Dao-Dao Island

Philippines , Philippines

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Dao-Dao Island is a well-known local attraction located about 10–15 minutes away from Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines, accessible by taking a motorized boat from the seaport.

There are actually two islands with this name: Dao-Dao Dako (meaning "big"), which is the larger island with a resort featuring cottages, and Dao-Dao Gamay (meaning "small"), which is a smaller islet that appears during low tide and can be walked to from the bigger island when the water recedes, though you'll still be at least half-submerged so caution is needed.

The islands are surrounded by man-made coral reefs and are great for swimming, fishing, boating, and enjoying pretty views of Pagadian. While it's a beautiful place with lots of old trees and stray cats and dogs, some visitors have noted there is trash and very shallow water in parts, and the island is privately owned but publicly accessed since it's not fully developed into a resort.