Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Beautiful Surigao, Philippines

Living in cities where tall buildings and technology surround us, we always want to spend our vacation close to nature. Escaping from our ordinary everyday activity and exploring the beauty of nature helps us release stress. It’s also the best way to recharge our mind and body, making us more productive as we go back to work.

If you are looking for a travel destination where you can experience nature at its best, Surigao, Philippines is the right place for you. Let us check the top 10 places in Surigao that nature lovers will surely enjoy.

1. Hinatuan Enchanted River

Discovered only in the recent years, this amazing river hiding inside the mountain of Surigao has been gaining attention locally and internationally and became one of the top tourist destinations in the province. The name ‘Enchanted’ perfectly fits this mysterious river. You can see the bottom of the other areas of the river which is about 80 feet down through its incredibly clear water that manages to stay dazzlingly clear despite typhoons and other severe weather conditions. Many local and foreign divers have attempted to reach the depth of the river’s lagoon, but they have only seen tunnels and chambers, and until these days, no one has ever discovered where this vast network of cave ends.

You will enjoy swimming with a huge number of seawater fishes which is also a popular attraction on the river. If you walk down to the mouth of the river, you can see small boats offering island hopping tour at $3.90 per hour. These five-seater boats can bring you to different beautiful island resorts where you can dine fresh seafood.

Many travelers visit the place on weekends, so it is best to visit the place on weekdays.

 

2. Britania Group of Islands

This group of unspoiled white beaches is featured as one of the top destinations in Asia by the National Geographic Channel. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Lianga Bay has 24 uninhabited islands and islets that are surrounded by clear waters. The locals offer island hopping tour packages which cover around five islands. You can set camps, rest under the trees and even play beach sports in some of these islands. You can also enjoy eating fresh seafood offered in various resorts around the area.

 

3. Tinuy-an Falls

Known as the ‘Little Niagara’ of the Philippines, this white water curtain flowing in three levels is also one of most visited tourist destinations in the province. With 95 meters wide and 55 meters high, it is also known as the widest waterfall in the country. You can ride in a bamboo raft to get close and to even go under the waterfall.

 

4. Siargao Island

This teardrop shaped island in the province of Surigao is the perfect destination for those who love surfing. Known as the ‘surfing capital of the Philippines,’ thousands of surfing enthusiasts visit the island every year. You can arrange your stay align with the schedule of their Annual International Surfing Cup that happens at Cloud 9, one of the well known surfing waves on the island.

 

5. Mabua & Looc Pebble Beach

Instead of having fine sands which Philippine beaches are known for, this unique shore of Mabua and the neighbor Looc beach resort are composed of different sizes of white pebbles. You will surely enjoy swimming in the calm and clear water the beach has to offer. To get a panoramic view of this breathtaking beach, most visitors climb on the tall boulders located on the far end of the beach.

6. Lake Mainit

Divided by the two provinces, Agusan and Surigao Del Norte, this 17 000 hectares wide lake is considered as the 4^th largest lake in the Philippines. Natural hot spring resorts are are surrounding the lake where you can enjoy the natural warm water at an affordable rate. While cruising the lake, you can also try eating a pijanga, one of the fish species found in the lake that is best served when fried.

 

7. Sohoton Cove National Park

This well preserved and protected place is only accessible when the tide is low because the only way to get inside the Sohoton National Park is to pass through a wide tunnel with a very low ceiling. Inside the cove are beautiful rock formations, limestone cliff, and intact forest covered islets where different species of flora and fauna resides. The top attractions of the place include Jellyfish Sanctuary at Tojoman Lagoon, Hagukan Cave which means ‘snoring cave’ due to the ominous sound the waves create, and the Magkokoob Cove that has a collection of magnificent rock formations and stalactites.

 

8. San Pedro-Cantiasay Wooden Foot Bridge

This 391 meters unique wooden bridge that connects two islands in Surigao is one of the Philippines’ longest wooden bridges. Walking along this wooden bridge will give you a sight of the breathtaking view of Nomoc Island, as well as various corals and marine species. The bridge is known as the dating place for lovers in the area due to its romantic atmosphere especially during sunset.

9. Day-asan Floating Village

Recognized as the ‘Little Venice of Surigao,’ the village has numerous small wooden houses built on top of the piles of rock stuck within the safety of the mangrove trees. Instead of cars and motorcycles, a boat is the primary mode of the villager’s transportation. You can take a tour of this wonderful village by renting boats the locals offer.

10. Ocean View Park Restaurant & International Doll House

If you are a doll collector, you should not leave Surigao without visiting the Doll House next to the Ocean View Park. It stores a collection of authentic toy cars and dolls from different countries arranged based on the countries the owners have visited. Before reaching the top, you need climb through 270 steps of stairs. After visiting the doll house, you can take a break by drinking coffee at the cafe and taking a look at the fantastic ocean view.

Two airlines operate a flight to and from Surigao, the Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific. You can reach the province by riding one of these planes from Manila, Philippines’ capital city for almost 2 hours. From there you can rent a car to bring you to these places. The locals also offer tour packages that are very helpful to make your travel easy and worry-free.

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