Monday, May 9, 2016

The Wonders of my Province

Zamboanga Del Norte's Wonders


The Sungkilaw Falls of Zamboanga del Norte

     Zamboanga del Norte is a land still considered mysterious as it contains many hidden wonders still awaiting discovery. One such wonder people from far and wide have sought to gaze upon is Sungkilaw Falls, which is located in the barangay of Diwan in Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte. The spot is developed by the City Government with the help and support of the Subanen , a peace-loving native people dwelling in the vicinity.

    From quite an elevation, one can feel the sheer power of nature as white water cascades down against the side of a weathered rock formation and splashing with force upon the waiting pool below, with mist adding mystique to the view. A viewing deck nearby gives one a great vantage point to better appreciate the entirety of the falls. Some distance away is a path with stairs descending into the length of the falls. 

    At the base is a pool where the water collects before flowing off again. Here, visitors can bath in the clear, cold water from the many natural springs upstream. 

   Several structures are constructed in the area such as cottages and comfort rooms and on-going beautification in some parts of the falls for a convenient and relaxing stay for tourists. Trails are also prepared for comfortable walks under the dense forest.

   With this and more, Sungkilaw Falls should definitely be in anyone's itinerary when visiting the beautiful province of Zamboanga del Norte.


     
Dakak Park and Beach Resort

    Dakak Park and Beach Resort is the closes place to paradise one could ever experience, with it's beauty and serenity. Dakak started operation on 1988, was conveniently positioned in the southern part of the philippines and surrounded by mountains in its west. Situated at Taguilon, Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte, Dakak tactfully eludes the typhoon belt, making it an ideal all-season destination for travelers. 

    Dakak is the first five-star resort in Mindanao with an "AAA" accreditation from the Department of Tourism, located along a private 750 meter white sand and beach. From the original 2 (two) cottages, it has expanded into 64 cottages with 128 fully-furnished rooms in native duplex type bungalows of bamboo and nipa leaves with capiz shell window panels; and three (3) Family Pavillion with 30 family rooms and one (1) Presidential Suite. 


     Aliguay

     Aliguay is an island in the Philippines, and a barangay of Dapitan City. The island is under the custody of the Philippine Navy and is an established marine sanctuary. The island is surrounded by white sand beaches and coral reefs. There are no water sources on the island. A few residents live on Aliguay Island, mostly selling fish to tourists.


Sicayab Beach 

    Skim boarding or skimming is what Sicayab Beach is known for. Nature has provided Sicayab with fine gray sand, perfect waves, and the relaxing view of the sea – all perfect for skimming.Skim board enthusiast not only in the province but also from the surrounding regions flock the beach especially during weekend to experience its sand and waves. This has also become the newest sport in the city.

    Aside from skim boarding, the beach also has a lot of things to boast of.
Long Stretch of Sand
   The beach is endowed with about seven kilometers of irresistible fine gray sand, providing more space for tourist to enjoy. You can lie down in the sand or take a leisurely walk around the beach barefoot.

Golden Sunset
    The beach has one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. The sun, looking like a huge disc of red, orange, and yellow going down to the horizon creates a perfect romantic mood for lovers.
Sicayab Cliff
     Just four kilometres away from the beach is the Sicayab Cliff. The constantly lapping of the waves and the sea breeze successfully sculpted these limestones forming into stunning and unlikely rock formations perfect for a back drop. If you’re in for a more adventure, conquer your fear of heights and climb the cliff.
     To reach Dipolog City from Manila or Cebu, you simply need to take the flight to the city or take the ferry from Cebu or Dumaguete to Palauan Port in Dapitan. From the city’s airport or wharf, you can hire a local transportation to reach Sicayab Beach.


Dapitan Bay 

   Dapitan Bay is located in Zamboanga del Norte and has a stretch of clean beach on the northern section of the poblacion, with sunsets more beautiful than the fabled ones at Manila Bay. 

   Dapitan Bay is perfectly safe for swimming because the water depth is gradual with no undertow.

Cogon Jungle Adventure

     It is a thickly forested area of around 300 hectares, which is ideal for mountaineering, hiking, and nature buffs. The pristine experience it offers of venturing into a truly unspoiled showcase of nature is not to be missed. The government-preserved site is located at Barangay Cogon, about 25 kilometers from Dipolog City proper.

     
    Barangay Daro

    It commands a breathtaking view of the Sulu Sea north and east of the city, stretching as far as the municipality of Sibutad in Zamboanga del Norte and Balingao in Misamis Occidental.


Olingan Beach

     A public beach that stretches for eight kilometers, its gray sand beach is a favorite of bathers, swimmers, and picknickers during weekends and holidays. It is located only 5 kilometers from downtown Dipolog.



Holy Rosary Cathedral

It was erected by the Spanish friars sometime in 1895, before Dipolog City became a municipality. Records show that the cathedral altar was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal, who was still serving the tenure of his Dapital exile in those years.



Rizal Shrine

      Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal spent his last four years in exile in Dapitan. His original estate here has been declared a national shrine and is being administered by the National Historical Institute. Hence, the city monicker, "Shrine City of the Philippines." By the year 2020, Dapitan is poised to become the Dr. Jose Rizal Heritage Center of the Philippines, owing to the wealth of Rizal memorabilia and memorable places associated with the hero.



Sinulog and Kinabayo

    (July 24-25). It is a two-day celebration of the annual patronal feast of St. James. The Sinulog is a dance procession while the Kinabayo is an exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish Wars, particularly, the Battle of Covadonga. During this battle, the Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last stand against the Saracens. They were able to reverse the tide of the war with the miraculous apparition of St. James, the Apostle. The addition of local color and innovations make this annual revelry a popular attraction drawing crowds to the city.

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