Location: Dapitan City
Top Things to do in Dapitan City
The 7 Best Things to Do in Dapitan City, Philippines
Dapitan, officially the City of Dapitan, (Subanon: Gembagel G'benwa Dapitan/Bagbenwa Dapitan; Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Dapitan; Tagalog: Lungsod ng Dapitan; Chavacano: Ciudad de Dapitan), or simply referred to as Dapitan City, is a 3rd class city in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 82,418 people.
Restaurants in Dapitan City
1. The Rizal Shrine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By euridicee - Quezon City, Philippines
Not much to see except for the highlights of the place which are the house of Rizal and the other buildings he has built. They are only replicas of the old buildings and there's nothing remarkable about them except for it being the place where Rizal lived in exile.
The photographers were really pesky, too. We had one who took our photos wherever we went, without our permission, which he then tried to sell to us after he had them printed. And he wouldn't stop bothering us as he tried to rip us off. One photo costs P100. He made our experience an incredibly annoying one.
2. Dipolog Sunset Boulevard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Don L - Mindanao, Philippines
We often eat an early dinner at one of the restaurants on the Boulevard. Lovely sunset view. Great to watch the passing crowd. Many restaurants and food stalls to choose from. Clean!
I only wish there were a really good restaurant there. Unfortunately, to date, all very so so.
3. Gloria's Fantasyland
Overall Ratings
4 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By msamorrebibis - Manila, Philippines
I find the rate very expensive. The rides are not at par with Enchanted Kingdom, but you'll enjoy the Parade of Lights and Fireworks. You may opt to pay a different package if you'd want to watch the parade and fireworks only. The rides are not worth paying for. I guess, for the kids, it is.
4. Rizal's Landing Place
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By msamorrebibis - Manila, Philippines
The government took care of the landing site. It's clean. The best time to visit is just before sunset. It would be a good time to bring your kids too, to discuss the story behind Rizal's arrival in Dapitan City
5. Dapitan City Plaza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By 6452 - Davao City, Philippines
We had our dinner in one of the restaurant that served chicken bar-b-que. There were restaurants lined up in the plaza however all were full as people seemed to flock in the plaza at night. Souvenir shops were all abound, so there is no problem looking for something to bring back home, prices however is high. There is a cockpit arena in the plaza, which I believed should have not been built there as it is not a healthy sight for visitors especially for the young ones.
6. St James the Greater Church
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Glentoy - Davao City, Philippines
St. James Church was built by the Jesuits in 1971 in honor of St. James the Great, the patron saint of Dapitan. It is situated right at the heart of Dapitan City. It's unpainted facade makes it uninteresting from the outside but once you get inside, you'll be amazed by how its interior looks like.
The most amazing feature of the church is its colorful and vibrant ceiling. It's basically composed of simple interlocking pink and white rectangles.
According to local historians, Dr. Jose Rizal used to frequent the church every Sunday. Interestingly, a marker is engraved which indicate his favorite spot in the church.
7. Ilihan Hill
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By TravelBug1469 - Manila, Philippines
Obviously, Ilihan Hill had lost its glory, there's no structure left there to remind us how important the hill had served its purpose during the Spanish time except for few stones and concrete slabs which were clear reminders of massive destruction either by direct effect of wars or human failure to preserve the site.
There is a concrete steps leading to the top of the hill and nothing else. Trees and vegetation make up most of the hill where you can see overlooking the sea and the city of Dapitan. It also serves as peaceful respite and /or romantic hideaway for some couples going up there :)
