Dipolog Sights and Landmarks Guide, Philippines

The City of Orchids, Dipolog is not only rich in history but also beautiful sceneries to indulge in and experience. Because of these, Dipolog had become one of the primary tourist destinations of the country.

For nature adventure go to Linabo Peak. One of the favorite sites among locals and tourists because of its 3003 concrete steps going up towards the peak where you get a treat of the fantastic view of the sky, the sea and the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan.

This is also the venue of the yearly “Katkat Sakripisyo” for the Catholics to make the station of the cross during Lent. There are a number of retreat places and contemplation havens to reflect and rest. It is considered the highest elevation of Dipolog at 486 m. above sea level.

The Cogon Eco-Park was established in 1958 this is a rich 344 ha of reforested area located in Barangay, Cogon. Visitors and local are treated with fresh air escorted by the different types of birds and wild animals and the amazing scenery of greens and different types of big trees such as Acacia, Mahogay, Molave, Lumbayao, Teak, Yamane, Narra, Lauan, Mayapis, Marig, Tianong, Duguan, Nato and Rattan.

A major attraction in the park is the Sungkilaw Falls. The Pamansalan/OIOSCA Forest Park a joint project of the City government and OISCA (Organization for Industrial Spiritual and Cultural Advancement) of Japan is an agro-forestry training center, a mini research facility and Edo-Tech Secondary Education building.

Finally the Sicayab Beach, just 4 km. away from the city proper, the beach is a 7 km. stretch of very fine gray sand which is a favorite place for tourists and locals on weekends and holidays.

There are also historical places like Sta. Cruz (Punta Corro) / Holy Rosary Cathedral was known to be the settlement established by Boholanos when they first landed in the area. A cross was built here on May 3 1905 as a symbol of thanksgiving by the Boholanos for a safe journey. A chapel was erected here which was later replaced by the Spanish friars in 1895. Dr. Jose Rizal was believed to have designed the altar of the new church as requested by his former teacher Fr. Jose Villaclara who was once a cura in Dipolog. This was believed to be the time when Rizal was exiled to Dapitan.

The Dipolog City Hall was created on July 1 1913 by John J. Pershing. Its major attraction are the 3 monuments in honor of 3 important men of Dipolog. Hon. Pascual T. Martinez, the first appointed Mayor in 1913-1918, Rev. Fr. Narciso Y. Patangan, the 1st Filipino Diocesan priest of the whole Mindanao and Mr. Eugenio R. Margate 1954’s, Man of the Year because of his great contribution to the farming industry of the place. He authored the books “Humay” and the “100 Kabanes Matag Hektarya” as well as introduced the Magarte systeem of planting rice.

Another is the Dipolog Fountain considered a Dipolog symbol. The statutes present the diversified Dipolog culture, the bowl that is raised to the heavens signifies thanksgiving and an offering to God for the many blessing bounty harvests and for peace in the land. The Fountain of Blessings can be seen at the road junction of Estaka and Turno.

Surely, these will make your visit to Dipolog a very fruitful and enjoyable one.