There is something magical about travelling with family, especially with the playful kids. The endless laughter, the tiny giggles, the little misadventures, and the shared moments become memories and stories we'll tell for years. Our visit to Dapitan City a year ago was exactly that, a beautiful blend of history, adventure, and precious time together.
It was a fine Saturday morning when my siblings and I agreed to go to the beach early because our children always love the sea. We had our early morning breakfast by the sea, but then my brother-in-law suggested that shall go somewhere a bit further, travelling somewhere without any plan ahead, which we thought was exciting.
We immediately packed up our food and things, bathed the kids with fresh water, and hopped into the pick-up and headed north. After 2 hours of a long journey, we found ourselves in Dapitan City. One of the historic places in the country. Known as the place where Dr. Jose Rizal (Philippine National Hero) spent his exile years, Dapitan City is more than just a historic destination; it is a quiet coastal city that embraces you with charm, warmth, and timeless tales.
Our first stop was the Punto del Desembarco de Rizal (or “Rizal's Landing Point/Site”) located at the Sunset Boulevard in Dapitan City. The Punto del Desembarco de Rizal monument was unveiled on December 28, 2009, during the 4th Handuraw Festival in Dapitan City. The bronze statue depicts José Rizal, Captain Delgras, and the three artillery escorts who arrived in Dapitan City.
The rain started to fall when we arrived at Dapitan, making the skies gloomy, and the sea was a bit rough.
Rizal landed at Santa Cruz Beach, now known as Sunset Boulevard, under nightfall on July 17, 1892, escorted by Captain Delgras and three artillery soldiers. They carried a “farol de combate” lantern as they walked Rizal to the Casa Real, where he began his exile.
@crimsonwrites had a nice pose here 🤣😂
After hundreds of snaps and poses, we then proceed to Casa Real or now known as the Rizal Shrine. We were very excited along the way because Casa Real is where Dr. Jose Rizal spent years during his exile. Rizal lived in the Casa Real from July 1892 to March 1893. Inside Casa Real are the personal belongings of Dr. Jose Rizal, his house, his clinic, and the photos of his girlfriends. The place is very historic and educational.
Unfortunately, the Casa was closed because of the bad weather. The place is full of huge trees of centuries old. Branches and twigs were risky during strong winds and rain. We had our photo poses outside the Casa at least.
Before the day ended, we had our last stop at Gloria's Fantasyland. Mindanao’s first theme park and among the biggest outside Luzon, spanning around 3–4 hectares, and initially launched in 2009.
Boasts 30+ rides including a giant rollercoaster (“Zimmerman”), galleon ship, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, Apollo ride, mini-rollercoaster, flume, and interactive attractions. Has one of the most expensive horror houses in the Philippines, a 5D cinema, go-karts, and nightly parades and shows (e.g., Festival of Colors).
Kids loved the Kiddie Corner.
I am planning to go back to Dapitan City to have a closer peek at Gloria's Fantasyland at night.
Dapitan City is more than just a page in our history books. It’s a living story waiting to be experienced. Whether you’re a history lover, an adventure seeker, or simply a family looking to make memories together, Dapitan welcomes you with open arms and sunsets that feel like home. Come and see for yourself. Let Dapitan remind you how travel can touch the heart and spark the imagination.