It was a long travel from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay to Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. My primary destination in this province is Jose Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City - the place where Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, spent his few years when he was exiled but still made this life fruitful by working as a doctor, sculptor, farmer, teacher and participating other activities. Not only that, heritage houses are just some of the tourist spots and destinations in Dapitan City.
According to Google Maps, GV Hotel is a few blocks away from the terminal, so I rode on a motorcycle and I just discovered that it's actually a walking distance. Checked in, tidied up and rested for 30 minutes. Then, had my late lunch at the food court inside the mall in front of GV Hotel. After that, walked on the street going back to the terminal. Rode in an Evergood bus to Dapitan City. Alighted when I saw the city plaza. Travel time is about 40 minutes. Fare is 20 pesos.
1. Dapitan City Plaza
2. Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument
3. Saint James Church Dapitan
4. Casa Real
According to the historical marker: "This is the site of the Case Real, office residence and administration building of the Politico - Militar Governor of the district. Here, Jose Rizal lived as an exile from July 17, 1892 to March, 1893 when he was transferred to Talisay, now the Rizal Dapitan Shrine."
5. Dapitan Heritage Houses
6. Aniano Adasa Heritage House
According to the marker "This building is a symbol of American Architechture with a touch of Spanish Structural Lattice Artwork. The sling windows adhere to Japanese style. The city's richness in cultural heritage is greatly and elaborately displayed in this house."
7. Jose Rizal Museum and Shrine
The Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City was the place where Jose P. Rizal, Philippine National Hero, was exiled by the Spaniards in 1892. It was also the place where he worked as a doctor, sculptor, farmer, teacher and many other activities. Rizal purchased this land after winning a lottery in 1892. Later, he together with his mother, sisters and relatives transferred here from Calamba, Laguna. However, on January 15, 1897, all of his property was confiscated by the Spanish authorities. Converted this property into a park in memory of Rizal and was declared as the National Rizal Park in 1940.
It was already sunset when I left Rizal Shrine. By the entrance, I rode in a tricycle to the bus terminal bound for Dipolog City terminal, had my dinner, and walked to the hotel. The next day, still using Google Map, I walked on the streets to Dipolog Cathedral and plaza, however, they were both under constructions. Instead, had my breakfast at one of the fast-foods in the city.
WHERE TO STAY OR HOTEL IN DIPOLOG CITY: I stayed at GV Hotel. It is one of the cheapest and budget-friendly hotels in the city. For an overnight stay, I paid 600 pesos; the room has a toilet and bath, single bed, cable tv, and an aircon. GV Hotel is situated in the center, thus, it is a walking distance to the Integrated Terminal, food establishments, and banks.
HOW TO GET TO DIPOLOG AND DAPITAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines has their regular trips to the airports in Dipolog City. If you're from the nearby provinces, you can ride in a Rural transit bus or UV Express van at any terminal. Travel time are as follows: Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay to Dipolog is 5.5 hours and Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental to Dipolog is 5.5 hours. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING IN ZamBaSulta, Region 9, Misamis Occ.