Dapitan, a once sleepy town in Zamboanga Peninsula, is steadily becoming one of the booming travel destinations in the Philippines. Thanks to improvements in the tourism and public transport sectors, Dapitan City has made it to the list of premier tourist hotspots in most Philippine travel guides. The city lures foreign and local holidaymakers with its rich blend of natural and historical attractions. Dapitan, which welcomed around 300,000 tourists last year, is called the Shrine City of the Philippines.
Located some 650 kilometers from Manila, Dapitan served as the exile home of Dr. Jose Rizal from July 17, 1892 to July 31, 1896. It is no wonder, then, that practically all Dapitenos, both young and old, know more about the national hero than the average Filipino. Rizal Shrine is the primary tourist attraction in Dapitan. The 16-hectare estate in Barangay Talisay harbors numerous memorabilia of Rizal and replica of houses that he built for himself, his relatives, and his students. Getting to the Rizal Shrine is relatively cheap and easy. Just hail a tricycle and it will bring you to the historic landmark in about ten minutes. Some of the points of interest in the shrine are Casa Cuadrada, Casitas de Salud, and the Aqueduct.
After taking a trip down memory lane, relax and unwind at the famous Dakak Park Beach Resort. This world-class accommodation in Taguilon is located just 15 minutes from the Rizal Shrine. The privately owned is a favorite among foreign and local visitors like because of its white-sand beach that is perfect for swimming and diving. Various vacation packages are available at Dakak Park Beach Resort, which serves sumptuous meals all day long. Certainly, dining and staying at Dakak won