Surigao del Sur is home to some the most beautiful places I’ve been to in the Philippines, and if people would ask me a place I’d highly recommend for them to visit in Mindanao, it surely is going to be at the top of my list.
Ever since I started traveling, I’ve already heard a lot of positive things about the province of Surigao del Sur. Occupying the southeastern part of the CARAGA Region, this province has a long list of beautiful travel spots: mesmerizing lagoons, refreshing cold springs, white sand beaches, spectacular islands, stunning waterfalls and enchanting rivers. It seems like Surigao del Sur has it all!
Now, let’s have a little background of this province!
SURIGAO DEL SUR
Located along the northeastern coast of Mindanao facing the Philippine Sea, Surigao del Sur is part of CARAGA Administrative Region. It occupies about 4,932.70 sq km, which is about 27.75% of the whole region. Its climate falls under Type II, which is characterized by rainfall distributed throughout the whole year. It is said to have a distinct rainy season that begins in November and ends in March, so it’s better to avoid these months if you aim to enjoy its beaches on a sunny weather.
The people of Surigao del Sur speak many languages including Surigaonon, Tandaganon, Cebuano, and Kamayo (their native language). Tagalog and English are also widely spoken so don’t worry if you only know either of these two. I can attest that the people of Surigao del Sur are very friendly, and this is one of the reasons I fell in love with their place.
How to go to Surigao del Sur
Our guide said that even though an airport has been built in Bislig, commercial flights going in and out of here have been discontinued. The nearest airport to the province is Butuan Airport in the province of Agusan del Norte. There are direct flights coming here from Manila and Cebu.
Upon arrival, you can ride a taxi going to the bus terminal. From there, ride the bus going directly to Mangagoy in Bislig. The ride would take about five hours or more.
Where to stay in Surigao del Sur
It is a need to check and choose wisely which accommodation you will have during the duration of your stay in the province. Our guide said that it is wise to book an accommodation in the same area or barangay of your guide so going to and from the travel spots would save time. As our guide lives in Hinatuan, we decided to book an accommodation there.
Where did we stay, you may ask? We have booked in Kamayo Hostel, which may be a little bit more expensive than other accommodations, but its location and amenities more than make up for it. The room we stayed in was spacious (in fact, it can accommodate 3-4 people just with additional charge), the Internet connection is fast, and the bathroom is good: it has shower and bidet! They also have a restaurant at the roof top, though we were not able to go there because they had a food fair in the nearby Hinatuan Riverside Square that week. It was fiesta time, so we opted to dine in the square. We had dinner while enjoying a live performance from a youth band!
What to explore in the province of Surigao del Sur?
There are lots of places to explore here, and I would be listing them here below. Make sure to visit most, if not all, of these travel spots when you go and visit Surigao del Sur!
Libuacan Cold Spring
Located in Bgy. Maglambing in the municipality of Tagbina, Libuacan Cold Spring is the first ever travel destination we’ve visited in Surigao del Sur. Its cool and crystal water is a delight to the eyes!
There were a few kids when we arrived in the cold spring. It was a Sunday so we were kind of expecting it. Little did we know that more people would come just after about ten minutes!
It is said that the source of the water here is an underground spring found. Notice that the water of the cold spring looks shallow at some parts except in the spring source, which is expected to be much deeper.
Bogac Cold Spring
Now this cold spring is found in another municipality: Barobo. One of my student’s family came from this place, and when I told them I’d be going to the province of Surigao del Sur, they highly recommended me to visit this cold spring and the nearby lagoon!
Bogac Cold Spring is more developed than Libuacan Cold Spring, which is evident by more services being offered in the area. There’s a lot more people here, too!
Many of the people who go here just like to relax and have fun in the water, but there were also some who seem to practice their swimming skills. Even some were enjoying kayaking on the waters! Such crystal clear waters are so inviting! It reminds me of public pools that anyone can enjoy. The difference is, the water here naturally emergest from the ground! There’s a lot to love in Bogac Cold Spring if you live within the area.
One of the most astonishing places that made me love Surigao del Sur is Beto Lagoon! Just look at its alluring turquoise waters – it’s so inviting for a swim! However, swimming isn’t allowed here. Yes, there’s a big sign that says you can’t. Can you guess why?
Well, they say the lagoon is actually too deep for people to swim in. However, there was a foreigner who we saw swimming in it. We asked why was he allowed, and the local guide he was with said they have secured a permit, especially that the foreigner has a certification in scuba diving. I’m really not sure if that is right. What do you, guys, think?
By the way, you can visit my separate blog about this beautiful lagoon here.
Wakat Cave
Now, there’s also this cave along the highway! It’s not just any ordinary cave, though, because it’s also the location of a cold spring that produces this crystal clear water!
There were some people enjoying the cool waters when we arrived. Our guide said that locals frequent the spring here especially during hot, sunny days. I’m kind of concerned, though, about the smell in the cave. Take note, there’s no comfort room nearby!
Bao Bao Falls
Surigao del Sur also has waterfalls that people can visit just like this one in Lianga. I love how the color of the water looks like here: a cool blue green that’s so refreshing to the eyes!
Going to the waterfall isn’t that hard. It already has concrete steps that would lead you to a river. Some more steps and you’ll reach Bao Bao, a tiny waterfall that’s just a perfect side trip when you want to enjoy a refreshing dip during a sunny day!
Britania Group of Islands
If you’re in need of an island hopping adventure, Surigao del Sur also a group of islands that you can explore! Located in San Agustin, the Britania Group of Islands consists of 24 islets from which people can visit three: Hagonoy, Naked, Boslon and Hiyor-Hiyoran Island.
Visit my separate blog of the Britania Group of Islands to learn more about this place!
Tinuy-an Falls
Time to go to the widest known waterfall in the Philippines: Tinuy-an! I’ve asked fellow travelers which waterfall the like the most in the country, and many of them told me it’s this waterfall in Bislig! Let’s see from these pictures why!
Visit my separate blog about Tinuy-an Falls to learn more about this place!
Enchanted River
One of the most popular travel destinations in the Philippines is none other than this stunning, mystical river called Enchanting River! Located in Hinatuan, this travel destination is the most visited among all the travel spots we’ve visited during our stay in the province. Look at this picture to know why!
Visit my separate blog about Enchanted River here!
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I hope you loved this primer of going to Surigao del Sur! Watch out for my next blog posts detailing some of these travel spots and why it’s a must that you visit them!
K.O. the Explorer 