Sibadan Fish Cage - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Sibadan Fish Cage - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. While we are vegetarians and we don't really like promoting "fishing" or any type of "animal killing" activities, we have to give it to the owners of this fish cage - they do catch small fish and farm it in their "huge" aquarium. When their fish give birth, their fry can actually get out of the "aquarium nets" and out to "the real world" since their holes are big. So, we give a thumbs up to this give and take process.

2. If you're wondering how it feels to live in the middle of the sea (literally), you can try spending a night or two here and then swim with the fish in the large aquarium when the weather gets too hot.

FEES:
P5.00 entrance fee
P100 1/4 kilo of danggit (small fish that is salted and dried)
P200/ kilo (when you fish yourself - no matter what kind)
P20/ kilo/ style of cooking
NOTE:There are a few rooms available if you want to stay for the night. Rooms may be rented for P250.00 for up to 4 people.

DESCRIPTION:

Sibadan means "eating place" and "fish" thus the name of this house slash huge aquarium in the middle of the sea. Just a few minutes from Enchanted River, Sibadan Fish Cage is a popular stopover for visitors in the area. Situated in the middle of the sea, pumpboats are hired to reach this place where you can catch, cook and eat fresh seafood. Several kinds of fish (all sizes) and other seafood (like crabs and lobsters) are found here. You may opt to buy fresh fish and have it cooked or you can try fishing yourself for P200/ kilo. Sibadan also offers rooms for those who would like to stay for the night. Swimming is allowed in the "aquarium" and two pawikans (sea turtles) are inside the net not for food but as "pets" (though we think they should really be out there in the wild since they're endangered species).

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Manila, fly to Butuan City (Agusan del Norte) and find your way (via jeep, bus or private van) to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. If you're taking public transportation, ask to be dropped off at the Hinatuan terminal and from there, get a habal-habal (motorcycle, P35.00/head/one way) to go to Enchanted River. From Enchanted River, ride a pumpboat (P160/ hour per boat) going to Sibadan Fish Cage. CONTACTS:
Mercy and Edel Barrios (owners) - +63926 3401695