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, Mati’s best-kept secret is not much of a secret anymore. Popular with surfers, skimboarders and plain beach enthusiasts alike, who continuously flock to the crescent-shaped coastline to enjoy this simple, unspoiled slice of paradise. Local government strives to keep the area protected as it’s also a sanctuary for sea turtles (pawikan). In fact, the name “Dahican” is derived from “dahik,” the word locals use to describe their act of coming in from the sea to nest.

Top 5 most visited beach in Dahican, Mati City

1. Amihan sa Dahican (Tent)

Home of the Amihan Boys, those skimboarders who fly on waves you always see on photos, this area of the beach is the busiest during weekends.

Accommodation is possible by setting up tent. They also have tents for rent.

What I love about Amihan sa Dahican is the community feel and that most kids sleep inside hammocks. What I usually do is buy fresh fish or squids in the morning good for everyone in the kubo and share breakfast. This is good vibes! Kuya Jun and Winston Plaza are leading this group of young skimmers and surfers and are taking care of the beach area and turtles since 2004.

If you are into surfing, the beach break is on from late October to Early March or the Amihan season.

Fee: Tent set-up P50

Tent Rental Fee: Php300-400

1. Botona Beach Resort (AC Rooms and cottages)

They have cottages that are perfect for family and barkadas and friends traveling in a group because their rooms are big. There rooms have 2 queen sized beds and is good for 4pax. Rates starts at Php1,800/night.

Contact number: +63 918 525 5227

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Official Website: www.botona.com

1. Surf Village Hostel

This is one of the new accommodation in Dahican. Owned by my good friends Harry and Irene. If I’m in Mati you will definitely see me since I live next door. About 200 meters from the beach, very quiet and safe. Recommended!

Rates:

Hut, fan, shared bathroom. good for 2 persons with free breakfast- Php1,000

Hut, fan, with private bathroom.good for 2 persons with free breakfast- Php1,500

Hut, Airconditoned, with private bathroom. Good for 2 persons with free breakfast- Php1,500

Extra bed: Php350

Contact number: 0946-299-2751

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Surf-village-hostel-909311675779913/

1. Dahican Surf Resort / DSR

Another place which is near the beach break. Managed by surfers, they rent out longboards and skimboards at Php300/hour with instructor.

They have kubo-type cottages covered with mosquito net-like curtain where you can stay for a night.

Contact Numbers: 0923-407-6381

Website: www.dahicanbeachclub.com/dsrHOME.html

1. Tropical Kanakbai

The most high-end accommodation available in Dahican Area. They are far away from the crowd on the far end of Dahican Beach and is safer for kids to swim since it is end of the cove. The owner also owns Dahican Surf Resort.

Rates below:

HABAGAT HOUSE – P 3,500 – Per couple w/ breakfast – Additional person P 1,000

AMIHAN HOUSE – P 4,000 – Per couple w/ breakfast – Additional person P 1,000

HABAGAT HOUSE – P 10,000 – Whole house (Max. 10 Persons)

AMIHAN HOUSE – P 12,000 – Whole house (Max. 10 Persons)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Dahicanbeachclub

Contact: GABBY SIBALA 0927-287-1790

Email: [email protected]

HOW TO GET TO DAHICAN BEACH FROM DAVAO CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:

1. WALK. From Davao International Airport, you just have to walk outside until you reach the highway.

2. BUS/VAN. Board the Bachelor Bus (yellow bus) to Mati. They pass by there almost every hour from 3am-8pm (Travel time is 5hours). You may also opt to take the taxi/jeepney going to GMALL or Victoria Plaza (jeepneys are available when you cross the highway). They have van terminals that goes to Mati City, fare is Php220 and travel time is 3-4hours.

3. HABAL-HABAL/MOTORBIKE. From Mati City Bus Terminal, you can take the motorbike (habal-habal) to Dahican Beach. Expect to pay Php50-100 depending on what time you arrive at Mati City. Tell the driver to bring you to Dahican, particularly to Amihan sa Dahican. After about 15 minutes you would find yourself walking towards the Pacific blue sea.