Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio
Mati City in Davao Oriental, which faces the Pacific Ocean, is home to three bays: Balete, Mayo, and Pujada. All three were listed by an international group as among the most beautiful bays in the world.
I have been to all three bays before. But during my recent visit, I only visited Pujada Bay as it is the only bay that Laagan Tourist Boat Rental (LTBR) is offering to its clients. It is a good choice as it is the only bay with three beautiful islands: Oak, Waniban, and Pujada.
The Pujada landscape and seascape is a 21,200-hectare marine protected area that is home to mostly endangered species of dolphins, dugongs, marine turtles, and other aquatic animals.
The perfect way of exploring Pujada Bay is availing the services offered by LTBR. “Our exclusive island-hopping party boat gives our guests a chance to enjoy the beautiful and interesting view of Pujada Bay while partying onboard,” explained Bryan Regencia, one of the owners.
“During your boat party,” he added, “you can watch the ever-changing scenery and visit the three islands. Our party boat is such an unusual and memorable way to celebrate with family and friends.”
The boat party is his way of promoting Mati City as one of the best island-hopping tourist destinations in the region, if not the whole country. “We want to showcase the beauty of Pujada Bay and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mindanao.”
But that’s going ahead of the story. He got the idea from his travels here and abroad and from reading online. It was during the pandemic that he gathered three more members of the family to put up a boat party.
After a thorough brainstorming, they decided to have it registered first with the Department of Tourism. Thanks to the help of the local government office of the city, they were able to do so.
On why they called it a boat party, Regencia explained, “Because of the fun that happens on the boat. Plus, there are the island visitations and nature tripping as additional activities.”
Ridge to reef adventure
Among the activities – which he calls “ridge to reef adventure” – that can be done include the following: swimming, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, picture taking, nature appreciation, walking and trekking. The guests can also have a party (singing karaoke, program, dancing, and laughing while riding the boat) and may opt for a sunset cruise.
Among the things LTBR provides for its guests are life vests, two snorkelling set, regular kayak, onboard party boat speaker, free one 5-gallon drinking water, accident insurance coverage, and the instagrammable party boat with sundeck, bean bags, and hammock.
The following may be rented: crystal kayak, floating mat, and stand-up paddle board.
Guests and visitors can also ask to be catered for their food requirements or they can bring their own. It is highly recommended to have your lunch on the boat. “We give flexibility to our guests because they have their own needs and preferences,” Regencia said.
There is also a store, at the jump off area, where you can buy some of the things you may have missed bringing like towels, shirts, water, drinks, and shorts.
Island hopping
Our first stopover was Oak Island. Actually, a sandbar, it is also known as Vanishing Island as it quickly disappears when the high tide arises. You can visit the place only during low tide. Here, we explored the island for almost an hour. Be sure to bring your own umbrella as there’s no place to hide against the scorching heat of the sun.
From there, we proceeded to the 156-hectare Pujada Island, just a few minutes away from Oak Island. It is surrounded by white-sand shoreline and covered with lush tropical trees. There are reportedly lakes and rivers inside the island.
The island is privately-owned and there’s an entrance fee of P100 per person (5 years old and above). An open cottage is available on a first come, first serve basis. Tables and chairs may also be rented.
After swimming in the crystal turquoise waters and walking on the fine white sand, we decided to move to another place: Darrporrt Campsite, which is located at sitio Catmunan in barangay Macambol.
What makes the place interesting is the cold spring water that comes from the UNESCO-listed Mount Hamiguitan. The range lies in the boundary of Mati City along with the municipalities of San Isidro and Governor Generoso.
After having fun at the Darrporrt, we returned to our boat and had our lunch. After eating, we were ready for our next adventure: Waniban Island. It is surrounded by blue crystal-clear waters which is good for snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Financial requirements
Now, if you want to explore and experience what I had, then you can avail the services of LTBR. It offers four packages: exclusive tri-island hopping (P9,500 for 10 persons and P11,500 for 20 persons), Pujada Island direct transfer with crystal kayak (P7,500 for 10 persons), reef to ridge (P11,500 for 20 persons), and sunset cruise (P6,500 for 10 persons).
Ridge-to-reef adventure has actually two choices. The first one is from Oak or Pujada Bay, then to Darrporrt and finally to Waniban. If you select the second one, which means the group is to be picked up from Darrporrt, the price is P15,000 and it is good for 30 persons.
The LTBR, which is a three-hour drive from Davao City International Airport, is based in Purok San Pedro, Sitio Taganilao in barangay Tamisan. The landmark is before Gavino Dawang Elementary School. The main gate is fronting the cotton trees. Look for Malintad Property.
So, what are you waiting for? – ###
