Travel Jams

Tagged as the City of Island Adventures, Surigao City truly lives up to its name. We recently spent 3 days and 2 nights in north-easternmost tip of Mindanao island, and it was indeed a fun-filled adventure! Island hopping, cave exploration, mangrove / river cruise, and just sitting admiring the beach -- 3 days is definitely not enough to fully experience the beauty that is Surigao City.

The city has a lot to offer, and we sure had an awesome time.





Here are some interesting places not to be missed when visiting Surigao City:

1. Boating at Day-Asan Water Village


After our lunch and quick briefing at the City Hall, off we went to our first adventure. With its narrow channels of water, it is no wonder Day-Asan Water Village is known as "Little Venice."

Activities that can be done aside from the boat tour include paddle boarding, kayaking, fish feeding, and lobster eating. Note: Lobsters are sold at Php 3,200 to Php3,500 per kilo.

2. Looc Pebble Beach 




3. Mt. Baragabon Beach Resort / Mabua Beach 



We had a sumptuous dinner at Mt. Baragabon Beach Resort and Hotel. It is a resort at the foot of Mt. Bagarabon, fronting Mabua Stone Beach.  Compared to Looc Pebble Beach, the stones along the shores of Mabua-Ipil Beach are larger. Climbing the carved rock formation at the northern part of the beach gives visitors a sweeping view of the long stretch of the stone beach. It is a great spot for sunset viewing as well.



4. Battle of Surigao Strait (BOSS) Museum 


Right at the heart of the city, at Luneta Park, is the BOSS Museum. It is a repository of World War II artifacts and memorabilia collected. History enthusiasts would love to drop by and hear the incredible gallantry of our war heroes.



5. Hikdop Island: Buenavista Cave and Eco-Park and Pagkawasan Beach



Due to time constraints, our island hopping adventure was limited to Hikdop Island only. About 40 minutes' boat ride from the city, this island is home to the interesting Buenavista cave system and the white sand and pristine blue waters of Pagkawasan Beach.

Other islands for island hopping adventures include Basul Island, Danawan Island, and Bayagnan Island.


6. Almont Beach Resort



We were also treated to a wonderful dinner in Almont Resort, Surigao City’s premier business and leisure destination. With the gorgeous view of Surigao Strait, outdoor pool, and excellent service, I can't wait to be back here soon and stay for a longer period of time. :)


7. Island Cruise in Taga-anan, Surigao del Norte


Our final adventure for our #SuroySurigao itinerary is about 30 km outside Surigao City. The municipality of Taga-anan is a charming place with lots of adventures in store for its visitors - from mangrove tour to trekking, sight-seeing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and many more. We only had enough time to visit Tinago Island, and it definitely left us wanting more.

Travel Itinerary

Travel notes and tips:

• Marajaw na buntag / hapon / gabii - Good morning / afternoon / evening 
• Gana karadjaw dire - It's very nice here.
• Tagpila man? - How much does it cost? 
• Salamat karadjaw - Thank you very much. Trust me, this will be an overused phrase for you. We have witnessed first hand the hospitality and generosity of Surigaonons. Amazing people!

An Surigao maradjaw gajud karadjaw. Maanindot nga dapit sa mga buotang Surigaonon. Salamat karadjaw, Surigao!

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