The Philippines at a Glimpse: Treasures of Mati

Who would have thought that far beyond the developments in the world today, there remains an island untouched by commercialization and undisturbed by human greed?

Situated 230 km from the heart of Mati City, Pujada Island stands majestic amidst tranquil blue waters, cradled in the majestic Pujada Bay, facing barangay Magum in the east and overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the north. Its powdery white sands, cool blue waters and natural untouched wonders entice both local and foreign tourists alike.

The luscious green mountain of the island serves as backdrop to the pristine blue waters that would make you wish you could stay forever and basked at the beauty of one of God’s most precious gifts to the province of Davao Oriental.

Years after the island is discovered as a tourist destination, Pujada remains undeveloped with no resort or even a single cottage that would shelter visitors. Unlike resorts, Pujada has no receptionist to welcome your arrival or attend to your needs. The island only has Mother Nature, welcoming you to experience the beauty of solitude and relaxation that only natural beauty could give.

The island can be reached by pump boat or speed boat in a 45-minute ride from the shores of Barangay Bobon and an hour and thirty minutes from the heart of Mati City. Visitors will have to rent a boat, with a 15 person capacity costing P1, 500.00, to reach the island.

The seven hectare island is populated only by the caretakers whose task is to guard the island from being abused by visitors and maintain the cleanliness of the island. A protected area, taking anything from the island is prohibited.

The City of Mati is not only gifted with islands that could take your breath away, it is also littered with beaches that could compete with the country’s finest and most popular resorts. The white sand beaches and accommodating people of the city would make your stay worthwhile. The city’s seductive blue waters and untamed landscape makes visitors feel one with nature.

Located 165 kilometers from Davao International Airport, the City of Mati can be reached in a 2.5 hour ride through readily available Vans for Hire and commuter buses. The city is not only proud of its beaches but offers a lot more exciting destinations and activities.

Aside from its world class, unspoiled beaches, the city is also proud to have festivals that reflect the city’s vivacity and its people’s energetic personality. The city celebrates two major festivals, the Pujada festival in June and the Sambuokan Festival in October. Fun activities such as skim boarding and surfing, mountain biking in the highlands, motorboat racing at the Pujada Bay, Trekking in Cabuaya forest and Mountain Climbing in the famous pygmy forest can also be experienced by thrill seeking tourists.

Not only is Mati and the province Oriental proud of these activities, the people of Mati is also proud to have the Philippines most beautiful creatures as it is also the home of dolphins, sea crows or dugongs, hawkbills, green-sea turtles and whale sharks.

Hotels and lodging houses are also available to accommodate anyone who wishes to discover the city’s hidden treasures. The city has four hotels and three lodging houses aside from the many restaurants that serve delicious and mouth-watering delicacies that would make you ask for more.

Not only is it home of beautiful sceneries and delicious foods, Mati is also the country’s coconut capital whose economy is highly dependent on the coconut industry.

Mati is the capital and only city in Davao Oriental which was converted to city hood by virtue of Republic Act 9408 on June 19, 2007. It is consisted of 26 barangays and a population of 105, 908 as of the year 2000. The city’s major dialects are Cebuano, Mandaya, Boholano, and Kalagan and majority of its population can speak and understand English and Tagalog.

So have fun, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Come to Mati, a city teeming with natural untouched beauty waiting to be discovered.

[photos from Flicker.com]