Surigao del Sur is a province in the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is Tandag City. Surigao del Sur is situated at the eastern coast of Mindanao and faces the Philippine Sea to the east.
According to history, before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the aborigines of the province were the Mamanua and Manobo. Austronesian people from the Visayas came to settle with the natives. It was with the arrival of the immigrants that the province acquired its name from one of the natives, “Saliagao”, who are now known as “Surigaonon”, who lived near the mouth of the river. The name “Saliagao” was later pronounced “Surigao” by the inhabitants.
For more of Surigao del Sur, click here!
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE:
DAY 1:
The Booming City by the Bay
Bislig, officially called the City of Bislig and often referred to as Bislig City. Historically, Bislig derived its name from the word “bizlin”, a kind of gold, which is worth two pesos a tael. The weight of a tael is one and one-eight ounces” in the 16th century, which the natives used for trade and barter.
Must see:
The little “Niagara Falls” of the Philippines
Bislig’s main tourist attraction is the Tinuy-an Falls, known as the little “Niagara Falls” of the Philippines. It is a white water curtain that flows in three levels about 55 meters high and 95 meters wide. Its critically acclaimed majestic and unique natural formation was once appeared in the International Travel Magazine. It is also known as the widest waterfalls in the Philippines.
Tip: Catch a rainbow that shows between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m
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Day 2:
Hinatuan, home of the world-renowned Enchanted River
Hinatuan is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur. The place is known for its “Enchanted River” which is considered one of the gems of Surigao del Sur.
Must see:
THE ENCHANTED RIVER
The Hinatuan Enchanted River is a deep spring river in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines that flows into the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is found between the boundaries of Barangays of Talisay and Cambatong. It earned the moniker “enchanted river” from the diplomat Modesto Farolan who described the river in his poem entitled “Rio Encantado”.
Tip: Catch the fish feeding time at noon.
WHERE TO STAY IN HINATUAN:
Enchanted River Rock View Resort
The Enchanted River Rock Island Resort is a very short 5-10 minute boat ride from the famous tourist destination, the Enchanted River.
(first two photos (in circle) above by: David Rodney and Alex Federizo)
Get in touch with Enchanted River Rock Island Resort or contact them with these numbers: 0915-842-6464 (Call & Text); 0917-584-0794 (Text Only)
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Day 3
Surigao del Sur’s best-kept secret
San Agustin is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur. The town is famous for the Britania Group of Islands (or simply Britania Islets), a group of 24 islands with white sandbar beaches scattered across waters of the Lianga Bay, overlooking the Philippine Sea.
Trivia: Britania, an ancient term for Roman Britain, is actually a Latin name derived from the Greek form “Prettanik” or “Brettaniai”, which means “a collection of islands with individual names.”
Must see Islands:
Hagonoy Island- named after the weed that used to grow in the island
Naked Island- The island is composed of only white sand and some rocks and lacks vegetation, hence the island started out its name.
(BOSLON ISLAND, with the view of its subsidiary islet, the Panlangagan)
Boslon is the largest among the group of Islands in Britania.
Tip: Catch the breathtaking sunset of Britania .
WHERE TO STAY IN SAN AGUSTIN:
Mac Arthur’s Place
This resort has a perfect view of scenic Britania (23) Islands. Mac Arthur’s Place is number one in Tripadvisor’s list of accommodations for this location. In my personal opinion, this is one of the best resorts in Brgy. Britania as compared to other resorts that I have already tried out.
Get in touch with Mac Arthur’s Place or call 0999 991 0845.
WHAT TO EAT AND MUST TRY IN SURIGAO DEL SUR:
- PALAGSING: a brown, sticky “suman”, made of sago starch (Unaw), young coconut meat and sugar. It is one of the delicacies of Butuan City.
- SIKAD-SIKAD: a little bear conch.
- SWAKI: sea urchins, best eaten with coconut vinegar.
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For directions on how to get to Surigao del Sur Butuan City, complete itinerary and Budget, feel free to email me at drithexplorer@gmail.com.
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