Tipdos Island - Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Tipdos Island, Hinatuan Bay, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: The golden sand is fine, the water is warm and the island is unexploited!

FEES:
The pumpboat from Enchanted River charges P160/ hour. You can ask them to bring you here.

NOTE:
Mayor Viola Jr. of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur lent us his speed boat and asked the tourism officer Ms. Gemma Millan to bring us here. It took us a little over an hour to get here so it might take so much longer via pump boat.

DESCRIPTION:
Tipdos Island is an uninhabited island in Hinatuan Bay. It has golden, powdery sand and as of writing, the island is still "virgin". There are no stalls or people selling drinks and food here. There have been sightings of Dugongs (sea cow) and Pawikans (sea turtles) in the area. The water is great for swimming because of its shallow depth and warm temperature. Camping is also possible in this island.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Find your way to Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur. From there, hire a habal-habal to the Enchanted River. Hire a pumpboat (P160/ hour) from Enchanted River to Tipdos Island.

CONTACTS:
Gemma Millan (Hinatuan Tourism Officer) - +63919 4600855/ gemmamillancdic@yahoo.com
Engineer Josephine Lapeciros - just_xpo@yahoo.com.ph
Juvy (driver of our van slash tour guide) - +63927 7175267 / +63909 9899854
Vivian Durano Otaza (Chairperson of CARAGA Travel Links - travel agency) - +63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378/ caragatravel@yahoo.com

CARAGA TRAVEL LINKS Address: Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales Street, Butuan City (across Gaisano mall)

Click here for more...

Tinuy-an Falls - Bislig, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Tinuy-an Falls, Barangay Borboanan, Bislig, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It is one of the best waterfalls we've seen in the Philippines!
2. Its width and height will surely wow you!
3. The multi-tiered, cascading falls is simply majestic!

FEES:
P10.00 entrance fee
P100.00 cottage rental
P50.00 gaket
P30.00 salbabida

NOTE:
They say the best time to go is around January-February when the water has a lot of volume and between 9:00 am-11:00 am when a sprinkle of rainbow appears.

DESCRIPTION:

Tinuy-an Falls is a multi-tiered falls found in the town of Bislig, Surigao del Sur. With a height of about 55 meters and a width of 95 meters, it is one of the widest falls in the country hence the term "Little Niagara of the Philippines". Cottages are found on the side of the falls and a bridge is built on the river to serve not only as a pathway from one end to another but as a viewdeck as well. The view from the bridge is spectacular already, but to get an even better view, you have to go up close. Rafts to the main falls are available and there are stairs that lead you to the top of the falls. Swimming is allowed due to abundant shallow areas and large rock beds.

From what we have read, this area is blessed with a sprinkle of rainbow from 9 am-11 am everyday.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Fly to Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. Ride a jeep/ bus or hire a van to take you to Bislig town proper. From there, you can hire a habal-habal to Tinuy-an Falls.

CONTACTS:

Our driver, Juvy, drove us from Butuan City to Surigao del Sur (Enchanted River, Tinuy-an Falls, PICOP Reservoir, Hinatuan Ecopark, Oceanview Restaurant, International Dollhouse and Tourism Display Center) for P5,000.00. Below are his contact numbers:

+63927 7175267
+63909 9899854

Should you get him, just tell him you got his number from us (Paula Peralejo & Charlie Fernandez).

Lori Lim (Bislig Tourism Officer) - +63917 7235463/ +63918 4538358

CARAGA Travel Links (travel agency) - Vivian Durano Otaza - +63917 364 8504/ +63932 2662378
caragatravel@yahoo.com
OFFICE: Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales Street, Butuan City (across Gaisano Mall)

Click here for more...

Tinago River - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Tinago River, Hinatuan Bay, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. The serene ride all the way to the inner areas of the river will make you feel nature at its finest!

2. No pictures and words can describe how beautiful this river is. Wide opening, lush green trees, islets, houses on stilts, fishermen in their small bancas (boats) -- these are just some of the things you'll pass by on the way. And when you get inside the river itself, you'll wonder if there's a crocodile that will show up. It's just so unexploited (and somewhat looks forgotten) that you'll definitely feel your Steve Irwin shouting at you and telling you to go explore what's in front of you!

FEES: From the Enchanted River, you can hire a pump boat for 5 which charges P160/ hour.


DESCRIPTION:

Just a few minutes away from the Enchanted River is another breathtaking river called Tinago. While the water is not blue as in the Enchanted River, Tinago has its own charm. Passing from the sea to the wide mouth of the river gives you a wonderful view of nature. Small islands appear from time to time as well as houses on stilts and fishermen slowly waiting for their catch from the boat. Once inside the river, you will pass find yourself in a maze of mangroves. If you're lucky, you might just find animals roaming around the area.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Fly from Manila to Butuan City. From there, ride a jeep/ bus or hire a van (contact # below) to Bislig and ask to be dropped off at the Hinatuan Terminal. From there, take a habal-habal (P35/ head/ one way) to Enchanted River. You can hire a pumpboat going to Tinago River from Enchanted River.

CONTACTS:
Gemma Millan (Hinatuan Tourism Office) - +63919 4600855/ gemmamillancdic@yahoo.com

Engr. Josephine Lapeciros - just_xpo@yahoo.com.ph

Juvy (driver/ tour guide) - +63927 7175267/ +63909 9899854

Vivian Durano Otaza (Chairperson of CARAGA Travel Links - travel agency) - +63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378/ caragatravel@yahoo.com

CARAGA TRAVEL LINKS Address: Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales Street, Butuan City (across Gaisano mall)

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Now that I am working regularly, I have become a "fan" of long weekends. Back then, we had the luxury of staying in a place for a week or two to fully explore the area. Now, even though we know 3 days aren't enough, we have no choice but to make use of them.

For the 2010 Eid-el-Fitr weekend, we decided to fly to Butuan and explore two provinces: Agusan del Norte (where Butuan is) and Surigao del Sur. We knew we didn't have time to make mistakes in this trip if we wanted to make the most out of it. So we hired a van (P5,000/ day) through a travel agency to take us from Agusan to Surigao and back. Knowing only of the Enchanted River and Tinuy-An Falls, we asked Ms. Vivian of CARAGA Travel Links (travel agency) if there was anything else she could suggest. Apparently, "island hopping" is offered to visitors once they get to Enchanted River. For a charge of P1,000/ boat (good for 5 people), you will be taken around Hinatuan Bay for about two hours. (PS: We later on found out that they charge P160/ hour for the pumpboats so maybe you can also do this instead.)

When we got to the Enchanted River, we were approached by Engineer Josephine and introduced to Ms. Gemma Millan, the Tourism Officer of Hinatuan. After taking pictures of the beautiful river, we boarded the speed boat which Mayor Viola Jr. lent us (thank you SOOOO much).

Going out to the sea was definitely an experience. The houses on stilts looked lovely, and the surrounding environs were definitely breathtaking. Once out at sea, we made a turn to our first stop: Tinago River. Going inside the river was a treat for nature lovers like us. The serenity of the place made us feel right at home. For a while there , I was actually thinking of living in the area because it just seemed so beautiful and peaceful. The wide opening allowed us to appreciate the nature right in front of us. On the sides were countless mountains and trees, above us was the huge, blue sky and around us, birds were just flying and resting and chirping. We went past islets filled with coconut trees, children wading in the water and fishermen patiently waiting for their catch from their boats.

When we got inside the river itself, we passed a maze of mangroves. It made us feel like we were in a Disneyland Jungle Cruise, except it was a real one, so we started to wonder how many crocodiles lived in the area. According to Ms. Gemma and Engr. Josephine, no crocodiles have been spotted, but I would bet my life that if Steve Irwin (may he RIP) had visited this river, he would have found one! :D Anyway, with or without crocodiles, this river had a charm that I think would be similar to that of Amazon or the rivers we get to watch in National Geographic. It's small and almost untouched which may be why it made us feel like we were in an entirely different world, filled with nature and nothing else. Too bad for us, we didn't see animals but it did feel like they were all watching us, waiting to make our first move in "making friends" with them.

This may sound cliche but that quiet boat trip to Tinago River allowed me to be at my happiest state. While on board, I was just watching every little thing that was in front of me while feeling the wind on my face. Though the sun was out, the water and the trees did make our ride cooler. Everything in this area was simple, yet it was also grand. While staring at the scenery and listening to the birds, all I had were happy and peaceful thoughts. If people only explored Mindanao, this is what they would find: a sense of peace that you can't even get in Manila.

That trip down the river made me realize (once again) just how wonderful (and powerful) nature really is, and once you fall under its trap, you will never fall out of love.

Click here for more...

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

Click here for more...

PICOP Reservoir - Surigao del Sur

WHERE: PICOP Reservoir - Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It's a nice stopover for picture taking.
2. From what we've read in our bird guidebook, it's a great spot for birdwatching. Click this to read more about the birds in PICOP. Too bad we weren't into birdwatching yet when we went here.
FEES: Free

NOTE: It's not worth seeing by itself unless you will birdwatch. Make sure to pass by for it when you're on the way to Tinuy-An falls though.

DESCRIPTION:

In the 1950's, the Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines (PICOP) created a reservoir in Surigao del Sur. The water comes from the famous Tinuy-an Falls and are gathered together in this man-made lake. It serves as PICOP's source for water and for their products (paper, etc) as well.

HOW TO GET THERE:Fly to Butuan City (Agusan del Sur). From Butuan, you can ride a jeep/ bus (BUS NAME: Bachelor) going to Bislig. Once in town, look for a habal-habal (motorcycle) that will take you to Tinuy-an Falls. Ask the driver to stop here on the way. You won't miss it.

You can also hire a van from Butuan to take you here.

CONTACTS:

Our driver, Juvy, drove us from Butuan all the way to Surigao del Sur (Enchanted River, Tinuy-an Falls, PICOP Reservoir, Hinatuan Ecopark, Oceanview Restaurant,International Dollhouse and Tourism Display Center) and back for P5,000. Below are his contact numbers:

+63927 7175267
+63909 9899854

Should you contact him, just tell him you got his number from us (Paula Peralejo and Charlie Fernandez).

Lori Lim (Bislig Tourism Officer) - +63917 723 5463/ +63918 4538358

CARAGA Travel Links (travel agency) - Vivian Durano Otaza - +63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378
caragatravel@yahoo.com
OFFICE ADDRESS: Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales Street, Butuan City (across Gaisano Mall)

Click here for more...

Ocean View Restaurant & Park - Bislig, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Purok 6, Barangay Cumawas, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

It offers very affordable food and a beautiful view of Barangay Mangahoy, Surigao del Sur.

PRICE RANGE: Rice Meals range from P80-P100, Burgers with Drink range from P45-65

NOTE: You have to climb 200 ++ steps to get here, or you can drive your 4x4 vehicle all the way up.

DESCRIPTION:

Ocean View Restaurant & Park is owned by Mr. Wener and Mrs. Ruelaine Willimann, a couple who resides in Zurich, Switzerland. It is Arnold, Mrs. Ruelaine's brother, who manages the places and works as a chef, too. To get to this restaurant, one must climb 200 ++ small steps. Rest assured however, that the view is wonderful and the food is good. Their specialty is fish burger (we did not try it because we're vegetarians but our non-vegetarian friend said it's really good). Once on top, one can get a view of Barangay Mangahoy and as Arnold coined it, Chocolate Beach. According to Arnold, hawks may also be seen roaming around the area at around 11:00 am everyday.

The food is very affordable. For less than P50, you already have a burger and a drink. And for less than P100, you already have a rice meal.

PS: The money they collect from the Entrance Fee is used to help the children in Surigao del Sur. :)

OPERATING HOURS:
Tuesdays to Saturdays - 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sundays - 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Mondays - closed

(just call to double check their operating hours.)

ENTRANCE FEE (for the view park only)
Adult - P20.00
Youth - P12.00
Child - P5.00
Kindergarten - FREE

HOW TO GET THERE:
Fly to Butuan City (Agusan del Norte) from Manila. From Butuan, ride a bus (BACHELOR) going to Bislig-Mangahoy. You will pass by this place so you just have to go down when you see the Ocean View banners (see pictures below).



CONTACTS:
For inquires, you can call Arnold. Below are his mother's (Mrs. Geraldine Mundala) numbers so just look for Arnold when you call.
+63910 3212568
+63 86 8534061

Meet Arnold Mundala, the chef/ overall manager of Ocean View Restaurant and Park. When he's not busy attending to visitors and foodies, he saves the environment through his art skills. Instead of throwing used paper, toothpaste packaging, razor and every little thing we often call "trash", he collects them and uses his hands to turn them into amazing artworks. Above are some of the miniature buildings he created from 100% trash. He plans to put all of them in a glass panel and put them on display in the restaurant. Kudos to you, Arnold. We are so proud of you. :)

Click here for more...

International Doll House - Bislig, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Purok 6, Barangay Cumawas, Bislig, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. This room houses hundreds of dolls collected from different parts of the world.
2. Dolls range from Barbie to Babushka to rare and expensive dolls.

FEES:
Free
NOTE:
You need to climb 200++ mini steps to get here, or you can drive your 4x4 going up.

DESCRIPTION:
The International Doll House

HOW TO GET THERE:
CONTACTS:
HELPFUL LINKS:
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Click here for more...

Hinatuan Eco Park - Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Hinatuan Eco Park - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. This place is the perfect example of an incredible dump site. It doesn't smell. There are hardly any flies. It's eco-friendly. It has a great view. It's totally AMAZING!
FEES: None
NOTE: This place is not really a tourist spot but if you are into GREEN things or just wanna be amazed at how people keep a smell-free dumpsite, you should take a look at this place!

DESCRIPTION:

Hinatuan Eco Park is Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur's dump site. The way they dispose their trash is incredible. Their recycling process is amazing! Biodegradable things are buried underground while a special machine is used to breakdown and shred non-biodegradable things like plastic into smaller pieces. These small pieces are pressed into hollow blocks as fillers. Other non-biodegradable things like vehicle tires are recycled and turned into chairs, etc.

HOW TO GET THERE:

We rented a car for the whole day and our kind driver told us about this site. He was so proud about it and told us we should see it, so we stopped by and looked. He was right. It was amazing!

From Manila, you can fly to Butuan City. Once in Butuan, you can hire a van or ride the jeep/ bus to Bislig. If you're commuting, tell the driver to drop you off at Hinatuan Terminal. From there, rent a habal-habal (motorcycle) to the Hinatuan Eco Park otherwise known as the dumpsite.

CONTACTS:

Gemma Millan (Hinatuan Tourism Office) - +63919 4600855/ gemmamillancdic@yahoo.com

Engr. Josephine Lapeciros - just_xpo@yahoo.com.ph

Juvy (driver/ tour guide) - +63927 7175267/ +63909 9899854

Vivian Durano Otaza (Chairperson of CARAGA Travel Links - travel agency) - +63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378/ caragatravel@yahoo.com

CARAGA TRAVEL LINKS Address: Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales Street, Butuan City (across Gaisano mall)

Click here for more...

Enchanted River - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Enchanted River - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It is a unique river here in the Philippines! Its unknown depth gives it the deep sky blue color.
2. It's perfect for swimming! There are parts that become shallow during low tide and rentals of life vests are available.

FEES:
P10.00 entrance fee

BEST TIME TO GO: 12:00-1:00 pm for the fish feeding (note: no swimming allowed during fish feeding) This is when the water gets very very clear, too!

DESCRIPTION:

Enchanted River is found in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is called "enchanted" because no one has ever reached its bottom. Many people, including scuba divers, have tried reaching for the bottom but have failed, hence the legend of its bottomless pit. Moreover, locals share that NOBODY has been successful in catching the fish in this river, whether by hand or by spear.

They say its bluish color is a result of its depth and the water clarity changes throughout the day. At around 12:00 nn, the water becomes clearer and even more majestic. Once the bell is rung at noon, the people swimming get out of the water and the fish start appearing to enjoy a feast. Fish feeding is done daily and serves as entertainment most especially for the locals during weekends.

Once inaccessible by vehicle, there are roads now that lead you right at the entrance to this river. Huts, tables and chairs are available for picnic and there are souvenir shops and stalls right across the entrance.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Fly to Butuan City (Agusan del Norte) from Manila. From Butuan, ride a jeep/ bus going to Bislig and ask to be dropped off at the Hinatuan terminal. From there, you can ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) for P35/ head/ one way going to the Enchanted River. You can also hire a van which will take you directly to the site (contact # of our driver below).

CONTACTS:
Gemma Millan (Hinatuan Tourism Officer) - +63919 4600855/ gemmamillancdic@yahoo.com

Engineer Josephine Lapeciros - just_xpo@yahoo.com.ph

Juvy (driver/ tour guide) - +63927 7175267/ +63909 9899854
*we paid P5,000 for the van (driver & gas included) for one day (from Butuan to Surigao del Sur)

CARAGA Travel Links (travel agency) - Vivian Durano Otaza (Chairperson):
+63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378/ +63 85 2259089/ caragatravel@yahoo.com
Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales St., Butuan City (across Gaisano Mall)

Click here for more...