Welcome to Cabuaya, Mati, Philippines, our second home

Welcome to Cabuaya, Mati, Philippines, our second home

November 2022 · 3 min read · Davao Oriental

Cabuaya is known for its beautiful beaches, amazing rock formations, abundant fishes, and hospitable people. It is located in the south part of Mati City and it is one of the farthest barangay from the city proper. Cabuaya is a three to four-hour ride by land or by sea. 

Riding a motor boat for Cabuaya Trip
Riding a motor boat for Cabuaya Trip

One of the challenges in traveling through land before was the difficult, rocky road, thanks to the government project, better access road was constructed to make a trip more convenient. 

This road is rough road before.
This road is rough road before.

Every year, we set a time in going to this place because this is the birthplace of my mother-in-law. Our travel to Cabuaya is one of the anticipated travels of my kids. Why? Because there are many activities that they can enjoy. One is unlimited swimming, our vacation house is in front of the seashore.

Kids swimming time during our holiday vacation
Kids swimming time during our holiday vacation

The kids enjoy swimming time early in the morning and late in the afternoon. When they are not swimming they will build sand castles. It is very nice to set up camping tents and wake up hearing the waves and feeling the gentle breeze.

The place where we set up the tent
The place where we set up the tent
Morning sunrise
Morning sunrise

Tourists visiting Cabuaya would always love to go to Tagaktak, a salt water lagoon. It is known for its rock formations and a pool like shape in the center. When it is high tide and there are big waves, it enters the inside lagoon. Instagrammable photos will surely be captured in this place. People also love to climb rocks and jump! 

Wonderful rock formation
Wonderful rock formation
What you will see before reaching Tagaktak (located on the last rock in the photo)
What you will see before reaching Tagaktak (located on the last rock in the photo)
Tagaktak Salt Water Lagoon
Tagaktak Salt Water Lagoon

Cabuaya is also visited by fishing enthusiasts because of its abundant resources. My husband has angler friends who love jigging and going to the ocean to catch fish through rod and line. One time they were able to catch many fishes. 

Catch of my hubby’s friends
Catch of my hubby's friends

Aside from the beaches, they also have waterfalls. I visited one which is called Kabanlasan Falls. It is just a tiny waterfall but the water is cold and clear. One will have to ride and motorcycle and hike to go there. 

Hubby and the waterfalls
Hubby and the waterfalls

Most of all, what I love about Cabuaya are the hospitable people. They were caring and generous. Local fisherfolks always share when they have a catch. At Caubaya we always feel we are at home, we feel comfortable, secure, and relaxed. This place will always be our second home. 


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Comments

Claire Pilca
@indayclara
· November 2022

Mati has been one of those hidden gems in Mindanao that people should explore! I've always wondered what the place looks like but seems to me based on your experience its a little paradise. How much do you think would be the budget for a stay here on the island? Are there places or resorts there?

mizlhaine
@mizlhaine
· November 2022

Hello there! Indeed a little paradise! For now, there are no resorts in Cabuaya but our vacation house is usually for rent or you can have camping near in our place. There are many resorts in Lanca, that's 2 barangays before Cabuaya. The budget would depend on where you are from. Let's say from Mati City Proper - the fare would be around Php 600.00-Php 1000.00 (that's one way) but if you have your own car, you will consume at least Php 2000.00 for the gasoline (that's 2 ways already). The stay there is less expensive because there are no entrance fees yet, renting to the places of locals will be an option for a stay. In terms of food, a day stay would at least cost you Php 500.00-Php 1000.00 depending on the fishes that you will buy. There are sari-sari stores in the area where you buy your needs too. If you want to have an island hopping via banca, the locals usually give a rate of Php 1000.00. I think, a budget of Php 4,000.00-Php5,000.00 would suffice for 2-3 days there.