Places: Revisiting Dipolog City 2012

The last time I visited the Orchid Garden of the Peninsula - Dipolog City was in 2002. When you speak of Dipolog and orchids come to mind. The exotic blooms are mirrors of the delightful city that preserves a blend of rustic countryside life with the growing buzz of urban growth.

The primary mode of transportation  in Dipolog City are tricycles (rates Php 7).. A single motorcycle services from the airport to the city is ranging from Php 30 - 60. The fare is negotiable.

Move around Dipolog by day and you see growth and development.It mingles with its landmarks and people. The seawall promenade experience gives you a sense of the pace of life-incessant like the waves yet serene in harmony with nature, laid back but purposive. Just like the city itself. Dipolog is being promoted as the sport fishing capital of Western Mindanao, and fishing charters are available for the intrepid and adventurous.

Beautiful Sunset at Dipolog Blvd.

Or try the city's other beaches like the stretch at Miputak or the gray beach of Galas.From the shores, move up to Dipolog's ecotourism and forest parks that delight the nature tripper, as does its 3003-step trek to the apex of Linabo Peak or Sungkilaw Falls. For basic mountaineering, adventurers can climb  the Puting Bato Peak.

3003 Steps to Linabo Peak

Sungkilaw Falls

The capital city of Zambianga del Norte is also replete with history. Its Holy Cathedral traces its beginning to 1895. Its architecture and ambiance bring the prayerful visitor a worship experience reminiscent of those years of the Sunday veils. The Santa Cruz Marker, its Tulwanan Village, and World War II mementoes walk the visitor through significant eras in the city's history and show a mix of cultures that make up the soul of the city.

Dipolog Cathedral

By Night, Diplolog transforms into party place. Drop by the Dipolog Boulevard area and sample street food like barbeque. You can do bar hopping in Dipolog as well. The VIP is like central in Manila, Karyll's Grille, Dayen Ihaw-Ihaw and Sites and Sound are like the usual bar in Malate or SM Bay area. For acoustic nights and delicious sisig, Cusina ni Binoys is the place to go. For coffee and mellow music, Cafe Isabelle is a good choice.

Accommodations are so many in Dipolog, For easy access to the financial and business sector of Dipolog City, Top Plaza Hotel is a perfect place to stay, Telephone numbers are +63 (65)2125777 and (65)2125888. However if you are in a tight budget, you may opt to go for a pension house. Antonio's Pension House is highly recommended. It is strategically located near the commercial areas and Dipolog boulevard. You may contact them at +63 (065) 9082159 or 09094892909 for reservation.

Best Breakfast - The American and Filipino themed breakfast at 7 Treasures Restaurant.
Must- Try - Add in the city's religious and commemorative festivals like the Sinulog, the San Vicente Ferrer Festival, and the Sardine Eating Spree during the Pagsalabuk Festival in May to see and experience Dipolog's culture and society at its best.


Best Buys - Dipolog boasts of a wide variety of seafood. Buy fresh and directly from the fisherman themselves. You can also go to the Pasalubong Center and check their novelty items, handicrafts, and the ever famous bottled spanish sardines (like Montano, Zaragoza, Nam Namm and Radon).