Dalaguete boasts not only its significance in food supply but also it is also characterized by abundance of natural attractions, making it a haven for day trippers of all kinds. It caters not only to swimming enthusiasts but also for the trekking, spelunking and touring aficionados. Among the natural attractions that are worth mentioning:
It is one of the best attractions that Dalaguete has to offer. What makes it unique is the actuality that fresh water meets the salty sea waters when the tide is high. The spring emanates in the big Dalakit tree. It is located in the last barangay, Obong, just before Alcoy.
Kulabyaw Cave
Aside from being the Vegetable Kingdom of Cebu, Mantalongon boasts of the raw splendor of Kulabyaw Cave. The cave is a haven for local and foreign trekkers. It is famous for its thousands of bats and other nocturnal tenants inside. That is why, it is called “Kulabyaw”.
Osmeña Peak
Osmeña Peak is the highest peak in the Mantalongon ranges. The range stretches to Bandian, the neighboring town of Dalaguete. One can cross Dalaguete to Bandian by trekking westward.
Rock Formation
Outside the borders of Mantalongon is the Sitio Lugsangan, Barangay Tabon where the Rock Formation is located. It is favored by the mountaineers because of its fresh beeze and breathtaking mountain view.
Bandera Peak
Another mountain peak known for its cold climate is the foggy and misty Bandera Peak. It is located Dumalan, Dalaguete, Cebu. It is a good place for bolthole, especially when the sun is fuming.
Man-made or just simple beach resorts are developed to gratify the needs and wants of the vacationers whether foreigners or locals. It is evidence by the outgrowing numbers of public and private beaches and resorts. Here are some of them:
Ocean Bay Resort
Located in the Poblacion, Dalaguete, Bohol, Ocean Bay Resort is one of the best man-made resorts in Cebu. It offers modern and complete facilities and amenities for tourists, making it a perfect destination for R&R and business purposes.
Dalaguete Beach Park
It is among the favorite beaches in the locality because of its excellent sandy palm-fringed shoreline and pristine waters. It’s a developed public beach with no entrance fee and open or vacationers anytime, especially during weekends.
Arguete Beach Resort
Formely named Argao Beach Club, it is located next to the border of Argao. It already achieved its glory days before Marcos’ reign was terminated. Once, it became one of the biggest income earners in the town because of its excellent facilities being offered to the tourists especially the foreign holiday tripper. Though the place is no longer in operation, the white sandy beaches and the ever clean waters can still be found in there. Recently, it is still under reconstruction to bring back the heydays of the resort.
Rockwalled Adventure Resort
It is located at Coro, Dalaguete, few meters above the sea level. The resort was constructed in the top of the mountain slope. The sea is just steps downwards from the resort.
Cebu Countryside Villa and Resort
This four-storey villa is once-in-a-lifetime treat for the family. Located in Sitio Dumlog, Manangal, Dalaguete, the bar in the patio offers a panoramic view of the ocean. Antique furnitures and fixtures with a touch of modern amenities complete the ambiance of the place.
Sta. Cruz Beach
Located few meters eastward from the church, Bohol Strait and Bohol Island can be perceived splendidly in Sta. Cruz Beach.
Dalaguete is also full of cultural heritage that is worth remembering. Landmarks constitute a lot to the town’s interesting yesteryears. Relics have been preserved to remind us of the contributions of the colonizers long time ago and in molding the resident’s way of life.
St. William Parish Church
The church is located in Poblacion, Dalaguete. It was built on 1770 by Father Juan Chacel and was restored by Father Mateo Diez on 1886. The main nave measures 60 meters long, 18 meters wide and 11 meters high. The façade follows a rococo style, simple yet neat. Crystal chandeliers shipped by Spanish galleons are hanging attractively above.
It has a three-storey, octagonal bell tower with 33 meters high and 9 meters in diameter. Windows are semi-circular, completed with a balustrade dome. Ten bells are still useful. The bell tower was built by Father Juan Alonso between 1850-1860 as well as the convent, opposite the tower.
Parish Convent
Located in the town’s Poblacion, the “parokya” was established on 1711 but engraved on the convent door was on year 1832.
Church Walls
These thick low walls of coral stone were built during late 18th century and early 19th century in order to protect the perimeter area of the church in Poblacion, Dalaguete against the Moro attacks.
Watch Tower or Kiosk (Bantayan Ng Hari)
Facing Bohol Island, few meters from Sta. Cruz beach, Kiosk can be found. It is a small hexagonal structure where people loiter during their idle hours. Based on its inscriptions, it is indicated that the structure was built two centuries ago.
Watch Tower at Obong
One of the three watch towers or square planned bastion can be found in barangay Obong. These watch towers were built by Fr. Julian Bermejo to protect the southern part of Cebu including Dalaguete from the ruthless Moro slaves. It is mainly a warning station for the townspeople to be aware of the upcoming attacks.
Jose Rizal Monument
The site where Jose Rizal stands was once used as the center of the town’s recreational activities during the Spanish times. In the octagonal stage, musicians and zarzuelas took their leisure interest. The first statue erected was the image of Andres Bonifacio, holding a bolo. After sometime, the authorities decided to replace the image because it was believed to be the cause of the killing accidents that were frequent during fiestas.
