Beach for the Ber Months

It's nearing December, and rainy days and nights are here, but it's never too late to spend some time at the beach. My hubby and I promised ourselves that we'd go somewhere new at least once a year, and this year we haven't had the opportunity to make that trip. But great opportunities come at unexpected moments, so when October came and went, we figured we needed to celebrate our birthdays. What better way than to spend some time with the sun, sea and sand. With my BFF's and her boyfriend's birthdays also in October, we decided to do a double date, out-of-town trip. 

We've always wanted to visit Mati City. We planned a few years back, and it never happened. Going there was not the problem, the schedule was. We needed to look for a date that would meet our busy schedules. So with our hands full for the whole month of October, we ended up blocking off November 4. 

Mati City, pegged as the Coconut Capital of Mindanao, is the capital of Davao Oriental Region. It is located on the south-eastern side of Mindanao. We left Davao at sunrise. The trip to Mati from Davao via private vehicle takes roughly three hours; public vehicles (i.e. buses) take roughly four hours. It's an easy drive with cemented roads, rural scenery and fresh air. There's just a bit of a slow-down when you get past Lupon, nearing Mati, due to winding roads, but the scenic ocean view compensates for that. The Sleeping Dinosaur is also an added bonus to your trip, but our group didn't think of taking pictures. 

The famous spot in Mati where beach resorts abound can be located in Dahican, one of its barangays. When we got there, we had no idea which resort was worth going to, so we just asked around, though we saw a handful of ads along the way. This one guy recommended two resorts: one with a Php50 entrance fee, the other Php100, so we decided to check out the one with the cheaper fee. The name of the resort is Menzi Beach Park and Campsite. It was just a few meters away from where we asked around, and it had a huge signboard. We checked the place out and saw that it had good facilities, and most importantly was that the CR was kept clean, so we decided to make a go at it. 

Upon our entry, there was a personnel who made sure they attended to our inquiries and accompanied us to the check-in/payment counter. Parking was no obstacle as there was enough space allocated. There were cottages and tables that you can use with applicable rental fees. We took the cottage which costed Php300, which was a day tour rate, though they provide tents for rent for those who want to stay for the night. They also have a canteen, though I suggest you bring your own food and drinks, as items are more pricey compared to supermarket prices. I loved how the cottages were spaced apart that it wouldn't feel too crowded and privacy would somehow be maintained per group. There were also other cottages selling souvenir items, and a massage and spa cottage for those who want to get more out of their R&R. I loved how the cleanliness was maintained. Personnel emptied the trash bins per cottage/area from time to time. The management also made sure they maintained the natural ambiance by keeping the trees and other plants as is. 

Cottages and tables area

Parking spaces and payment/check-in counter (left side)

Dahican beach

The great thing about Dahican was that the beach area was open all throughout. Resorts did not block off their beaches so you have the freedom to roam and explore the shoreline. The locals also offer surfing and skimboarding lessons for Php400, so it's worth a try if you're a first timer or if you love water sports, or better yet, just wanted to try something new.

Skimboarding

Once we got to the cottage, we settled in quickly, had our breakfast and immediately went for a swim. The beach - breathtaking. The waves - surf-worthy. The sand - powder-like. I am used to wearing slippers while swimming in beaches, but this one was an exception. No slippers needed! The sand was so fine. There were some corals near the shore but once you go farther, it's just pure sand. The water was so blue and so clear, and the sun was shining high - definitely a great day to be at the beach. Even though it was low tide at that time, we didn't need to go far to wade in chest-deep water. The waves were pushing and pulling us, but we enjoyed the rhythm. Come noontime, the waves grew bigger and the current stronger due to high tide. My best friend and I definitely enjoyed meeting the waves head on and being pushed (or should I say plummeted) to shore. My daughter definitely had a great time, too, mimicking my moves. She had some swell time with the sea. She loves to spend time in pools, sitting on the edge and splashing around, playing with water during bath time, but she's not one to really dive in and "swim", but this time, she definitely didn't want to stop and demanded more time from her dad to enjoy the waves. She also found enjoyment in just sitting near the shore and waiting for the waves to touch the sand and cover her feet. She loved splashing the water as they slowly crept toward her and bidding her goodbye to return to the sea once more.

We didn't plan on staying for the night, so by late afternoon, we decided to pack up. The CR was jam-packed by then. Even though, earlier, the CR was maintained acceptably clean, but by the time we showered, the maintenance personnel no longer made sure that everything was in order. The downside was that the water pressure was too low that there was only one functioning shower (there were 4 shower heads) in the female area, and my best friend and I had to share. Before we were even finished, people were already waiting in line. They should have made sure there was enough water pressure to accommodate the amount of customers and their bathing/washing needs. The toilet flushes and faucets in the washing area were also no longer functioning, so I hope they'd fix them someday soon.

We left Mati by sunset. We really enjoyed our bonding time with family, friends and nature, and I would definitely recommend this place. We were all spent but happy, and the pale light of the full moon casting its glow upon the sky and sea was the perfect way to end the day.


How about you? What's your go-to R&R place during the Ber months? :-)

Sunset

Sunset waves

A heart-shaped cloud.

Menzi Beach Park and Campsite
Martinez Ave., Mati City, Davao Oriental
+63 933 260 4563
https://goo.gl/maps/ve1cE3BG5Gk

Costing:
Entrance fee: Php 50 per person
Cottage: Php 300 day tour, good for small and large groups
Gas: Php 1000 round trip for typical sedans (1.5 engine or lower)
Food: Php 1500 for 4-5 persons good for breakfast, lunch, AM and PM snacks, plus some extras


Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mati,_Davao_Oriental