Dipolog is the capital province of Zamboanga del Norte.  It is called the “Orchid city” of the Philippines because of the beautiful orchids that are cultured in the greenhouses and some can be found in the wild. They say it is very easy to grow orchids in Dipolog.
Dipolog is also known as the “Bottled sardines capital of the Philippines”.

TOUCHDOWN
Dipolog has one national airport near the beach. Domestic Airlines Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies direct to Dipolog from Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) and Cebu (Mactan International Airport). A regular one way fare will cost around 2600 Ph Peso all inclusive of tax. Air traffic flight time is 1 hour and 20 minutes from Manila and 60 minutes from Cebu.

At Dipolog airport, you can hire a tricycle for 30 Ph Peso for a ride to the city center or your hotel. Paying more than that means you are being ripped off. The airport is just 10 minutes away from the city center.

The Dipolog port is still under construction. The city can be reached by ferry via the nearby port in Pulauan, Dapitan City. This is 20 minutes away from Dipolog city center. Negros Navigation operates commercial ships from Manila and Cebu once a week. A regular tourist fare will cost 2000 Ph Peso. Sea travel time is approximately 36 hours.

Dipolog can also be reached by road from cities like Ozamiz City (2 hours away), Iligan City (2.5 hours away), Cagayan de Oro (4 hours away), Pagadian City (5 hours away) and Zamboanga City (6 hours away). RURAL bus transit is primarily operating the transport in Northern Mindanao.

The primary mode of transport inside the city is the Tricycle cab. Regular fare is 7 Ph Peso as of Jan 2012.

The primary language of Dipolog is Cebuano. Majority of the people here are Catholics.

SEE.
There are many landmarks to see in Dipolog center. It includes the Rotonda Fountain, Dipolog Boulevard, St Cruz, Provincial Capitol, Roxas Park, Dipolog Cathedral, Magsaysay Park, Convention Center, City Museum and City hall. It is very easy to get to the landmarks, from a city point, ride a local tricycle cost 7 Php per ride.

Dipolog Rotonda Fountain (Fountain of Blessing).
This is located at Estaka-Turno road junction. The statutes represent the tri-people of Mindanao, which symbolize the diverse cultures. It symbolizes that unity of 3 primary groups from Subanen, Christians and Muslims.

Dipolog Boulevard. This is now the longest boulevard in the south. The most appropriate time to visit this is around 4 to 6 in the afternoon so you can witness a great red sunset. 

Sta Cruz. Punta Corro is the spot where migrating Boholanos from the Visayas landed and established settlement. A cross was erected by the settlers on May 3, 1905 as a thanksgiving altar to God for their safe journey. This signifies the tail of the city Boulevard.

Provincial capitol and Roxas Park. Office of the governor. Hall for Provincial government affairs.


Dipolog Cathedral and Magsaysay Park. Catholic cathedral


Convention Center. A new coliseum for multiple activities.

The City Museum. The city museum display a collection of art work such as paintings and sculptures from Dr Jose Rizal and local artists. It is located at the back of the Convention center.

Dipolog City Hall. Office of the city mayor. Town hall for city related affairs.

EXPLORE
Just minutes away from the city you can have adventure to Cogon Eco Park, Sungkilaw Falls, Linabo Peak, and the famous Dakak Beach resort.


Cogon Eco Park. The Cogon Eco-Park is a 344 hectares reforestation area situated in Barangay Cogon established in 1958. Mature trees are growing wild in the area; species such as Mahogany, Teak, Yemane, Lumbayao, Molave, Acacia, Narra, Mayapis, Lauan, Narig, Tianong, Duguan, Lumbayao, Rattan and Nato.
How to get here: Please read http://gogobibo.wordpress.com/2010/07/31/cogon-eco-park-tour-cogon-dipolog-city/

Sungkilaw Falls. Sungkilaw falls is an awesome falls that lies beneath the mountains of Diwan, Dipolog City. It boasts a spring on the east part that flows to a very rapid fall down to a river
How to get here: Please read http://gogobibo.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/sungkilaw-falls-tour-diwan-dipolog-city/



Linabo Peak. The3003 Steps to Linabo Peak is one of the favorites and desired destinations of  local and foreign tourist. It offers a fantastic view of the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, the sky, plains and sea horizon after trailing the 3003 concrete steps wind along the tunnels of verdant trees.

How to get here: From a city point, rent a local tricycle. This is a 10 to 20 minute ride from the city.
Cost: 50 to 100 Php.

Dakak.

You have not been to Dipolog or Dapitan if you did not go to Dakak. Do not forget to climb the Dakak tower to see a magnificent view of the shoreline.

Dakak Park Beach Resort, a 750 metre private beach is located in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Dakak Park Beach Resort in Dapitan is situated on the tranquil Dakak Beach facing the turquoise Sulu Sea.

This is a 45 minute ride from Dipolog city. Hotline Phone: 721-0450. For update rates please call or refer to site below:
http://www.prlog.org/10846054-dakak-beach-resort-2010-rates.html

How to get here: Resort transport is inclusive of packages from the city. You can hire a habal habal to get you here for 150 Ph Pesos.

DO.
Recommended things that you can try out while in Dipolog city.

Watch the sunset at Dipolog boulevard. Go to the boulevard at 5 to 6 in the afternoon to get a glimpse of an orange or red sunset.

Beach hopping. The Dipolog shore is known for its clean and powdery black sand. Best for skimboarding, beach soccer, volleyball and frisbee, among other beach activities.

At strong winds, the waves can reach up to 4 meters high.

There are are 4 primary beach shore lines; Galas beach and Olingan beach can be found in the south, and Sicayab in the north. The west shoreline, previously called “Surf beach” was converted to the famous Dipolog Boulevard facing the sulu sea. 


Skimboarding. All the 4 main beach shorelines are good for skimboarding.

Longboarding. Longboarding has become a popular past time in the long paved road of Dipolog Boulevard.

During habagat season waves in the beaches cab reach up to 4 meters good for amateur surfing.

BUYS AND TREATS.
You can get a lot of souvenirs from the orchid city. Main sites to get them are below.

Pasalubong Center. An area in the city center where you can get treats from Dipolog City such as bottled sardines and other delicacies.


Boholana. Located at Gen Luna St. Cor Magsaysay Dipolog City, they sell Souvenir products and remembrance products.Tourist are welcome to visit or to watch the shop’s products. Own by Elsa Leones.

Montano Sardines. A must buy from the bottled sardines capital.Go to any pasalubong center or go to the Montano Sardines Factory in Turno Dipolog City.

EAT.

You can eat in a lot of places in Dipolog center. From a city point, ride a local tricycle for 7 Php per ride and visit the food places below.

Kusina de Binoy. Good food. Great seafood menu. Awesome view at the 3rd level of Antonio’s Pension house. Great to watch the sun set. Try their Ube shake!

Big Joes. A local cafe and restaurant for young people. Famous for their steak and vanilla shake.


Grandma’s Cake’s and Pastries. Their home made spaghetti, chocolate cake and leche flan is awesome.

Boulevard “duko duko” barbecue stalls. Feel how the regular locals enjoy dinner outside of their house. Go to the Sta Cruz side at night and order barbecue with “pusu” (coconut leaf packed rice) and just savour the grilled meat. Oh it costs only 3 Ph Peso per stick.

Balut, Penoy, Tempura, and Chicken skin. Eat balut or penoy as the sun goes down. Stalls are available with chairs and table. Tempura and chicken skin stalls are also available.

Tinolang Isdang Diwit-diwit (Swordfish). Go the city market and find a “carenderia” or local restaurant. Order a tinolang isda.

SLEEP.
List of recommended places when you stay in Dipolog

Antonio’s Pension House. Near the boulevard, city center and landmarks.
Good amenities and service. Aircon rooms good for 2 @ 550 Ph Peso. Highly recommended. +63.909.489.2909

Hotel Camila 1. Along the national highway. Near the capitol hall. Room for 2 @ 599 Ph Peso.

Hotel Camila 2. 3-star hotel in the north part of Dipolog. Near the city rotonda fountain but far from center. Complete amenities. Room for 2 @ 599 Ph Peso.

Pepics Logde. Near the city hall and national highway. Air con daily rate at 500 Ph Peso.

GET OUT.
Dipolognons like to party at night. Join the caravan and experience a night with the locals. From a city point, ride a local tricycle for 7 Php per ride.

Fat cat’s. Work hard party harder. A famous bar near the city boulevard where rave parties and “tugz tugz” people unite.

BRB (Balai Resto Bar). Get a private “kubo” for drinking session with friends. It’s a famous and affordable place to hangout for the Dipolognons.

Fuse box. Hang out with the locals and party all night. Owned by Miss I. Torres.

Karylle’s Grill. Good barbecue and affordable beer. Near the beach and perfect ambiance of beer session.

Sights and Sounds. Reserve the jacuzzi in the 3rd floor where you can eat and take a dip with your friends. How cool is that?

LOCAL TIPS
- Learn to say “Maayong adlaw” or good morning. “Maayong hapon” for good afternoon.

- Ordinance 123 (Anti spit and littering) is strictly implemented in the city public areas. Do no litter. Don’t be surprised if someone approach you and notify you were wrong.

- Dipolognons are quite friendly. You can ask them anything.

TOURISM EVENTS

1. Annual Mardi Gras. An annual event every February hosted by Andres Bonifacio college with parades, floats and street dancing.

2. Sinulog sa Dipolog every 3rd Saturday of January featuring pageantry and street dancing for the Sto. Niño,

3. Katkat Sakripisyo at Linabo Peak in April,

4. Pagsalabuk Festival in May with harvest rituals of the Subanens,

5. Feast of St. Vincent Ferrer during 3rd Saturday of May,

6. Araw ng Dipolog marked July 1 to 6 with sports, cultural, and beauty pageants highlighted with Mutya sa Dipolog,

7. October 7 Fiesta which is the Feast of the Lady of the Holy Rosary

8. Pasko sa Dipolog nightly shows in December.

9. Araw ng Zamboanga del Norte or the HUDYAKA ZANORTE FESTIVAL celebrated every first week of June.

**Some words copied from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipolog

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