SURIGAO CITY OVERNIGHT TRIP TO CEBU CITY

This is a part of my 10-day family trip to Manila, Cebu City Dinagat Island Province and Surigao City

The Surigao City marker at the Port of Lipata

This was my second travel to Surigao City the first one was on July 7 - 9, 2011 when I traveled to Siargao Island.   On that trip we were able to visit the following:  Surigao City, Sohoton National Ecopark (Bucas Grande Island ), Jelly Fish Sanctuary (Bucas Grande Island) and Siargao Island. This only shows that Surigao City is the gateway to Siargao and Dinagat Islands.

Surigao City is a component city and capital of the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines.  This city is is located at the north-easternmost tip of Mindanao with a total land area of 245.34 square kilometers which is roughly 1.4% of the Caraga region.

Arriving at the Port of Lipata of Surigao City coming from Dinagat Island

When we arrived in Surigao City, we already had a booked accommodation just one ride from the port at Pier La Casa Homestay.  Since we have a lot of luggage, we hired a porter a rate of P100.

Our beds at Pier La Casa Homestay

The dining table at the Pier La Casa Homestay

Going around the city, tourists can use the tricycle with a minimum fare of P11.   While our accommodation costs P2,630 for an overnight stay.   As we would like to take advantage of the fresh tuna in the market, we just decided to cook for our meals and tuna costs P400 a kilo.   We bought vegetables and their Lakatan banana is only P50.  Their suso sea shells is only P50 per kilo.  We really had healthy and delightful meals then.  And yes, laundry hubs were also present in the city and we had our used clothes on laundry for P300.

The San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral in Surigao City

The Cathedral's altar

The following day, we attended a Holy Mass at San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral.  This church is commonly known as Surigao Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral and is the seat of the Diocese of Surigao.  Tricycle fare going there from our accommodation is at minimum fare of P11 per head.  

Surigao City Hall foreground

Almost opposite the cathedral is the Surigao City Hal.  I can also see a park opposite the church which is quite green.  So, after attending the mass, we just crossed the street to have this picture.

Surigao City Gymnasium

Matthew ran fast to the nearby Surigao City Gymnasium after having pictures from the city hall foreground.  This is just adjacent to the city hall and opposite to the cathedral.

Breakfast at the Greenwich with my family

The fastfood I have seen in Surigao City were just Greenwich and Jollibee.  They are adjacent with each other.  They are located just two blocks away from the cathedral.

After our breakfast, we headed back to our accommodation to prepare for our flight back to Manila via Cebu City.   We had our sumptuous lunch at our accommodation.

While at Surigao Airport

After our lunch, we headed to the airport for our Cebu Pacific flight to Mactan International Airport where we arrived there at 1:00 P.M.   We had a tricycle trip from the Pier La Casa Homestay to the airport for P150.

Boarding for our Cebu Pacific Surigao-Cebu flight

We were actually too early at the Surigao Airport since it was only at 4:11 P.M. that we boarded in our flight for Cebu City.  

While we are on board our Surigao - Cebu City flight

Our Cebu Pacific Surigao - Cebu Flight No. DG6902 must have been at 4:00 P.M.  However, it was usual for flight trips to be delayed and with this we were late 30 minutes.  We must have been landing at Mactan International Airport at 4:50 P.M. for a 50-minute flight.

While on board with our Surigao - Cebu flight  

Arriving at Mactan International Airport of Metropolitan Cebu

We were supposed to be in Cebu City at 4:50 P.M. but because we were delayed by 30 minutes, we arrived there at 5:20 P.M.  Fortunately, it was such a perfect weather late afternoon.

Boarded airport bus to the airport terminal

Arriving at Mactan International Airport (Ate Rose at the picture)

We decided to stay at the airport terminal since our connecting Cebu Pacific flight for Manila was still at 10:00 P.M.   Besides, going to Cebu City proper is 10 kilometers and in the evening traffic is heavier. 

Strolling around the airport

Part of the airport stroll

Craving for Cebu's lechon

We were supposed to go to Cebu's House of Lechon in Cebu City proper but I find it not practical to go there considering the traffic condition.  So, my family agreed to just buy a half a kilo of lechon at Ayers Lechon at the airport or P325, just to satisfy our craving.  And really, we cannot wait for dinner, we have eaten it all just before our Kenny Rogers dinner at the airport.

Dinner at the airport's Kenny Rogers branch

At exactly 6:45 P.M., we had our dinner at the Kenny Rogers.  This fast food is our family's favorite.  We love their classic roasted chicken along with its side dishes like muffins, cupful of fruit salad, mashed potato with sour cream and chives and the best coleslaw.

They offer this salad too and dessert  Kenny's Treat "The Leches Cup"

Unlike SM Legazpi Kenny Roger branch where our family dine, the outlet at Mactan International Airport has these menu of salad and dessert.  And yes, they do not run out of muffins, my favorite in Kenny Rogers.  When I smell their aroma, I can't stop but to be salivating.

How can I resist with this combo meal at Kenny Rogers

Whenever, our family look for a dining place, Kenny Rogers always comes first to our choice.   Using two senior citizen discount card of Ate Rose and mine, our total order of  P1,610 was reduced to P1,318.57 after deducting the discount of P291.43.

Check-in for our Cebu Pacific flight Mactan - Manila

We checked in at 8:16 P.M. despite the fact that our flight for Manila is at 10:00 P.M.  Matthew was unstoppable then.  He made the airport a huge and massive playground running here and there.

Matthew while on board our flight

Matthew is so playful while boarding a plane.  This is so far his 6th domestic flight since he was 2 years old, the first of which was when we had vacation to Antique and Boracay in April 2022.

Claiming our luggage at NAIA Terminal III

We arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal III at 11:50 P.M. but was able to finally claimed our luggage at 12:12 midnight.

Strutting along Runway Manila

As we had difficulty in booking for a grab despite that it was already midnight, we used Runway Manila for an exit as we can easily take a taxi down there.  Honestly, if you book for Grab within NAIA Terminal III, it takes long.  When we booked for a Grab taxi down the Runway Manila, it was so fast.

Had hotel booking at Eurotel Vivaldi Residences

It was already 1:04 A.M (dawn) when we arrived at Eurotel in Cubao of Quezon City.   Our advanced online booking here for overnight was P2,019.38.  It is advisable to book online here thru Agoda since it is cheaper than having it over-the-counter.  It will cost P3,800 for the same room accommodation if we did it.

Our Eurotel room accommodation

At 1:10 A.M., we already rested in our hotel room accommodation.  I left them at the hotel at 2:00 A.M. trying to catch my flight for Bicol International Airport since I have to report for work.  While the rest of them took a bus at 6:00 P.M. to our Bicol residence.

Overlooking Manila from my 6:02 A.M. flight for Bicol International Airport

This completes our Family trip to Manila, Cebu City, Dinagat Island Province and Surigao City.

Travel suggestions:

Since you are already in Surigao City, you can either travel by road to Cagayan de Oro City or Bislig and Hinatuan as broken down as follows:

1.  From Surigao City to Cagayan de Oro City, you need to take Bachelor Bus Liner for 290 kilometers

     to a travel duration of 7.5 hours with the fare ranging from P750 to P1,100.  By doing so, you will 

     pass thru Butuan City with a distance of 121 kilometers for 2.5 hours with a fare range of P400  to

     P750.

2.  From Surigao City to Hinatuan, there is no direct bus going there.  You need to take a bus from

     Surigao City (Surigao del Norte) to Tandag City  (Surigao del Sur)  is 211 kilometers for 9 hours

     with a fare range of P900 to P1,500.  You can take Bachelor Bus Liner.  From Tandag City to

     Hinatuan is 124 kilometers for 2.5 hours where there are local buses and vans that operate for a

     fare range of P600 to P1,100.   What to see in Hinatuan anyway?  There is the Enchanted River,

     Sibadan Fish Cage and Resort, Pangasinan White Island Resort and Tinago Cove.

3.  From Hinatuan to Bislig (both part of Surigao del Sur) , is just 40 kilometers for 48 minutes thru

     local buses or vans with fare estimates of P100 to P160.  What to see there?  You can visit there

     the following:  Tinuy-an Water Falls,  International Doll House and Mangagoy.

With those long road travels, it is better to take plane travels.

Thanks for reading!

THE UNDERRATED MAGICAL DINAGAT ISLAND: HIGHLY RECOMMENDABLE TO TOURISTS

 

This is a part of our 10-day family trip to Manila, Cebu City Dinagat Islands and Surigao City dated November 16 - 25, 2024.

Our family's trip to Dinagat Island province completes my tour to 82 provinces of the Philippines.  This was formerly a part of Surigao del Norte, until Republic Act No. 9355 was enacted on October 2, 2006 that created Dinagat sa a province.

The clear turquoise blue waters of Blue Lagoon

November 20, 2024

Traveling to Dinagat was such a long journey.  Being a resident from Albay, we took an overnight bus from Guinobatan, Albay to Manila and stayed in Manila for four days for a vacation.  Then, we had a flight from Manila to Cebu City (Mactan International Airport),  it was just a short stop, just enough for us to tour around Cebu City for three hours and then we had another flight from Cebu to Surigao City and from Surigao City, we boarded a boat heading to Dinagat Island.   Actually, there is also an option to have a direct flight from Manila to Surigao City, but I opted it via Cebu City, so that my family can have a tour in Cebu City.

Just arrived at Surigao Airport

We left at Mactan International Airport at 11:00 A.M. boarding Cebu Pacific Flight No. DG6897 and arrived in Surigao Airport at 11:55 A.M. of November 20, 2024.  It is  part of our November 20-23, 2024 Dinagat Island trip.  It was my second time to be in Surigao City, but it was first time for my family to land here.

The boat going to San Jose Port of Dinagat Island

From the airport to the port where we will board a boat for Dinagat Island costs P150 for the tricycle fare (whole trip), they call it as "bao-bao".    In going to Dinagat Island, one has to take a San Jose trip.  We left Surigao port at 1:30 P.M. and arrived in San Jose at 2:40 P.M.  

On our way to our Dinagat accommodation

While in Dinagat Island, we checked in at Amasra Homestay, not complete with amenities but clean and comfortable.   Tricycle fare from San Jose Pier to Amasra Homestay (whole trip) was P100. There was even confusion since my online booking for accommodation was for a bigger room, but what was given to us was smaller room.

Since we were tired of our two successive flights during the day, 3-hour tour in Cebu City and boat trip from Surigao City to San Jose, Dinagat Islands, we rested in our comfortable beds.  While I looked for nearby restaurant for our dinner.  Amasra has no available dinner that we can order.  It only serve breakfast for guests.

November 21, 2024 - Island Hopping 

The island hopping packaged tour was provided by Jmalls costing P6,450 for us three adults but there are other joiners of the tour.  This package included a seafood lunch while we were in our third destination at Jelmar's Resort.

Dinagat Island marker near at the port

1.  The Boat Provision

Boarding the boat with my son

Our co-trip joiners boarding at the boat

2.  Hagakhak Rock Formation

While at Hagakhak Rock Formation

This is a million years sculpture carved by the strong winds and the sea.  It is a relatively unknown but beautiful geological feature located off the coast of Basilisa of Dinagat Islands.  This specific attraction is west of larger Hagakhak Island with practically no beach sand to swim, but has a multi-layered massive sedimentary rocks.  Its name comes from the word "hakhak" which notches carved into the body of a coconut tree, reflected on its rugged and textured cliffs.

My adventurous son

At the edge of the cliff

My eldest sister enjoying her moment

The massive Hagakhak rock formations

My son loves it there

The proud rugged cliffs blends with my desire to capture the best shot

3.  Miracle Pool Cave

Excited to dip at the pool

Dipping at the deep miracle pool

I could hardly float since I am carrying my son

Sweet couple moment

Ate Rose obviously scared to stay afloat alone

Being relaxed alone

This is so naturally stunning with its clear waters and according to our guide, the depth of the pool has been measured already to 50 feet located in Barangay Plaridel, Libjo municipality, Dinagat Island proviince.   There is some light in and around the pool cave, with soft light filtering in from natural openings and potentially other sources creating a glow, though it is generally dim and a flashlight is recommended for exploration due to the cave's dark, uneven, and confined nature.  Its main feature is a subterranean pool with striking rock formations.

4. Jelmar's Islet Resort

The resort's boardwalk

Jelmar's Resort is a floating beach resort located in Barangay Magsaysay, Libjo municipality, Dinagat Island Province.  It has such an iconic bamboo stilt bridges leading to its main resort.  You may contact it for booking at Jelmar's Islet Resort.

Upon arrival at the resort

Our island packaged tour has an inclusion of a seafoods lunch, not really a buffet but more than enough to fill our food-wanting stomachs specially that we have been craving for seafoods.

Accessible beach from all of its corners

Crystal-clear waters with shallow waters

My wife enjoying the crystal clear beach waters

The cottages where guests can dine and leave their stuff

Aside from day tour guests cottages, the resort also accepts bookings for overnight and multiple-day bookings for families and groups.

My baby lifeguard

The neighboring islets captured from the resort

It was partly raining when we were having a swim at the resort

5. Blue Lagoon (A.O. Beach Resort)

While at the viewdeck of A.O. Beach Resort

He loves it at the viewdeck. He wants a solo picture

The aunt and nephew tandem

Captured from the viewdeck with the lagoon at the backdrop

There is an ample space the viewdeck

Down to the lagoon

Usually, he is scared at the beach if left alone

Ate Rose does not want to get off from the water

Wanna join me?

Leaving the lagoon at 3:26 P.M.

After the lagoon, our boat headed home at arrived at the port at 5:12 P.M.   We had dinner at the town proper from a typical restaurant.

Arriving at the port

Upon arrival at the port, we proceed to the market where there were few restaurants for our dinner.  Our accommodation does not offer dinner meals.

November 22, 2024

1.  Lake Bababu

Arriving at Bababu Beach

Lake Bababu is located in Barangay Melgar, municipality of Basilisa in the province of Dinagat Islands.  It is a unique marine lake with an underwater cave system that connects it to the sea, causing freshwater to remain on the upper layer while saltwater exists below.  The top layer is a freshwater that does not mix with a saltwater layer from the ocean floor.  It is connected to the sea via a 650-meter underwater cave tunnel.  The lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery, creating a crater-like appearance.  The Philippine government has declared Lake Bababu a tourist destination for its unique features and natural beauty.

The totality of Lake Bababu

From the beach where it served as a jump-off point, we were given first an orientation of what to expect and what to do while at the lake.  It took us around 45 minutes to trek mostly assault and it the trail was so steep.  It was like a major hike and it was so muddy sliding and being out of balance cannot be avoided.

Testing the water where it was too dark to see its lake bed

Our guide told us that the lake was really enchanting and it will claim lives if "the others" living there likes to do so.   I heard that its deepest point was nine meters but I don't if it is since you really cannot see the lake bed.  

Wooden raft was used to cross to the other end of the lake

The circumference of the lake is approximately 200 meters.  It is a tectonic lake with a diameter of about 200 meters.  While some sources mention an average depth of 14 meters for the cave, the actaul lake's overall depth is not stated.

Trying to relax at the wooden raft

My wife really wanted to afloat in the water but advised not to

So lush are the lake banks

Going back to the raft launching area

Look at this!

So scary to go down

Trekking back to the jump-off point

Trekking back to the jump-off point was indeed a challenge since not all trails are equipped with ropes to hold on since the trail is slippery and steep.  Worst, the trails are mostly assault.

Back to the jump-off point

It was quite rewarding to be back at the jump-off point since there was a beach where we can wash-up all the muds that we've got on the muddy trails.

My wife wanted to stay longer in the beach

Ate Rose and my son stayed longer in the beach while we were at the lake

We left the beach at 11:45 A.M. and all of us went to our respective accommodations to be ready for another tour which is just a town tour.  At exactly 2:00 P.M., we had our exclusive town tour without other joiners.

2. Provincial Capitol of Dinagat

The ship-like building of the Provincial Capitol of Dinagat

The Provincial Capitol of Dinagat is shaped like an Imperial Japanese Navy ship.  It is an obvious homage to the UN surface combatants that had plied the seas around the island in October of 1944 and took part in the Battle of Surigao Strait.

On top of the office building

The "bow" rooftop of the building if it is  ship

The rooftop's "rear"

At the building's rooftop

The road heading to Ecleo's Castle

3. The White Castle of Ecleo's Family

Peeping at the gates of Ecleo's Castle

The castle is called Islander's Castle, a residence of Governor Glenda Ecleo of Dinagat Islands.  Although not open to the public, the home can be viewed from the gates.  The building also known as the "White Castle", was erected by Glenda Ecleo, widow of Ruben Ecleo in 2007, reportedly cost P350 million (approximately US$ 8 million) to build, and has been noted as overlooking a vista of shanties and unfinished roads.

The castle captured from the gate

4. The Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA)

The PBMA Headquarters

PBMA, or the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, is a non-sectarian, non-profit charitable and religious fraternal organization founded in the Philippines in 1965 by Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr.  The organization has a headquarters (as shown above) in the Dinagat Isalnds and teachers a syncretic belief system incorporating elements of various world religions, emphasizing spiritual and material well-being for its members.

The PBMA Headquarters as viewed from atop the hill by my son 

From the White Castle is a short drive going the the PBMA Headquarters.  We were top of a higher elevation overlooking the majestic and breathtaking view of the southside of the Leyte Gulf.

The Leyte Gulf as viewed from the PBMA Headquarters

Another overlooking view of PBMA Headquarters

The road which connects from the headquarters to the gulf's view deck

Heading down to the headquarters

Ate Rose and my wife were not allowed inside the headquarters since they wore short pants

The caretakers inside the headquarters are very strict in terms of imposing the dress code.  They do not allow women to enter the headquarters if wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts.  Thus, I was the only one allowed inside to have a tour.  I learned that the people working there are volunteers.  They are already very old and they were working there to serve the Ecleos or the religion that they believe they have, out of loyalty and belief that the elder Ecleo (Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr) is there "Divine Master" one that they want to offer themselves to serve him and his family in their lifetime

The PBMA Headquarters as Holy Land for its believers

Called the "Divine Master" by his followers, Ecleo saw PBMA's membership grow as he supposedly healed more people and transferred to them his healing powers.

After the death of Ruben Ecleo Sr,  Anacleto Velez continued the healing activities of the former as documented on May 5, 2013.  He said that he continued to do healing activities which according to him he hears the voice of Ruben Ecleo Sr. to continue his work.

PBMA's Logo

One of their important symbols

Touring inside the sacred grounds of the worship area

At the back of the headquarters

Still a part of the head quarter's facade

5. Where to dine

Highly recommended for dining 

November 22, 2024 was such a tiresome day for with all those activities starting with a trekking to Lake Bababu and visiting other tourist destinations of the place.  Thus, we treated ourselves with sumptuous dinner at Twindales.  

November 23, 2024

Breakfast at Boss Fons

Boss Fons Grill and Restaurant: Highly recommended for dining

At 10:00 A.M. , we checked out from our accommodation heading to San Jose Port Terminal going to Surigao City.  We were already at the port at 10:35 A.M. However, it was only at 11:15 A.M. that we boarded our boat.

My wife boarding to the boat for Surigao City

Ate Rose excited to be back at the mainland

Inside the boat

Port of Lipata in Surigao City

The primary port in Surigao City that serves as a gateway to San Jose in Dinagat Islands is the Port of Lipata, also known as the Surigao Port Ferry Terminal.  From this terminal, you can catch a ferry to the Port of San Jose in Dinagat Islands, which is about a one-hour to one-and-a-half-hour journey.  This port is just opposite Surigao City Public Market where you can eat in some restaurants and buy fruits and fresh fish.

You may also watch our next trip to Surigao City where we stayed for overnight to enjoy their cheaper tune and blue marlin.