Unveiling the Mysteries of Sleeping Dinosaur Island: An Ecological Treasure Trove

The Sleeping Dinosaur Island, located in the province of Davao Oriental, is a natural wonder that attracts tourists from all over the world. This island resembles a plesiosaur-shaped dinosaur sleeping on its belly, and it can be viewed from Badas Point, Barangay Dawan. With a total land area of approximately 579 hectares, it is cited as one of the key major tourism development areas of Davao Oriental's Tourism Master Plan.

The City of Mati in Davao Oriental has one of the longest and most stunning white coastlines in Mindanao. As visitors and travelers make their way to Mati, they are greeted with a beautiful view of this island. The verdant forests and crystal clear blue waters readily greet visitors along the 8-kilometer well-paved winding roads that snake up and down a cliff overlooking the sea, leading to this quiet coastal province. This natural attraction is a must-see for tourists who want to experience the beauty of nature.

What is a Plesiosaur?

A plesiosaur is a prehistoric aquatic dinosaur that thrives in shallow or deep waters, usually having a long neck with a large, elongated head, a broad body with four paddle-shaped "flipper" limbs, and a short tail. Considered as one of the largest marine predators of all time, with the smallest about 2 meters or 6.5 feet long, and the largest up to 15 meters long, a plesiosaur belongs to the order of Mesozoic marine reptiles that first appeared in the Early Jurassic and possibly Rhaetian, the latest Triassic Period, thriving until the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction at the end of the Cretaceous Period. An example of this creature is the famed "Loch Ness Monster" of Scotland, affectionately referred to by the nickname "Nessie" which caught the world's attention in 1933. There is actually no evidence of its existence, and the creature is considered a modern-day myth.

Viewing Deck in Badas Point

A viewing deck is situated beside the highway in Badas Point for travelers to have a clearer view of this uniquely-shaped island. However, buses do not usually stop at the viewing area. This viewing deck is one of the best places to see the Sleeping Dinosaur Island. From here, visitors can take in the stunning view of the island and enjoy the cool breeze while taking pictures.

How to Get to Sleeping Dinosaur Island

The Island is situated in Barangay Dawan in Mati, Davao Oriental and can be viewed along the paved winding road in Badas Point that leads to the city. It can easily be reached by motorboat within 25 minutes. The easiest way to get to the Province is through the Madaum diversion road, which is shorter than the Davao-Tagum highway via private transportation or overland bus ride bound for Mati City - approximately 165 kilometers, or about 4 hours drive from the Davao Ecoland Bus Transport Terminal in Davao City.

What to Expect on the Island

The Sleeping Dinosaur Island is a hidden paradise that offers a unique experience to its visitors. The island boasts of crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The coral reefs surrounding the island are home to a wide variety of marine life, making it an ideal spot for scuba diving. Visitors can also explore the island's caves and see the different rock formations, which are truly a sight to behold.

The Sleeping Dinosaur Island is not only a breathtaking natural wonder, but it also serves as an essential site for ecological research. The island's unique ecosystem is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal location for scientific studies.

Researchers can explore the island's verdant forests and crystal clear waters to study the various plant and animal species that thrive in the area. They can observe and document the behavior of the endemic wildlife, including different bird species, reptiles, and other small animals that inhabit the island.

These studies can help scientists and conservationists gain a better understanding of the island's biodiversity, which can, in turn, help to develop conservation plans to preserve the island's natural beauty and protect its delicate ecosystem.

Moreover, the Sleeping Dinosaur Island is a vital part of Davao Oriental's Tourism Master Plan, which seeks to promote sustainable tourism in the province. Through responsible tourism practices, visitors can experience the island's natural beauty without causing harm to the environment. This way, the island's unique ecosystem can be enjoyed by generations to come.