The Sleeping Dinosaur, Mati

The Sleeping Dinosaur is a headland in Pujada Bay, in Barangay Badas, a short drive from Mati City. From the hills above, its long neck, rounded back and tail look like a dinosaur asleep in the water. It is the image on most Mati postcards, and the view is the reason to stop.

Prices, fees and schedules in this guide were checked in October 2026. They change often, so use them as a guide and confirm with the operator or venue before you go.

It is often called an island, but it is joined to the mainland. A Rappler fact-check, quoting a Davao Oriental State University researcher, described it as a peninsula or promontory rather than an island.

Stop here if you are passing through Mati, carrying a camera, or after a short hike with a big payoff. The roadside view deck needs no walking at all.

Don't come for a swim: this is a viewpoint, not a beach. And skip the trail in the middle of the day, when the ridge is exposed and hot.

The viewpoint is in Badas, a short drive from the city centre along the highway. Take a tricycle or habal-habal, or stop on the way into or out of Mati if you are driving from Davao.

For the full route to Mati from Davao City, see the Mati travel guide.

The local government built a view deck in Badas looking over the headland and the bay. It is free, it is right by the road, and it is the easiest way to see the Sleeping Dinosaur. On a clear day you can see across Pujada Bay to the city.

Photo: Mmlibranda, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

A footpath runs from Badas down along the ridge towards the headland, with grassy slopes and coves below. Visitors put the round trip at about an hour and a half.

Photo: May Ann Libranda, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Entry to the trail is ₱15, paid at the trailhead. You don't need a guide, just follow the footpath. Some ridge sections are narrow and can be dangerous if you are not used to hiking, so take your time and turn back if you are not comfortable.

Photo: Jaytea11038, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Start the trail at sunrise. The light is softer, the walk is cooler, and you are off the ridge before the heat sets in. Late afternoon works well for the view deck.

Clear days after rain show the greenest hills and the bluest water. Mati gets rain through the year, heaviest from May to July and in November.

Bring

Water, a hat, sunscreen and shoes with grip for the trail. There is little shade on the ridge.

Respect the land

Parts of the area are private land and part of a protected landscape. Stay on the footpath and take your rubbish with you.

Pair it

Combine a sunrise walk with island hopping in Pujada Bay on another day, or spend the afternoon at Dahican Beach.

Is the Sleeping Dinosaur an island?

No. It is joined to the mainland. Geologists describe it as a peninsula or promontory, although it is often called an island.

Is there an entrance fee?

The view deck is free. The ridge trail costs ₱15, paid at the trailhead.

Do you need a guide for the trail?

No. Follow the footpath, and watch your footing on the narrow ridge sections.

How long is the trail?

About an hour and a half for the round trip, according to visitors.

Where is the best view?

From the view deck in Badas, above the headland.

Back to the Mati travel guide. Nearby: Mati City, Pujada Bay and Dahican Beach.