#waniban

[dylanuy]

Waniban Island, City of Mati

[alaskagirl]

Holiday at Pujada Bay

Here's a recent getaway - right around before the quarantine started. Last February 25th, it was a national holiday. My workmates planned an outing a month before and I was so eager to go with since I badly wanted to take photos plus I wanted to go to the beach.

You may also read all about it here.

In actual, I was kinda hesitant a few days before the 25th for the reason that I was feeling lazy. Thankfully, my laziness didn't get to me. 

Woke up early because the call time was 7 am but we left around 7:30. The port we were heading to was quite far. It took almost an hour before we arrive. Once we got there, there were complications as to how much we'd be paying due to miscommunication. We waited for awhile and tried to settle and finally we were off to Pujada Bay!

The travel took also about an hour. When we arrived, we settled our things first and had brunch. My mind was already set to just chill and take photos and try to vlog. So I went out to explore and did took photos. It was quite unfortunate though because it was not something that I expected. The bay wasn't fully developed yet. Although, the water was clear and the sand was fine. Overall, it wasstill a good place to chill. Oh and Pujada Bay is actually considered as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Amazing!

We didn't stay long because we planned on visiting Waniban Island as well. We passed by it before arriving at the bay and it was nearer to the port. It was smaller than the bay, and actually I like it better. The water was colder and the sand was finer. There was a spot where I considered instagram worthy. Looking at it, it's like it's not found in the Philippines. Haha! Again, I only took photos and this time some photos of me as well.  (´ ∀ ` *)

It was definitely one for the books and I’m glad I was able to go here with my workmates. I can’t wait to go back here with my friends! 

Also, I made a video all about it and you can watch it here!

[travelersgram-blog]

BLUE BLESS BEACH RESORT in Mati, Davao Oriental

Blue Bless Beach Resort is one of the new and famous beach resort in Mati City. It is situated at Sitio Pitugo, Barangay Bobon, Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines. The resort has their floating cottages on a cliff and has a view of the blue waters that is really inviting. It has several other amenities including convenience store near the floating cottages, billiard tables, closed and open cottages and a resto bar. They have kid’s pool and a pool with jacuzzi, superhero statues like America, Batman, Iron man and more.  The water is very calm and clear plus the food they offer are delicious. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunset view while dining. The resort has a boat that will take you to Waniban Island if you want to go island hoping. 

You may rent the floating cottages or rent a room if you want to stay overnight and they have water floaters you can borrow.The resort also gives the best service because they have life guard and attendant all over the place if you need assistance.

How to get there:

You can ride a bus or van from Davao City and it will take around 2.5 to 4 hours ride. The blue bless is around 12 KM away from city proper so you need to ride a motorcycle (also known as habal-habal) or multicab to finally reach the resort.

Rates: 

Entrance Fee – Php 30.00 Adult /  Php 15.00 Children

Function Hall -50 Persons (Php 3,500.00/Whole day event only)

Swimming pool - Php 150 for adults and Php 80 for kids

Cottage Rates:   

           2 pax -- Php 1,500            4 pax -- Php 3,000

           6 pax -- Php 4,000        

           8 pax -- Php 5,500            12 pax -- Php 8,00            17 pax -- Php 12,000

You may visit their Facebook page for more details.

https://www.facebook.com/BlueBlessBeachResortOfficial/

PHOTO CREDITS: https://www.instagram.com/tooth_de_kayee/

SOURCE: http://stupefyingtrips.blogspot.com/2016/11/davao-oriental-blue-bless-beach-resort.html

https://thedailyroar.com/asia/philippines/blue-bless-beach-resort-mati-city-in-southern-mindanao/

[wanders-nowhere]

Davao Oriental

Sleeping Dinosaur

Dahican Surf Resort

Waniban Island

San Victor Island

Banganga Beaches

Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park

These are all the spots I already visited. I'm still hoping for more trips since there are more to explore in Davao Oriental.

[chrisvincentnation]

Hello, #summer2021 🌺🍃🌊 #sirdamz #everythingispossible2021 (at Waniban Island, Mati City) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL8juibBdU5/?igshid=1psseohxttkbz

[olanvm]

meet in mati . . .

Mati comes from the Mandayan word Maa-ti which refers to the town's creek that easily dries up even after heavy rain. Pioneer settlers were tribes Kalagan, Mandayan, and Maranao which carried strong Arabic and Indo-Malayan influences.

i have been planning so many times visiting this city pero mahirap as there are no direct flight going here, one has to go to davao city so when i got extra days in one of my davao trip, i made sure to see the place.

The City of Mati is the capital of Davao Oriental Province, which is located in the south-eastern most of the Philippines. It is bordered by Compostela Valley to the west and the Philippine Sea and the rest of the Pacific waters to the east. It is composed of 26 barangays, which is the smallest political unit in the Philippines.

This popular land formation resembles a giant prehistoric creature resting in the seawater, facing the expanse of Pujada Bay. Though it is visible from other areas, Brgy. Badas offers the best vantage point to see this attraction more clearly. An early morning trek in the area offers not just the view of the “Sleeping Dino” itself but the spectacular 360° view of the surrounding area – the green grasses and trees, the serenity of the bay, the fresh air, and the cool morning breeze (meanttogo.com).

From Davao City, disembark in Brgy. Badas, which is located a few kilometers before Mati City Proper. Just tell your driver to drop you off at Dinosaur Viewing Deck.

Dahican has become popular for its 7-km long stretch of white sand beach – that is way longer than Boracay’s. It also attracts visitors who are into skimboarding and surfing because of the big waves (the thing you can expect from an area facing the pacific waters) generated. But you can do a lot more than what those mentioned above when you are in Dahican. There are plenty of resorts, accommodations, and fun activities in the area that can make your stay enjoyable and relaxing (meanttogo.com)

unfortunately, i was not able to see surfers since not in season but the place is known for this . . .

When you are traveling to Mati, island hopping should be part of your itinerary. Get a chance to experience the amazing sandbar of the Oak Island, enjoy the crystal clear water and the powdery beachline of Pujada Island, and be fascinated by the awesome rock formations in Waniban Island. All these can be done in a single day (meanttogo.com)

My original plan is just to see the dahican beach which is known for surfing but since it not in the season, i opted to avail island hopping, it maybe costly but worth it.

oak island and sandbar. . .

pujada island . . .

waniban island . . .

other interesting sites in the area . . . a must!

catch the sun sets . . .

it might be long and tiring land travel but its all here in mati . . 

see more : http://meanttogo.com/mati-travel-guide-things-to-do-sample-itinerary-budget/

[jasfhercallejo]

It's easy to pass a lesser known place like Mati as an uninteresting travel destination. But like a new book waiting to be read, this hidden city in Davao Oriental is filled with unexpected surprises just waiting to be discovered. It’s so easy to fall in love with Dahican -- a 7-km stretch of open beach surrounded by tall coconut trees, fine sand and powerful waves. Popular with surfers, skimboarders and plain beach enthusiasts alike, people continuously flock to the crescent-shaped coastline to enjoy this simple, unspoiled slice of paradise. In fact, the Amihan Boys, a local group made up of international skimboarding champions and amateurs, regularly practice their moves here. Get free entertainment as you watch them practice! 

 Unfortunately, there weren’t any waves for surfing, so me and my friend JM just enjoyed swimming on its calm, warm waters hinted with small waves.

We stayed in Amihan in Dahian. The best thing about this plaec is that there's nothing intimidating about it. Instead, you will immediately feel the friendly atmosphere and relaxed mood in the resort that made me feel I'm one of the locals. The people there were respectful and very friendly so I got to talk with some of them. I also praise Amihan for their conservation activities such as the provision of area for the hatching of sea turtles, and their efforts for responsible diving and snorkeling. Compared to friendliness of people in Elyu or Zambales, Davao Oriental definitely tops.

We didn’t really have Cinco Masau in our itinerary, but my friend said it’s worth the visit while I’m still in Davao. It’s not your average “luxury” resort, but it definitely has something to offer to both tourists and nature trippers. It has a unique long row of red-roofed cottages that stands near the bay where one can have a stunning view of the surrounding waters. One can also have a breathtaking view of the mountains that encircles the Pujada Bay.  Visitors can bring their own food and/or cook (limitedly) within the resort. They have grilling stations and most of the cottages have sinks.  If you want to go on an island hopping to nearby islands such as Waniban, Pujada and Oak island, the resort offers motorized boats that can be hired.

True enough, this place is a perfect escapade to have and bond with your family, friends or colleagues. It is a place where you can enjoy the tranquility of the nature.

While en route to Mati, visitors and travelers are greeted with a beautiful view of an island that resembles a plesiosaur-shaped dinosaur sleeping on its belly in Badas Point, Barangay Dawan. It is called the Sleeping Dinosaur Island.  What makes the island even more impressive is the lush greenery thriving abundantly on the island. The hike with kuya Roger took us an hour going to peak, and another hour going back. That was nonstop stories about other travelers who went here to hike, and a lot more stories about the Martial law (which we experienced first hand). It was tiring, but reaching peaks of mountains has a great sense of accomplishment and meditation. It was an awesome experience.

Davao Oriental is indeed a true gift from heavens. It has a lot of hidden gems that are teeming with abundant flora and fauna, but then again, I think Davao is never safe with huge developments and is vulnerable to destruction. There are many ways to make a good amount of money here that are eco friendly and with minimal impact on the environment. I can only pray that the decision makers of this town will brainstorm on how they can further maintain and even improve the beauty and cleanliness of this paradise. There is good money in legitimate and responsible eco tourism.

[itstanyad]

Thank you Luv 😘. #happykid #sticko #cheeserolls #superstick #childhood #mychinito #island #beach #whitesand #blacksand #familyday (at Waniban Island, Pujada Bay) https://www.instagram.com/itstanyad/p/BwheUREnsxz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2zdb6w4nuooc

[phgq]

Pujada Bay validators arrive in Mati City

#PHnews: Pujada Bay validators arrive in Mati City

DAVAO CITY -- Two foreign validators from the Most Beautiful Bays in the World (MBBW) Club arrived in Mati City, Davao Oriental, on Wednesday.

MBBW founder and manager Bruno Bodard, together with MBBW treasurer Guy Ettiene Rousset, is in Mati for the validation of Pujada Bay’s inclusion in its "Most Beautiful Bays in the World" list.

Bodard and Rousset will visit several areas within the Pujada Bay in the next days before flying back to their headquarters in Europe., said Mayor Michelle Rabat.

Rabat hopes the application to include Pujada Bay in the MBBW list would be approved.

"The Pujada Bay’s inclusion in the prestigious list would boost the tourism industry not just in the City of Mati but the province as well," the mayor said.

The Davao Oriental team presented the Pujada Bay application to join the club during the MBBW congress in Japan last October.

The Philippines is among the 26-member countries of the club, with Puerto Galera Bay as the lone bay in the country included in the official MBBW list.

In 1994, the Pujada Bay Landscape and Seascape was declared as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) through Presidential Proclamation No. 431. This was reinforced by Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (E-NIPAS) approved by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Areas protected under this law are those with “national significance characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through the recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of these areas”. Covering about 20,0887.43 hectares of protected landscapes and seascapes,

Pujada Bay is bounded by the Guang-guang Peninsula in the east and the Pujada Peninsula in the west.

Forming a cove, waters within the bay are marked with calmness being protected from the crashing waves of the open sea, an advantage which offers seafarers and fishermen a safe harbor in times of storms.

Within the bay are islets and small islands – two of them the Pujada Island at the mouth of the bay and the Waniban Island are famous and frequented by tourists for their powdery, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Pujada Bay validators arrive in Mati City." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090343 (accessed January 09, 2020 at 04:26AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Pujada Bay validators arrive in Mati City." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090343 (archived).

[elseinbetween]

September 19, 2019 | Pujada and Waniban Islands Mati City, Davao Oriental

Next in our fully packed itinerary was island hopping in Pujada Bay. Scoring out Oak due to high tide, we set off to Pujada under the September summer sun. According to Kuya Jerry, the island is privately owned but the caretaker gave us permission to dock and explore. Being the off-the-grid person of the barkada, I dig the place. Even with all its after-the-tsunami vibe. The crisp air, the turquoise waters, and the happy blue sky helped me enjoy this in-between. Every ocean deservers to be seen by you, self. Thank you for going.

We moved to Waniban after an hour or two ushered by a hungry pack of dogs. Sorry, pets, tag-gutom din ang mga titas. What I dislike about this island is that it’s not well-kept. Sayang. With its powdery white sands, sturdy mangroves and deep blue waters, it’s indeed a gem. Kung naalagaan lang sana. But I guess the best thing with having your girl friends around, you just naturally made the most of anything. Be it some toppled trees and bent down trunks and rocky or sandy shore lines. Oh, these girls just wanna have sun.

© Shantell Dolana

[captainairbender]

#TBT to this quick shot I did before we hightailed it out of the island after just arriving 'cause the occupants started arguing over the land (stone-throwing included) (at Waniban Island, Pujada Bay)

[supermarkypot]

Isla Waniban #BNDOnlinetraveldiary #DavaoOriental (at Waniban Island, Mati City)

[karacuin-blog]

jumpshots ni dwayne :)) naa si mama sa background. Zzzzzz

[phgq]

Mati City dive site documentation continues

#PHnews: Mati City dive site documentation continues

DAVAO CITY -- Documentation of possible diving sites in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental continues as divers from both the private and government sectors continue their search on their second week.

The activity was conducted on Saturday, where the participants came from the City Mayor’s Office (CMO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Red Cross, barangay officials of Tamisan, and Stefan Mikhail Rabat of the private sector.

It was conducted in the two dive sites in Barangay Tamisan, particularly in Waniban Island and Tagaliling- Tamisan MPA Managers and Fisherfolk's Association (TAMPAFAS) Marine Protected Area.

The two dive sites are located at the Pujada Bay Protected Area Seascape and Landscape, which was recently named as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

The activity aims to locate areas having rich biodiversity particularly the Coral Reef Richness and Diversity, to help promote tourism in Mati City.

In November, Mati lifted the banning of dive explorations in the city, as they revived the search for possible dive sites in Pujada and Mayo bays.

A statement said that the dive exploration started more than six years ago but was discontinued by the administration that replaced Mayor Michelle Rabat in 2013 until 2019.

Now that she is back on the seat, Rabat decided to revive the dive site exploration with the hope of boosting tourism in the city of Mati.

Over the weekend, businessman and diving enthusiast Miko Rabat, brother of the mayor, invited fellow divers Bong Chavez and Curtis Cooper to explore Manggihay Beach in Pujada Bay.

In August, the Department of Tourism in Region 11 (DOT-11) held a series of dive validation activities in Mati City and the municipality of Tarragona, Davao Oriental which revealed more potential sites for diving operations. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Mati City dive site documentation continues." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087602 (accessed December 02, 2019 at 12:42AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Mati City dive site documentation continues." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087602 (archived).