Philippines – Mindanao – Tita S Travels

CAGAYAN DE ORO: WHITEWATER RAFTING CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES (Northern Mindanao Region, Philippines)

Published on April 8, 2022January 22, 2023 by titastravels17Leave a comment

Dear adventurous readers, how about an adrenaline rush through white water rafting in the Philippines? Allow Tita S to tell you about it.

1.Cagayan de Oro^¹, or CDO, is a first class^² highly urbanized city^³ in the Northern Mindanao^⁴ region^⁵ of the Philippines.

This city is actually geographically located in the province^⁶ of Misamis Oriental^⁷ but is governed administratively independent from the provincial government after it was classified as a highly urbanized city, on November 22, 1983, based on its annual income and population.

2. This city is called the Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines because of the famous and exciting whitewater rafting adventures it offers along the Cagayan de Oro River (also called Cagayan River^⁸).

Photo source: Cagayan de Oro website – https://www.cagayandeoro.gov.ph/index.php/item/371-whitewater-rafting-adventure.html

Watch this 26-second video, taken from Cagayan de Oro Rafting – Kagay Outdoors’ Facebook, posted April 1, 2022: https://www.facebook.com/100063471889766/videos/728155551514012

The jump-off point for this activity is at Barangay^⁹ Mambuaya, a 30-40 minute ride from the city proper.

3. Cagayan de Oro is the only city in the Philippines that offers rafting year-round. However, they say the best time to experience white water rafting is from July to December when the Cagayan de Oro River^⁸ rages for a challenging, yet unforgettable, experience. Note that the peak wet season is June to October but just be aware of typhoons which might affect your travel plans.

Photo source: Department of Tourism – Philippines’ Facebook. posted August 24, 2021 – https://www.facebook.com/itsmorefuninthePhilippines/photos/5882004878536988

4. This thrilling adventure is not for the faint of heart; some even consider it an extreme sport. The 48 km-ride of the Cagayan de Oro River takes 3-5 hours and you need to be physically fit to paddle and brave the turbulent waters of so many rapids, depending on the level of rafting you want (see item 7).

These rapids are separated with long and silent river flows for rafters to relax until they encounter the next rapids. You get to look around and appreciate the flora and fauna along the river. The guide may allow rafters to swim and enjoy the cool waters too.

The rapids are at an interval of not less than 15-19 minutes of each other.

This water adventure may include side trips of cave exploration and river trekking.

5. Here are some things you should know or do:

* It is an advantage if you know how to swim. Learn different swimming skills to be safe always during this adventure. A life vest is required for all in people in the boat, regardless of one’s level of swimming skills.

* Listen and remember all important details emphasized by your guide during the orientation in order to survive this activity as well as enjoy it. Always listen to the command of your guide while rafting.

* Hold your paddle firmly and properly; learn to control it.

* Learn and remember hand commands so you can easily know what to do, whether to stop or to paddle, to grip or stay calm, etc.

* Be calm in case something unfortunate happens. Do not panic; be in control and learn to balance yourself. Do not leave the boat even if the water looks calm. Implement and focus on all guidelines you were told during the orientation so you can overcome the situation to continue and finish this unforgettable adventure.

6. The minimum number of people per raft is 6, accompanied by 2 river guides. You can join a group to complete the number of people required per raft. For additional safety, a person in a kayak can accompany your raft, for a total of 3 trained guides.

7. Cagayan River’s depth, incline and rock formations make rafting an enjoyable experience for tourists. There are several White Water Rafting levels, starting with the beginner’s course, to advance and extreme. The former entails a 3-hour river run involving 14 rapids. The extreme course takes about 4 hours, with 24 rapids.

8. There are many water rafting groups to choose from. Their guides are trained by the Red Cross, Coast Guards, and the Department of Tourism. You can Google them, and preferably get referrals from satisfied tourists. It is advisable to book ahead of time.

9. What if you do not want to go rafting but still want to enjoy the Cagayan River^⁸? Well, you have a choice. You can do river tubing, kayaking, or river trekking. The former allows you to ride a doughnut-shaped rubber tube; while the last two could be tiring. Nonetheless, all three are still fun and unforgettable!

10. The Department of Tourism and the city administration made Cagayan River activities as the banner tourism activities, highlighting whitewater rafting. The latter gained popularity through the years after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other famous personalities in the country underwent this challenging water adventure.

11. How do you get to Cagayan de Oro City^¹?

Cagayan de Oro is very accessible; you can go there by air, sea or land.

Those from Manila can ride any of the leading local airlines for 1 1/2 hours to Laguindingan Airport, which services CDO, 46 km (29 mi) away. Those from Cebu,

Clark, Davao or Iloilo can also go by air to this airport.

Visitors not in a hurry can ride a 2Go Travel boat for 32-35 hours from Manila to CDO Port, a modern international seaport. CDO is also accessible by sea from Bacolod; Jagna or Tagbilaran, Bohol; Cebu City, Dumaguete, Iloilo and Tagbilaran.

There are daily bus trips to CDO from Manila, just Google bus companies. However, it takes about 30-40 hours. CDO is also accessible by land from Butuan, Cebu, Davao City, North Cotabato, and Surigao. Nearby provinces also have buses which go to CDO.

12. What do you need to bring for this adventure?

* a dry bag to keep all your things dry

* wear a dri-fit outfit, preferably, to keep you cool and dry; wear a rash guard for protection from sunburn

* wear protective gears like a helmet (just in case you accidentally hit your head), elbow and knee pads

* apply sunblock 30 minutes before this activity

* extra comfortable activewear

* essentials – toiletries, medicine

* first aid kit

* potable water in your personal reusable water bottle

Be sure to coordinate with your tour operator what to bring, i.e., if they will provide all that you need for your whitewater rafting experience, or if you have to bring some personal swimming gear.

13. Where can you stay and how do you go around the city? There are many types of accommodations (hotels, hostels, B&Bs, condotels, inns, etc.) to choose from, depending on your budget. There are also many modes of public transportation as well. Just Google.

14. Where else can you go in CDO (alphabetically arranged)? The less adventurous tourists can also opt for less adrenaline rush but still enjoy their visit to CDO. The peak season is September to March. There are so many places to check out and so many activities for you and your family:

* Amaya View – paraglide, trek the city’s highest mountain peak, relax at the infinity pool, explore Noah’s Ark, option to glamp – see https://www.facebook.com/amayaview/

* Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village – swim in the swimming pool, appreciate the lush gardens and small zoo – contact: (088) 8855-6183 or (+63) 917-896-8873; visit gardensofmalasag@tieza,gov.ph

* Macahambus Adventure Park – zipline, trek, rappel – see https://www.facebook.com/people/Macahambus-Adventure-Park/100067209004898/

* Mapawa Nature Park – zipline, horseback ride, trek/hike, swim, enjoy waterfalls – see https://www.facebook.com/MapawaPark/

* Museo de Oro – appreciate archaeological and ethnic artifacts – see https://www.xu.edu.ph/museodeoro and https://www.facebook.com/xumuseodeoro/

* Museum of Three Cultures – appreciate 3 dominant cultures in the city – Maranao Muslims, Christians and indigenous people – see https://www.cu.edu.ph/museum-of-three-cultures/ and https://www.facebook.com/cu.museum/

* Seven Seas Waterpark – 12 water slides – see https://www.sevenseaswaterparkresort.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/sevenseaswaterpark/

* Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral – see https://www.facebook.com/acdocathedral2019/

* Tubajon Aquamarine Park – kayak, swim, enjoy mangrove forest

The information was obtained from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2018/12/09/a-pumping-ride-in-the-famed-river-awaits-you-chasing-white-waters-in-cagayan-de-oro/, https://aboutcagayandeoro.com/cagayan-de-oro-tourist-spots-cagayan-de-oro/, https://www.discoverthephilippines.com/cagayan-de-oro-city-visitors-guide/ and https://philippines.travel/activities/white-water-rafting and the Wikipedia page “Cagayan River (Mindanao)”^¹⁰.

The photo featured in the cover photo-collage was obtained from Department of Tourism – Philippines’ Facebook account – https://www.facebook.com/itsmorefuninthePhilippines/photos/5882004878536988

So, if you will visit Cagayan de Oro^¹, have I convinced you to try this thrilling and challenging water activity?

Heads up: Before planning to travel, always get updates regarding local government status, rules, restrictions and safety measures of the destination/s you want to visit, taking into consideration your personal health conditions and activity involved, and remember to level your expectations.

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding whitewater rafting in CDO, especially if you were able to experience it.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Traveler – Now You Know, Short and Simple, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Remember to share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, those not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

^¹Cagayan de Oro (CDO) is a first class^² highly urbanized city^³ located in the Northern Mindanao^⁴ region^⁵ of the Philippines. It is the capital of the province^⁶ of Misamis Oriental^⁷ where it is geographically situated but governed administratively independent from the provincial government. It became a town in 1871, a city on June 15, 1950, and a highly urbanized city on November 22, 1983. It has 80 barangays^⁹and is the 10^th most populous city in the country. It serves as the regional center and business hub of the region. The city’s economy is largely based on industry, commerce, trade, service, and tourism. It is known for its white water rafting and is known as the “Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines”. It is also know for kayaking adventures. It is located along the north central coast of the Mindanao^¹¹ group of islands, and is bordered to the north by Macajalar Bay facing the Bohol Sea, the municipalities^¹² of Opol to the west, Tagoloan and the province of Misamis Oriental to the east, and the provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte to the south.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cagayan de Oro”.^¹³

^²A 1^{^st} class city in the Philippines has an average annual income for the previous 4-year period of at least 500 million pesos, according to the Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines.”^¹⁴

^³A highly urbanized city (HUC) is a city with a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants, as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority, and with the latest annual income of at least PHP50 million or US$1 million, as certified by the City Treasurer. There are currently 33 such cities in the Philippines. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^¹⁴

^⁴Northern Mindanao, or Region X, is an administrative region^⁵ in the north-central part of Mindanao^¹¹ group of islands. It comprises 5 provinces^⁶: Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental^⁷, the island-province of Camiguin, and 2 highly urbanized cities^³ – Iligan and Cagayan de Oro^¹. The latter is the regional center.

It has a total land area of 2,049,602 ha. (5,064,680 acres), and more than 60% of this area are classified as forest land. Its seas abound with fish and other marine products. Its high elevation accounts for its cool climate and abundant vegetation.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Northern Mindanao.”^¹⁵

^⁵A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces^⁶, composed of cities and municipalities^¹²(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^⁹, formerly called barrios, according to Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”^¹⁶.

^⁶A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region^⁵. There are 81 provinces (called lalawigan) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and by an elected governor. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”^¹⁷

^⁷Misamis Oriental is a coastal province^⁶ located in the Northern Mindanao^⁴ region^⁵ of the Philippines. It is the capital, provincial center and largest city of Cagayan de Oro^¹, and is governed independently. It was founded in 1939. It has a total land area of 3,131.52 sq.km. (1,209.09 sq.mi.), excluding Cagayan de Oro. It comprises 23 municipalities^¹² and 2 component cities^¹⁸ (El Salvador and Gingood). It is bordered on the north by the Bohol Sea, with the island-province of Camiguin just off its northern coast, the provinces of Lanao del Norte on the west, Agusan del Norte on the east, and Bukidnon on the south.

Cebuano is the primary spoken language of this province but many are fluent in Tagalog and English, which are mainly used for business, education and administration. Maranao is also spoken among the Maranao communities within the province.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Misamis Oriental.”^¹⁹

^⁸Cagayan River, or Cagayan de Oro River, is one of the rivers draining the northern central part of the island of Mindanao^¹¹ in the Philippines. The name comes from the word Kagay which means “river” so Kagayan means “a place with a river”. Its mouth is located in Cagayan de Oro. It traverses the municipalities^¹² of Baungon, Libona and Talakag, connecting tributaries along the way, and finally empties into the Macajalar Bay at Cagayan de Oro^¹. The main tributaries of this river are: Bubunaoan River, Kalawaig River, Tagite River and Tumalaong River.

It serves as the natural boundary between the provinces^⁶ of Bukidnon and Iligan, and between Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro. This river is a very popular site for whitewater rafting in the Philippines and is promoted by the Department of Tourism as the main tourist attraction of Cagayan de Oro.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cagayan River (Mindanao).”^¹⁰

^⁹A barangay in the Philippines is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term balangay, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines. A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”^²⁰

^¹⁰“Cagayan River (Mindanao),” accessed April 8, 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagayan_River_(Mindanao)

^¹¹Mindanao is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions^⁵: Caraga, Davao, Northern Mindanao^⁴, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It is composed of 22 provinces^⁶ and 33 cities (27 provinces and 33 cities, if associated islands are included). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”^²¹ Mindanao is located in the southern part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Visayas (the middle part).

^¹²A municipality is a small, single urban administrative division in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province^⁶, subdivided into barangays^⁹, and is called town, or bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice mayor and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”^²²

^¹³“Cagayan de Oro,” accessed April 8, 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagayan_de_Oro

^¹⁴“Cities of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁵“Northern Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Mindanao

^¹⁶“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁷“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁸A component city is a type of city in the Philippines which does not meet the requirements of a highly urbanized city^³ and is under the jurisdiction of a province^⁶. If such a city is located along the boundaries of 2 or more provinces, it shall be considered part of the province of which it used to be a municipality^¹². The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines.”^¹⁴

^¹⁹“Misamis Oriental,” accessed February 2, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misamis_Oriental

^²⁰“Barangay,” accessed July 9, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

^²¹“Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

^²²“Municipalities of the Philippines” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

SIARGAO: ONE OF THE TOP 2021 ISLAND DESTINATIONS

Published on October 30, 2021July 17, 2022 by titastravels17Leave a comment

Dear foreign readers, do you know that an island in the Philippines was included in Time Magazine’s 100 unique destinations in its “World’s Greatest Places of 2021” and Vogue Paris’ Top 10 Summer Island Getaways of 2021? Allow Tita S to tell you about these recognitions.

Siargao, a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea, was chosen as one of the 100 unique destinations to visit in 2021. It is located in the province^¹ of Surigao del Norte^², in the Caraga^³ Region^⁴ of Mindanao^⁵, in the Philippines. It has a land area of about 437 sq.km. (169 sq.mi.). It has one of the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, particularly in the municipality^⁶ of Del Carmen^⁷, covering 4,871 hectares.

It has excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, from August to November. Local and international surfers call its municipality^⁶ of General Luna^⁸ the “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”, with surfing pros enjoying the challenging waves in nearby Tuason Point area as well. Siargao was also named by Surfer as one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of All Time” in 1995.

Source of photos in collage: https://www.facebook.com/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

SIARGAO: ONE OF TIME’S GREATEST PLACES OF 2021

In 2021, Time Magazine chose destinations not only for their beauty but their ability to adapt, build, and innovate amidst the pandemic in order for them to be safe, while offering unique and interesting experiences.

A Time article, written by Duncan Forgan, cited Siargao as a popular destination among “a dedicated band of surfers lured by consistent waves”. It also mentioned new features of this island like new cell towers for improved data connectivity, and satisfactory experiences in Inara Siargao Resort (a 5-suite, bed-and-breakfast boutique resort owned by Natalia Zobel).

Siargao joins Athens, Dubai, Hawaii, Maldives, Oslo, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Zurich, among others, in the list of 100 greatest places to visit in 2021. For the complete list, go to https://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2021/.

SIARGAO: ONE OF THE 2021 TOP SUMMER ISLAND GETAWAYS BY VOGUE PARIS

Siargao made it to the top 10 most charming islands to make the most of the 2021 summer season by the renowned fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue Paris.

It was chosen as one of the 10 top islands. Jade Simon, Vogue Paris’ lifestyle editor, described Siargao in a June 19, 2021, article as a destination that “offers soaring one-on-one with wild nature, populated more guest houses with their feet in the sand rather than five-star palaces … Jacking Horse or Pacifico beaches are ideal for groping the waves. And for the less sporty, the natural pools allow you to splash in turquoise water”.

The 9 other best islands in the world which offer tranquility and paradisiacal beaches are:

* Canggu (Bali, Indonesia)

* Fourni Island (Greece)

* Isla Holbox (Mexico)

* Lanzarote Island (Spain)

* Manshausen Island (Norway)

* Ponza Island (Italy)

* Principe and Sao Tome (west African Coast)

* Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands)

* Vis (Croatia)

For Time Magazine, the information was obtained from https://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2021/, https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147834, https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/07/22/21/siargao-among-time-magazines-worlds-greatest-places-for-2021, https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/travel/796613/siargao-among-time-magazine-s-list-of-100-world-s-greatest-places-of-2021/story/, https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/22/siargao-is-among-time-magazines-the-worlds-greatest-places-of-2021/, https://www.cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2021/7/22/Siargao-2021-TIME.html, https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/travel/inara-siargao-resort-hotel-natalia-zobel and the Wikipedia page “Siargao”^⁹ and the Wikitravel page “Siargao”^¹⁰.

For Vogue Paris, the information was obtained from https://www.vogue.fr/lifestyle/article/les-10-iles-ou-partir-en-vacances-cet-ete-2020, https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145729, https://www.cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2021/7/2/Siargao-Vogue-Paris-top-islands-summer-vacation.html, https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/03/siargao-among-vogue-paris-list-of-10-islands-to-go-on-holiday-this-summer/ and https://philstarlife.com/living/352941-siargao-vogue-paris-10-islands-summer-holiday.

Want to know more about Siargao? Read my posts:

* Cloud 9 – NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

Source of photos (other than titastravels): https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/

* Cloud 9 Boardwalk and Surfing Viewing Deck – SIARGAO’S CLOUD 9 BOARDWALK AND SURFING VIEWING DECK (Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines)

* Daku Island, Guyam Isand and Naked Island – SUN, SAND AND SEA AT GUYAM, DAKU AND NAKED ISLANDS (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

Source of photos used in photo-collage: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

* Magpupungko Beach, tidal pools and rock formations – MAGPUPUNGKO BEACH, TIDAL POOLS AND ROCK FORMATIONS (Pilar, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

Sources of photos featured in the cover photo-collage (top-bottom, l-r): https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/1249364468407724, https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/a.676742392336604/678577168819793/, https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/2311152788895548 and Wolfgang Hagele, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 28 April 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao#/media/File:Magpupungko_Beach_high_tide.jpg

* Palm Viewpoint – FOR NATURE LOVERS, DO NOT MISS PALM VIEWPOINT (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

* Sugba Lagoon and Kawhagan Island – SUGBA LAGOON-KAWHAGAN ISLAND TOUR (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)See a related post:

Source of photos (other than titastravels): https://www.facebook.com/kermitsiargao/photos

* Shaka Cafe – A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE AT SHAKA (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

* CEV – CEV: Ceviche Heaven in Siargao

The source of the bottom left photo in the photo-collage is https://www.facebook.com/cevsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal. The rest were taken by Tita S Travels.

* S.E.A. Movement – Seniors, Now You Know: S.E.A. MOVEMENT – FIGHTING TO PRESERVE SIARGAO!

For more information and photos of Inara Siargao Resort, visit its Instagram account @inarasiargao or see Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43108503?source_impression_id=p3_1636353203_CIFdQ%2B5tle%2BDx4f9.

The source of photos in the cover photo-collage (other than titastravels) is https://www.facebook.com/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal.

So, dear foreign readers, will you include Siargao in your travel bucket list when international travel will be promoted by the Philippines?

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear from you regarding Siargao.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Travelers – Foreign Travelers Ask, Now You Know, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, those not familiar with the terms used in this post, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

^¹A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region^⁴. There are 81 provinces (called lalawigan) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. In the Philippines, a province is divided into cities and municipalities^⁶ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^¹¹, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”^¹²

^²Surigao del Norte is a province^¹ in the Caraga^³ Region^⁴ of Mindanao^⁵, in the Philippines. This province comprises two islands, Siargao and Bucas Grande, in the Philippine Sea, and a small area at the northeastern tip of Mindanao. This mainland portion borders Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur to the south. It is the second northernmost of the Mindanao provinces, and is an important transportation hub between Visayas (the central part) and Mindanao (the southern part of the country). It was founded on June 19, 1960. It has 20 municipalities^⁶ and one component city^¹³, its capital, Surigao City. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Surigao del Norte.”^¹⁴

^³Region XIII, or the Caraga Region, is a Philippine region^⁴ located in the island group of Mindanao^⁶, with Butuan as its regional center. It has five provinces^¹: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte^², and Surigao del Sur; 6 cities: Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Caraga.”^¹⁵

^⁴A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces^¹, composed of cities and municipalities^⁶(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^¹¹, according to the Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”.^¹⁶

^⁵Mindanao, commonly known as Southern Philippines, is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines, located at the southernmost part of the country. It is the second largest island group of the country and covers 6 administrative regions: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), CARAGA^³ Region^⁴, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), and Zamboanga Peninsula. It is composed of 22 provinces^¹ and 33 cities. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”^¹⁷ The 2 other major geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon(in the northern part) and Visayas (in the central part of the country).

^⁶A municipality is small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province^¹, subdivided into barangays^¹¹, and is called town, or bayan.

In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice-mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials, and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”^¹⁸

^⁷Del Carmen is a fifth class^¹⁹ coastal municipality^⁶ in the western part of Siargao Island, in the province^¹ of Surigao del Norte^², in the Caraga^³ Region^⁴ of Mindanao^⁵, in the Philippines. It was founded as a parish in 1635 and as a municipality in 1920. It was formerly called Numancia until 1966. It currently has 20 barangays^¹¹. It is the home of Sayak Airport, the island’s main airport.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/SiargaoMangroveCenter/photos/a.438516019645383/438515489645436/?type=3&theater

It has the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the Philippines, covering more than 4,000 hectares! No wonder it is a good habitat for diverse marine life like the king crab and saltwater crocodile!

And you know what? Out of 54 mangrove species worldwide, 44 are found in Del Carmen! Amazing!

The information was obtained from https://www.visitdelcarmen.com/,

https://www.facebook.com/SiargaoMangroveCenter/photos/a.438516019645383/438515489645436/?type=3&theater, https://www.philatlas.com/mindanao/caraga/surigao-del-norte/del-carmen.html and the Wikipedia page “Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.”^²⁰ Visit its website: www.visitdelcarmen.com

^⁸General Luna is a fifth class^¹⁹ municipality^⁶ in the province^¹ of Surigao del Norte^², in the Caraga^³ Region^⁴ of Mindanao^⁵, in the Philippines. It is the home of world-renowned Cloud 9 waves, so this town is called “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. It was formerly called Cabuntog, and currently has 19 barangays^¹¹, 15 of which are located on Siargao Island, while 4 are on the other outer islands. The islands of Anahawan, Daku and La Januza are within its jurisdiction. The area is protected within the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) under Republic Act 7586 (National Integrated Protected Area System Act) of 1992. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “General Luna, Surigao del Norte”^²¹ and “Siargao”^⁹.

^⁹“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao

^¹⁰“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://wikitravel.org/en/Siargao

^¹¹A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a district or village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”^²²

^¹²“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

^¹³A component city is a type of city in the Philippines which does not meet the requirements of a highly urbanized city^²³ and is under the jurisdiction of a province^¹. If such a city is located along the boundaries of 2 or more provinces, it shall be considered part of the province of which it used to be a municipality^⁶. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^²⁴

^¹⁴“Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surigao_del_Norte

^¹⁵“Caraga,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga

^¹⁶“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁷“Mindanao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

^¹⁸“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁹A fifth class municipality in the Philippines is a town with an average annual income of PHP15,000,000 to 24,999,000 for the previous four calendar years, according to the Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines”^¹⁸.

^²⁰“Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Carmen,_Surigao_del_Norte

^²¹“General Luna, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Luna,_Surigao_del_Norte

^²²“Barangay,” accessed July 9, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

^²³A highly urbanized city (HUC) is a city with a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants, as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority, and with the latest annual income of at least PHP50 million or US$1 million, as certified by the City Treasurer. There are currently 33 such cities in the Philippines. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^²⁴

^²⁴“Cities of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_the_Philippines

MAGPUPUNGKO BEACH, TIDAL POOLS AND ROCK FORMATIONS (Pilar, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

Published on October 29, 2021July 17, 2022 by titastravels178 Comments

Dear foreign readers, allow Tita S to tell you about a famous tourist destination in Siargao.

Magpupungko is the most popular tourist destination in the municipality^¹ of Pilar^², in the east coast of the island of Siargao^³, in the province^⁴ of Surigao del Norte^⁵, in the Caraga^⁶ Region^⁷ of Mindanao^⁸, Philippines.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/2351225454888281

Sources of photos featured in the photo-collage (top-bottom, l-r): https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/a.676745119002998/676744989003011, https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/a.676742392336604/676742405669936, https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/1506169709393864 and https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/2562231053787719

It is known for its beach, limestone rock formations, and natural tidal pools during low tide.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/2348038968540263

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/2485066348170857

You can swim in the pools, with the main pool being 3 meters deep. You can also swim through small caves, explore the rocky coastline and coves, and for the daring, do some cliff jumping and land in crystal clear blue waters.

The Magpupungko Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Siargao^³! There is also the famous balancing rock near the tidal pools.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/pilarsiargaoisland/photos/a.676742392336604/678577168819793/

Of course, take lots of pictures and videos!

See this 1-minute 15-second video: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverCaragaPh/videos/4676972685675790/

Magpupungko is just a 45 minute-drive from General Luna^⁹, the main tourist hub of Siargao^³.

March to October is the peak tourist season in Siargao, although there could be rain showers and thunderstorms. Surfers are advised to time their visit from August to November for more consistent waves in the surfing spots.

The easiest way to visit Magpupungko is to book a day tour so you do not have to worry about details, itinerary, etc. Google packages, compare prices, itineraries and inclusions. You can also ask your resort where you will stay or their contacts among local tour operators.

You can go DIY, check out the time of low tide, and hire a tricycle. The younger generation, however, rent a motorcycle for about PHP400 (US$7.91) a day, or for long-staying backpackers, opt for a weekly or monthly rental which is cheaper.

Heads up: be sure to time your visit. It is advisable to arrive 2 hours before low tide because most people arrive during the peak of low tide. Furthermore, if it is high tide, you might not be allowed access to the tidal pools for safety reasons.

In addition, locals go to this place during weekends and holidays so why not visit this place during a weekday. If you do not like too many people, why not choose a day when the low tide is early morning so you can have the place to yourself, or at least, there will be less people around.

By the way, do not worry about road trips on this island; there is no traffic and there are no potholes!

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before your trip, wear comfortable clothes, preferably with your swimwear on underneath. Wear aqua shoes, or an old pair of trainers, to safely climb rock formations that have very sharp and jagged edges. Wear a hat or cap to protect against the sun. Fully charge your cellphone, camera, power banks, GoPro, etc.

Bring a dry bag for your own food (if any), water, medicine (if applicable), change of clothes, towel, basic toiletries, sun screen, cash, power bank/s, etc. Hold on to your entrance ticket so you can go in and out of the beach.

The entrance fee for Magpupungko Beach and Rock Pools is PHP50 (US$0.99). A PHP5 (US$.10) government fee per motorcycle is charged once you turn to the road towards Magpupungko, and there is also a PHP20 (US$.40) parking fee per motorcycle at the entrance. For group tours, these fees are already included.

From the parking area, you get to see the Magpupungko Beach before you reach the tidal pools. You can spend more time in this beach after your tidal pool adventure. There are coconut trees nearby to provide shade, and food stalls, offering local food for lunch, snacks, and refreshments, are located there too.

Magpupungko Beach – Photo source: Wolfgang Hagele, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 28 April 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao#/media/File:Magpupungko_Beach_high_tide.jpg

If you arrive a couple of hours before low tide, you can enjoy Magpupungko Beach and personally witness as the tide starts to go out to reveal the beautiful tidal pools.

Make the most of the low tide and opt for the largest or main tidal pool first so you take lots of photos and videos before the influx of visitors, have enough space to swim and cliff dive, if desired. Be sure to wear your aqua shoes to climb the jagged rocks.

The main tidal pool is surrounded by smaller pools. After staying in the former, and more and more people are already there, you could just head over to the smaller tidal pool near the balancing rock since there will be less people there. Be sure to take pictures with this rock, called the Magpupungko Rock, as your background. Or, if the low tide still lasts for some time, and you are adventurous, go to a place called Secret Beach, a small beach past the balancing rock, along the reef, and take lots of pictures there too. They say that only a few people go to this beach. Remember, it should still be low tide when you return from this beach because it would be difficult to return during high tide.

There are restrooms with showers on the far right of Magpupungko Beach.

Based on the timing of the low tide, you can pass by 4 attractions, before or after your visit to Magpupungko:

* Palm Viewpoint – This is located in a small lay way at the side of the road where you can see endless coconut trees, said to be the best lookout in the island.

See my post: FOR NATURE LOVERS, DO NOT MISS PALM VIEWPOINT (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

* Palm Tree Road – This is a straight stretch of the road going towards Magpupungko where coconut trees are lined on both sides of the road, branching out like a canopy. A drone shot would be awesome, or you can take a picture standing in the middle of the road.

* Maasin River Palm Tree Rope Swing – You will reach the barangay^¹⁰ called Maasin after the Palm Tree Road. Once you cross a bridge, you will find the tree rope swing. Are you game enough to swing, or just watch the local kids show you how it is done?

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/siargaoMaharlika/photos/a.1245592985593857/1303736069779548/

* Tayangban Cave Pool – People usually go here on their way home, after Magpupungko. There is a PHP100 (US$1.97) entrance fee which includes the services of a guide who will take you through the cave system. A lagoon awaits you at the end of the system where you can cliff jump into the pool below.

Photo source: Janos Leo Gorgoban Andanar, 10 October 2017. featured in the Facebook account of Surigao del Norte Toursim and Culture Office, https://www.facebook.com/surigaodelnortetourismoffice/photos/ms.c.eJwzNDGzNDA3MbK0tACRRnqGEAFjIzNTEwNLUzMAc44GyQ~-~-.bps.a.817933788321683/1469074299874292/

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Pilar, Suragao del Norte”^¹¹ and interviews of friends who visited this place.

Unfortunately, when I went to Siargao^³, I missed going to Magpupungko so when I return to this island, for sure I will visit it!

Read my other posts about Siargao: SUN, SAND AND SEA AT GUYAM, DAKU AND NAKED ISLANDS (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines), SIARGAO’S CLOUD 9 BOARDWALK AND SURFING VIEWING DECK (Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines), SUGBA LAGOON-KAWHAGAN ISLAND TOUR (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines), NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines), FOR NATURE LOVERS, DO NOT MISS PALM VIEWPOINT (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines), CEV: Ceviche Heaven in Siargao, A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE AT SHAKA (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines) and Seniors, Now You Know: S.E.A. MOVEMENT – FIGHTING TO PRESERVE SIARGAO!

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear from you re Magpupungko Beach, Tidal Pools, Secret Beach and balancing rock.

Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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^¹A municipality is small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province^⁴, subdivided into barangays^¹⁰, and is called town, or bayan.

^²Pilar is a 5^th class^¹³ municipality^¹ in the east coast of the island of Siargao^³, in the province^⁴ of Surigao del Norte^⁵, in the Caraga^⁶ Region^⁷ of Mindanao^⁸, Philippines. It is bounded by the municipalities of San Isidro to the north, Del Carmen to the west, Dapa to the south and the Philippine Sea to the east. It has a natural harbor through a small inlet called Port Pilar.

It separated from Dapa and officially became a municipality on October 31, 1953, by virtue of Executive Order No. 638, issued by President Elpidio Quirino. It has 15 barangays^¹⁰.

The town’s economy is largely based on fishing and agriculture (rice and copra).

Pilar is one of the surfing spots of Siargao. It is less popular than Cloud 9, so it is less crowded. For surfers, it holds many good lefts and is best surfed during NE swells. There are good breaks in front and near the town proper, and in Barangay Caridad.

Other tourists attractions/activities are:

* Magpupungko Beach, tidal pools (during low tide), limestone rock formations and Secret Beach;

* Taglungnan Beach and Tagbayanga Islets – 15-20 minutes from the town proper by boat;

* Lukod Beach;

* Caridad Beach;

* Mangrove Forest Reserve; and,

* Game Fishing – There is an annual invitational sport fishing event called Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament, held sometime middle of July.

There are various homestay facilities for tourists.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Pilar, Surigao del Norte.”^¹¹

^³Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea, almost 200 km southeast of Tacloban, in the province^⁴ of Surigao del Norte^⁵, in the Caraga^⁶ Region^⁷ of Mindanao^⁸, in the Philippines. It has a land area of about 437 sq. km. (169 sq.mi.). It has one of the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, particularly in the municipality^¹ of Del Carmen, covering 4,871 hectares.

It has excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, from August to November. Local and international surfers call its municipality^¹ of General Luna^⁹ as the “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”, with surfing pros enjoying the challenging waves in nearby Tuason Point area as well. Siargao was also named by Surfer as one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of All Time” in 1995.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Siargao”^¹⁴ and the Wikitravel page “Siargao”^¹⁵.

^⁴A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region^⁷. There are 81 provinces (called “lalawigan”) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. In the Philippines, a province is divided into cities and municipalities^¹ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^¹⁰, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”^¹⁶

^⁵Surigao del Norte is a province^⁴ in the Caraga^⁶ Region^⁷ of Mindanao^⁸, in the Philippines. This province comprises two islands, Siargao^³ and Bucas Grande, in the Philippine Sea, and a small area at the northeastern tip of Mindanao. This mainland portion borders Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur to the south. It is the second northernmost of the Mindanao provinces, and is an important transportation hub between Visayas (the central part) and Mindanao (the southern part of the country). It was founded on June 19, 1960. It has 20 municipalities^¹ and one component city^¹⁷, its capital, Surigao City. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Surigao del Norte.”^¹⁸

^⁶Region XIII, or the Caraga Region, is a Philippine region^⁷ located in the island group of Mindanao^⁸, with Butuan as its regional center. It has five provinces^⁴: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte^⁵, and Surigao del Sur; 6 cities: Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Caraga.”^¹⁹

^⁷A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces^⁴, composed of cities and municipalities^¹(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^¹⁰, according to the Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”.^²⁰

^⁸Mindanao, commonly known as Southern Philippines, is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines, located at the southernmost part of the country. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), CARAGA^⁶ Region^⁷, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), and Zamboanga Peninsula. It is composed of 22 provinces^⁴ and 33 cities. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”^²¹ The 2 other major geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon(in the northern part) and Visayas (in the central part of the country).

^⁹General Luna is a fifth class^¹³ municipality^¹ in the province^⁴ of Surigao del Norte^⁵, in the Caraga^⁶ Region^⁷ of Mindanao^⁸, in the Philippines. It is the home of world-renowned Cloud 9 waves, so this town is called “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. It was formerly called Cabuntog, and currently has 19 barangays^¹⁰, 15 of which are located on Siargao Island^³, while 4 are on the other outer islands. The islands of Anahawan, Daku and La Januza are within its jurisdiction. The area is protected within the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) under Republic Act 7586 (National Integrated Protected Area System Act) of 1992. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “General Luna, Surigao del Norte”^²² and “Siargao”^¹⁴.

^¹⁰A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a district or village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”^²³

^¹¹Post https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilar,_Surigao_del_Norte post

^¹²“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

^¹³A fifth class municipality in the Philippines is a town with an average annual income of PHP15,000,000 to 24,999,000 for the previous four calendar years, according to the Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines”^¹².

^¹⁴“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao

^¹⁵“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://wikitravel.org/en/Siargao

^¹⁶“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁷A component city is a type of city in the Philippines which does not meet the requirements of a highly urbanized city^²⁴ and is under the jurisdiction of a province^⁴. If such a city is located along the boundaries of 2 or more provinces, it shall be considered part of the province of which it used to be a municipality^¹. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^²⁵

^¹⁸“Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surigao_del_Norte

^¹⁹“Caraga,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga

^²⁰“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

^²¹“Mindanao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

^²²“General Luna, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Luna,_Surigao_del_Norte

^²³“Barangay,” accessed July 9, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

^²⁴A highly urbanized city (HUC) is a city with a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants, as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority, and with the latest annual income of at least PHP50 million or US$1 million, as certified by the City Treasurer. There are currently 33 such cities in the Philippines. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^²⁵

^²⁵“Cities of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_the_Philippines

STUNNING SANDBARS IN THE PHILIPPINES-1: PANAMPANGAN ISLAND (Tawi-Tawi)

Published on September 12, 2021July 17, 2022 by titastravels172 Comments

Dear beach bum foreign readers, Tita S will feature the beautiful sandbars in the Philippines. This first one is considered the longest sandbar in the country!

Panampangan Island is a secluded, pristine, 12-hectare island in the municipality^¹ of Sapa-Sapa^², in the province^³ of Tawi-Tawi^⁴, in the Sulu Archipelago^⁵, in the Celebes Sea. It is located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)^⁶of the Philippines. It has an area of 0.1 sq.km. (0.039 sq.mi.).

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Progressive.Bangsamoro/photos/pcb.1701410416845884/1701410153512577

At the center of the island are coconut trees and lush greenery, that are surrounded by fine white sand beach and crystal clear water.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Panampangan-Island-Sapa-Sapa-Tawi-Tawi-Philippines-254359578313396/photos/457717334644285

It is said to have the finest sand among all the beaches in the Philippines!

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Panampangan-Island-Sapa-Sapa-Tawi-Tawi-Philippines-254359578313396/photos/257742444641776

It takes 2-3 hours by outrigger boat, or less than an hour by speedboat, one way, to reach this island. There are grilling areas where tourists can picnic, and cottages and huts where you can stay overnight, but level your expectations.

The water around the beach is shallow so those who do not know how to swim can just dip on the shallow waters, and will be treated to seeing starfish and a variety of fish.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Panampangan-Island-Sapa-Sapa-Tawi-Tawi-Philippines-254359578313396/photos/457717024644316

Those who can snorkel could even see turtles.

It is located inside Basibuli Shoal, and once the tide drops, a crescent-shaped 3,128.37 m. (10,263.7 ft.) sandbar appears.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Progressive.Bangsamoro/photos/pcb.1701410416845884/1701383573515235

Being a little over 3 km., it connects to the nearby Basibuli Island. It is considered the longest sandbar in the Philippines.

Watch this 2020 10-minute, 1-second video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkFWDXs_1-Y

How do you get to Panampangan Island? From Manila, fly directly to Tawi-Tawi^⁴. It is required that you contact and coordinate with the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Tourism Office (https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTawiTawiTourism/ or get their contact numbers), the Department of Tourism-ARMM Office, or the Municipality of Sapa-Sapa. They can also assist you in arranging for a boat and a tour guide for a one- day-island-hopping tour. There is no fixed price, and it could range from PHP6,000 – 10,000.

You can include Simunul Island and Sangay Siapo Island in the tour. Inform them if you want to dive.

The tour can start at 6:00 AM. Go to the port via tricycle, and locate the boat to take you to this island. Be aware that the boat ride could be rough from July to December.

These islands are not developed so you better bring food and water for the whole day, fully charged cameras, GoPros and power banks, swim wear and change of clothes, snorkeling/diving gear, personal medicine, etc.

The Badjaos who live in nearby islands go to Panampangan Island to sell fish, seaweeds, sea urchins and seashells. You can enjoy them for lunch or dinner, if you will stay overnight.

Now, Tita S knows what you are worried about. How safe is Tawi-Tawi^⁴? Do not be scared because she was able to research and found out that there is a naval base in Panglima Sigala and the Philippine Coast Guard regularly patrols Panampangan Island.

The information was obtained from https://primer.com.ph/travel/2018/03/19/panampangan-beach-in-tawi-tawi-paradise-at-the-southernmost-tip-of-the-philippines/, https://www.esquiremag.ph/the-good-life/pursuits/best-secret-beaches-in-the-philippines-a00208-20190211, https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/islands-and-beaches/best-sandbars-philippines, https://www.s1expeditions.com/2017/06/217-panampangan-islandtawi-tawi.html and the Wikipedia page “Panampangan Island”^⁷.

Tita S has not been to Tawi-Tawi^⁴ so she cannot personally comment about this island but will surely include it in her Tawi-Tawi travel bucket list.

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear from you regarding Panampangan Island.

Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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^¹A municipality is small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU)^⁸, in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province^³, subdivided into barangays^⁹, and is called town, or bayan.

^²Sapa-Sapa is a 3^rd class^¹¹ municipality^¹ in the province^³ of Tawi-Tawi^⁴, in the Sulu Archipelago^⁵, in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)^⁶ of the Philippines. It has a total area of 235.61 sq.km. (90.97 sq.mi.) and has 23 barangays^⁹. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Sapa-Sapa.”^¹²

^³A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region^¹³. There are 81 provinces (called lalawigan) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. In the Philippines, a province is divided into cities and municipalities^¹ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^⁹, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”^¹⁴

^⁴Tawi-Tawi is an island province^³ in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)^⁶ of the Philippines. It is part of the Sulu Archipelago^⁵, and consists of Tawitawi Island, its main island, and 106 surrounding islands and islets, with a combined land area of 1,087.4 sq.km. (419.8 sq.mi.).

It was founded on September 11, 1973. It has 11 municipalities^¹ and its capital is the municipality of Bongao.

It is the southernmost province of the country, sharing sea borders with the Malaysian state of Sabah and the Indonesian North Kalimantan province, both on the island of Borneo to the west. It is located between the Sulu Sea in the north and the Celebes Sea in the south. To the northeast lies the province of Sulu.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia pages “Tawi-Tawi”^¹⁵ and “Tawi-Tawi Island”^¹⁶.

^⁵The Sulu Archipelago is a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean, in southwestern Philippines, an important migration route for birds. It forms the northern limit of the Celebes Sea and southern limit of the Sulu Sea. Its islands are within the Mindanao^¹⁷ island group, consisting of the provinces^³ of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi^⁴, so the archipelago is sometimes referred to as Basulta, derived from the first syllables of the 3 provinces.

The archipelago belongs to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)^⁶, excluding the city of Isabela in province of Basilan which was placed under another region – Region 9, Zamboanga Peninsula.

It is not true that this archipelago is the remains of a land bridge between Borneo and the Philippines; it is actually the exposed edge of small submarine ridges produced by tectonic tilting of the sea bottom. Basilan, Jolo, Tawitawi and other islands in the group are extinct volcanic cones rising from the southernmost ridge.

This archipelago is the home of the indigenous Tausug people^¹⁸ who speak the Tausug language^¹⁹.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Sulu Archipelago.”^²⁰

^⁶Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), or Bangsamoro, is an autonomous region^¹³ located in southern Philippines. It replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) after the creation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 26, 2018. It is currently in transition until 2022.

Bangsamoro literally means “Moro nation” or “Moro country”. This region consists of 5 provinces^³ (Basilan except Isabela City, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi^⁴), 116 municipalities^¹ and 3 component cities^²¹ (Cotabato City, Lamitan and Marawi).

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Bangsamoro”.^²²

^⁷“Panampangan Island,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panampangan_Island

^⁸A local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines is divided into 3 levels: provinces^³ and independent cities^²³; component cities^²¹ and municipalities^¹; and, barangays^⁹, according to Wikipedia page “Local government in the Philippines”.^²⁴

^⁹A barangay in the Philippines is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term balangay, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines. A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”^²⁵

^¹⁰“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

^¹¹A third class municipality^¹ in the Philippines has an average annual income for a 4-year period of 240 million, but less than 320 million pesos, according to the Wikipedia page “List of cities of the Philippines.”^²⁶.

^¹²“Sapa-Sapa,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapa-Sapa

^¹³A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces^³, composed of cities and municipalities^¹(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^⁹, formerly called barrios, according to Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”^²⁷.

^¹⁴“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁵“Tawi-Tawi,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawi-Tawi

^¹⁶“Tawi-Tawi Island,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawi-Tawi_Island

^¹⁷Mindanao is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions^¹³: Caraga, Davao, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)^⁶. It is composed of 22 provinces^³ and 33 cities (27 provinces and 33 cities, if associated islands are included). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”^²⁸ Mindanao is located in the southern part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Visayas (the middle part).

^¹⁸The Tausug, or Suluk, are an ethnic group of the Philippines and Malaysia. A small population is also found in the northern part of North Kalimantan, a province of Indonesia.

The Tausugs originally had an independent state known as the Sultanate of Sulu, which once exercised sovereignty over the present day Philippine provinces^³ of Basilan, Palawan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi^⁴, Zamboanga City, North Kalimantan (Indonesia), and the eastern part of Sabah (Malaysia).

They are part of the wider political identity of Muslims of Mindanao^¹⁷ and the provinces of Sulu and Palawan. Most of the Tausugs have converted into the religion of Islam whose members are now more known as the Moro group, who constitute the 3^rd largest ethnic group of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Tausug people”.^²⁹

^¹⁹The Tausug language is an Austronesian language spoken in the province^³ of Sulu in the Philippines and in the eastern area of the state of Sabah, Malaysia, by the Tausug people^¹⁸, an ethnic group in Malaysia and Mindanao^¹⁷, Sulu, and southern Palawan in the Philippines. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Tausug language”.^³⁰

^²⁰“Sulu Archipelago,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulu_Archipelago

^²¹A component city (CC) is a type of city in the Philippines which does not meet the requirements of a highly urbanized city^³¹. It is under the jurisdiction of a province^². If such a city is located along the boundaries of 2 or more provinces, it shall be considered part of the province of which it used to be a municipality^¹. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Cities in the Philippines.”^²⁶

^²²“Bangasamoro,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangsamoro

^²³An independent city in the Philippines is no longer subject to review by any province’s Provincial Board (Sangguniang Panlalawigan), stops sharing its tax revenue with any province^³, and is directly supervised by the President of the Philippines. There are currently 38 independent cities in the Philippines.

There are 2 kinds of independent cities:

* Highly urbanized city (HUC) – This is a city with a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants, as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority, and with the latest annual income of at least PHP50 million or US$1 million, as certified by the City Treasurer. There are currently 33 such cities in the Philippines.

* Independent component city (ICC) – This is a city has a charter that explicitly prohibits its residents from voting for provincial officials. There are currently 5 such cities: Cotabato, Dagupan, Naga (Camarines Sur), Ormoc and Santiago.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^²⁶

^²⁴“Local government in the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_government_in_the_Philippines

^²⁵“Barangay,” accessed July 9, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

^²⁶“List of cities in the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_the_Philippines

^²⁷“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

^²⁸“Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

^²⁹“Tausug people,”accessed March 18, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tausug_people

^³⁰“Tausug language,”accessed March 18, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tausug_language

THE ISLAND-PROVINCE WITH MORE VOLCANOS THAN TOWNS: CAMIGUIN (Northern Mindanao, Philippines)

Published on August 22, 2021July 17, 2022 by titastravels17Leave a comment

Dear readers, yes, you better believe it! Camiguin Island has more volcanos than towns! Do you want to know more? Allow Tita S to tell you.

First, let her tell you about some important information regarding this island.

Camiguin is a pearl-shaped island-province in the Bohol Sea, in the Northern Mindanao^¹ region^² of the Philippines.

Aside from the main island, this province^³ also includes a few other surrounding minor islets like:

* White Island, about 5 km (3.1 mi) west of the capital-municipality^⁴ of Mambajao; and,

* Mantigue Island, about 14 km (8.7 mi) south of Mambajao.

It is the second smallest island in the Philippines, in both land area (238 sq.km. or 92 sq.mi.) and population, next to Batanes, an archipelagic province^³ in the northernmost part of the country.

The provincial capital is Mambajao, Camiguin’s largest municipality^⁴, both in area and population.

Camiguin is blessed with so many attractions and a special event (which I alphabetically arranged because it is difficult to rank them):

* Ardent Hot Springs – for a relaxing and soothing dip after a long day of exploring the island

Photo source: https://www.camiguin-island.com/ardent-hot-springs.shtml

* Binangawan Falls – only for diehard hikers because of the challenging trek required for the visit

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/2093474984000721

* Bura Soda Water Park – a different swimming experience; the only soda water pool in the Philippines

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/3855744017872720

See my post about this water park: BURA SODA WATER PARK (Catarman, Camiguin, Philippines)

* Guinsiliban Watchtower – a Spanish era watchtower, declared a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines

* Gui-ob Ruins – this is the Old Bonbon Church Ruins in the town of Catarman

Photo source: Nikond80, own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, created 24 September 2013, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin#/media/File:Ruin_of_old_church_Bonbon_Catarman_Camiguin_island.jpg

* Katibawasan Falls – a 250-m high waterfalls; the most visited waterfalls in the island

Photo source:

https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/2016019508412936

* Kibila White Beach – the site of the giant clam sanctuary in the town of Guinsiliban

Eight of the twelve giant clam species in the Philippines can be found here, including Tridacna gigas, which can grow up to 1.2 meters across and weigh up to 200 kg, making it the largest living bivalve mollusk! Kudos to the community for taking care of this precious living thing! – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/2810716252276587

* Lanzones – considered the sweetest kind you can find in the Philippines, attributed to the fertile volcanic soil of the island from trees which are 10-30 years old; this seasonal fruit is harvested in Camiguin from March-April, but visit this island on October to see their festival (below) too.

The sweetest lanzones – Sources of photos in photo-collage (top-bottom, l-r): https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/a.162865887061650/526242177390684, https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/a.424415580906678/526243610723874 and https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/2375672632447620

See my related post about this fruit: Savoring Pinoy Delights: THE LUSCIOUS LANZONES

* Lanzones Festival – held annually every third weekend of October

Sources of photos (top-bottom): https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/2310944688920415 and https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/380806731934230

* Mantigue Island – a protected marine sanctuary; for snorkeling and diving

Sources of photos (tom-bottom, l-r): Mantigue Island’s shore – https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/1891182004230021, Turtle Point – https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/1904849792863242 and The Island from Afar – https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/1891182004230021

* Mount Hibok-Hibok – for hiking and mountaineering (see below)

It takes 4-5 hrs. to reach the summit – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/2607989339215947

* San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church – this church is located in the capital town of Mambajao, founded in 1916, and celebrates the feast of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino^⁶ every September 10.

* Santo Niño Cold Spring – a place to chill after a long day in the island

Source of photos: https://catarmancamiguin.gov.ph/tourism/sights-to-see/

* Sunken Cemetery – the submerged cemetery in the coastal area of Catarman due to the 1871 eruption of Mount Vulcan (more details about this volcano below)

Sources of photos in photo-collage: Allan Jay Quesada, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 8 June 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin#/media/File:ALLAN_JAY_QUESADA_-_CAMIGUIN_01_DJI_0611.jpg (top) and https://catarmancamiguin.gov.ph/tourism/sights-to-see/ (bottom)

You can see these giant clams at this snorkel spot of the Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin. You can also visit the giant clam sanctuary on the eastern part of the island at Kibila White Beach. – Photo source: https://catarmancamiguin.gov.ph/tourism/sights-to-see/

* Taguines Lagoon – a man-made lagoon for recreation and aquaculture experience

Zip line – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/449184525096450

* The Walkway – see Mount Vulcan below

* Tuasan Falls – a 25-m high waterfalls for nature lovers

* White Island-Sand bar – for swimming and snorkeling, located off the northern coast of Mambajao

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/photos/4615785558436305

And if all the above are not enough, Tita S will tell you why this island is extra special, and this is for the record!

This province^³ has 5 municipalities^⁴ (or towns), with a total of 58 barangays^⁵. The municipalities are: Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, Sagay, and Mambajao, its capital.

Camiguin is called “The Island Born of Fire” because it has 10 volcanos, two of which are historically active.

There were only 7 known volcanos in Camiguin before the 1980s but since then, volcanologists added 3 more volcanos in this island, and believe there could be more! Amazing!

Have you noticed something by now? Within its land area of 238 sq.km. (92 sq.mi.), there are 5 municipalities^⁴ (towns) and 10 volcanos! So there you have it: this province has more volcanos than towns! In fact, it has the largest concentration of volcanos per sq. km. in the Philippines, and perhaps, the world.

Now, let me tell you the names of Camiguin’s ten volcanos with brief descriptions:

* Mount Butay

It is located between the towns of Guinsiliban and Mahinog, north of Mount Guinsiliban, and has an elevation of 679 m (2,228 ft). It is also called Mount Uhay.

Mount Butay – Photo source: Briarfallen, own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, created 26 October 1998, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin#/media/File:Mount_Butay.jpg

* Mount Carling/Karling

It has an elevation of 800 m (2,624.67 ft).

* Mount Guinsiliban

It is located in the town of Guinsiliban, in the southernmost part of Camiguin, and has an elevation of 571 m (1,872 ft).

Mount Guinsiliban – Photo source: kLEOMARIO, own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, created 24 August 2006, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin#/media/File:Mount_Guinsiliban_on_Camiguin_Island.jpg

* Mount Hibok-Hibok

It is also called Catarman Volcano. It is an active stratovolcano and dome complex at the northwestern end of the island. It has an elevation of 1,332 m (4,370 ft). It has 6 hot springs: Ardent Spring, Bugong, Kiyab, Naasag, Tagdo, and Tangob. It has 3 craters: Kanangkaan Crater, the site of the 1948 eruption; Itum Crater, the site of the 1949 eruption; and Ilihan Crater, the site of the 1950 eruption. It last erupted in July 1953.

Mount Hibok-Hibok as seen from White Island – Photo source: Wolfgang Hagele, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 3 June 2017, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin#/media/File:Hibok_Hibok_volcano_and_Camiguin_volcano.jpg

It is a favorite hiking destination of local mountaineers. A permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) office in Mambajao is required. It takes about 3-5 hours to reach the summit from the usual jump-off point in Ardent Hot Springs in Mambajao.

* Mount Ilihan

The crater of this volcano was the site of the 1950 eruption. I am not a volcanologist but it seems that this volcano was an offshoot of nearby Mount Hibok-Hibok, or volcanogists in the 1950s have not considered it as a volcano at that time.

* Mount Mambajao

It is located at the center of the island and the second tallest of all the volcanos of Camiguin, at an elevation of 1,568 m (5,143 ft).

* Mount Minokol

This volcano has an elevation of 358 m (1,174.54 ft).

* Mount Timpoong

It has the highest peak among the 10 volcanos of Camiguin. It is composed of several domes, the tallest of which is Timpoong Peak, at 1,614 m (5,295 ft) above sea level.

* Mount Tres Marias

Mount Tres Marias has an elevation of 731 m (2,398 ft) and is situated southeast of Mount Hibok-Hibok.

* Mount Vulcan

It is an active volcano northwest of Mount Hibok-Hibok with an elevation of 580 m (1,900 ft). It is called “The Old Volcano” but is actually the youngest volcano in Camiguin, formed in the 1871 eruption. It started as a fissure vent in the northwestern flank of Mount Hibok-Hibok so some call it as a parasitic cone of the latter, and they consider it part of that volcano. It can be hiked by way of the Stations of the Cross, or The Walkway, in Barangay^⁵ Bonbon, in the municipality^⁴ of Catarman. Along the trail are the statues depicting the Roman Catholic Stations of the Cross, which are 14 events in the crucifixion of Jesus, at intervals on the climb. They are a memorial to those who died from the last eruption in the 1950s.

But no worries, no eruption is expected in the foreseeable future as indicated by a network of seismometers and volcanologists.

The information was obtained from https://www.bohol-philippines.com/camiguin-island-volcanoes.html, https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/04/01/19/summer-2019-mountain-tourism-campaign-launched-in-camiguin?fbclid=IwAR15QRjvZLojw1gyYOsWbSVnWUYmOsefouEIbxhlZaxIpyrC_eMkvxMsugg, https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/camiguin-island-tourist-spots, https://www.facebook.com/Camiguintourismoffice/posts/volcanoes-we-have-7-and-morepreviously-known-as-only-having-seven-volcanoes-loca/2641895482491999/, https://answerstoall.com/miscellaneous/what-month-is-lanzones-season/, https://mambajaoparish.wordpress.com/home/, https://ph.geoview.info/mount_carling,1958946, https://ph.geoview.info/minokol,1958942 and the Wikipedia pages “Camiguin”^⁷, “Mount Hibok-Hibok”^⁸, and “Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument”^⁹.

The photos (top-bottom, l-r) featured in the cover photo-collage were obtaineed from: Mount Butay – Briarfallen, own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, created 26 October 1998, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin#/media/File:Mount_Butay.jpg, Mount Guinsiliban– kLEOMARIO, own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, created 24 August 2006, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin#/media/File:Mount_Guinsiliban_on_Camiguin_Island.jpg and Mount Hibok-Hibok as seen from White Island – Wolfgang Hagele, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 3 June 2017, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin#/media/File:Hibok_Hibok_volcano_and_Camiguin_volcano.jpg.

Tita S has not been to Camiguin but this island is definitely part of her travel bucket list. This province has many natural and man-made attractions to see and appreciate!

If I were younger, I would definitely attempt to climb the volcanos, at least one, anyway. So, if you are reading this post and are still physically fit, why not take the challenge to climb Mount Hibok-Hibok, or Mount Vulcan for The Walkway I mentioned above.

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding the Camiguin and its volcanos, especially if you were able to see them.

Remember to share this post with your Facebook friends, and to follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device. And, do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, those not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

^¹Northern Mindanao, or Region 10, is an adminsitrative region^² in the north-central part of Mindanao^¹⁰, in southern Philippines. It has a total land area of 2,049,602 hectares (5,064,680 acres), with more than 60% classified as forest land. Its waters are rich in marine life. It comprises 5 provinces^³: Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. The regional center is the city of Cagayan de Oro.

It is the 8^th most populous region in the Philippines, and the 2^nd in Mindanao (after Davao Region (Region 11). The vast majority of the region’s inhabitants descended from migrants from Bohol and Cebu.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Northern Mindanao”.^¹¹

^²A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces^³, composed of cities and municipalities^⁴(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^⁵, formerly called barrios, according to Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”^¹².

^³A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region^². There are 81 provinces (called lalawigan) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. Remember, a province in the Philippines is divided into cities and towns (called municipalities^⁴), which in turn, are divided into barangays^⁵, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”^¹³

^⁴A municipality is a small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province^³, subdivided into barangays^⁵, and is locally called bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. There are almost 1,500 municipalities in the Philippines. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”^¹⁴

^⁵A barangay in the Philippines is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term balangay, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines. A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”^¹⁵

^⁶Saint Nicholas of Tolentino (c.1246 – 1305), The Patron of Holy Souls, was an Italian saint and mystic, particularly invoked as the advocate for the souls of Purgatory, especially during Lent and the month of November (the 2^nd of the month is All Souls’ Day). He was sent to the town of Tolentino, in the Marche region of central Italy as an Augustinian friar, and he lived there until the day he died. He was canonized on June 5,1446 by Pope Eugene IV. His feast day is September 10, the day he passed away. He is the patron saint for holy souls, souls in purgatory, babies, boatmen, mariners, sailors, watermen, dying people, animals, sick animals, and churches in Spain and the Philippines (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_of_Tolentino for more details). The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Nocholas of Tolentino”.

^⁷“Camiguin,” accessed November 3, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin

^⁸“Mount Hibok-Hibok,” accessed November 3, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hibok-Hibok

^⁹“Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument,” accessed November 3, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timpoong_and_Hibok-Hibok_Natural_Monument

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^¹⁰Mindanao is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions^²: Caraga, Davao, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It is composed of 22 provinces^³ and 33 cities (27 provinces and 33 cities, if associated islands are included). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”^¹⁶ Mindanao is located in the southern part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Visayas (the middle part).

^¹¹“Northern Mindanao,” accessed November 3, 2020,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Mindanao

^¹²“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

^¹³“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed May 29, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the-Philippines

^¹⁴“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed January 29, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁵“Barangay,” accessed December 30, 2018, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

^¹⁶“Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

CACAO & CHOCOLATE CAPITALS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Published on June 6, 2021July 17, 2022 by titastravels17Leave a comment

Dear readers, do you know that President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11547 on May 27, 2021, declaring Davao City^¹ as the “Chocolate Capital of the Philippines” and the entire Davao^² Region^³ (Region XI) as the “Cacao Capital of the Philippines”? Allow Tita S to tell you more.

This law recognizes the importance of cacao as a “driver of rural development” because of its potential as a raw material that can increase the country’s export earnings tremendously. Local cacao production has boosted export earnings and this law also recognizes cacao for putting the name of the Philippines on the map for producing the finest chocolate beans and providing livelihood to many small farmers in the countryside.

Lollipop stage of a cacao seedling, Puentespina Farm, Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.1512124955511197/1757553527635004

Cacao flowers and new fruits, Puentespina Farm, Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.1512124955511197/2939431636113848

Cacao trees with fruits, Puentespina Farm, Malagos in the foothills of Mt. Talomo, Barangay Baguio District, Davao City – Photo source: https://malagoschocolate.com/

Harvest time, Puentespina Farm, Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.1512124955511197/3534073513316321

Harvest time-2, Puentespina Farm, Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.1512124955511197/1670297959693895

The Davao Region^² was given such a title because of “its status as the country’s biggest producer of cacao and its vital contribution in making the Philippines world-renowned and sought after by chocolate makers from the USA, Japan and Europe”.

cacao, Malagos, Davao City – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.426789647378072/3954271327963202

The law also stated that the State is constitutionally mandated to promote the industrialization and full employment, based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform.

In 2020, the Department of Agriculture declared that Davao City^¹ alone produced 2,289.74 metric tons of cacao, or 38% in regional share.

Dried cacao beans, Puentespina Farm, Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.1512124955511197/1695716297152061

After roasting, the cacai beans are cracked open and the husk removed to harvest the nibs, Malagos, Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.1512124955511197/1678206105569747

Davao Region’s total contribution to the national output reached 5, 960.23 metric tons, or 70.21%.

Malagos cacao and chocolate – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.426789647378072/527153397341696

Malagos chocolates – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.426789647378072/663167233740311

Malagod unsweetened chocolate perfect for hot chocolate – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.1512124955511197/4002399923150342

Malagos fruit collection with couverture chocolate – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.1512124955511197/1879061508817538

Malagos pralines – Photo source:

https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.1512124955511197/1869521159771573

Senator Cynthia Villar, the chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, sponsored the measure in the upper house. Co-authors were Senators Christopher Lawrence Go and Ronald de la Rosa, both from the Davao Region^².

Senator Villar noted the data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) which showed that the bulk of the total annual cacao production, about 78.76%, came from the Davao Region^², with more than 20,000 hectares of cacao farms. She pushed for the recognition of the contribution of cacao farmers in Davao City^¹ and Davao Region, hoping these places would inspire other local government units to spur agricultural growth.

She also said cacao farmers have received international acknowledgment as evidenced by the awards received over the years.

3 award-winning dark chocolates, Malagos – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate/photos/a.1512124955511197/3904729729584029 post

This new law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper.

The information was obtained from: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141691, https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/5/27/Davao-City-chocolate-capital.html#:~:text=Metro%20Manila%20(CNN%20Philippines%2C%20May,the%20country’s%20%22Cacao%20Capital.%22, https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/27/davao-city-declared-ph-chocolate-capital/, https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1437694/davao-city-is-now-ph-chocolate-capital-davao-region-is-cacao-capital, https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/27/21/duterte-davao-chocolate-cacao-capital, https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/09/08/20/davao-is-cacao-capital-of-the-philippines-says-agriculture-department, and https://philippineslifestyle.com/davao-chocolate-capital-of-philippines/.

Bottomline, this law opens more business opportunities for Davao cacao farmers, processors, manufacturers and chocolate makers. More chocolate makers worldwide will seek the cacao from this region to further boost cacao production and benefit even the small cacao farmers. Hopefully, other local government units will be inspired to embark on cacao production to spur agricultural growth in the Philippines and make the country a world-class cacao producer.

However, how about the other cacao producing areas of the Philippines? Would chocolate makers still patronize their products, knowing that Davao is officially (by law) the chocolate capital of the country? Just asking.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding this new law.

Remember to share this post with your Facebook friends, and to follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device. And, do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

^¹Davao City is a first class^³ highly urbanized city^⁴ in the Davao^² Region^³, in the Mindanao^⁶ island group of the Philippines. It has a total land area of 2,443.61 km^² (943.48 sq mi), making it the largest city in the country in terms of land area. It is also the most populated city in Mindanao. Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, is located at the southwestern tip of the city.

It is geographically part of the province^⁷ of Davao del Sur, but the city is governed and administered independently from it. This city serves as the main trade, commerce, and industry hub of Mindanao, and the regional center of Davao^² Region^³. The city has 2 nicknames – “The Durian^⁸ Capital of the Philippines” and “The Chocolate Capital of the Philippines”.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Davao City”.^⁹

^²Davao Region (Region XI), formerly called Southern Mindanao, is an administrative region^³ in the Mindanao^⁶ island group of the Philippines. It is located at the southeastern portion of Mindanao and has a total land area of 20,357.42 km^² (7,860.04 sq mi).

Davao is the Hispanicized pronunciation of daba-daba, the Bagobo^¹⁰ word for “fire”.

It is composed of 5 provinces^⁷: Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental. It has 6 cities: Davao City^¹(the regional center), Digos, Mati, Panabo, Samal and Tagum. It has 43 municipalities^¹¹ (towns).

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Davao Region”.^¹²

^³A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces^⁷, composed of cities and municipalities^¹¹(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^¹³, formerly called barrios, according to Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”^¹⁴.

^⁴A first class city in the Philippines is a city with an average annual income of at least PHP500,000, based on the previous four calendar years, according to the Wikipecia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^¹⁵

^⁵A highly urbanized city in the Philippines is a city with a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants, as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority, and with an annual income of at least PHP50 million pesos, as certified by the city treasurer. There are currently 33 high urbanized cities in the Philippines, 16 of which are located in Metro Manila. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^¹⁵

^⁶Mindanao is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions^³: Caraga, Davao, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It is composed of 22 provinces^⁷ and 33 cities (27 provinces and 33 cities, if associated islands are included). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”^¹⁶ Mindanao is located in the southern part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Visayas (the middle part).

^⁷A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region^³. There are 81 provinces (called lalawigan) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. Remember, a province in the Philippines is divided into cities and towns (called municipalities^¹¹), which in turn, are divided into barangays^¹³, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”^¹⁷

^⁸Durian is the large fruit of several tree species belonging to the genus Durio, native to Borneo and Sumatra. It is called the “King of Fruits”, can hang from any branch, and matures roughly 3 months after pollination. It can grow up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 15 cm (6 in) in diameter, and typically weighs 1-3 kg (2-7 lb). Its shape ranges from oblong to round; the color of its husk is green to brown; its flesh is pale-yellow to red, depending on the species. It has a thorn-covered rind. Some people like its odor and describes it as pleasantly sweet, while others find the aroma unpleasantly overpowering. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Durian.”^¹⁸

^⁹“Davao City,” accessed May 27, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davao_City

^¹⁰The Bagobo are one of the largest subgroups of the Manobo^¹⁹ people. They were formerly nomadic and farmed through kaingin (slash-and-burn) methods. Their territory extends from the Davao Gulf to Mt Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. They comprise 3 subgroups: the Tagabawa, the Klata (or Guiangan), and the Ovu (Uvu or Ubo) people. They are traditionally ruled by chieftains (matanum), a council of elders (magani), and female shamans (mabalian). The supreme spirit in their indigenous anito^²⁰ religions is Eugpamolak Manobo or Manawa. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Lumad.”^²¹

^¹¹A municipality is a small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province^⁷, subdivided into barangays^¹³, and is locally called bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. There are almost 1,500 municipalities in the Philippines. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”^²²

^¹²“Davao Region,” accessed May 27, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davao_Region

^¹³A barangay in the Philippines is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term balangay, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines. A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”^²³

^¹⁴“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁵“Cities of the Philippines,” accessed May 27, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁶“Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

^¹⁷“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed May 29, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the-Philippines

^¹⁸“Durian,” accessed May 27, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durian

^¹⁹The Manobo are several people groups who inhabit the island of Mindanao^⁶ in the Philippines. There are 8 groups: the Agusan Manobo, Cotabato Manobo, Dibabawon Manobo, Matig Salug Manobo, Monobo of Western Bukidnon, Obo Manobo, Sarangani Monobo, and Tagabawa Manobo. These groups are all very similar, differing only in dialect and in some aspects of culture. Their origin can be traced back to the early Malay people who came from the surroundings islands of Southeast Asia.^²⁴

^²⁰Anito refers to ancestor spirits, nature spirits, and deities in the indigenous Philippine folk religions from the precolonial age to the present. It can also refer to carved humanoid figures called the taotao, made of wood, stone or ivory, that represent these spirits. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Anito.”^²⁵

^²¹“Lumad,” accessed May 27, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumad

^²²“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed January 29, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

^²³“Barangay,” accessed December 30, 2018, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

^²⁴https://sites.google.com/site/thekidapawancitysitecom/tradition-culture

^²⁵“Anito,” accessed May 27, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anito

BURA SODA WATER PARK (Catarman, Camiguin, Philippines)

Published on May 25, 2021July 17, 2022 by titastravels171 Comment

Dear readers, do you know that there is a unique water park in Camiguin? Allow Tita S to tell you.

Bura Soda Water Park is a resort located in Barangay^¹ Bura, in the municipality^² of Catarman^³, in the island-province^⁴ of Camiguin^⁵, in the Northern Mindanao^⁶ region^⁷ of the Philippines.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/866378486809303

It is less than a 30-minute drive from Mambajao, the provincial capital.

You know what makes it unique? It is the only soda water pool in the Philippines! Volcanic springs provide this unique flowing water.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/a.657519087695245/657870670993420

It is open daily, from 7:00 AM – 10PM.

Better check if they are closed for cleaning, usually on Wednesdays.

You need to pay an entrance fee. The regular rate is PHP50, with a discounted rate for seniors and children below 10-years-old. Better check if these rates are still current.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/a.657519087695245/657519091028578

There is continuous flowing soda water in which any guest can swim (do not drink). However, there is a designated place and faucet for you to taste the natural soda water.

There are signs which state the benefits of soda water: it is good for hydrating, and makes you feel full thereby decreasing your food consumption. It reduces osteoporosis, decreases cardiovascular risks, and lowers blood pressure.

The water is clean and cold in the pools, and regularly maintained.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/3855744634539325

The adult pool’s deepest part is 5 feet deep, while the kiddie pool is 3 feet deep.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/866378520142633

A lifeguard is on duty.

The resort offers picnic sheds for rent at PHP75.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/3855744017872720

Barbecuing is permitted and there are designated places. Snacks and drinks are sold in a small store.

There is also a playground for kids, and kids-at-heart, to enjoy.

A souvenir shop outside, but near this resort, provides opportunity for buying pasalubong^⁸ before you leave this place.

When in Camiguin^⁵, always remember the provincial policy “Leave No Trace” so dispose of all trash properly during your stay there.

The information was obtained from https://www.lanzonescabana.com/bura-soda-water-swimming-pool/, https://www.touristlink.com/philippines/bura-soda-water-pool/overview.html, https://www.mustseespots.com/philippines/bura-soda-water-swimming-pool, and https://www.cebusite.com/news/2430103/bura-soda-water-swimming-pool-a-place-with-super-clean-water.

Tita S has not been to this unique water park, but it will definitely be part of her Camiguin^⁵ travel bucket list. This province has so many attractions to see and appreciate!

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

The photo featured in the cover picture-collage was obtained from https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/3855744017872720

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding Bura Soda Water Park, especially if you were able to visit it already.

Remember to share this post with your Facebook friends, and to follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device. And, do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, those not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

^¹A barangay in the Philippines is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term balangay, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines. A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”^⁹

^²A municipality is a small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province^⁴, subdivided into barangays^¹, and is locally called bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. There are almost 1,500 municipalities in the Philippines. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”^¹⁰

^³Catarman is a municipality^² in the island-province^⁴ of Camiguin^⁵, in the Northern Mindanao^⁶ region^⁷ of the Philippines. It has an area of 53.75 sq.km. (20.75 sqm.) and 14 barangays^¹. It is known for the following attractions: Sunken Cemetery; Old Church Ruins or Gui-ob Ruins; the 25-m high Tuasan Falls, the Bura Soda Water Park, and the Santo Niño Cold Spring. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Catarman, Camiguin.”^¹¹

^⁴A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region^⁷. There are 81 provinces (called lalawigan) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. Remember, a province in the Philippines is divided into cities and towns (called municipalities^²), which in turn, are divided into barangays^¹, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”^¹²

^⁵Camiguin is a pearl-shaped island-province^⁴ in the Bohol Sea, in the Northern Mindanao^⁶ region^⁷ of the Philippines. Aside from the main island, this province also includes a few other surrounding minor islets like: White Island, about 5 km (3.1 mi) west of the capital-municipality^² of Mambajao (the provincial capital), and, Mantigue Island, about 14 km (8.7 mi) south of Mambajao.

It is the second smallest island in the Philippines, in both land area (238 sq.km. or 92 sqm) and population, next to Batanes, an archipelagic province^³ in the northernmost part of the country. It was founded in 1565 and became a province on June 18, 1966.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Camiguin.”^¹³

^⁶Northern Mindanao, or Region 10, is an administrative region^⁷ in the north-central part of Mindanao^¹⁴, in southern Philippines. It has a total land area of 2,049,602 hectares (5,064,680 acres), with more than 60% classified as forest land. Its waters are rich in marine life. It comprises 5 provinces^⁴: Bukidnon, Camiguin^⁵, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. The regional center is the city of Cagayan de Oro.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Northern Mindanao”.^¹⁵

^⁷A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces^⁴, composed of cities and municipalities^²(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^¹, formerly called barrios, according to Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”^¹⁶.

^⁸Pasalubong is the Filipino term referring to both the tradition of giving gifts or souvenirs, as well as to the actual gift itself, from a destination visited by a Filipino, to family and friends upon one’s return home.

^⁹“Barangay,” accessed December 30, 2018, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

^¹⁰“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed January 29, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

^¹¹“Catarman, Camiguin,” accessed February 2, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catarman,_Camiguin

^¹²“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed May 29, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the-Philippines

^¹³“Camiguin,” accessed February 2, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin

^¹⁴Mindanao is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions^⁷: Caraga, Davao, Northern Mindanao^⁶, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It is composed of 22 provinces^⁴ and 33 cities (27 provinces and 33 cities, if associated islands are included). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”^¹⁷ Mindanao is located in the southern part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Visayas (the middle part).

^¹⁵“Northern Mindanao,” accessed November 3, 2020,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Mindanao

^¹⁶“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁷“Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

PRETTY IN PINK – 1: GREAT SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (Zamboanga City, Philippines)

Published on April 27, 2021August 20, 2022 by titastravels176 Comments

Pink beaches are rare but the Philippines has about six of them. Allow Tita S to tell you 15 facts about one that is located in Mindanao.

1.Great Santa Cruz Island is a small, inhabited island in Zamboanga City^¹ in the Zamboanga Peninsula^² (Region^³ 9), in the Mindanao^⁴ group of islands, Philippines.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/tourism9zampen/posts/1419476578119015 post

It is 4 km (2.49 mi) south of downtown at the Santa Cruz Bank in the Basilan Strait. It is near Sibuguey Bay and the Sulu Sea.

2. It has a pink coralline sand beach so this beach is called Pink Beach.

Photo source: Wowzamboangacity – MGM, CC BY 3.0, created January 8, 2011, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamboanga_City#/media/File:Isla_Great_Santa_Cruz53.JPG

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/WayPhilippines/photos/pcb.10154061089121911/10154061088366911

Its color comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral^⁵ called Tubipora musica, from eons of surf erosion, and mixed with the white sand of Great Santa Cruz Island.

Photo source: Wowzamboangacity – MGM, CC BY 3.0, created January 8, 2011, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Santa_Cruz_Island#/media/File:Isla_Great_Santa_Cruz55.JPG

3. It became popular during the 1970s and early 1980s when German, Italian and Japanese tourists frequented it. There are more tourists now due to its popularity as a pink beach, especially after January 18, 2017, when National Geographic recognized it as one of the 21 Best Beaches in the World^⁶.

4. It is 2.6 km (1.62 mi) long, 1.5 km (0.93 mi) wide, with a coastline of 6.6 km (4.1 mi).

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2501188803479643&set=pcb.2501189673479556

5. The Great Santa Cruz Island, together with Little Santa Cruz Island^⁷, are jointly called the Great and Little Santa Cruz Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape, with a total area of 1,877 hectares (4,640 acres).

It was declared as a protected area of Region 9^² of the Philippines on April 23, 2000, through Proclamation No. 271.

6. I know what you are thinking. Is it safe to go to Pink Beach? Authorities say that you need not worry because the Philippine military and police are visible all around this pink beach and they limit the time you stay there (7AM – 2PM), with a specific and limited number of people (around 400 per day).

7. You just have to contact the Zamboanga City Tourism Office at +63927-2835684 or email tourism.zambo@gmail.com. Check on the availability of the date you intend to visit, and reserve to get priority, especially during peak (summer) season and weekends. No down payment is needed.

The tourism office can also arrange a dive during your visit, upon your request. While you are at it, why not ask the tourism office for reputable tour packages so you and your companions will not worry about hotel transfers, boat transfers, permits, fees, and even food?

8. Once you are in Zamboanga City^¹, proceed to the City Tourism Office in Paseo del Mar^⁸. You can charter a boat from there for 10 passengers, at PHP1,000 (round trip), so that is PHP100 per person. If you are solo, or there are less than 10 people in your group, you can join a boat that can accommodate you, to complete a total of 10 to share the boat fare. Groups with less than 10 pax still need to pay the total amount.

Photo source: Wowzamboangacity – MGM, CC BY 3.0, created January 8, 2011, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Santa_Cruz_Island#/media/File:Isla_Great_Santa_Cruz22.JPG

It is a 20-minute boat ride. You also need to pay PHP20 environmental fee and PHP5 terminal fee too.

Pls compare with this fr zam tourism fb below or just attach this pic – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/tourism9zampen/photos/a.204840926249259/1509763139090358/ post – same lang kasi

9. Pink Beach is limited only to day trips. Better go early in the morning, and if you enlisted in advance, you will be assigned to a boat first, before all the walk-ins, so you can stay in this beach from 7AM to 2PM.

You can rent cottages (with grill stations) in the island: PHP100 (for 4-6 pax), PHP200 (for 8-12 pax), and PHP500 (a pavilion for 20-40 pax). You cannot stay overnight and camping is not allowed.

For inquiries, contact Protected Area Management Unit, Islas de Santa Cruz, Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar, Zamboanga City: 0977-7083194 (call only).

10. Water from faucets are sea water so I was told that you need to bring your own reusable water bottle, filled with drinking water.

For the budget-conscious, you can bring your own packed lunch and snacks. There are vendors who peddle crabs, dishes and other seafood, and upon your order, they can cook them for you. There is also small store that offers simple snacks and drinks. Just bring cash.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2501189113479612&set=pcb.2501189673479556

Bring your dry bag and pack your own goggles or snorkel gear too. Do not forget them so you can see and appreciate the bright red corals in a nearby reef from where the pink color of the beach comes from.

Also bring swimwear, aqua shoes, change of clothes, towel, personal toiletries, natural sunscreen, hand sanitizer, fully-charged cell phone and/or camera, and power banks. Bring cash if you want to buy food, beverages and souvenirs.

Remember, single use plastics are not allowed, so bring reusable water bottles and eco-bags. If you bring your own lunch/snacks, bring a garbage bag too.

Of course, you can swim in the crystal clear water, sun bathe, play beach volleyball, and take lots of photos, especially with the colorful vintas^⁹ around. If it is low tide, you are in luck because you can go with your tour guide to the small sand bar and take more photos.

11. There are no hotels, resorts, restaurants or food stalls in the island. If you opt for a package tour, a seafood lunch is included, just ask your hotel or the tourism office for a reputable tour operator.

12. You need to attend an orientation before you board the boat. Guests are oriented on how to protect the island and maintain its natural beauty. The following island rules and regulations will be included: no smoking, no drinking of alcoholic beverages, no tree climbing, no littering, no picture taking with officials in the island, and you are not allowed to take any marine life or sand. The sand bar is not accessible without a tour guide. No trash should be left on the island. Washing utensils in the swimming area is not allowed. Violators will be penalized PHP5,000, or will be required to render community service for a certain number of hours.

There are souvenir stalls in the island so bring cash to buy pearls and other souvenirs. Expect armed policemen to guard you during your stay.

A shower area and toilets are provided in the island but seawater is used.

13. You have the option to join a mangrove tour during high tide, which is usually in the morning. Just google the itinerary for this tour. It costs around PHP200 per person.

14. The island has a lagoon where guests can see and touch stingless jellyfishes that are light brown or gray-to-violet in color. But you can only hold them if your hand is free of sunblock and they should never be totally taken out of the water. This is a unique experience so better take a video if you do this. This experience could be included in the mangrove tour, so please inquire.

15. It is sad to know that there was illegal coral reef mining in the area which destroyed most of Great Santa Cruz Island’s vast coral population. The city government of Zamboanga^¹ planned to improve the island for the preservation, protection, conservation and rehabilitation of the island’s ecosystem and develop the island for ecotourism, through a development plan to be completed in 3 to 5 years.

The information was obtained from https://philippineslifestyle.com/pink-sand-beaches-in-the-philippines-to-visit-this-2020/, https://www.facebook.com/tourism9zampen/posts/1509767305756608, https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/291230/zamboangas-pink-beach-one-worlds-21-best-national-geographic-says/,

https://www.thephilippines.com/2015/11/two-amazing-pink-sand-beaches-philippines.html#.WAEa2pMrK-o,

https://www.spot.ph/things-to-do/weekend-guides/73789/pink-beach-philippines-a00171-20180520-lfrm,

https://www.philippinebeaches.org/12-unusual-beaches-philippines/ and the Wikipedia page “Great Santa Cruz Island”^¹⁰.

Bottomline, this island is not commercialized so it is more for nature-loving guests who prefer a simple, serene, and beautiful beach.

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

Go see other posts about pink beaches in the Philippines: PRETTY IN PINK – 2: SILA ISLAND (San Vicente, Northern Samar, Philippines), PRETTY IN PINK – 3: SUBIC BEACH (Matnog, Sorsogon, Philippines), PRETTY IN PINK – 4: TIKLING BEACH (Matnog, Sorsogon, Philippines) and PRETTY-IN-PINK-5: PINK BEACH, PAROLA ISLAND (Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, PH)

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding Pink Beach, especially if you were able to see it.

Remember to share this post with your friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, those not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

^¹Zamboanga City is a first class^¹¹ highly urbanized city^¹² in the southwestern tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula^² region^³ of the Philippines. It is the 6^th most populous and 3^rd largest city by land area in the Philippines, and the commercial and industrial center of the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

Although geographically separated, and an independent and chartered city, Zamboanga City is grouped with the province^¹³ of Zamboanga del Sur^¹⁴ for statistical purposes, yet governed independently from it.

It was founded on June 23, 1635, became a chartered city under Commonwealth Act No. 39 on October 12, 1936, became an independent chartered city on February 26, 1937, and a highly urbanized city on November 22, 1983. It has 98 barangays.

It is called by three nicknames: (a) The City of Flowers because the word Zamboanga comes from the Malay word jambangan which means “garden of flowers”, and the assorted tropical flowers which line its roadsides; (b) The Sardines Capital of the Philippines because 11 out of the 12 sardines companies in the country are located here and the city is now one of the most important and busiest port cities in the country; and, (c) Asia’s Latin City due to: (1) the Hispanic influences in its culture and religion, manifested by the Spanish-style buildings; (2) the dialect spoken by majority of the people there, locally called Chavacano, the only Spanish-based creole language in Asia, with 80% Spanish and 20% from Philippine languages and other foreign sources; and, (3) Our Lady of the Pillar which has been venerated for almost 4 centuries as the patroness of Zamboanga City and in the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. Her sculpture is atop the eastern gate of the 17^th century Spanish military fort dedicated to the Virgin, Fort Pilar, now a Catholic Marian shrine. And guess what? She is also the patroness of Spain!

Visit its official website www.zamboanga.gov.ph for more information.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia pages “Zamboanga City”^¹⁵, and “Our Lady of Pillar”^¹⁶ and the Wikivoyage page “Zamboanga (city)”^¹⁷.

^²Zamboanga Peninsula, or Region 9, is a designated region^³ in the Philippines which consists of 3 provinces^¹³ (Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur^¹⁴), including 4 cities (Dapitan, Dipolog, Isabela and Pagadian), and the highly urbanized city of Zamboanga City^¹as the region’s cultural, economic and educational center. It was previously called Western Mindanao. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Zamboanga Peninsula”^¹⁸.

^³A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces^¹³, composed of cities and municipalities^¹⁹(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^²⁰, formerly called barrios, according to Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”^²¹.

^⁴Mindanao is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions^³: Caraga, Davao, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula^², and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It is composed of 22 provinces^¹³ and 33 cities (27 provinces and 33 cities, if associated islands are included). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”^²² Mindanao is located in the southern part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Visayas (the middle part).

^⁵The organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica) is the only known species of the genus Tubipora, native to the waters of the Indian Ocean and the central and western regions of the Pacific Ocean. They are restricted to (2-20 m deep) shallow waters and tend to live in sheltered areas where they eat plankton.

This species is a soft coral, but with a unique, hard, bright red skeleton of calcium carbonate that contains many organ pipe-like tubes. The colonies are interconnected networks, consisting of many pipes and tubes joined together with parallel platforms. Living colonies are typically dome-shaped and are green, blue or purple, due to the color of the expanded polyps. Each tube is a series of polyps (cylindrical with an oral end surrounded by a circlet of 8 feather-like tentacles).

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Organ pipe coral.”^²³

^⁶For sure, you are curious what the 21 Best Beaches in the World^²⁴ recognized by National Geographic on January 18,2017 are, so here they are, in alphabetical order:

Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
Blue Bay, Mauritius
Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island, Florida, USA
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Carmel City Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA
Cas Abao Beach, Curacao
Cathedrals Beach, Ribadeo, Spain
Corniche Beach, La Teste-De-Buch, France
Lazy Beach, Koh Rong Island, Cambodia
Lyme Regis, England
Noordwjk Beach, The Netherlands
One Foot Island, Aitutaki, Cooks Islands
Papakolea Beach, Hawaii, USA
Pelican Beach, South Water Caye, Belize
Pink Beach, Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga, Philippines
Piscinas Beach, Arbus, Sardinia
Playa del Amor in Marieta Islands, Mexico
Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Shell Beach, Shark Bay, Western Australia
Sleeping Bear Point, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan, USA
Sunset Beach, Brunswick Islands, North Carolina, USA

^⁷Little Santa Cruz Island is a smaller island near the Great Santa Cruz Island. It has white pulverized sand beach, but not pink, compared to the latter. It is restricted to the public because it is used as a military camp.

^⁸Paseo del Mar is one of the prominent landmarks in Zamboanga, very close to Fort Pilar (now a museum). It has an 8-arch entrance, a plaza, a seaside walkway (for a beautiful sunset view), restaurants, cafés and entertainment so it is a popular destination to both local and foreign tourists. At night, it is well lit with decorative lamps, a Dancing Fountain and live entertainment. The Santa Cruz Island Ferry is nearby.^²⁵

^⁹A vinta is the traditional outrigger boat^²⁶ from Mindanao^⁴, made by Sama-Bajau, Tausug and Yakan peoples living in the Sulu Archipelago, Zamboanga Peninsula^², and southern Mindanao. It is characterized by its colorful rectangular lug sails^²⁷ (bukay) and bifurcated prows (forward part of the boat) and sterns (back part of the boat), which resemble the gaping mouth of a crocodile. It is used as a fishing vessel, cargo ship, or houseboat, predominantly in Zamboanga, Basilan and other parts of mainland Mindanao. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Vinta.”^²⁸

^¹⁰“Great Santa Cruz Island,” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Santa_Cruz_Island

^¹¹A first class city is a city in the Philippines with an average annual income of at least PHP500 million, based on the previous 4 calendar years, according to the Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^²⁹

^¹²A highly urbanized city (HUC) is a type of city in the Philippines with a minimum population of 200,000 as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and with the latest annual income of at least 50 million pesos, according to Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^²⁹ There are currently 33 such cities in the Philippines.

^¹³A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region^³. There are 81 provinces (lalawigan) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and by an elected governor. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”^³⁰

^¹⁴Zamboanga del Sur is a province^¹³ located in the Zamboanga Peninsula^² region^³ in Mindanao^⁴, Philippines. It has 42 municipalities^¹⁹ and its capital is the city of Pagadian. It borders Zamboanga del Norte to the north, Zamboanga Sibugay to the west, Misamis Occidental to the northeast, Lanao del Norte to the east, and the Moro Gulf to the south. It was founded on June 6, 1952, through Republic Act 711, from the former Zamboanga province in southwestern Mindanao.

The leading industries are in the areas of semi-processed rubber, rice and corn milling, food processing, wood and rattan furniture making, and dried fish and squid processing. New industries include concrete products, garments, wax and candle factories, lime making, and other home and cottage industries.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Zamboanga del Sur.”^³¹

^¹⁵“Zamboanga City,” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamboanga_City

^¹⁶“Our Lady of the Pillar,” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Pillar

^¹⁷“Zamboanga (city),” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Zamboanga_(city)

^¹⁸“Zamboanga Peninsula,” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamboanga_Peninsula

^¹⁹A municipality is a small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province^¹³, subdivided into barangays^²⁰, and is locally called bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. There are almost 1,500 municipalities in the Philippines. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”^³²

^²⁰A barangay in the Philippines is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term balangay, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines. A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”^³³

^²¹“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

^²²“Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

^²³“Organ pipe coral,” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organ_pipe_coral

^²⁴https://outoftownblog.com/national-geographic-lists-zamboangas-pink-beach-as-one-of-the-best-beaches-in-the-world/

^²⁵https://www.halaltrip.com/attraction-details/1395/paseo-del-mar/

^²⁶An outrigger boat is a kind of watercraft which features one or more lateral support floats known as outriggers, which are fastened to one, or both, sides of the main hull (body of the craft). It can be a small dugout canoe, double-outrigger vessel, or a large plank-built vessel. It is traditionally fitted with Austronesian sails, like the crab claw sails and tanja sails^²⁷, but in modern times are often fitted with petrol engines. It is the first true ocean-going ship, and an important part of the Austronesian heritage. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Outrigger boat.”^³⁴

^²⁷A rectangular lug sail, tanja sail, tanja rig, tilted square sail, canted rectangular sail, or balance lug sail, is a type of sail commonly used by the Malay people and other Austronesians, particularly in Maritime Southeast Asia (Brunei, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore).

It developed from the fixed version of the older Austronesian triangular crab-claw sail, and is functionally identical, with the only difference being that the upper and bottom spars (the pole which supports the tanja sail) do not converge into a point in the leading edge.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Tanja sail.”^³⁵

^²⁸“Vinta,” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinta

^²⁹“Cities of the Philippines,” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_the_Philippines

^³⁰“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed May 29, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the-Philippines

^³¹“Zamboanga del Sur,” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamboanga_del_Sur

^³²“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed January 29, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

^³³“Barangay,” accessed December 30, 2018, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

^³⁴“Outrigger boat,” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outrigger_boat

^³⁵“Tanja sail,” accessed February 1, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanja_sail

SUN, SAND AND SEA AT GUYAM, DAKU AND NAKED ISLANDS (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

Published on May 19, 2019July 18, 2022 by titastravels1712 Comments

I am not a surfer, yet I went to Siargao¹ in January 2019. One thing I recommend for non-surfers like me, is to avail of island-hopping tours. One of them is a Three-Island tour, going to three nearby islands of the municipality² of General Luna³ – Guyam, Daku and Naked Islands. Allow Tita S to tell you about it.

You can visit these islands as part of a group package tour, or a private tour. Just google service providers.

The Three Island Hopping tour package is inclusive of: boat transfers (for a group of 6-10 people), life vests, snorkel gear, barbecue lunch with drinks, and guide, as well as entrance, docking and tourism fees. Some may include pick-up at your resort and back.

You can also book online via Klook, or avail of cheaper tours offered by other local tour operators in the island. Rates range from PHP800 to PHP2,000 per person, just clarify inclusions.

Another option is to have a private tour for a group. A private boat tour allows for flexibility of your stay per destination. If you opt for a private tour, negotiate inclusions, depending on the price quotation. You can bring your own food, or have food cooked at Daku Island, the usual island for lunch in this kind of tour. Fees for entrance, docking, tourism, and cottage rentals (for lunch) are usually not included.

Let me give you some suggestions on what to bring for this day tour to maximize your enjoyment:

Sunblock – apply beforehand and reapply as needed
Swimwear – wear this already, under your clothes or wrap, so it would be easy for you to dive and do other water activities
Fully-charged cellphones, cameras, GoPro or similar gadgets, drones, extra batteries and chargers
Refillable water bottle – Kermit, our tour operator, provides water and it is best to bring your own water bottle; just ask for it to be refilled as needed. However, I prefer to bring my own water, so I bring my own water too in my dry pack.
Personal medicine/s
Snacks – It might take some time before your lunch can be prepared and grilled so it would be best to bring something to munch on while waiting, especially for those who easily get hungry.
Extra clothes, towel, basic toiletries – if you will dive, swim, or snorkel
A hat or cap – to wear during your boat ride, strolls around island/s, or any above-water activity
Cash – for that fresh coconut, drink, snack, or whatever else you might want to buy
Snorkeling gear – if you have one; you can also borrow snorkels from Kermit but you need to pay a PHP500 safety deposit which will be returned to you once you return the gear in good condition, upon your return.
Dry pack bag – to keep all your gadgets and belongings safe and waterproof.
Leave nothing but footprints! Take nothing but memories and pictures/videos!

THREE ISLAND OVERVIEW

The three islands included in this tour are near the shores of General Luna³, Siargao¹, so they are very accessible and can easily be reached by boat. All these islands are located south-southeast of the municipality² of General Luna, in the island-province⁴ of Siargao, in the province of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, Philippines. Each island is unique so let Tita S briefly tell you about them:

Guyam Island is a small, tear-drop shaped, privately-owned island, located around 2 km (1.2 mi) from General Luna², according to the Wikipedia page “Guyam Island”.⁹

It has a small and narrow white sand beach with coral rock formations. It is the smallest island among the three islands included in this day tour and it takes about three minutes from one end to another.

Guyam Island, Siargao – Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

It is full of coconut trees. There are a couple of vendors who sell snacks and drinks so be ready with your cash. I was told you can order a fresh coconut, locally called buko, for PHP50.

Guyam Island, Siargao – Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

You can also snorkel, and even go fishing, from this island. There is a reef which surrounds the island. Just inquire from your guide and, again, be ready with your cash.

There are cottages for rent, and the island promises a great sunset for nature-loving tourists who are willing to stay overnight!

Daku Island is the biggest island among the three, located between the two other islands.

Daku Island, Siargao – Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

Very aptly named since the word “dako” in Cebuano¹⁰ means “big”. It is the usual island where lunch is served due to its size, compared to the two other islands.

Daku Island, Siargao – Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

It has a small fishing community and some locals can cook and prepare lunch for you and your private group, for a fee.

There are more than enough coconut trees everywhere on the island for shade, plus there are native picnic huts or cottages located all around, of course, for a fee, if the rental is not included in your tour.Daku Island, Siargao – Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

Ask your tour guide for the rental of paddle boards and kayaks for water sports in this island. Of course, you can also swim, and sunbathe for a more pronounced tan line. It is also good to walk around with your companions and take all the photos and videos you want.Daku Island, Siargao – Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

For a private tour without provision for lunch, here are your options: bring your own cooked lunch, negotiate lunch in this island, or go to the public market in General Luna² for the freshest catch of the day: seafood and fishes. Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, may not be that fresh since they come from other towns. You may then have the locals in this island to cook for you, for a fee. Order, or have your food cooked, upon arrival since it could take an hour for grilled items to be cooked.

A picnic cottage can be rented, or for the budget-conscious, bring a large picnic blanket for your group to enjoy your grilled seafood feast. It can get crowded at lunch during peak season so it would be best to ask your guide for your designated cottage. For private tours, spot a vacant cottage and pay its rental fee, or locate a tree and claim it as yours for shade and lunch during your stay on this island.

Naked Island

Naked Island is also called Pansukian Island. Now, now, dearest Seniors, the name does not mean that this island has a nude beach! It is called Naked Island because there are no trees nor shade on the island.

Naked Island, Siargao – Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

This island is shaped by the changing tide. It is like a sandbar, around 200 meters long, with powdery white sand all around. That is it, naked indeed! It takes about five minutes to walk from one end to another. They say that sunsets are great here too!

Naked Island, Siargao – Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

You can swim in the surrounding cool, crystal-clear waters, sunbathe, sit and finish getting your tan in this last stop of your tour. Of course, do not forget to take 360° videos and endless photos of the sand, sea and sky, without any obstruction on this naked island!

SIARGAO’S THREE ISLAND HOPPING DAY TOUR PACKAGE AND MY EXPERIENCE

And now, let me share with you our three-island hopping tour of Siargao¹:

My group opted to avail of the tour package of Kermit Siargao¹¹, in the municipality² of General Luna³ where we also stayed.

We joined a group tour costing PHP1,000 (about US$20) per person. I feel that this package price is reasonable.

Full payment, in cash or through credit card, must be made a day before the tour date, to guarantee a slot. A minimum of 6 persons is required, or the tour will be cancelled. There are no refunds once payment has been made, unless weather does not permit the tour. So, leave a contact number for possible cancellations. You can join the next tour but if you decide to cancel, only 50% will be refunded. Visit https://www.kermitsiargao.com/island-hopping

It was a day tour, with only three nearby destinations: Guyam, Daku and Naked Islands, in that order. We were able to return to General Luna³ at around 4:30 pm.

The tour package was inclusive of boat transfers (for a group of 6-10 people), life vests, snorkel gear, barbecue lunch with drinks, and guide, as well as the entrance, docking and tourism fees.

There were four adults and a 7-year-old kid in my group, and we joined other local and foreign tourists for a group package tour. We rode a tricycle from our resort to Kermit¹¹. No worries, drivers know where it is located.

We had an early breakfast at Kermit¹¹ at around 7AM and we finished just in time to join the tour group.

All adults ordered the Filipino Breakfast – Tapa (fried, marinated beef), rice, and fried egg. Our grandchild ordered Kermit Pancakes – three stacks of pancakes with fruits in season, butter and maple syrup. I took the picture on the left and I got the picture on the right from the Facebook account of Kermit – https://www.facebook.com/kermitsiargao/photos/a.285014781583559/2303664813051869/?type=3&theater

We left Kermit¹¹ around 9AM and rode a tricycle to the small pier.

We then sailed off to our first island destination – Guyam Island, around 20 minutes from General Luna³.

Aerial view, Guyam Island, Siargao, https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

Some tours start with Naked Island and end with Guyam Island. I think the guides know how busy the day is, and perhaps agree to switch start and end points so as not to overcrowd the islands, for the maximum enjoyment of all tourists for that day.

For sure, our tan lines started at Guyam Island! We walked around coconut trees and along the beach, taking videos and photos. Other members of the group opted to swim and enjoy the cool, clear water.

Guyam Island, Siargao, January 2019

A popular spot to have a solo or group picture is a place with “I (symbol of a heart) Guyam Island”.

There are swings for more pictures and just for chilling under the coconut trees. Some tourists bought snacks and cold drinks from the vendors in the island.

Before noon, we headed to the biggest island among the three islands for that day – Daku Island.

All the pictures in the collage are my January 2019 pictures, except for the bottom-right which I got from https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

We patiently waited for our barbecue lunch by exploring the island and its beach, and taking so many photos and videos. Other tourists in our group decided to have a swim and/or sunbathe. Some played beach volleyball.

Our banquet-style grilled lunch was served past noon. It consisted of freshly grilled fish and pork chops, halabos¹² na hipon, fish ceviche, skewered vegetables, pancit bihon¹³, pickled cucumber (with tomato slices and onions), and ensaladang talong¹⁴, and newly boiled rice. Fresh watermelon, mangoes, pineapple slices and bananas were our desserts.

The dipping sauce for the grilled pork and fish was delightful, made of soy sauce, vinegar, chili slices and seasonings. We enjoyed the varied textures and flavors of all the viands, and appreciated the fresh fruits. Being so hungry, we finished the entire grilled feast!

There are some tour providers who offer a boodle fight lunch¹⁵. This picture shows the famous Spider Shell¹⁶ which is available in this island. Perhaps, next time, I will try it.

Boodle Fight offers by another tour provider at Daku Island, Siargao. featuring Spider Shell, locally called Saang. Foreigners, know more about boodle fight, read my post Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT IS BOODLE FIGHT?

After lunch, we tried the inviting clear water and took more pictures. We left before 3PM for our third, and last, destination, Naked Island. It was a short boat ride, about 20 minutes. Actually, you can see a small patch of grass at the center of this island.

The hat we brought came in handy since there was no shade at all! We enjoyed the barren yet tranquil vibe of this island, and took photos and videos. Others swam, while foreigners took their last chance to get a tan.

We left Naked Island around 4PM and we were back in Kermit¹¹ at about 4:30 PM, in time for Happy Hour!

Bottomline, the Three Island Hopping Tour of Siargao¹ is reasonably priced and would be appreciated by nature lovers and adventure seekers. Beach bumming and island vibe to the max! What more can you ask – sky above, sand below, sea beyond, and peace within!

This is not a sponsored post. We paid for our tour.

Source of photos used in cover photo-collage: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kermitsiargao/photos/?ref=page_internal

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding the Three Island Hopping Tour of Siargao¹.

Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea, almost 200 km southeast of Tacloban, in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, in the Philippines. It has a land area of about 437 sq. km. (169 sq.mi.). It has one of the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, particularly in the municipality² of Del Carmen¹⁷, covering 4,871 hectares.

It has excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, from August to November. Local and international surfers call its municipality² of General Luna³ as the “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”, with surfing pros enjoying the challenging waves in nearby Tuason Point area as well. Siargao was also named by Surfer as one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of All Time” in 1995.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Siargao”¹⁸ and the Wikitravel page “Siargao”¹⁹.

²A municipality is small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province⁴, subdivided into barangays²⁰, and is called town, or bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice-mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials, and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”²¹ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: HOW MANY CITIES ARE THERE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

³General Luna is a fifth class municipality² in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, in the Philippines. It is the home of world-renowned Cloud 9 waves, so this town is called “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. It was formerly called Cabuntog, and currently has 19 barangays²⁰, 15 of which are located on Siargao Island¹, while 4 are on the other outer islands. The islands of Anahawan, Daku and La Januza are within its jurisdiction. The area is protected within the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) under Republic Act 7586 (National Integrated Protected Area System Act) of 1992. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “General Luna, Surigao del Norte”²² and “Siargao”.¹⁸

⁴A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region⁷. There are 81 provinces (called “lalawigan”) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. In the Philippines, a province is divided into cities and municipalities² (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays²⁰, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”²³ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES?

⁵Surigao del Norte is a province⁴ in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, in the Philippines. This province comprises two islands, Siargao¹ and Bucas Grande, in the Philippine Sea, and a small area at the northeastern tip of Mindanao. This mainland portion borders Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur to the south. It is the second northernmost of the Mindanao provinces, and is an important transportation hub between Visayas (the central part) and Mindanao (the sourthern part of the country). It was founded on June 19, 1960. It has 20 municipalities² and one component city, its capital, Surigao City. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Surigao del Norte.”²⁴

⁶Region XIII, or the Caraga Region, is a Philippine region⁷ located in the island group of Mindanao⁸, with Butuan as its regional center. It has five provinces⁴: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte⁵, and Surigao del Sur; 6 cities: Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Caraga.”²⁵

⁷A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces⁴, composed of cities and municipalities²(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays²⁰, according to the Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”.²⁶ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE THE REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES?

⁸Mindanao, commonly known as Southern Philippines, is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines, located at the southernmost part of the country. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), CARAGA⁶ Region⁷, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), and Zamboanga Peninsula. It is composed of 22 provinces⁴ and 33 cities. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”²⁷ The 2 other major geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon(in the northern part) and Visayas (in the central part of the country).

⁹“Guyam Island,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyam_Island

¹⁰The Cebuano language, locally called Bisaya/Binisaya, is an Austronesian language spoken in the southern Philippines, originating from the island of Cebu, a province located in the Central Visayas region, in the Philippines. It is the most widely spoken of the Visayan languages. It is sometimes referred to as Cebuan, and spelled as Sebwano by the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, the official regulating body of Philippine languages. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Cebuano language”.²⁸

¹¹Kermit Surf Resort and Restaurant is located at Purok²⁹ 5, in the municipality² of General Luna³, Siargao Island¹, in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, in the Philippines. It offers accommodations, dining services, tour packages, and surfing and yoga lessons. Contact information: Cellphone numbers: Globe – +639176550548, Smart – +639209689934; Email: info@kermitsiargao.com; website: www.kermitsiargao.com

¹²Halabos is a Filipino cooking process consisting of fresh shrimp (locally called hipon), crab or other crustaceans cooked in water and salt. It is one of the easiest and most common way of preparing crustacean dishes in the Philippines. It is also spelled halbus, hablos or halbos. It is a verb meaning “to scald in saltwater” in Filipino.

Traditionally, it only requires boiling whole unshelled shrimp, crab, or other crustaceans in water and a little salt, for 1 – 3 minutes, until they turn reddish-pink. Nothing else is added, and the ingredients are allowed to stew in their own juices. Modern versions add spices (like chilis and garlic) and carbonated drinks like Sprite or 7Up, instead of water for a sweeter sauce. Butter may be added.

“Halabos na” is a Filipino prefix, so you can have halabos na hipon/sugpo (scalded shrimp/prawns), halabos na alimasag/alimango (scalded blue swimmer crab/mud crab, halabos na ulang (scalded lobster or giant river prawns), and halabos na curacha³⁰ (scalded spanner crab).

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Halabos”.³¹

¹³Pancit is the Filipino term for noodles, introduced by the Chinese, and adopted into the local cuisine, with many regional variations. Some versions of this noodle dish are stir-fried, often with sliced meat, shrimps and assorted/chopped vegetables. Pancit bihon is a type of pancit using very thin rice flour noodles, called bihon, with basically Chinese sausage and cabbage, as well as the same ingredients and manner of cooking, previously mentioned.

¹⁴Ensaladang talong is a Filipino salad (locally called ensalada) dish made of grilled, skinned and mashed eggplant (talong), mixed with white vinegar, chopped onions and tomatoes, seasoned with salt and pepper, sometimes topped with shrimp paste (bagoong). It is a favorite side dish or as an accompaniment to grilled or fried meat or fish.

¹⁵Boodle fight is the traditional military practice of eating a meal with the hands (locally called kamayan), without cutlery or dishes. The food is placed on top of a table lined with banana leaves, and diners stand shoulder to shoulder, in a line, on both sides of the table. It is common to have boiled rice at the middle, and viands (like dried or grilled meat, fish or seafood) equitably placed on the banana leaves.

Lunch and dinner boodle fights in island hopping tours may consist of charcoal-grilled meat (e.g., chicken or pork) and/or fish and grilled/fried fresh seafood (e.g., fish, shrimps, crabs and squid) with spicy soy sauce-vinegar dip, along with grilled vegetables (e.g., eggplant, okra, kangkong), salted eggs, and atchara³². Pancit¹³ can also be added as additional carbohydrate source. Other popular items can be added like lumpia³³, fried fish, and fried chicken. Fresh fruits are usually served for dessert, such as sliced pineaples, mangoes and bananas.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Boodle fight”³⁴.

¹⁶The spider shell, locally called saang, is a conch considered a delicacy in the Visayas (central part of the Philippines), and is also found in the Indian Ocean along Chagos, Madagascar and Tanzania, and in the Western Pacific. Its scientific name is Lambis scorpius. In the Philippines, it is usually grilled or boiled, and best enjoyed with a dip made of vinegar, chopped onions, garlic and chili pepper. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Lambis scorpius”³⁵ and https://www.aboutfilipinofood.com/saang/.

¹⁷Del Carmen is a fifth class municipality in Siargao Island¹, in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, in the Philippines. It is the home of Sayak Airport, the island’s main airport. This town was formerly called Numancia until 1966. It currently has 20 barangays²⁰. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.”³⁶ Visit its website: www.visitdelcarmen.com

¹⁸“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao

¹⁹“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://wikitravel.org/en/Siargao

²⁰A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a district or village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”³⁷

²¹“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

²²“General Luna, Surigao del Norte,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Luna,_Surigao_del_Norte

²³“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

²⁴“Surigao del Norte,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surigao_del_Norte

²⁵“Caraga,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga

²⁶“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

²⁷“Mindanao,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

²⁸“Cebuano language,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cebuano_language

²⁹A purok is a division, or a portion of a less densely populated neighborhood, within an urbanized barangay²⁰, in the Philippines. It often serves as a unit for delivering services and administration within a barangay. It is typically composed of 20-50 households, depending on the particular geographical location and cluster of houses. Its counterpart in a rural barangay is called a sitio. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Purok.”³⁸

³⁰Curacha is the local Chavacano name given to Ranina ranina, the binomial name of spanner crab, or red frog crab. It is commonly found in the waters of Zamboanga, Sulu and Bataan. It is usually steamed or boiled to preserve its delicate flavor. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Curacha.”³⁹

³¹“Halabos,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halabos

³²Achara, atchara, or atsara, is a pickled side dish, or accompaniment of fried or grilled foods, in the Philippines. It is made of grated unripe papaya, carrot and onion slices, julienned garlic, bell pepper strips, along with vinegar, syrup and salt. Raisins may be added.

³³Lumpia is the Filipino term for “spring roll”. It is a savory dish made with a thin crepe pastry skin called “lumpia wrapper” enveloping a mixture of savory fillings, consisting of chopped vegetables (e.g., bamboo shoots, cabbage, carrot, green beans, leeks), or sometimes also minced meat (beef, chicken, pork and shrimp). It is often served as an appetizer or snack, and could be served deep fried or fresh (unfried). The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Lumpia”.⁴⁰

³⁴“Boodle fight,” accessed December 12, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boodle_fight

³⁵“Lambis scorpius,” accessed December 12, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambis_scorpius

³⁶“Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Carmen,_Surigao_del_Norte

³⁷“Barangay,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

³⁸“Purok,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purok

³⁹“Curacha,” accessed May 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curacha

⁴⁰“Lumpia,” accessed December 12, 2018, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumpia

SIARGAO’S CLOUD 9 BOARDWALK AND SURFING VIEWING DECK (Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines)

Published on April 29, 2019July 19, 2022 by titastravels1712 Comments

Cloud 9 Siargao is not only for surfers, dearest Senior Citizen travelers! You can also enjoy that famous surfing destination and take lots of photos and videos.See my post about Cloud 9: NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 SIARGAO. Two of the photos in this collage were obtained from https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/: the barrel and surfer

I am sure that you cannot have enough of the sunrise and sunsets at Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck. Cloud 9 Boardwalk and Viewing Deck at Sunrise – Photo by JupitReyes, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 16 March 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao#/media/File:Cloud_9_Boardwalk,_Siargao.jpg

Interested to know more? Let Titas S tell you about it.

Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck is located in the municipality⁴ of General Luna², in Siargao Island¹, in the province⁵ of Surigao del Norte⁶, in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, Philippines. Read about Cloud 9 in a related post: NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 SIARGAO

A view from the left part of Cloud 9 where surfing lessons are held. My group walked towards the entry to the boardwalk from this point.

Better apply sunblock beforehand, wear a hat (but be sure that it cannot be blown by the wind) or a bandana (if the wind is really affecting your hair), and fully charge your cameras/cellphones. Come early, perhaps after a healthy breakfast at Shaka, or before sunset since it easily gets crowded with surfers and non-surfers.

This is the view of the entrance to the boardwalk from the street.

A tourist is required to pay PHP50 as conservation and admission fee. People are advised not to bring food and drinks.

We went to a tent to the left of the entrance and paid the collector.

This is the sculpture at the entrance to the boardwalk, dedicated to the Dreamer: “One day, I’m going to tame those waves.”

For some Seniors who have difficulty walking, you have no choice but to walk along the long boardwalk to get to it.

For Seniors who are more physically fit, just think of it as your walking exercise for the day. Take your time walking, and have photos and videos taken in several awesome parts of the boardwalk.

There are two large cottages along the boardwalk, for rent at PHp100 each, for groups who would like to chill amidst a beautiful 360-degree view.

Here is a view of the viewing deck from one of the cottages. This means more walking, dearest Seniors , but worth it, just take your time and pace yourself.

Walk some more … Breathe in the fresh sea air, appreciate the view, continue walking.Photo taken by Erie R. Ama, January 8, 2019

So many beautiful shots to take while walking along the boardwalk …

Just a little bit more walking, dearest Seniors … you are almost there!

As an incentive, here is a video:

360-degree video taken by Erie R. Ama, taken January 8, 2019

Finally, you have reached your destination: the three-storey Cloud 9 surfing viewing deckThis surfing viewing deck offers a great view of Cloud 9³, the awesome seascape, the sound and sight of the spectacular waves, the surfers having a great time, and the refreshing sea breeze! For sure, you want to take lots of Instagrammable photos and videos.

After an early breakfast, you can see surfers to your left and enjoy the view; at sunset, you can still watch surfers ride the waves till the last light, and then, be amazed with the sunset and colorful sky.

Now, you might ask: “When is the best time to go to Siargao Island?” Generally, for surfers, the peak swell¹⁰ season in Cloud 9³ is from May to November. For non-surfers, avoid the rainy season, around June till early October.

The wave of reef breaks¹¹ in Cloud 9, occur over a spongy reef, and it is best to surf during mid to high tide, with eastern swell¹⁰ and western shift winds, so the best time to surf, or at least appreciate surfing in Siargao, is from September to November when waves go as high as 12 feet, and in some places, at 8 feet. Great photos for sure!

In addition, if you are a surfing fan, book ahead of time so you can be in Siargao during the anuual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte, held annually in September.^{12 and 13} Remember, you are in “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines” and the Top 9 (among the ten) World’s Best Surfing Spots by CNNGo, according to a travel site of CNN International.¹⁴

Bottomline, when in Siargao, do not forget to relax and appreciate the awesome sight at the Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck! Share your pictures and videos with Tita S, ok?

Read other posts re Siargao: MAGPUPUNGKO BEACH, TIDAL POOLS AND ROCK FORMATIONS (Pilar, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines), SUN, SAND AND SEA AT GUYAM, DAKU AND NAKED ISLANDS (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines), SUGBA LAGOON-KAWHAGAN ISLAND TOUR (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines), CEV: Ceviche Heaven in Siargao, A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE AT SHAKA, SIARGAO, NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 SIARGAO, FOR NATURE LOVERS, DO NOT MISS PALM VIEWPOINT SIARGAO and Seniors, Now You Know: S.E.A. MOVEMENT – FIGHTING TO PRESERVE SIARGAO!

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding your Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck visit.

Remember to share this post with your friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, not familiar with Filipino and surfing terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea, almost 200 km southeast of Tacloban, in the province⁵ of Surigao del Norte⁶, in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, in the Philippines. It has a land area of about 437 sq. km. (169 sq.mi.). It has one of the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, particularly in the municipality² of Del Carmen¹⁵, covering 4,871 hectares.

It has excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, from August to November. Local and international surfers call its municipality⁴ of General Luna² as “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”, with surfing pros enjoying the challenging waves in Tuason Point¹⁶ area as well. Siargao was also named by Surfer as one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of All Time” in 1995.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Siargao”¹⁷ and the Wikitravel page “Siargao”¹⁸.

²General Luna is a fifth class municipality⁴ in the province⁵ of Surigao del Norte⁶, in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, in the Philippines. It is the home of world-renowned Cloud 9 waves and so this town is called “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. It was formerly called Cabuntog and currently has 19 barangays¹⁹, 15 of which are located on Siargao Island¹, while 4 are on the other outer islands. The islands of Anahawan, Daku and La Januza are within its jurisdiction. The area is protected within the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) under Republic Act 7586 (National Integrated Protected Area System Act) of 1992. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia pages “General Luna, Surigao del Norte”²⁰ and “Siargao”.¹⁷

³Cloud 9 is the famous surfing spot in the municipality⁴ of General Luna², Siargao Island¹, in the province⁵ of Surigao del Norte⁶, in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, Philippines. It was named by American photographer John Seaton Callahan after a local chocolate bar. It was then featured in the US-based Surfer magazine in March 1993, and then named as one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of all Time” in 1995, especially in General Luna and Tuason Point¹⁶, well known as “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”.²¹It is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte⁵, held annually in September. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Siargao”¹⁷. Know more about Cloud 9 in a related post: ___

⁴A municipality is small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province⁵, subdivided into barangays¹⁹, and is called town, or bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice-mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials, and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”²² See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: HOW MANY CITIES ARE THERE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

⁵A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region⁸. There are 81 provinces (called “lalawigan”) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. In the Philippines, a province is divided into cities and municipalities⁴ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays¹⁹, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”²³ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES?

⁶Surigao del Norte is a province⁵ in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, in the Philippines. This province comprises two islands, Siargao¹ and Bucas Grande, in the Philippine Sea, and a small area at the northeastern tip of Mindanao. This mainland portion borders Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur to the south. It is the second northernmost of the Mindanao provinces, and is an important transportation hub between Visayas²⁴ and Mindanao. It was founded on June 19, 1960. It has 20 municipalities² and one component city, its capital, Surigao City. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Surigao del Norte.”²⁵

⁷Region XIII, or the Caraga Region, is a Philippine region⁸ located in the island group of Mindanao⁹, with Butuan as its regional center. It has five provinces⁵: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte⁶, and Surigao del Sur; 6 cities: Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Caraga.”²⁶

⁸A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces⁵, composed of cities and municipalities⁴(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays¹⁹, according to the Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”.²⁷ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE THE REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES?

⁹Mindanao, commonly known as Southern Philippines, is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines, located at the southernmost part of the country. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), CARAGA⁶ Region⁷, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), and Zamboanga Peninsula. It is composed of 22 provinces⁵ and 33 cities. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”²⁸The 2 other major geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon(in the northern part) and Visayas²⁴(in the central part).

¹⁰A swell is a series of waves that have travelled from their source in a distant storm, and that will start to break once the swell reaches shallow enough water. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Glossary of surfing”.²⁹

¹¹A reef break is a fantastic wave created by a reef (often coral) under the water. The surrounding water can be quite deep, but due to the formation of the coral reef, the waves will break there, often seemingly in the middle of nowhere. A surfer needs a very long paddle, or a boat ride, to get to where the high tide waves are breaking. Beware, this wave can cause nasty injuries if you come off your board onto the coral, and get painful coral cuts.³⁰

¹²http://haranasurf.com/siargao-surf-spots/

¹³https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/islands-and-beaches/surfing-siargao-guide

¹⁴https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/50-surf-spots/index.html

¹⁵Del Carmen is a fifth class municipality⁴ in Siargao Island¹, in the province⁵ of Surigao del Norte⁶, in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, Philippines. It is the home of Sayak Airport, the island’s main airport. This town was formerly called Numancia until 1966. It currently has 20 barangays¹⁹. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Del Carmen”.³¹ Visit its website: www.visitdelcarmen.com

¹⁶Tuason Point is another surfing spot in Siargao¹, just walking distance from Cloud 9. It is similar to the latter but they say it does not barrel³² as consistent as the latter. The bottom is the same, going from deep to just inches of water at low tides, and breaks¹¹ equally powerful and hollow and build up quickly over a shallow rocky reef, with big holes and cracks, so this site is for intermediate, advanced and pro surfers.³³

¹⁷“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao

¹⁸“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://wikitravel.org/en/Siargao

¹⁹A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a district or village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”³⁴

²⁰“General Luna, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Luna,_Surigao_del_Norte

²¹https://asiasociety.org/philippines/siargao%E2%80%99s-cloud-9-dubbed-one-world%E2%80%99s-best-surfing-spots

²²“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

²³“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

²⁴Visayas is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It covers 3 administrative regions: Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas. It consists of 6 major islands (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Panay and Samar), mostly surrounded by the Visayan Sea, and is composed of 16 provinces⁵, according to Wikipedia page “Visayas”.³⁵Visayas is located at the middle part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Mindanao (in the southern part).

²⁵“Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surigao_del_Norte

²⁶“Caraga,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga

²⁷“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

²⁸“Mindanao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

²⁹“Glossary of surfing,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_surfing

³⁰https://www.degree33surfboards.com/blogs/gettin-pitted/14071029-the-differences-between-beach-breaks-point-breaks-and-reef-breaks

³¹“Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Carmen,_Surigao_del_Norte

³²A barrel, tube, cave, keg, or green room, is the effect when a big wave rolls over, enclosing a temporary horizontal tunnel of air with the surfer inside. A barrel requires a powerful wave breaking¹¹ in shallow water. The hollow part of the wave is formed by the top travelling faster than the bottom. The idea is for the surfer to get into the tube or barrel, and is thereby barrelled! The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Glossary of surfing”.^{29 and 36}

³³http://siargao.surf/tuason-point/

³⁴“Barangay,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

³⁵“Visayas,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visayas

³⁶https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/surfing/dictionary.htm