Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines

     Mati is said to be the only city in the Province of Davao Oriental. The estimated hours of traveling from Davao City proper (Davao del sur) to Mati City is 5 hours. If you're in Bangoy International Airport (Davao's airport), all you have to do is to ride a taxi or jeep heading to Davao Bus Terminal. Then ask someone in charge at the bus terminal what bus are you going to ride to Mati City. Most of the bus that travels to Mati is Bachelor Express Bus- the yellow bus. Don't forget to ask the conductor how much is the fare. 

     As we plan to go to Mati, we have our own car to visit the place. So I'm not really sure about the exact bus fare from Davao city proper to Mati City. 

     Along the way, you will encounter the S-curve lines on the road. There is also a place for you to stop over and see the amazing Sleeping Dragon, rawr! hehehe
 

The Sleeping Dragon

     You can see this tourist spot (Sleeping Dragon) beside the main road almost reaching Mati. 

Masao Beach has a clear water during mornings.

     The resort we stay in for overnight was in Cinco Masao Beach. They have cottages that cost Php 200 pesos per night with a maximum of 15 persons. They also have private rooms with aircon that costs Php 1,000 per night.

     I appreciate the beach by morning. They really looked like a clear pool. During morning it is high-tide and during afternoon its low-tide. 

     The place that I really wanted to visit was the Waniban Island (a must visit beach - just at the front of Masao Beach). Unfortunately, we changed the plan because our finance in charge didn't want to spend 1,000 for the boat ride (haaay!). I was kinda disappointed because I expected it during my plan. But still I choose to enjoy my day. 

     The next place we visit is the famous Dahican Beach Resort. Dahican is actually a Barangay in Mati. It is a well-known place for skim boarding. I actually planned to try skimmed board but we were running out of time and aside from that it's still mid-noon. So no instructor by that time. If you notice the sand is quite elevated, so during high tide there were big waves near the shoreline... 

     I was really amazed by the color of the sea. A gradient turquoise to dark blue. God is so majestic!  Words cannot even describe how beautiful His creations! 

     This was taken at the park. I cannot remember what particular park is this.. But I think this is the only park they have since Mati is a small city.

Order in advance for the BEST EMPANADA in town!

     Of all Empanada I taste, the Mati's style of Empanada is the winner! They have the best Empanada in town, I swear! You cannot purchase Empanada immediately without ordering the day before you bring it home.