Exploring Mati, Davao Oriental

Mati on the Crosshair
I've already heard from several people in Dumaguete that Mati is a special place. That was all I needed to know. I didn't bother asking why or how. I didn't know when I could get here, I just knew that at some point, I'll find a way. Now that I'm exploring Mindanao, I'm hitting those destinations one place at a time. Finally, after arriving from Tagum, I'm here in Mati.

Cheap Lodging
The first thing I did was to look for a cheap place to stay. Luckily, I found Gutierez Inn at P150/day. With a fan, big window for ventillation, and a working table, I couldn't ask for more. I didn't bother knocking on the bigger hotels for deals as it was already Dec. 23 - the holiday spirit was already around.

Mati Town Proper in a Nutshell
Walking around the town itself, I was looking for anything that made Mati unique. There was a swarm of tricycles like most towns/cities, they had a baywalk like Dumaguete and they love their bbq just like the rest the country. There is one mall, the ER Mall, but no movie house. They have a clean and orderly wet market right beside the bus terminal, just a ride away from the town center. They also have an airport but no commercial flights. I didn't see any new building in place. Even the hotels seem like a throw back to its heyday. Durian? P70/kilo, still expensive by GenSan and Davao prices. Mati seems to inch its way to keep pace with the emerging growth I see in most towns and cities around the country.

Off to Dahican Beach
For the first 4 days I was at the town center, I just locked myself in my room and tied up all loose ends with work ensuring I have a clean slate when the new year comes. Perhaps the people who told me about Mati meant Dahican Beach - a surfing place where the action happens. I was already on my way.

--- TheLoneRider

How to Get to Mati from Tagum

1. most buses in Tagum going to Mati come from Davao. There is a bus every 30 minutes at the Tagum bus terminal, 3 hours, P182, aircon

Hotels in Mati City Proper

• Villa Merced Hotel - Bonifacio St., P500-P700/day, a/c rooms, shower bath, cable tv, (087)811.1476
• Guttierez Inn - P150/night, ok rooms, terrible washrooms
• Hotel Beatrice - Bonifacio Street, (087)388.4655, P500 - P1,200
• Mati Citi Lodge - Madang, Terminal, (087)811.5155, P600

»» next Traveling story: Surfing at Amihan Surf and Skim, Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental
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