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)

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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)

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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.

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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

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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)

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Pasalubong Area, Gaisano Supermarket, Gaisano Mall - Butuan, Agusan del Norte

WHERE: Gaisano Supermarket, Gaisano Mall (J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan, Agusan del Norte)
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 12, 2010

THIS PASALUBONG CENTER IS FOR:

People who are looking for Agusan delicacies as well as the delicacies of other provinces (like Davao, Camiguin, Bohol, Cebu, etc).

NOTE: The prices here are more expensive than Madyaw Kadyaw Souvenir Shop. (EX: A bag of Kamote chips is worth P24 in Madjaw Kadyaw and sold here at P38.50!) However, Madjaw Kadyaw does not carry delicacies from other places.

DESCRIPTION:
This Pasalubong Center is found right inside the Gaisano Supermarket (ground floor of Gaisano Mall). It sells only native delicacies from Visayas and Mindanao.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Once in Butuan City (Agusan del Norte), ride a tricycle (P7.00/ head/ one way) and ask the driver to bring you to Gaisano Mall (J.C. Aquino Avenue).

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OTOP Pasalubong Center, Gaisano Mall - Butuan, Agusan del Norte

WHERE: G/F, Gaisano Mall (J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan, Agusan del Norte)
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 12, 2010

THIS PASALUBONG CENTER IS FOR:
People who are already in Gaisano Mall and want to buy Butuan City's native delicacies.

FEES: from P7.00 - P250.00

NOTE: 75% of OTOP (One Town One Product) Pasalubong Center's goods are from Butuan City.

DESCRIPTION:

OTOP Pasalubong Center is found on the ground floor of Gaisano Mall. It showcases the native delicacies of Butuan City and carries a few goods from other provinces. Their goods are more expensive than Madjaw Kadyaw Souvenir Shop but their food products are more complete.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Once in Butuan City, ride a tricycle (P7.00/ head/ one way) and ask the driver to drop you off at Gaisano Mall (J.C. Avenue, Butuan City)

CONTACTS:
+63 85 3458604

FOOD PRODUCTS WE BOUGHT: (a list)

Mango Chutney - P55.00
Camote Chips (small) - P12.00
Corn Coffee (small) - P12.00
Dried Mango - P50.00
Otap - P48.00

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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. :)

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Mayor Dale Corvera's Residence - Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte

We would just like to thank Mayor Dale Corvera, the mayor of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte, and his wife Ms. Nancy, for hosting our dinner last September 10, 2010. It was very nice meeting and talking to you both. We definitely learned a lot and you inspired us a lot. We are proud of you and we are happy to meet politicians like you who really care for the Philippines and our fellow Filipinos.

Together, we can make a better and brighter future for our country. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, at mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino!:)

PS: Thank you also to Ms. Lani/ Jean Chee and Ms. Margie Jongko of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte for all the help and for entertaining us. :)

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Margie's Kitchen - Butuan, Agusan del Norte

WHERE: Sentro Building, J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 10, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It is the ultimate "hang out" place in Butuan City!
2. They serve delicious cakes!
3. They offer free WiFi. :)

PRICE RANGE:
Food - from P45-P170 per order
Dessert - from P40-P95 per piece
Beverage (water, juice, tea, soda, shake) - from P20-P110
Coffee - from 65-P85
For a complete list of the menu, click this.

MUST TRY: Fruit Shakes (esp Mango), Cookie Monster Cake, Nelusco Cake

DESCRIPTION:
Margie's Kitchen is a bakeshop in the heart of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. Owned by Mrs. Margie Calo and her two children Macky and Concon, this establishment has already branched out to Davao City and has two branches in Butuan. It offers high quality cakes and pastry products at an affordable price.

With its tagline "Life is unsure, eat your dessert first!", Margie's Kitchen has definitely tapped foodies and dessert lovers. With over 20 years of experience in baking, Mrs. Calo's homemade goodies have become famous all over the city and a popular "pasalubong" from Butuan, too. Moreover, the people of Butuan have fallen in love with Margie's artsy slash coffee shop vibe (with free WiFi, too) so much that this is where they meet up to chat or to show a visitor around. Open until 2:00 am on weekends, this place has definitely become "the place to be" in Butuan.

HOW TO GET THERE:
It's just along J.C. Aquino Avenue (Butuan City) so you can walk going here if your hotel is already in J.C. Aquino or you can ride a jeepney (P7.00/ head/ one way) and go down here. Tricycles are not allowed along J.C. Aquino Avenue.

To go to the other branch, you can take a tricycle (P7.00/ head/ one way) to Marcos Calo Street and go down at Margie's Kitchen.

You can fly to Butuan from Manila.

CONTACTS:
SENTRO Building, J.C. Aquino Ave - +63 85 3421980
Marcos Calo Street - +63 85 3415046

HELPFUL LINKS: http://margieskitchen.wordpress.com/about-us/ or you can like Margie's Bakeshop on Facebook.

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