8 Best Things to Do in Dahican Beach and Downtown Mati

A scenic view of a tropical bay with clear blue water, lush green islands, and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.
A scenic view of a tropical bay with clear blue water, lush green islands, and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.

01 — View Deck Overlooking the Sleeping Dinosaur

The Sleeping Dinosaur sits in Pujada Bay and is one of the first sights that greets travelers coming into Mati. As the road opens up along the coast, the formation comes into view, its outline resembling a dinosaur at rest on the water.

Before you reach the city proper, there’s a view deck along the highway where you can pull over. From there, you get a clear, wide look at the formation and the coastline, making it an easy first stop to take in Mati’s coastal landscape.

Distance note: 30 minutes from Tropical Kanakbai, Dahican Beach

Person snorkeling above a coral reef with various colorful corals and small fish. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.
Person snorkeling above a coral reef with various colorful corals and small fish. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.

02 — Pujada Bay Freediving

Speaking of Pujada Bay, it’s also where you’ll find Ocean BX Freediving, offering certified courses for all levels. If you’re new to freediving, their one-day Discovery Freediving program is an easy way to get started, covering basic breathing, relaxation, and simple dive techniques in calm, clear water. It’s a professional and well-guided way to explore freediving in one of Mati’s most ideal open-water spots.

Distance note: 15 minutes from Tropical Kanakbai, Dahican Beach

Two people kayaking in the turquoise waters near a sandy beach, with a large boat and a raft in the background, and lush green mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.
Two people kayaking in the turquoise waters near a sandy beach, with a large boat and a raft in the background, and lush green mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.

03 — Pujada Bay Island Hopping

For exploring Pujada Bay by boat, Laagan Tourist Boat Rental offers an easy way to visit nearby spots across the bay, opposite Dahican Beach. It’s set up for both small and large groups looking for a well-organized, adventurous trip on the water.

Since check-in time at most stays is 2PM, many guests book an 8AM island hopping tour on the day they arrive, enjoy lunch at one of the islands in Pujada Bay, and return by early afternoon just in time for check-in.

Distance note: 25 minutes from Tropical Kanakbai, Dahican Beach

People playing golf on a green field with trees and cloudy sky overhead. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.
People playing golf on a green field with trees and cloudy sky overhead. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.

04 — Golf, Pickleball, and Ride an Ultralight Plane at Don Paco Rocamora Golf & Country Club

Don Paco Rocamora Golf & Country Club is a spot in Dahican where visitors can enjoy open green spaces for golf practice, including areas for casual swings and beginner-friendly training. It also has pickleball courts for light recreational play. Nearby, you’ll also find the Mindanao Saga Flying Club, known for ultralight flights that give a unique aerial view of the coastline and surrounding landscape.

Distance note: 15 minutes from Tropical Kanakbai, Dahican Beach

Interior of a restaurant with wooden floors, tables, and chairs arranged for dining. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.
Interior of a restaurant with wooden floors, tables, and chairs arranged for dining. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.

05 — Poblacion Food Trip

For the local favorites, you may choose between Bador or Pollo Nativo. They mainly serve residents, with visitors coming second, which helps keep the food consistent and well-loved. The standout here is native chicken BBQ, usually paired with a coconut-based local sauce that’s simple but distinct.

Moding’s has been a Mati staple since the 1960s. Their lomi, pan de monggo, and siopao are among the usual go-to orders, while their comfort food staples are pancit canton, battered chicken, and pork steak.

For dinner, Parola Baywalk is the best choice, offering a mix of modern and varied dishes. It’s best to come early or reserve ahead, especially as it gets busy around sunset.

For pasalubong or a quick takeaway, Seaside Restaurant is known for its empanada and lumpia, a long-standing local favorite since 1979.

Distance note: about 20 minutes from Tropical Kanakbai, Dahican Beach.

Various plates of breakfast food on a wooden table. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.
Various plates of breakfast food on a wooden table. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.

06 — Dahican Food Trip

For a food stop in Dahican, Kommunity Cafe is a good option if you’re in the mood for pizza and smoothie bowls.

Another nearby choice is Cafe Dahican, which serves a mix of pasta, pizza, and all-day breakfast meals.

These are great spots for comfort food without needing to leave the Dahican area.

Distance note: about 5-10 minutes from Tropical Kanakbai, Dahican Beach.

People relaxing and playing on a beach with trees and mountains in the background on a cloudy day. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.
People relaxing and playing on a beach with trees and mountains in the background on a cloudy day. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.

07 — Surf and Skim

Dahican faces the open Pacific, so the water here is always active, with consistent swell and real ocean movement. It’s part of what gives the beach its energy and keeps people coming back. Right along the shoreline, the Mati Watersports Association and Padidit surf instructors offer surf and/or skimboarding lessons, both accredited by the International Surfing Association.

Distance note: About 5 minutes from Tropical Kanakbai, Dahican Beach.

A tropical house with a wooden veranda and outdoor seating, featuring curtains, small chairs, and a window with colorful woven art, surrounded by greenery and trees. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.
A tropical house with a wooden veranda and outdoor seating, featuring curtains, small chairs, and a window with colorful woven art, surrounded by greenery and trees. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.

08 — Where to Stay in Dahican Beach, Mati City?

Tropical Kanakbai sits directly on Dahican Beach. It’s one of the most accessible and affordable stays in the area, and a practical base for exploring everything nearby—most spots are within 15-20 minutes, and many are just a few minutes away.

If you’re planning a simple Mati and Dahican Beach itinerary, Tropical Kanakbai is where it all comes together: beach mornings, quick food runs, island trips, and short drives to the city’s main stops. For the easiest experience and best location on this list, it’s worth booking Tropical Kanakbai as your base.

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Two More Spots, Since You're Already Here

The skeleton of a whale on display in a museum, with a blue-lit ceiling and informational signs in the background, and coral images at the base. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.
The skeleton of a whale on display in a museum, with a blue-lit ceiling and informational signs in the background, and coral images at the base. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.

09 — Discover and Learn Our History at the Subangan Museum

“Subangan” means “where the sun rises,” a fitting name for Davao Oriental, the easternmost province in the Philippines and one of the first places in the country to see the sunrise. The museum’s centerpiece is a 16-meter-long sperm whale skeleton named Davor, the largest of its kind in the Philippines. The exhibits are divided into three sections that highlight the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Davao Oriental, including the traditions of the Mandaya and Kalagan communities.

Distance note: about 15 minutes from Tropical Kanakbai, Dahican Beach.

An aerial view of a landscape with dense green trees, a water body, a winding white pathway, and some buildings or structures. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.
An aerial view of a landscape with dense green trees, a water body, a winding white pathway, and some buildings or structures. Best places to go in Dahican Beach and Mati City according to Tropical Kanakbai.

10 — A Walk Through the Mangroves

The Guang-guang Mangrove Park and Nursery is a public park featuring a boardwalk that winds through a mangrove forest. Visitors can take a leisurely walk, spot birds in their natural habitat, and enjoy the calm beauty of the surroundings. It is also part of the protected Pujada Bay area, helping preserve its rich marine and coastal ecosystems.

Distance note: about 15 minutes from Tropical Kanakbai, Dahican Beach.