Mati Tourist Spots: What to See in the City of Beautiful Bays

Mati, the capital of Davao Oriental, calls itself the City of Beautiful Bays, and it earns the name. Almost everything worth seeing is on or near the water: a long surf beach, a headland shaped like a dinosaur, a protected bay full of islands, and a museum built around a whale skeleton. Here is where to spend your time.

Prices, fares and schedules in this post were checked in October 2026. They change often, especially with fuel surcharges and the seasons, so use them as a guide and confirm with the operator or venue before you travel.

Around 7 km of pale sand facing the Pacific in Barangay Dahican, 10 to 15 minutes from the city by tricycle. This is why most people come to Mati: skimboarding, surf in the amihan months, and a community sea turtle programme that has been running since 2004. The beach is public and free, though some resorts charge day visitors to use their facilities (Dahican Surf Resort asks ₱100).

When you get hungry, Bawud is an open-air restaurant near the beach with pastas from about ₱185. Bring cash from the city, as ATMs near Dahican are few. See our Dahican Beach guide.

A headland in Pujada Bay that really does look like a dinosaur lying in the water, and the roadside view deck in Barangay Badas is a free photo stop. If you want more than the photo, the ridge trail costs ₱15 at the trailhead and you don't need a guide: just follow the footpath. Start at sunrise, and take care on the narrow ridge sections, which are no place for inexperienced hikers. See the Sleeping Dinosaur guide.

The protected bay has four islands, including Pujada Island at its mouth, small Waniban, and Oak Island, a sandbar that only shows at low tide. Boats leave from Pier One in Sitio Batiano, Barangay Tamisan, about ₱150 to ₱200 by tricycle from the city. Book through one of Mati's private boat operators or your resort.

A boat for the full day runs about ₱3,500 to ₱4,000 and takes 10 to 15 people, so it is cheap if you fill it. Pujada Island charges ₱50 to ₱75 per person, paid to the caretaker. Go early, as the water gets choppier in the afternoon. See our Pujada Bay guide.

The provincial museum is built around Davor, the 53-foot skeleton of a sperm whale that stranded in Governor Generoso in 2010. Other galleries cover Davao Oriental's nature, the Mandaya and Kalagan peoples, and Typhoon Pablo. There is a small entrance fee, around ₱50 in recent sources. Opening hours aren't published, so check before you go.

Photo: The Gees Travel (thegeestravel.com)

A community-run mangrove area in Barangay Dahican, near Davao Oriental State University, which doubles as a sea turtle nursery. The shaded boardwalk makes it a good stop in the heat of the day. Entry is free to about ₱50.

The seafront promenade, with the I Love Mati sign, a reflecting pool and food stalls. Come in the late afternoon, when the whole city seems to be out walking. Free.

For a proper sit-down dinner, Kusina Merced is a short walk away in the Villa Merced compound, on the corner of Mabini and Bonifacio streets. It serves Filipino food at ₱500 or less per person and is listed as open until 9pm. It is a new listing, so check hours before you go.

Photo: The Gees Travel (thegeestravel.com)

The white capitol sits on a hill above the city, with People's Park beside it and views over the bay. The grounds are free to wander.

Photo: The Gees Travel (thegeestravel.com)

The Mindanao SAGA Flying Club flies short ultralight trips from Mati Airport, out over the bay. It is operating in 2026, Tuesday to Sunday from sunrise, after a maintenance break in January and February. Prices depend on flight length, so message them first on +63 917 307 0670. Flights are cancelled when it is windy.

The seat of the Diocese of Mati, right in the city centre.

Mount Hamiguitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, needs a permit and a guided multi-day trek. Cape San Agustin and Aliwagwag Falls are both long day trips. See our guides to Mount Hamiguitan, Cape San Agustin and Aliwagwag Falls.

What is Mati City known for?

Dahican Beach, the Sleeping Dinosaur, Pujada Bay and the Subangan Museum's sperm whale skeleton.

Is Dahican Beach free?

Yes. It is a public beach, though some resorts charge day visitors to use their facilities.

Where do Pujada Bay island hopping boats leave from?

Pier One in Sitio Batiano, Barangay Tamisan. Book through one of Mati's private boat operators or your resort.

How many days do you need in Mati?

Two or three days covers the main spots. See our Mati itinerary.

Plan your days with our Mati itinerary and the Mati and Davao Oriental travel guide.

Cover photo: The Gees Travel (thegeestravel.com)