Visiting Waniban Island | Paradise Found in the Remote Province of Davao Oriental

Waniban is a very small island located just across Brgy. Tamisan, Mati, Davao Oriental. When you travel going to this paradise island via boat or locally known as baroto, you will have a glimpse of the enigmatic land formation resembling to a sleeping dinosaur. Waniban island serves as  a temporary shelter for fishermen during unexpected rough sea weather.

The water along the beach of Waniban is like a reflecting mirror with its crystal like appearance only in liquid state. The shore is consecrated with pure white talc like sand.

On the left side of the island you can find a rocky environment with natural depressions resembling to a pool or  jacuzzi where water is being replenished by the entry and exit of sea water via strong waves.

During our visit in Waniban, we were greeted by a family who were in-charge of taking care of the place. They even offered us a fresh caught first class jack fish or 'talakitok' for  two hundred pesos only, which was surprisingly very cheap that was sold in this part of the country. In my estimate, the fish would weigh approximately 5 kilo in total. We had our lunch in one of the old cottages standing in the inner-shady  part of the island.

In our short stay in the island we were able to develop a good rapport with the children of Waniban as they were really funny and interesting to bond with (kulitan moment). Talking to them would remind you of how ignorant sometimes we are in terms of survival skills in remote places like Waniban.

They have been in the island for so many years without the aid of the modern ways of living yet managed to have a very healthy lifestyle and far from diseases, malnutrition and inherited ill value of the urban living. Crime is not observed in this place as resources are abundant that can be shared by the whole community. 

After we had enough of picture taking and taking some dipping into the water we head back to Brgy. Tamisan to change clothes for the next destination. 

How to get to Waniban Island, Mati, Davao Oriental?

Coming from Butuan or Northern Mindanao

Take a Bachelor bus heading to Davao. Alight at Tagum Integrated Terminal Station. Take A bus bound for Mati . Bus fare is around Php500.  From Mati Bus Terminal hire a habal habal (motorcycle) to take you to Brgy. Tamisan. Look for someone who would rent their motorized banca and haggle with the price. For a complete island tour, the minimum is Php 1000.00

Coming from Davao City

From the Ecoland Bus Terminal Station , directly hop to Mati Bachelor bus. Bus leaves every hour bound for Mati. Fare is around Php 200.00

Budget and Itinerary  

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