Dapitan : More than Just a Shrine City

Dapitan City Tour

We were picked up from the hotel by this "LOVE BUS" you may ask why I call it the LOVE BUS for some reason. Don't worry ill try to dig in deeper into that in a separate post.


Our first stop will be a River Cruise Lunch similar to that of Loboc River in Bohol.

Passing by the Sunset Boulevard we dropped by to see one of Dapitan's historic places.  Rizal Landing Site is  where Jose Rizal landed at 7:00 pm on July 17, 1892 to begin his expatriation life in Dapitan. Together with Captain Delgras and three artillery men, they walked through Sta. Cruz Street with a “farol de combate” or lantern going to the  Casa Real. A big cross also  stands in the middle of the perpendicular road fronting the monument.

 We got the chance to visit St. James Church - which according to our guide is where Dr. Jose Rizal usually goes every Sunday to hear mass. There is even a historical spot where Rizal stood  while hearing mass on Sundays during his exile in Dapitan. This church also symbolizes the early Christianity in Dapitan.

Right across St. James Church is the Relief Map of Mindanao which Rizal used as a motivating device to teach History and Geography to the people in Dapitan. 

One of the major tourist destination  which is also a historical landmark is the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City. It is situated in a 16 hectare estate in Barangay Talisay which Dr. Jose P. Rizal purchased during his exile in the Dapitan in July 17, 1892 to July 31, 1896 for only 18 pesos. Youv'e heard it right 18 as in EIGHTEEN PESOS ONLY

Mi Retiro Rock  is a natural heart shaped rock so called because it was here where our national hero is known to have  scribbled  beautiful  verses  of  his  famous  poem  “Mi Retiro” and “Himno a Talisay”. He also spent many hours watching the sunset here.

Gloria Fantasyland is one of the main attractions in Dapitan. I guess it is the biggest theme park outside Metro Manila .The owner Gloria Fantasyland is the prominent name of Dapitan, the Jalosjos Family, who also owns the famous Dakak beach resort.

with Congressman Romeo Jalosjos - Owner of Dakak and Fantasyland

The tour package came with a "ride all the rides once" ticket. Basically, the rides were similar to those of Enchanted Kingdom. They have some attractions that have a separate fee. Supposedly, we have to pay 100 each for some attractions but we were given free coupons for the Haunted Mansion and the 5D Movie. Thanks to FTTC - that's 200 pesos in savings!

5D Cinema - Rollercoater Rush with Snow Finale!

Photo Op at Gloria's Fantasyland

My personal favorite and I guess everyone else will agree with me is the " Haunted Mansion" - their own take of the Horror House.

As Ive'd said, we were given a free coupon for this attraction so  backing out is not an option. And by the way, have I mentioned  that this attraction was awarded as Asia's Number 1 Horror House? - 

 There was a long queue outside and only 7 persons per group are allowed to enter the mansion in intervals, so we divided ourselves into 2 groups. My group was the first one to enter - upon entering you can feel the eerie atmosphere and the background music makes it  more spookish.

A young lady blocked our way and was saying " Tulungan nyo po ako, akala namin laro laro lang... pero totoo pala..nagpapkita nanaman sila..ang mga multo..halika dito tdumaan..." Everyone was anxious about what's happening then. We  don't know what to do - should we be scared or what ? I know that this is just all part of the play but my friends are already screaming like crazy. 

There was even a part when the walls are moving closer that as if it will going to crash you.  Definitely, this is not for the faint heart!

Pictures from the Haunted Mansion:

       We were not aware that they are taking pictures of us while we are inside the mansion. We thought it was just strobe lights that flickers in some parts of the mansion. The way I describe it and what the picture shows may not be as scary as because inside, its pitch dark and the picture shows it in bright lights.

  I myself was amazed that if we were to turn the lights on - the characters were only wearing normal clothes, Spooky masks and props but they managed to scare the hell out of us. Maybe its because of the award winning acting of the lady guide. And of course the visual and sound effects as well. 

This is really  a MUST TRY for all who wanted to visit Gloria's Fantasyland.

Team 1 - Kurt : Stacey : Tin : Ginger : Jojen : Marianne : Josh

Team 2 - Joppa : Memel : Donnell : Hanna : Julie : Jappy

The package we availed from Fantasyland Travel and Tour consist of:

• • Welcome Leis
• • Roundtrip airport/wharf – resort transfers. Daily transfers for the whole tour destinations as indicated in the itinerary
• • 2 nights room accommodation at the Family Pavilion inside Dakak Park and Beach Resort(Min. of 10 pax, Max. of 16 in a room) with daily     buffet breakfasts.
• • 1 Buffet Dinner in Dakak Resort with Cultural Show
• • River Cruise and Fishpond Cruise with meals
• • Fantasyland Tour where you ride all the fun rides inside the theme park – Fantasyland
• • Dipolog City Tour & Dapitan City Tour with Historical Trail to the Rizal Shrine
• • Visit in Gloria de Dapitan leisure complex and experience nightlife and shopping in Dapitan City
• • Services of a Professional Tour Guide for the entire 3 days tour.

All meals are already included in the package. You only need to pay for your drinks during lunch and dinner since fruit juices are already served during the breakfast buffet. As for me I didnt spent that much, actually if not for the pasalubongs I bought. I could have spent only less than 500 for the entire trip for pocket money. Everything else were pre paid so nothing to worry about.

Tips when travelling to Dapitan:

• Bring enough cash. ATM Machines are limited.
• Set prior arrangements. They dont have taxis here which you could hire and drop you off to places you'd like to visit.
• Have your medicines handy - drugstores are not that accesible.
• Cellular Network Signals are bad in some areas.
• Be friendly to locals - this helps a lot.