When you talk about Mati, one place immediately comes to everyone’s mind — the Dahican Surf Resort. A fantastic premium tourist spot, especially for surfers, the resort boasts a fine and powdery white sand shoreline with waves that are perfect for surfing.
But Mati has more to offer than that. There are plenty of resorts here, each with an abundance of beaches that remain unknown to many, particularly those from the North. One notable place is Bahia Beach Resort, a simple yet wonderful tourist haven that is just as great as Dahican.
Last year, I had the chance to celebrate the 24th birthday of my friend, Joanne, in Mati, along with our other friends. Since we’ve been to Dahican Surf Resort a couple of times — our favorite hangout spot — we finally decided to go somewhere else: the Bahia Beach Resort.
We had set our criteria early on. We were looking for a resort where we could have fun and be loud, budget-friendly with a stunning and mesmerizing sunset view. Bahia Beach Resort clearly was the best choice.
We made sure to book a reservation before we went to Mati. After that, we talked about the things to bring and the food to prepare. Bonus factor: this resort doesn’t charge for bringing outside food, meaning no corkage at all.
Getting to Bahia Beach Resort
The night before Joanne’s birthday, everyone arrived on time at the meeting place we had agreed upon. However, there was one person in our group who was in a different time zone—that was me. Despite agreeing to meet at 9PM, I arrived an hour late. Luckily, our departure time was not until midnight.
We hopped into our rented car from Car Rental Davao to head to Bahia Beach Resort. While you could take public transportation to get there, renting a car was the best decision we made for our trip outside Davao City. We had a comfortable experience with the car we rented from this agency.
Renting from them was a seamless experience. We chose a Ford Everest for our group, but Car Rental Davao offers sedan units and vans as well. What’s also great about them is that they offered to arrange an airport car rental for us. In our case, since we were already in Davao, they dropped off the unit in a nearby street. This level of service was exceptional, and they didn’t charge us extra for it.
Trip to Mati
We arrived in Mati around 5 in the morning and decided to wait there to witness the sunrise. We took countless pictures with the Sleeping Dinosaur Island in the background, capturing the stunning moment. Later, we went to a roadside carinderia for breakfast. While the food was just okay, the experience of dining together set a cheerful tone for the day.
After breakfast, we spontaneously decided to explore the trail to Sleeping Dinosaur Island. Despite not reaching the end of the trail, we had a great time filled with laughter and joy. The normally quiet trail echoed with our lively conversations and laughter, creating unforgettable memories.
Returning to where we parked, we then proceeded to Bahia Beach Resort. The journey there was peaceful, with Mati’s roads significantly less crowded than those in Davao City. As we approached the beach, the scenery became even more serene, with few houses and a provincial ambiance that captivated us. It was a refreshing change from the bustling city life, and we were in awe of the beauty that surrounded us.
Arrival at Bahia Beach Resort
It was 9 in the morning when we arrived at the resort, and to our surprise, we were the first guests to check in. We anticipated a crowd since it was the weekend, but we had the place almost to ourselves. The staff greeted us warmly, setting the tone for our stay.
Adhering to safety protocols, we wore our face masks and shields, as required by the city ordinance. We had made a reservation beforehand through the resort’s Facebook page, as walk-in guests from another city were not allowed.
Surrounded by coconut trees, the resort grounds offered a picturesque view. There were air-conditioned beach cabanas, casitas rooms, kiosks, camping tents, and a pavilion. We opted for a tent, which comfortably accommodated all of us, and wasted no time in capturing moments with our cameras.
As we prepared for lunch, we remembered the offer of a rice cooker from the staff. Unlike other resorts, there was no additional charge for using appliances. This act of kindness was one of many instances that made our stay memorable.
After a quick lunch, we explored the resort, admiring its famed Bahia Bridge, a popular spot for photoshoots and proposals. Therese even had the chance to go horseback riding, a delightful surprise for her.
In the evening, we headed to the shoreline to witness the breathtaking sunset. It was a perfect end to our day, filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. The next morning, as we checked out, we were grateful for the hospitality of the staff and the wonderful experience at Bahia Beach Resort.
Our stay in Mati City, particularly at Bahia Beach Resort, opened our eyes to the beauty and warmth of the place. Beyond its pristine beaches, Mati is a city where kindness and politeness prevail, making it a destination worth revisiting.
Bahia Beach Resort Rates
Kiosk – P1,500 for overnight rate suitable for ten persons
Airconditioned casitas room – P2,000 suitable for three persons with complimentary breakfast
Air-conditioned beach cabana rooms – P3,500 including toiletries with complimentary breakfast suitable for five persons
Camping tent – P1,500 including an electric fan with complete beddings
Exclusive rental for events – P50,000
How to contact Bahia Beach Resort
Manguihay, Mati City, Davao Oriental
Mobile nos.: 09197107347 or 09752648754
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bahiaresortph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bahiaresortph/