The Waniban Island of Mati City, Davao Oriental
No wonder that Davao Oriental in the Philippines adheres to its “Water Wonders” namesake; apart from awning magnificent Aliwagwag Waterfalls In Cateel and the shining Campawan Curtain Waterfalls in Baganga, this province is also surrounded by beautiful islands and panoramic beaches.
The central Capital of Mati City is blessed with many tourism attractions; indeed, Dahican Beach is one of the wonders manifestation of it, a true gem of Davao Oriental as the center of commerce, cultural diversifications.
Dahican becoming famous for Surfing and Skimboarding in Davao Region and is expected to be the next to Siargao. Nevertheless, the islands are gradually gleaned and earning popularity among Mindanao Islands.
Waniban Island is a four-hectare Island, located in Puhada Bay that has something to say about beauty and uniqueness. It may not be famous like Islands in Camiguin or Mindoro but it might give much comfortable leisurely experience like owning an island when you touch the Island.
Despite cottages and some development in place, the natural beauty of the Island is still maintained. The Island is literally small and yet, getting around at the entire island is easy. Just take an hour walk around the Island and the rest is priceless.
Spending much time in clear blue water and playing barefoot in fine, milky white sand and do bonding with colleagues has much more fun to celebrate than to spend infamous but expensive places.
The closest place to reach Waniban Island is to reach the coastal Barangay of Taganilao in Mati City. Taganilao is a forty-five (45) minute motorcycle ride from Mati City Bus terminal. The road is majority concreted from Bus Terminal to Barangay Dahican and/or Masao, however, a little construction ongoing in foremost parts going to Barangay Taganilao.
Before opting to Barangay Taganilao, I suggest dropping by (first) at Mati City Market for buying fresh foods. There is no available store or restaurant inside the Island but sometimes fresh catch kinds of seafood are available from Taganilao fishermen.
Ask the caretaker to cook for just P50 to P100 pesos cooking fee. They also allow visitors to cook, but I urged them to have extra care and take more responsibility in protecting the environment and properly disposing of waste.
HOW TO GET THERE;
The Closest Airport if you’re coming from Manila and other Cities is Davao City (F. Bangoy) International Airport. Schedule of Flights available daily from Major Airports in the Philippines to Davao City. When Arrived in Davao City;
- Take 200 meters to walk going to the Airport exit, then, look for Bus Stop in front of Jose Maria College (7/11 convenience store); your second option is to ride a taxi from Davao City Airport going to Ecoland Bus Terminal.
- Wait for a BUS (Bachelor Express) or; VAN bound for Mati City. (or follow 2nd option) when you reach Ecoland Bus Terminal, look for BUS (Bachelor Express) bound for Mati City or Cateel.
At Barangay Taganilao, look for a Waniban Island Caretaker - Bong Linsag; He is also willing to arrange your boat to go to Waniban Island. Two-way boat rental is ranging P300- P500 good for 3 to 4 persons, and/or; P500-P1, 000 good for 5-10 person. The Island allows visitors to do camping. They have an available tent for rent as low as P100 pesos a day. The cottage rental fee is P500 pesos.
Enjoy your Island stay!
