Hello Hive Travelers, how have you been?
Like the sleeping dinosaur, I awoke 😅
As I take a break from some pending work obligations that are due today, I now find myself typing away after a full year's slumber from Hive blogging.
Having said this it feels fitting for me to write about the Sleeping Dinosaur and muse about life along the way.
Where is it?
The Sleeping Dinosaur is located in Mati, Davao Oriental in Mindanao at the southern edge of the Philippines. It's peacefully nestled on Pujada Bay with several view decks along the mountain highway en route to the town center of Mati.
To do it by land is possible on board ferries if you're blessed with time. We took the plane instead.
Flight from Cebu to Davao City, Philippines
We took a short 1 hour and 20 minutes flight from Mactan Airport in Cebu to Davao City. We were supposed to arrive by 10 am. This would have given us enough time to appreciate the land travel during the daytime- a 6-hour bus trip from Davao City to Mati.
Before we boarded the plane, I noticed the pilot's expression from the small window at the jet bridge as we were entering the aircraft. I immediately perceived the stressed activity that permeated among the crew. At that instant, I knew the flight would be delayed for some inexplicable reason.
We were all seated in the plane for about 15 minutes until the announcement was made that we were to leave the plane and wait for another flight at the boarding area due to an engine problem.
There were groans of disappointment from the passengers but what else could we all do?
Acceptance is bliss.
We waited for several hours at the boarding area, thankfully fed with packed lunches, and were later directed to join a mid-afternoon flight.
The Smorgasbord of Stops Bus Ride
After avoiding the meandering traffic from Davao City Airport to Ecoland Bus Terminal, we finally found the bus that would take us to Mati around 4 pm.
There's no express bus.
This meant we had to make several stops at every terminal we passed. The silver lining, there were plenty of opportunities for toilet breaks.
We arrived famished at the bus terminal of Mati at past 10 pm. We were sore from the endless curves and zigzags on the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road. The tricycle driver we found parked in front of our bus was kind enough to drop us at McDonald's and wait for us to order a late takeaway dinner before taking us to our accommodation inside a golf course, home to the Mindanao Saga Flying Club located at the fringes of the town. I intend to create a separate post about this unusual guest lodge and the activities we did there.
The Sleeping Dino Trail
To all adventurers, there are hiking trails on this promontory. Sunrise is beautiful in Mati, hence an early morning hike is ideal.
We didn't do the hike and instead settled for the viewpoint overlooking the land formation after a trip to Subangan Museum. The latter is educational and a must-visit when you have time to kill.
However for trek enthusiasts, we were told the panorama on the hilly trail is worth it for a small entrance fee of five pesos, so arrange a tricycle or habal-habal - motorcycle ride from your hotel to the trail's start-off point and ensure the driver waits for you.
Pujada Bay, One of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World
Three bays in Mati, Davao Oriental namely; Mayo, Balete, and Pujada were awarded to be among the most beautiful in the world according to this article and this article.
The rustic Pujada Bay is a sight to behold best admired atop Mount Hamiguitan. The stunning turquoise waters are blessed with an abundant marine biodiversity that snorkelers and scuba divers find tempting to explore, untouched corals and seagrasses, turtles, teeming with different kinds of fish, occasional dolphins, and home to the endangered sea cows known as "dugongs."
My daughter skipped with glee as soon as my family and I alighted the tricycle, neatly parked under a shade in front of a coffee station. Travelers like us gathered to capture selfies. The ridge was long and each spot provided different perspectives worthy of many shots.
There are several view decks along the mountainous coastal road, but the most popular one is Badas Point in Brgy. Dawan. There are private boat rides as well to admire the bay and its stunning landscape.
My Take-away
Should you find yourself lost in Mati, having traveled this far in the Philippines, it would be a shame to miss this. Firstly, it is along the bus route to town. Besides, it's inevitable to pass the view decks on the way back to Davao City so slow down, activate your left signal, and stop for coffee on your drive back.
This getaway was the first trip for my husband outside the island of Cebu since the pandemic. For me, this vacation was the first break I took away from work since I dove into the world of architecture once again.
2023 had been an insanely busy year and venturing into Mindanao with my family felt like an exhilarating breath taken after being submerged underwater and pressure cooked for a very long time. I was on the brink of burnout during this period and it was a much-needed break.
I often wonder why we gravitate towards associating forms and animals to name a specific place. Oddly enough, yes, I can see the reference to the sleeping figure. I admired the Sleeping Dinosaur with awe slightly tinted with envy at that time. I wanted to rest and sleep as majestically and as peacefully as this landscape did, far away from everything.
Several months later, here I am in hermit mode, now gifted with moments where I could sleep like a dinosaur.
Thank you for reaching this far into my post. Happy travels!
"I am an old soul who simply loves coffee, who finds joy and beauty in both the tangible and the unseen."
Curiosity and imagination lead to unexpected experiences. Interested in Nature, Places, Roads Less Traveled, Minimalism, Authentic Living, Anything French, and International Cuisine. Feel free to follow her, re-blog, and upvote if you enjoy her content.