The Municipality of Dalaguete is located in the southern part of Cebu. The name of the town comes from the dalaket or dalakit tree, which is one of the landmarks of the town. The natives once considered the tree as the home of diwatas or spirits who can cause misfortune to anyone who does not care for it. On the other hand, the spirits can also give good fortune to people who take care of the tree. The tree features intertwining roots when it is fully grown. It also features caverns big enough for people to enter.
The Municipio or Casa Real was supposedly built in 1832 and served as the seat of government for the Spaniards. It was originally L-shaped and featured a symmetrical façade. The roof as also made of clay tiles while coral stones were used for the walls. Galvanized metal sheets later replaced the clay tiles on the roof after a period of time. A canopy was also added along the main entrance of the Municipio.
Aside from the Municipio, Dalaguete also offers a number of other places tourists can visit while they are in this southern Cebu town. These places include the Obong watchtower, the Obong Spring, the Cristo Rey Monument, and the Poblacion watchtower, among others. You may also want to hike up to the Osmena Peak where you can see Bohol island on one side and Negros island on the other.
Your journey to the Municipio of Dalaguete starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. You can get on a bus marked Bato/Oslob and tell the driver that you want to get off at the Municipio of Dalaguete.
Have you visited the Municipio of Dalaguete already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.