

Rooms have Filipino ambiance all over the place with native huts (bahay kubo) and interior walls made of banig (native sleeping mats) and sawali ceilings. Even the bathroom, dresser and refrigerator are made to look native with rattan fittings. A glass wall divides the toilet from the shower room, no bath tub, but with 24/7 hot water available.

Service was ok with courteous staff very accommodating and helpful. Waiters would fill your glass promptly, without you asking for it, with natural mineral water sourced from the nearby mountain spring.

Food takes quite a while to be served since it's not a fast-food restaurant. Generally ok, nothing outstanding though, only bulalo was the disappointment after is was served not too piping hot and tasted more like nilagang baka.

Dakak restaurant menu sample consists of usual Filipino cuisine where food prices are comparable to ordinary Manila restaurant food prices. A typical meal costs PhP300.00/person up and breakfast breakfast of cornsilog/tapsilog/chicksilog cost around PhP130.00. For budgetary purposes, allocate PhP1000/day/person stay at Dakak, not cheap for the peso-pinching Tutubi but it's ok since his companion's company paid for it-- it's free!

There's a cultural show every night, around 7:30pm, at the restaurant but instead of showcasing local Filipino culture, performers danced to the beat of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori and Samoan beats. Dakak management ought to stop this and instead focus on Filipino culture starting with the local Subanon (Subanen) the indigenous, river-dwelling tribe of Zamboanga Peninsula.

For cheap Dakak packages, recommend you get in touch with the organizers of Buklod Dapitan that includes a 3D/2N accommodations at Dakak Beach resort plus tours to Dapitan and Rizal Shrine. Requires minimum of 10 persons though for a package.

Overall, Dakak Park and Beach Resort is not your typical backpacker haven, it's expensive and suited more for family vacations to while away time. Its exclusivity is a big plus though in addition to the presence of Dakak casino for gamblers to spend time-- and burn money!

Dakak Park and Beach Resort Information for bookings, reservations and inquiries:

Ortigas Office (Metro Manila):
Suite 701 State Finance Center BLDG.
Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City
Telephone Number: +63.2.721.1461
Telefax No.: +63.2.721.2726

Taguilon, Dapitan City
Mobile Number: +63.919.795.9416
+63.915.318.5238
Contact Number: +63.65.213.6813

email: mailto:dakak28@yahoo.com

Dakak Beach Resort Official Website: wwu.dakakdapitan.com

How to get to Dakak Beach Resort:

To get to Dakak, you either fly in to Dipolog City (or alternately take a ferry to Dapitan or Dipolog) where resort personnel will fetch you if you're a reserved check-in guest.

There are no public transportation to the resort but there are habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) available said to cost PhP50.00/head or higher depending on your negotiating skills. Walk-in guests or day tours of Dakak Beach Resort costs PhP200.00/person inclusive of welcome refreshment.

UPDATED: April 2013