SIARGAO ISLAND, SURIGAO DEL NORTE: Island Hopping And A Short Walk To Cloud 9. After our Bucas Grande and Sohoton Cove Tour, we took the earliest boat trip from Socorro port going to Dapa port. The trip lasted for about an hour. As soon as we got out of Dapa port, we were immediately approached by two habal-habal drivers and offered to bring us to General Luna for Php200. We declined and walked further away from the port, looking for the tricycles bound for General Luna. Tricycle fares to General Luna costs Php30 per head. At this point, a lady from Cebu who is traveling solo asked if she could join us and we agreed. Just like us, she also came from Socorro port. During the boat ride from Socorro to Dapa port in Siargao, we were actually sitting across each other and I had been wondering if she were a tourist too, and that if she were, I would try to approach her and ask if she would want to join us and share expenses for the tours ( Ganun po talaga para makatipid, hehe.) I came to know later that she was also thinking of doing the same thing. ( Buti na lang nauna sya, kundi baka di ko rin sya kinausap. Shy type kasi ako e, hehe) Anyway, going back, the habal habal drivers kept on following us and when they finally offered Php50 each for the ride, we agreed. Later, they also presented us their island hopping rate.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
A private boat for island hopping in Siargao usually costs Php1,500 for a group of 4-6 persons. Haggle a bit and this could go down to Php1,200. In our case, since we were talking to two different habal-habal drivers, we ended up agreeing to Php1,300. We found out later that if we knew and talked directly to someone who owns a private boat, we would only pay the boatman Php1,000 for a whole day island hopping. This could probably mean that the extra amount is given to habal-habal drivers (acting as agents) as a commission for the tour.

With Gene, the lady from Cebu :-)
With Gene, the lady from Cebu 🙂

Since we arrived early in the morning in Siargao, we decided to go island hopping as soon as we dropped our backpacks in our room at Ocean 101 where we would spend the night. Island hopping in Siargao has three destinations: Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island Island.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Naked island is composed of pure white sand and is bare of any vegetation, thus the name. I guess “naked” has become a generic name for all islands in the Philippines with the same features. The water surrounding the entire island is perfectly clear, great for swimming.

Naked Island
Naked Island

Naked Island
Naked Island

Daku Island is my favorite. It is the biggest among the three ( Daku in the local dialect means big.) It has plenty of coconut trees and the people living in the island set up some nipa picnic huts which could be rented for Php200. Daku island is quite similar with Honda Bay’s Pandan island in Puerto Princesa, but I think Daku is prettier. The island is ideal for a family or group picnics. There is also a small sari-sari store in the island where you could buy some snacks and drinks. They do not have cold drinks however, since there’s no electricity in the island.
Daku Island
Daku Island

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Beach and Shades

Sinong may gusto ng buko? :-)
Sinong may gusto ng buko? 🙂

Mataas pala :-)
Mataas pala 🙂

Daku Island
Daku Beach

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Guyam is a beautiful little island. It only takes about 10 minutes to walk around it. It has a few picnic tables and some coconut trees for shade. Some areas in the beach have soft white sand, but the beach is quite rocky in other parts. A lady who lives in the island collects Php10 per guest as entrance fee. The water around it is shallower however when compared to that of Daku island’s and when you’re lucky, you might also find Nemo here.

Guyam Island
Guyam Island

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Hello there! :-)
Hello there! 🙂

Shy type ka din?
Shy type ka din?

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Ooops! There's more!
Ooops! There’s more!

CLOUD 9. Later in the afternoon, right after our island hopping, we decided to take a walk from the resort going to Cloud 9, Siargao’s most famous surf spot. It was almost the end of the surf season ( October- May) so the waves weren’t as powerful and there were only a few surfers during our visit. We stayed at the viewing deck for a while and watch a few surfers patiently waiting and trying to ride the perfect waves.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
We waited until the sunset. It was also very nice to be able to finally set foot on the picturesque boardwalk. I thought it was an excellent spot to enjoy a sunset stroll.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
The walk along the boardwalk as the sky’s color turned into different shades of vibrant oranges and reds, was simply the perfect to cap a beautiful day off.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Continue Reading

BUCAS GRANDE SOCORRO SURIGAO DEL NORTE: Getting In And Where To Stay. If you’re only going for a full day island hopping tour, you do not need to go to Socorro port. You may simply go to Hayanggabon port and from there you may hire a private boat for your Bucas Grande island hoping and Sohoton Cove Tour. Standard rate is Php3,500 at Hayanggabon port and Php2,500 at Socorro port. You may contact Naigel Dizon at 09081802756 | 09303360765 or in Facebook for your Bucas Grande Island hopping tour. Depending on the number of guests, he may be able to give you a price lower than the standard rate since he owns the boat Please click here for MY COMPLETE BUCAS GRANDE ISLAND HOPPING AND SHOTON TOUR TRAVEL GUIDE >>>

But for whatever good reason you might have, here’s how to get to Bucas Grande, Socorro, Surigao Del Norte. Please note that Bucas Grande is more popularly known as Soccoro.

This boat will take you from Hayanggabon porto to Socorro port
From Hayanggabon port, this boat will take you to to Socorro port

From Surigao City. Option 1. From either the airport or bus terminal, ride a tricycle or a jeepney/multicab (about 10 minutes and costs Php9) going to Pier 1. From there, ride a ferry going to Socorro. The ferry leaves anytime from 11AM-12 noon, Mondays to Saturdays. The trip takes about 2 hours and costs P200+. Option 2. Go to the bus station (a short walk from the airport) and ride a bus bound for Tandag City, or a van, or a jeepney going to Claver, then get off at Hayanggabon port. This takes about 1.5 hour and costs Php100, more or less. At Hayanggabon port, ride a public boat going to Socorro port. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and costs P100. Schedule of trips: 7AM, 11AM, 4PM. The boat however leaves only when it’s full, so this means that it may leave earlier or a little bit late.
Map

From Siargao, there are private boats that can be hired for a Sohoton Cove tour. The price is quite stiff though at Php4,500. This is good if there’s more in the group to share the price. A cheaper option is to head to Dapa port then ride the public boat going Socorro. Fare costs Php100 and the trip lasts for about an hour. Earliest trip leaves anytime from 7:30AM-8:30AM and the 2nd (last trip) leaves in the afternoon between 2:30-4:00PM

From Butuan City, head to the bus terminal and ride a bus going to Surigao City and alight at Bad-as junction. Travel time is approximately 2 hours and costs about Php150. At Bad-as junction, ride bus going to Tandag City and tell the bus conductor to drop you off at Hayanggabon port. The ride may take about an hour and costs approximately Php70.

Map
If you’re coming from Britania Group of Islands, like we did, head to the national highway then ride a bus going to Tandag CityThe trip takes about 1.5 hour and costs Php80. From Tandag, ride another bus going to Surigao and get off at Hayanggabon port. Travel time is approximately 2 hours and costs Php150. Last trip from Tandag to Surigao City leaves at either 4 or 5PM.
Please click here for MY COMPLETE BUCAS GRANDE ISLAND HOPPING AND SHOTON TOUR TRAVEL GUIDE >>>

BUCAS GRANDE SOCORRO ACCOMMODATION.

1. BUCAS GRANDE BALANGHAI RESORT
Bucas Grande Balanghai Hotel
Address/Location: Socorro-Estrella-Pamosaingan Rd, Socorro, Surigao del Norte
Rate starts at Php600 with AC per night: (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Please contact them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: +6329078931233
Email Address: N/A
Website/Other Resources: N/A
Guest Reviews: We would have stayed in this hotel if it wasn’t full when we went there. While it’s old, the room is clean and good enough for an overnight stay. It is just short walk away from Socorro port. It is also close to the market and eateries. Don’t Miss Out! See Today’s Top Hotel Deals at TripAdvisor

2. D&L LODGING HAUZ
 D&L LODGING HAUZ
Address/Location: Barangay Navarro, Socorro, Surigao Del Norte
Rate starts at Php300 without AC and Php650 with AC per night: (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Please contact them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: 09465697318
Email Address: N/A
Website/Other Resources: N/A
Guest Reviews: This was where we stayed. They only have 5 rooms. Very basic, but clean. There’s no front desk so you need to call outside before someone assists you. It is a walking distance from the market and the port. Unfortunately, they don’t have internet connection. Don’t Miss Out! See Today’s Top Hotel Deals at TripAdvisor

3. ANTHONY’S SEASIDE GUESTHOUSE
ANTHONY’S SEASIDE GUESTHOUSE
Address/Location: Brgy. Taruc, Socorro, Surigao Del Norte
Rate starts at Php600 fan roomper night: (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Please contact them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: +639474807176
Email Address: sgcsakota@yahoo.com or t.tb98@hotmail.com
Website/Other Resources: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anthonys-Seaside-Guesthouse | https://anthonyslodge.wordpress.com
Guest Reviews: About 5-minute tricycle ride away from the port. Always want to come back in this place. The owner itself is very accommodating. And everybody is friendly. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ MORE>>> Don’t Miss Out! See Today’s Top Hotel Deals at TripAdvisor

4. HARKRISHA RESORT
ANTHONY’S SEASIDE GUESTHOUSE
Address/Location: Barangay Taruc, Socorro Surigao Del Norte
Rate starts at Php1,000 per night: (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Please contact them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: +639283214736
Email Address: N/A
Website/Other Resources: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Villa-Harkrisha-Resort
Guest Reviews: A cozy place to stay. Their nipa huts can accommodate as many as 10 persons. Great for families and groups. Don’t Miss Out! See Today’s Top Hotel Deals at TripAdvisor

For those who wish to spend the night in an island resort, you can either choose to stay at Balanghai Kanlunes Resort, Hidden Island Resort, or Club Tara. Don’t Miss Out! See Today’s Top Hotel Deals at TripAdvisor

NOTE: Unfortunately during our visit, we were told that ISLAND VACATIONS, a popular budget accommodation in Bucas Grande had already been closed for several months.

Please click here for MY COMPLETE BUCAS GRANDE ISLAND HOPPING AND SHOTON TOUR TRAVEL GUIDE >>>

Continue Reading

BUCAS GRANDE ISLAND HOPPING AND SOHOTON COVE TOUR. With its lushly vegetated tropical rock islands, crystal clear waters, caves, lakes and school of non-stinging jellyfishes, I certainly agree to those who say that this destination is a must-see in Surigao Del Norte. One can expect to be surrounded with sublime scenery during island hopping. I would, however, like to set proper expectations by saying that while there are a few beaches in Bucas Grande, they’re small and not as stunning as those beaches found in Palawan, Caramoan, Boracay and Siargao. This shouldn’t stop you from visiting Bucas Grande islands and Sohoton Cove though, because this destination certainly has its unique charm and the scenery is really spectacular.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

ISLAND HOPPING AND SOHOTON COVE TOUR. It took me a while to understand how the whole day island hopping tour is done in Bucas Grande. Basically, one needs to hire a private boat either from Hayanggabon port (costs Php3,500) or Socorro port (costs Php2,500) to go around Bucas Grande. These boats can accommodate up to 30 persons.

Hayanggabon port is the main jumping-off point to Bucas Grande and Sohoton Cove Tour. For groups, I suggest you hire a boat at Hayanggabon port instead of going to Socorro port. While taking the tour from Socorro port may sound cheaper, please note that you’ll also pay about Php100 (one way) for the fare going to Socorro port. And chances are, if you miss the first trip (7AM) of the public boat going to Socorro from Hayanggabon port, you’d be left with no choice but to schedule your tour the next day, and spend more for a one-night stay in Socorro. The second trip from Hayanggabon going to Socorro port leaves at 11AM. Last trip is scheduled at 4PM. Please be advised though that these schedules aren’t fixed, and that the boat may leave earlier or a bit late depending on how soon the boat is full of passengers. So it is best to go there at least an hour before the scheduled trip.

Note, If you’re coming from Siargao, you’d either have a different island hopping destination, or if pressed for time, you’d go all the way to Sohoton Cove.

A private boat for Bucas Grande island hopping tour
A private boat for Bucas Grande island hopping tour. Whether you intend to begin from Hayanggabon port or Socorro port, you may contact Naigel Dizon at 09081802756 | 09303360765 or in Facebook for your Bucas Grande Island hopping tour. Depending on the number of guests, he may be able to give you a price lower than the standard rate since he owns the boat

Island hopping destinations include Isla Noah Lake, Bolitas and Crystal Cave, Tiktikan Lake, Hidden Resort, Kanlunes Resort, Marka-a beach, and Bubon Beach. Some of these require entrance fees.

We passed by this beach. Quite small but it would have been nice if we stayed here for a while
We passed by this beach. Quite small but it would have been nice if we stayed here for a while

Kanlunes Resort
Kanlunes Resort, a beach resort near Sohoton Cove. Room rate starts at Php1,000

Club Tara
Club Tara, a high end accommodation in Bucas Grande. Entrance fee: Php20

Hidden Resort
Hidden Island Resort. It has cages with a shark, big fishes, and sea turtles. Entrance fee is Php50

While swimming with the non-stinging jellyfishes is not allowed in the jellyfishes sanctuary, there are a lot of other spots where you could see and swim with them. This picture is taken at Isla Noah
While swimming with the non-stinging jellyfishes is not allowed in the jellyfishes sanctuary, there are a lot of other spots in Bucas Grande where you could see and swim with them. This picture is taken at Isla Noah Lake

Crystal And Bolitas Caves registration area. Php30 entrance fee per head which includes flashlights and helmets plus  Php100 guide fee
Crystal And Bolitas Caves registration area. Php30 entrance fee per head which includes flashlights and helmets plus Php100 guide fee

Inside the dry Crystal Cave where a few crystals/calcite can be seen. This is easy to navigate
Inside the dry Crystal Cave where a few crystals/calcite can be seen. This is easy to navigate

Some crystals/calcite inside Crystal Cave
Some crystals/calcite inside Crystal Cave

The entrance of the 16-meter long Bolitas Cave. Ceiling is too low and you would crawl most of the time. Not for the claustrophobic like me and certainly not for beginners
The entrance of the 16-meter long Bolitas Cave. Ceiling is too low and you would crawl most of the time. Not for the claustrophobic like me and certainly not for beginners

Tiktikan Lake. Paddling around it's gentle water surrounded by nature is a sheer bliss. For adrenaline junkies, there's an area where you could jump and dive into the water
Tiktikan Lake. Paddling around it’s gentle water surrounded by nature is a sheer bliss. For adrenaline junkies, there’s an area where you could jump and dive into the water

Marka-a beach is a  small beach where tourists are taken for lunch. Less than 5 boats can dock here at the same time
Marka-a beach is a small beach where tourists are taken for lunch. Less than 5 boats can dock here at the same time

The boatman will wait until low tide before proceeding to Sohoton Cove National Park Center. At the center, you would need to register and pay the fees before you start the tour.

    Environmental Fees: Php150/pax for foreign tourists | Php50/pax for local tourists
    Docking Fee: Php100 for small boat, Php150 for medium, and P200 for large boats ( This is a docking fee for the boat that you used for island hoping earlier. The boatman will wait until you are finished with the Sohoton Cove Tour)
    Pumpboat with two guides: Php830 per boat, maximum of 8 persons ( Yes, this is a different boat. It is smaller. The boats that are used for island hopping are bigger and would not fit in the entrance of Sohoton Cove National Park)
    Boat with a paddler: Php100 per pax. ( Yes another boat, very small)

After you’ve paid the fees, the tourist assistants would ask you to sit down and wait for your name to be called. You may be asked to ride the motorized boat to take you inside Sohoton Cove, or take the small boat with a guide who would paddle all the way to the jellyfish sanctuary. The sanctuary is not located inside Sohoton Cove. In our case, we did the former first.

The motorized boat takes you around Sohoton Cove National Park. Entering the park is an experience in itself. where you will be quickly surrounded by a breathtaking beautiful scenery.

Sohoton Cove National Park Entrance. Not accessible during low tide
Sohoton Cove National Park Entrance. Not accessible during low tide

Tropical rock islands with lush green vegetation
Tropical rock islands with lush green vegetation

The horse shoe rock . The most photograph rock formation at Sohoton Cove
The horse shoe rock . The most photograph rock formation at Sohoton Cove

The two main destinations inside the cove are Hagukan cave and Magkukuob cave. Hagukan cave can only be entered during low tide and depending on the level of the water, one may either simply swim, float, or swim under. Even when the tide is low, the ceiling can be just 1.5 to 2 feet above water, and when you’re not careful, your head or worse, your face may be cut by the sharp oyster shells attached to the rock ceiling. It’s dark inside the cave and you’ll be swimming most of the time. There’s a spot inside where you can step on a rock under the water to rest. The water inside the cave appears luminous as an effect of the small amount of light that’s coming from the entrance of the cave.

The entrance of Hagukan Cave
The entrance of Hagukan Cave

The view of Hagukan cave entrance from inside
The view of Hagukan cave entrance from inside

Magkukuob cave is a small cave where you need to climb a few steep rocks to go up to the exit and then dive into the water. In case you’re afraid of diving, you would need to go back to the entrance, which I think is as difficult, if not more, as going up.

This may just take  a few minutes but certainly not an easy way up
This may just take a few minutes but certainly not an easy way up

No fear at all!
No sign of fear at all!

It won't even take a minute :-)
It won’t even take a minute 🙂

After an hour, we were back at the center and were transferred to the small boat that would take us to the jellyfish sanctuary. The view all the way to the sanctuary is awesome, but I wasn’t totally impressed with the jellyfish sanctuary.

The paddle boat
The paddle boat

A passage going to the jellyfish sanctuary
A passage going to the jellyfish sanctuary

Tourists inside the  jellyfish sanctuary
Tourists inside the jellyfish sanctuary

There were only a few jellyfishes inside the lake, and they put some rocks where the water flows out. I think this is to prevent the jellyfishes from swimming away from the sanctuary.
A transparent jelly fish
A transparent jelly fish

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

We didn’t stay very long. When we reached the center, we went back to the boat we used for island hopping and Naigel, our boatman, brought us back to Socorro port.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK FOR LIST OF ACCOMMODATION AND A GUIDE ON HOW TO GET SOCORRO BUCAS GRANDE ISLANDS>>>>

Continue Reading

BRITANIA GROUP OF ISLANDS, SAN AGUSTIN, SURIGAO DEL SUR: An Island Hopping Delight. We weren’t supposed to visit the Britania Group of Islands during our 8-day trip in Surigao, but one habal habal driver offered a Hinatuan Enchanted River + Britania Island Hopping Tour Package with a price that is hard to resist. Php1,500. This turned out to be a SCAM, however. We found out later that the boat rental for island hopping is not included. So in case, someone in Hinatuan offers you this package, don’t take it. We made everything clear, made sure that we understood one another before we finally agreed, we even documented it through text messages, but in the end, the habal habal driver said we did not understand him and that was because of language barrier. (Mahirap daw talaga mag-usap ang Tagalog at Bisaya. Yes, I don’t understand Bisaya, but my friend can speak a little and understand the dialect well. ) My guess is that, “miscommunication” is part of the trick. We, of course, refused to pay more and invited him to the tourism office to settle the issue. He seemed alarmed at my suggestion and refused to go. In the end, he simply let us go. So, please be warned.

A great island hopping experience begins here
A great island hopping experience begins here

Now, for the good vibes. Since, this is not included in our itinerary, I didn’t do a lot of research about this destination. I only knew that it’s been recommended by several tourists as one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Surigao Del Sur. Britania Group of Islands is actually comprised of 24 islets but only a few have a beach. This is somewhat similar to Pangasinan’s Hundred Islands. There are four beach destinations for island hopping: Hagonoy Island, Naked Island, Boslon Island, and Hiyor Hiyoran Island.

Some of the Islets at Britania Group of Islands
Some of the Islets at Britania Group of Islands

We first went to Hagonoy Island which is the farthest. This is my favorite among the four. With its clear waters, soft and powdery white sand beach, a few coconut and talisay trees, it makes a perfect setting for a movie with a “stranded-in-an island” theme.

A delightfiul site! Can't wait for the boat to dock :-)
A delightfiul site! Can’t wait for the boat to dock 🙂

The island is so lovely it was so hard for us to leave. It would have been awesome to camp there for a night and wake up to an amazing view the next morning.

Touch down, Hagonoy Island!
Touch down, Hagonoy Island!

Just enough trees to make it picture perfect
Just enough trees to make it picture perfect

But that wasn’t part of the plan. Besides, I don’t even know if that’s allowed. We stayed in the island for a couple of hours and took plenty of pictures before we moved on to the next destination.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Naked Island is located just a few minutes away from Hagonoy Island. It’s called “Naked” because it lacks vegetation.

Britania's Naked Island
Britania’s Naked Island

The island is composed only of white sand and some rocks. It’s quite small and most tourists, especially local tourists, would only stay here for a short while to take pictures, especially at noon when the heat becomes unbearable.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
No shade at all

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Nognog na! Ayos lang!

If it’s not too hot though, this is also a great spot for swimming.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Our next stop was Boslon Island. This is where most tourists would stop by for lunch, mainly because there is a lot of shade under some trees and rocks. Here, one may also buy some fresh catch from the fisherman which they would grill for a minimal fee.

Boslon Island
Boslon Island

While the area where our boat docked has a wide white beach, it was difficult to appreciate it as there were so many tourists during our visit. The makeshift tables were not a good site to see too. We stayed on the other side of the beach, which is rocky but a lot more quiet and peaceful.

Beautiful Island. Best enjoyed when there are less people
Beautiful Island. Best enjoyed when there are less people

During low tide, one may also walk to the nearby twin islands collectively called Paglangagan Islands. These two islands are mostly rocky though, and one must wear slippers to get there as the path connecting these islands to Boslon Island is mostly consist of dead crushed corals.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Paglangagan Islands on my hands

We weren’t able to go to Hiyor-Hiyoran Island since the tide is getting low and we were also in a hurry hoping to catch the last bus bound for Surigao from Tandag. When you have more time though, visit Hiyor-Hiyoran Island as there are plenty of starfishes and interesting spots for picture taking.

A half-day island hopping at the Britania Group of islands is sufficient. A great way to spend your time though is to start the tour at Boslon Island because it is less crowded before lunch time. And don’t forget to spend more time at Hagonoy Island. I’m sure you’ll love the place as much as I did.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

TRAVEL GUIDE: HOW TO GET TO BRITANIA GROUP OF ISLANDS. From Hinatuan or Bislig City, ride a bus bound for Butuan and alight at Barobo bus terminal. Travel time from Bislig to Barobo is about 1.5 hour and costs approximately Php105. Trip from Hinatuan to Barobo takes about half-an-hour and costs approximately Php35. From Barobo Terminal, transfer to a van or a bus going to Tandag and alight at Barangay Salvacion in San Agustin . Travel time from Barobo to Salvacion, San Agustin is more or less 30 minutes and costs Php40.

If you’re coming from Butuan City, ride a bus or a van going to Tandag City and alight at Barangay Salvacion, San Agustin. The trip takes about 4-5 hours

From Surigao City,
there are two options: (Option 1) Ride a bus bound for Butuan City, then transfer to another bus or a minivan bound for Tandag and get off at Barangay Salvacion. (Option 2) Ride a bus going to Tandag. In Tandag City, ride a bus or a minivan bound for Butuan and alight at Barangay Salvacion In San San Agustin. Either way, travel time is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. The second option is best if you’re coming from Hayanggabon port, after a tour at Socorro Bucas Grande and Sohoton Cove.

From Davao City, head to the bus station and ride a bus bound for Tandag City and get off at Barangay Salvacion in San Agustin. There are only two trips to Tandag from Davao. One leaves at 12 midnight and the second trip is scheduled at 6AM. Alight The trip takes about 6 hours and costs approximately Php410.

From the main road in Salvacion, hire a habal habal to take you to barangay Britania, where the port is located. The ride takes about 15 minutes and costs Php20 per head. On your way, you’ll pass by the Salvacion Tourism where you’ll pay Php25.00 environmental fee. The tourism office may also assist you in looking for a boat for island hopping tour. Standard rate is Php1,500. However, depending on your number and how long you intend to stay in the islands, some boat operators may agree to Php1000 price.

FEES AND RATES:
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
BRITANIA GROUP OF ISLANDS, SURIGAO DEL SUR ACCOMMODATION: In case you need a place to stay, there are plenty of resorts at Barangay Britania. While we didn’t spend the night there, we we spent half-an-hour at waiting for our boatman at Ysha’s Resthouse. We bought some rice and drinks from them and this was also where we took a shower before we left Britania. They’re air-conditioned room costs Php1,200.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
You may also ask assistance from the Local Tourism Office. They’re very helpful.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Enjoy and have a safe trip! I'd be happy if you share this on Facebook :-)
Enjoy and have a safe trip! I’d be happy if you share this on Facebook 🙂
Continue Reading

ENCHANTED RIVER, HINATUAN SURIGAO DEL SUR: Not Your Ordinary Travel Destination. To call a place “enchanting “would certainly set high expectations for tourists. For me, enchanting means magical, bewitching, and something that could move me deeply, and rouse me to ecstatic admiration. I was instantly captivated by its pictures in the internet, just like most tourists were. Its crystal clear water with different shades of blue from aquamarine to cobalt blue looks gorgeous and inviting. The images seemed unreal, and I thought, “Can this place really enchant its visitors? Or is this another overrated tourist destination?”

Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur
Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur

From Hinatuan town center, where we spent the night, we hired a habal habal to take us to the Enchanted River in Barangay Talisay. The road going to the river, while it’s still under construction, is much better than the road going to Tinuy-an Falls. We reached the place in less than an hour. At 7AM in the morning, we were the 2nd group of visitors. Our driver told us that it is open for visitors as early as 6AM. After we paid the entrance fee, we immediately walked towards the main swimming area. There are cemented pathways going down to make it easier and safer for tourists to go near the water.

Cemented stairs to get near to the water
Into the deep blue water. Parang bangin!

The place really looked beautiful. There were only a couple of other tourists on the main spot and nobody was swimming on the water yet. It was still very quiet and it was nice to simply stare at the water while the sun rises. We dropped our backpacks nearby and started taking pictures before other tourists would turn up. I could imagine the place to be really crowded when more people would arrive since the main swimming area is rather small.

Finally!
Beautiful!

After a few minutes, we could no longer resist diving into the water. That’s what we came here for, anyway. The water’s temperature was just right. It wasn’t very cold, but certainly refreshing.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

One thing I noticed though was that each time I swim deep into the water, it took me longer than usual to swim back to the surface, which made me realize that I was unknowingly swimming deeper than I thought. Nevertheless, we surely had a great time.

I totally forgot to set the camera to underwater scene :-(
I totally forgot to set the camera to underwater scene 🙁

Nakaligo na ako sa Enchanted River :-)
Nakaligo na ako sa Enchanted River 🙂

As more and more tourists arrived, we got out of the water and explored the entire area. There are pathways and stairs designed for an eco-tour, which also leads to different spots that are great for picture-taking.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

We left the area after more than a couple of hours because we were also scheduled for island hopping at Britania Group of Islands on that same day. Besides, two hours is enough for us to enjoy the entire place. We missed the fish-feeding activity, which normally happens at 12 noon. Tourists say it’s awesome to watch.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
So is it enchanting? With its different shades of blue, unfathomable depth, several cave chambers (some remained unexplored) and the fact that it’s connected to the open sea, it surely is an extraordinary travel destination. It is mysterious and with a little imagination, it could be magical. It’s not difficult to imagine what is told in the local legends – singing mermaids, fairies sprinkling colors on the water, along with other supernatural creatures protecting the area. As they say, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, or in this case, on the imagination of the visitor.

Enchanted?
Enchanted?

In reality though, while it’s lovely, it is best enjoyed when there are less people. Pero kapag pumunta ka doon at madaming tao, isipin mo na lang na siokoy at sirena ang mga naglalangoy sa tubig 🙂

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA