SOHOTON NATIONAL ECOPARK (SURIGAO DEL NORTE)

Location: Bucas Island, Siargao Island Group Province: Surigao del Norte, Philippines Sohoton National Ecopark is unique of its kind as this pristine emerald paradise has magnificent underwater small caves and lakes, crystal clear water, corals of high definition colors and lush vegetation growing from limestone walls. It is uninhabited and luxuriant in vegetation complemented with emerald waters. This natural wonder is in the island of Bucas, one of the 48 islands of Siargao Islands group. It belongs to the municipality of Socorro, one of the six municipalities of Siargao Islands group. “Sohoton” is a term which means to pass through a narrow and low passage to the extent of crawling. It is highly advisable to visit this natural wonder during lowtide.

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The crystal clear emerald cove of Sohoton

This trip started when we left Surigao City at 5:40 A.M. boarding a chartered a van going to Brgy. Hayanggabon in the Municipality of Claver at 6:50 A.M. From Hayanggabon port, we boarded a chartered small motor boat at 7:20 A.M. crossing the sea waters of Hinatuan Passage and arrived in Sohoton Ecopark Administration Office at 8:02 A.M. of Bucas Grande Island where we met its Operations Manager for tour briefing. in the name of Mr. Rolando “Dodo” Henson.

This is what you will see in Hayanggabon Port.

This is what you will see standing at Hayanggabon Port looking at the vast sea afar

Sohoton!!! You crawl flat to the ground to fit it with the low lying massive rock entrance

After the briefing from the Management Office, the thrill started as we drove through crystal clear cove. I felt so breathless wondering of how creation on this part of the earth was made. Was God more creative when He made this part of the planet?

We were extremely amazed as its second unfold to us the mystical beauty of Sohoton

Second by second, our eyes, screwed to its detail of the cove. The place was so serene. Nobody was around except our group with God so happy to see us amazed of His unparalleled creation.

These rock formations can tell the age of the Earth

For its turn of the boat, different rock formations are revealed. Every second then was a new experience.

Another treat to our feasting eyes

We had three guides with us. They are well-trained to explain to us what are those we see around.

One of our guides explaining what was in that rock wall formation

As we silently navigate the interior of the cove, we can see the small underwater caves inhabited with species endemic to the place.

The entry point to Hagocan Cave

We first had a minor spelunking in Hagocan Cave where it has a very small and narrow entry point. The entire cave has water coming from the cove outside and one has to swim inside to enjoy its beautiful scenery.

Swimming inside Hagocan Cave

We enjoyed our moments inside Hagocan cave where we had a refreshing swim and endless pictorials to document our unique experience.

Outside Magcocoog Cave while waiting for my companions who tried to have a dive from the atop a wooden flatform

Just minutes away, we proceed to have another minor spelunking in Magcocoog Cave where its topmost elevated exit served as a diving flatform down to the clear aquamarine waters of Sohoton Cove.

Our group inside Magcocoog Cave with our guide

According to our guides, these two caves are the caves where the Teleserye Asian Treasure topbilled by Robin Padilla and Angel Locsin were partly shot.

Having spelunking in the interior of Magcocoog Cave

We were advised by our guides not to stay long inside the cove or else during high tide or else you will climb the rocky cliffs just to have an exit to real world.

After savoring the beauty of the cove, we returned to the Management office and have different guides for the non-stinging jellyfish sanctuary.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you are already in Surigao City, you can either take a bus with a signboard of Tandag with a bus fare of P120 or a chartered van of P1,000 from Surigao City going down in Bgry. Hayangganon of the Municipality of Claver for 1 hour and 10 minutes and from there take a boat for 40 minutes to Sohoton Ecopark.

Alternately, there is a route from Surigao City through big boats to Dapa of Siargao for almost 3 hours or through Roro for 4 hours which usually leaves Surigao City at 6:00 A.M. and another at 12:00 Noon. from Dapa of Siargao Island, one can have a regular boat trip (once a day) to Socorro port of Buscas Grande Island for 1 hour and 15 minutes and from Socorro to Sohoton Ecopark is a boat for another one hour.

CONTACTS

Provincial Governor’s Office
Provincial Capitol, Surigao City
Tel. Nos. (086) 826-7778 Telefax (086) 826-0462

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office
Provincial Capitol, Surigao City
Tel. Nos. (086) 232-6962 local 410; +639088963975
Email address: surigaodelnortetourism@yahoo.com
Website: www.surigaodelnorteph.com

Mr. Rolando “Dodo” Henson
Operations Manager
Sohoton Ecopark
Mobile Number +639394235793

SURIGAO CITY

Location: Northeast Mindanao, Philippines Province: Surigao del Norte Region: XIII (CARAGA) Coordinates: 09°47′N 125°29′E Total Land Area: 245.30 km2(94.71 sq mi.) City’s Nickname: City of Island Adventures Founded: June 29, 1655 Cityhood: August 31, 1970 Barangays: 54 Districts: 1 (2nd District of Surigao del Norte) Time Zone: PHT (UTC+8) Zip Code: 8400 Dialing Code: 86 Surigao City is the capital of the province of Surigao del Norte. Its three main islands indeed can boast a lot of adventures, namely: Siargao, Dinagat and Bucas Grande.

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Taken as our ferry was approaching the Port of the City of Surigao coming from Siargao

When I decided to book for my Siargao Trip, I was thinking that Surigao City is just simply a jump-off point to reach my desired and long-dreamed destination. I was only excited for Siargao though I read some information about Surigao del Norte. It was my first time to be in this place. Together with my couple friend, we boarded Air Philippines flight from Manila to Surigao City.

Upon arrival at Surigao City Airport in Barangay Luna

Based on my series of research, I learned the following: "That the City of Surigao was formerly known, according to Fray San Juan Francisco de San Antonio as Banahao, San Antonio, in his “Chronicles” written in 1738, described Banahao as located at the northern head of Mindanao within there is a good port for ships called Bilan-bilan. Banahao was part of the old district of Caraga which became the Politico-Military District of Surigao with Tandag (presently, the capital of Surigao del Sur) as its capital. In its original size during the Spanish era, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte up to Gingoog River in Misamis Oriental according to the Philippine Commission Report of 1901, Surigao was ten times bigger than Rhodes Island and three times bigger than Connecticut. Because of repeated attacks by Moro pirates, the provincial capital was within the defensive perimeter of the Spanish Naval Squadron in Cebu and Ozamis.

Surigao officially became a town when it became the permanent residence of the Recollects on February 1, 1751 when all the canonical books were moved from Siargao to Surigao. “The first canonical books bore the signature of Fr. Lucas dela Cruz.” Previously, the place was Justa “Vista” of the Parish in Caolo (Siargao).

Surigao is named after the old province (district) of the same name (Surigao). There are many versions regarding the meaning of Surigao: how this was derived. Like Sulo which names current (Sulog). Surigao probably came from Spanish word Surgir, meaning swift water or current. With the division of Surigao into two province, Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte, the municipality of Surigao became the capital of Surigao del Norte. It became a chartered City on August 31, 1970.

A busy street in Surigao City

Going back, as our flight was early in the afternoon, we decided to have an overnight in the city. It is a typical provincial city and its vibrance is due to the presence of schools and universities in the area, namely: Saint Paul University, Philippine Women University, San Sebastian College, STI College, St. Jude Thaddeus Institute of Technology and a few others. It also has several banks and the common fastfood chains in Manila like Jollibee, McDonalds, Chowking and a few others. We checked in at an affordable hotel and unwind in their famous Luneta Park the whole afternoon. We also visited its Tourism Office and went to souvenir stores for pasalubong.



The city itself has no attractions but I find Surigao City's beauty when I returned back to it coming from Siargao Island boarding Fortune Angels Ferry with its departure at 6:00 A.M. and arrived Eva M. Macapagal Passenger Terminal Port of Surigao City at 8:45 A.M., so early for our flight back to Manila at 2:40 P.M.

The pictures below were taken while we were on board the ferry boat. They reveal much of the beauty of Surigao.

A common sight of mangrove forest along seashores

An island with white beach strip and a lighthouse

Fishermen in action

A fisherman with his son in action

A cruising yatch

A container vessel

Another beach strip in an isolated island

Bright skies brightens my day. Such a beauty to behold.

The scenery of skies and the sea continue to fascinate me

More closer to the destination port

The last of a fisherman's show

Finally!!!! I am at Eva M. Macapagal Passenger SeaportTerminal of Surigao City. Ready to fly back to Manila.

HOW TO GET THERE

BY AIR: Airphilippines flies daily from Surigao to Manila and vice-versa, and Surigao to Cebu and vice-versa every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Cebu Pacific likewise flies every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Surigao to Cebu and vice-versa. Cebu Pacific flies every Monday and Friday at 10:40 A.M. from Cebu and returning from Siargao (Sayak Airport) at 11:50 A.M. and vice versa.

BY LAND: Buses from Pasay City have trips going to Surigao several times a week via Lipata Ferry Terminal. Daily bus trips from Surigao City to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City or Davao City are also available at regular intervals only up to Surigao City. Roro and ferry are available for Surigao City – Siargao Tirp.

BY SEA: Passenger boats direct from Manila and Cebu City are also available daily. And from Surigao City, passenger boats and Roro are available daily at 6:00 A.M. and 12:00 Noon via PPA Port for Roro at Boulevard Port.

CONTACTS

Provincial Governor’s Office
Provincial Capitol, Surigao City
Tel. Nos. (086) 826-7778 Telefax (086) 826-0462

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office
Provincial Capitol, Surigao City
Tel. Nos. (086) 232-6962 local 410; +639088963975
Email address: surigaodelnortetourism@yahoo.com
Website: www.surigaodelnorteph.com

SIARGAO ESCAPADE

Location: Municipalities of Dapa and General Luna Province: Surigao del Norte, Philippines Coordinates: 9°52′N 126°03′E Total No. of Islands: 48 Municipalities: Dapa (Island’s capital), General Luna, Pilar, Del Carmen, San Isidro, San Benito, Santa Monica and Burgos while Buscas Island has the lone municipality of Socorro Land Area: The combined total land area of Siargao and Buscas Grande Islands is 62,796 hectares Siargo is known for being the Surfing Capital of the Philippines where it hosts annually domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte.

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Trying to learn surfing at Cloud 9

Siargao Island is a much publicized destination compared to Surigao del Norte, the province where it belongs. And this fact has stirred more my excitement to visit the place. My curiosity lies with the question of what really the island has to make it a highly must-see destination.

Teresita Sea Star Express boat which I boarded from Socorro port of Bucas Island coming from Sohoton National Ecopark at 1:00 P.M. and arrived in the Port of Dapa at 2:15 P.M

Mangrove forest reserves while approaching the port of Dapa

Siargao Island contains the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, at Del Carmen. Long stretches of wetlands indicate a potential for commercial seaweed propagation. Siargao Island is greatly influenced by the winds and currents coming uninterrupted from the Pacific Ocean, intensified by the Mindanao current running westward through the Siargao Strait.

This is habal-habal, the only alternative transport if a tourist has no chartered car

Arriving in Dapa, our group decided to check in at MEM's Pension House – a clean, modern and the best accommodation in Dapa. Since it was still early, we contracted a habal-habal to travel to General Luna - the municipality where the famous Cloud 9 Surfing area is located.

Cloud 9 Entrance

Curious of what surfing can offer, we hired a local boy to train us with surfing, a young, tall but slim teener who charged us with P500 for an hour. it was really exciting but I was hesitant to have it seriously as I have ear infection.

The long boardwalk leading to the surfing site

It was refreshing to walk along the boardwalk in one pleasant and windy afternoon. There were few surfers around which include the local surf trainors and some surfing enthusiasts both Filipinos and foreigners.

Surfers in action

An Australian national (left) just about to start his surfing routine

The waves of Siargo are noted to have combined the best quality features of the top-rated waves of Hawaii’s fabled “pipeline” and the top-billed waves of Indonesia. Its huge, powerful rollers have been ranked the top five breaks in the world, including the “Cloud Nine” which is considered as one of the world’s top surfing waves.

As they said, September to October the best months for surfing in Siargao where waves are like that of Hawaii’s best surfing waves.

One real picture of surfing

Done with our 3-hour surfing training at Cloud 9 of Barangay Catangnan of General Luna, we headed to Poblacion of General Luna along their refreshing Boulevard where its inviting boardwalk enticed us to have an afternoon walk.

The scenic boardwalk along the Boulevard as they call it in General Luna town proper of Poblacion

Along the Boulevard, is a row of Grill and Restaurants where guests can have their fresh seafood cooked bought from wet market in a very minimal charge of P30 in our part where we had four kilos of tuna and two kilos of blue marlin grilled and sinigang-cooked for just the four of us including our habal-habal driver.

Trees lined along the Boulevard giving more beauty to the beach scape and blue skies

It was not really boring to wait for our food cooked since the amazing scenery around was quite rewarding. We had chance to chat with some Filipino and foreign tourists. We learned that two of those who were drinking next to our table were Australians who opted to reside in the Siargao after they retired from their public post in their country.

The picturesque Guyam scenery as seen from the Grill house where we had our sumptuous dinner

Morning scenery while on board with a ferry for Surigao City

After dinner, the three of us, boarded again in the same habal-habal going back to Dapa where it took us 35-minute drive along concrete roads early evening at around 7pm. While on board the vehicle, I smelled the countryside from the vast riceland and rolling hills we passed by. We rested in our accommodation at MEM's Pension House for an overnight and left for Surigao City early in the morning the following day.

HOW TO GET THERE

BY AIR: Airphilippines flies daily from Surigao to Manila and vice-versa, and Surigao to Cebu and vice-versa every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Cebu Pacific likewise flies every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Surigao to Cebu and vice-versa. Cebu Pacific flies every Monday and Friday at 10:40 A.M. from Cebu and returning from Siargao (Sayak Airport) at 11:50 A.M. and vice versa.

BY LAND: Buses from Pasay City have trips going to Surigao several times a week via Lipata Ferry Terminal. Daily bus trips from Surigao City to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City or Davao City are also available at regular intervals only up to Surigao City. Roro and ferry are available for Surigao City – Siargao Tirp.

BY SEA: Passenger boats direct from Manila and Cebu City are also available daily. And from Surigao City, passenger boats and Roro are available daily at 6:00 A.M. and 12:00 Noon via PPA Port for Roro at Boulevard Port.

CONTACTS

Provincial Governor’s Office
Provincial Capitol, Surigao City
Tel. Nos. (086) 826-7778 Telefax (086) 826-0462

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office
Provincial Capitol, Surigao City
Tel. Nos. (086) 232-6962 local 410; +639088963975
Email address: surigaodelnortetourism@yahoo.com
Website: www.surigaodelnorteph.com

SAN RAFAEL FARM (BABATNGON, LEYTE)

Location: Brgy. Pagsulhugon of Babatngon, Leyte, Philippines
Nearest Airport: Tacloban Airport

Blogger's Note: Google has not yet included a locator map for San Rafael Farm. Hence, this post has no Google map to show.

It’s worth to visit San Rafael Farm as you will be fascinated by its marvelously designed landscape. At one glance, one might think, it is a natural landscape but as you stroll around the place, you will discover it is purely man-made and you will admire the one who conceptualized its amazing landscaping. Located in Brgy. Pagsulhugon of Babatngon, Leyte which is 25-minute drive from downtown Tacloban, this place is perfect for meditation or even for social functions like wedding, baptism and birthday occasions.

The man-made lagoon

I came to know the place when I read the blog of Journeying James . By then, I obliged myself to include it as part of my trip itinerary when I attended the wedding of my colleague in Ormoc City. I have been to Tacloban City for a number of times since I am from the province of Samar but I have no idea that such a place like this exist. Thanks to James.

The scenery from inside the restaurant

Fortunately, a high school friend of mine resides in Tacloban City and so we planned together on how to squeeze my trip schedule so that I can include San Rafael Farm in my trip along with my Kalanggaman Island escapade.

The pavillion where the restaurant is housed

Together with another high school friend, we visited this San Rafael Farm and they treated me with a sumptuous lunch there. As far as I can recall, there is an array of choices for any refreshment or meal one may choose like the kilawing tanigue, farmer’s salad, herb-roasted chicken, string potatoes, turon (ripe banana saba), baked scallops with butter and garlic, baby- back ribs, green rice, lemon grass tea, carrots and corn side dish, buko gelatin, big servings of halo-halo, house-brewed iced tea. I tried the Kilawing Tanigue, herb-roasted chicken, green rice with carrots and corn side dish. The big serving of halo-halo was more than enough for me to seal my stomach to its maximum limit.

Trees provide shades leading to the man-made lagoon

While dining on its main building which is a restaurant, I was amazed with the interior designing made inside it where intricate pieces of antiques creates an ambiance of serenity and somewhat I was travelling in a time machine meeting up the characters in the era of Spanish colonizers of the Philippines where Ibarra could possibly been also there. Outside the restaurant is an infinity pond inhabited by a number of Japanese koi.

Garden stations and nipa huts are covered with vines

Going further outside, I enjoyed the garden stations almost covered with vines. There is a tree house which seems so magical and it was so cool enjoying the soothing cool breeze from trees around. The tree house can serve as a view deck to see in totality the man-made lagoon where a boating is available. One can do rowing moat. A moat is a deep, broad ditch, either dry or filled with water, that surrounds a castle, other building or town, historically to provide it with a preliminary line of defence during the Medieval era in Europe. In some places moats evolved into more extensive water defences, including natural or artificial lakes, dams and sluices. In later periods the moat or water defences may be largely ornamental.

Boating in the man-made lagoon

The refreshing and magical tree house

Just to give you an idea, you can have a drive of 30 minutes going to San Juanico Bridge or visit the historical Leyte Landing Park in Palo, Leyte.

KALANGGAMAN ISLAND

Location: Palompon, Leyte, Philippines
Nearest Airport: Ormoc Airport
Next Nearest Airport: Tacloban Airport

Blogger's Note: Google has not yet included a locator map for Kalanggaman Island. Hence, this post has no Google map to show.

I visited this tourist spot when I attended a wedding in Ormoc City of my colleague in Manila though prior to that I also toured around Tacloban City as well as in San Rafael Farm in Babatngon, Leyte.

The long stretch of sandbar in one side of the island

Kalanggaman Island is a virgin island which can closely rival the fine beaches in some other parts of the country. It is considered to be a pride of the province of Leyte in the municipality of Palompon for being a photographer’s delight. Its shape with stretch of sandbars on both sides makes it unique. The good thing is, the island is not highly commercialized yet and so it is not crowded though it has already structures like huts, kiosk, grilling stations, simple volleyball court, concrete comfort and bath rooms and wooden tables and benches where guests can relax and unwind enjoying the island’s cool breeze. Before settling on the island, food marketing including the drinking water can be done in Palompon from its public market and grocery stores. This island is maintained and operated by the local government of the municipality of Palompon.

The mode of transportation to and from the island

From the port of Palompon, the island can be reached by a regular pump boat for an hour and 35 minutes by a speedboat. Boat fares and rentals are already regulated by the Palompon Municipal Eco-Tourism Council, Inc. to help the guests and visitors travel safely and no overpricing of the rates. In addition, it can be reached for approximately two hours boat ride from Malapascua of Cebu Island. However, it is advised that since the water can get rough anytime traversing from Kalanggaman to Malapascua, late afternoon is not the best time to do it. It is more safer to have it early at around 6:00 A.M. and one will even be fortunate to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

Guests and tourists are enticed by its clean and clear waters

Guests and visitors are all assured of no dull moments in the island as aside from a refreshing swim, they can also have snorkel, kayaking, aqua-biking, scuba diving and overnight picnic. A stroll around the island can be done for even half a day but preferably it can be done late in the afternoon during low tide. Each part of the island is a postcard perfect material.

The other side of the island during low tide

Afternoon walk is at its best during low tide as one can explore the island. The island is a home to a varied species of sea shells and is rich of vegetation endemic to the place. The topography of the island varies from powdery white sand to flat rocky formation.

The sandbar on the other side of the island during low tide

Low tides can help the guests and visitors maximize their opportunity to see the island into its minutest detail --- its dramatic massive shore bed rock, to loose rocks sprawling in decadence on its shoreline. This moment can be serene that one will like to experience as he can completely commune with nature far from surging effects of technology.

Its picturesque sandbar at low tide on a breathtaking sunset

Sunset in this part of the island can be captured at its best. It can be romantic to lovers and magnificent to photo enthusiasts. In fact, a painter can fix his canvass in this part of the island and paint the perfect sunset scenery.

That sunset!!!! only in Kalanggaman Island!

I have witnessed so many sunsets from my various travels but this one here is quite unique. Maybe because, less tourists and guests are here to rival that good experience.

As darkness slowly invades the island

Unlike other island destinations, Kalanggaman has no electricity. Thus, one may experience the night in complete darkness. With this, stars in the sky can be more visible and a shining moon can have its own glory to give its glow.

The island at a far distance

As we sail away from the island, we felt that urgency to visit it again and spend more time basking on its white powdery white sandbars. I would keep this promise to reunite again with its unparalleled beauty.

Tabuk Islet and its lighthouse

Tabuk Islet is closer to the Port of Palompon by around 3 minutes boat ride only. It is a mangrove sanctuary and one can enjoy bird watching on it. It has bamboo boardwalk where visitors can use for strolling around the islet.

Our lady host and the newly wed couple along the bamboo boardwalk in Tabuk Islet

I boarded a PAL flight going back to Manila through Tacloban Airport which was also my entry point since I stayed overnight in Tacloban with a former high school classmate before I pushed to Ormoc City for the wedding and finally went to Kalanggaman.