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Enticing White Falls, Bagyang, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur

May 29, 2022 by caraga Leave a Comment

Enticing White Falls in Barangay Bagyang, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, makes you stunned like you have never seen before an illuminating white falls. Or mistakenly thought it as Kaparkan Falls while seeing the photos. But it is actually another falls in the making to become famous in the future, and its called White Falls. Another nature masterpiece discovered that was hidden in the forest of Surigao del Sur, a multi-tiered falls forming with white illuminating from the background due to rocks composition as this could be a terraces of limestones.

It is a long stretch of running water from way below, as you climb in going up to the main source with lots of tubs in every layer. Its tempting to splash when you see pools because of its clear crystal water transforming into aqua jade color when settled in a large or little basin. By following the trail of the water, you will be amazed of being called white falls, probably, it could be made up of terraces of limestones forming millions of years ago.

You can reach the falls when walking for about 1 and half hours, passing thick trees and rocks. In the end, your effort will give you a priceless possession witnessing the beautiful formations of layers of falls smashing different white rocks in different perspective. So tempting and refreshing that revitalizes your body from too much effort of being a distance away from where you started.

White Falls is one of the many unique falls that are appearing from the lush green forest of Caraga Region due to expansion of road developments from the highways into the remote areas of the region, paving the way for discovering beautiful and attractive places of the region.

white falls, bagyang, san miguel, surigao del sur — source: Charity Nadao Higana

Tempting Dao Dao Cold Spring, the Natural Swimming Pool of Barangay San Fernando, Bislig City

May 28, 2022 by caraga Leave a Comment

Dao Dao Cold Spring is a unique swimming pool because water it is not stagnant but a wide spread of running water that is sourced from the coldness underneath the earth’s surface. Dao Dao Cold Spring is located at barangay San Fernando, Bislig City and has been lately the talk of tour lovers because of its unique and distinct formation as a natural swimming pool. Its never-ending flows of running water from the source emptied into the deepest ocean called the Philippine Deep. Peoples love to feel its coldness specially beating the heat of summer when June comes.

dao dao cold spring bislig city — source: Aj Mordeno

It seems that you can choose which area you want to swim or dive since Dao Dao Cold Spring has been divided into different array of wide and long sections. You are lazy enough which one to choose to submerge and enjoy the moment. The Dao Dao Cold Spring is one of the numerous cold springs that exist in the province of Surigao del Sur, as this province faces the Philippine Deep, one of the deepest trenches in the world.

Amazing Bayogo Cave, Madrid, Surigao del Sur

May 28, 2022 by caraga Leave a Comment

Amazing Bayogo Cave, located in the town of Madrid, province of Surigao del Sur, was full of surprises as it is indeed a dull cave outside with a small opening downward but once you are inside you are amazed of the unique beauty it shows. Lots of stalagmites and stalactites scattered along the way, and you should be careful because some stalactites are reachable and you might bang your head. The walls of the cave are covered with icy sparkling diamonds that might deceive your eyes that it is a walls of pricey diamonds. Stalagmites are anywhere and they are glowing crystals when hit directly by a flashlight.

bayogo cave, madrid, surigao del sur — source: Cyril Jane Osorio & Recklyn Ruaza

Bayogo Cave is not just a typical cave when entered in a small opening but inside was a lengthy distance area and some wide pathway with different strange formation, but inviting and unique to your eyes. The presence of numerous bats in some portions of the cave added excitement and wonder, seeing those creatures living in the dark hovering above your head, definitely hundreds of them.

Location: Madrid, Surigao del Sur, Caraga Region

How to get there: From Butuan City by bus or van to Tandag City, then from Tandag City terminal get a ride with bus or jeepney and drop at Madrid town where you can contact other vehicle to bring you to Bayogo Cave.

Distance: It will take for estimated 3 to 4 hours from Butuan City to Tandag City using a private vehicle. As for public utility bus will reach you around 5 to 6 hours. While in Tandag City, getting a ride with jeepney or bus for about one hour of travel to Madrid town. In Madrid, you can hire a vehicle or habal habal in going to Bayogo Cave.

Alluring Little Paradise of Pure Green and White Alingkakajaw Island, Taganito, Claver, Surigao del Norte

July 11, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Pure green and white Alingkakajaw Island is sparkling beauty before your naked eyes when began emerging from the distance with its perfect shape of paradise island, so cute and expressive that you want to drop right away in its pristine white sand shoreline. This little paradise will take your breath hold for a moment while you scanned without winking your eyes as the boat getting nearer. The island was heavily guarded with green forest from one end to the other with its turquoise water teeming with coral reefs and fishes that surround it, like a conservation area or sanctuary as it became the remnant of the thriving Mother Natures. The sad part was surrounded by mining activities and in front were the bald mountains of Surigao.

Alingkakajaw Island is located in the town of Claver, Surigao del Norte, closer to the port of Hayanggabon of barangay Taganito. Most people traverse this area from the mainland as they jump to another tourism site, Bucas Grande Islands.

Alingkakajaw Island was a symbol of fighting little paradise behind the huge mining activities but still lots of attraction from the incoming visitors whether international or local because of its presence in the sea, perfectly untouched and unexploited little paradise. Those bypassing visitors when crossing the port of Hayanggabon en route to Bucas Grande Islands will ever make a turn to look into something beautiful and endearing that will make their day alive and thinking about something pleasant that is going to happen.

alingkakajaw island, taganito, claver, surigao del sur — source: Dandee Monton

Location: Taganito, Claver, Surigao del Norte, Caraga Region

How to get there: From Butuan City by bus or van to Hayanggabon Port, Claver, then a boat ride from the port is going to Alingkakajaw Island which is very clear to our naked eyes.

Distance: It will take an estimated 2 hours to reach Hayanggabon Port of Claver from Butuan City, then another possible fifteen minutes crossing the seas going to Alingkakajaw Island.

Mighty Agusan River of Butuan, the Third Largest and Longest River in the Philippines

July 10, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Agusan River sprawling the Agusan Valley that started in Davao to the Agusan provinces, and the exit point is Butuan City. It became the 3rd largest and longest river in the Philippines with so many adjacent big and small rivers interconnected along the side that forms into a mighty river.

In the history of Butuan, the Agusan River became the economic foundation of Butuan’s early settlers due to commerce and trading not only through this river but through to other places even reaching uncharted territories with the use of balangay boats or also knowns as the Butuan Boat.

Abayan Festival celebrated in the month of July with a fluvial procession of boats became the main event of the river’s historic past. The festival handed down from generation to generation to protects Butuanons and their fishermen from ferocious attacks from crocodiles in which long before the river was infested with so many crocodiles.

Agusan River has its potential in terms of tourists haven once develops. It is not just rich in the historical background but tourism as well. When resorts started piling up along the side of the river, it will have a bright future for Butuan in the economic aspect as well as in tourism as the river became the symbol of increasing investments and thriving businesses. Well, history repeats itself as Butuan then became the center of commerce and industry in the 11th AD.

“In the future, we want to expand these events and different activities. The Agusan River has a lot of potential for tourism aspect. If we can develop this river further, there are many other activities we can create with it, while also putting the primary concern into its protection,” said Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada,

agusan river, mighty river, 3rd largest river, agusan del norte, agusan — source: Marlon Villasor

agusan river, butuan city — source: Eric Mindajao

Location: Butuan City, capital of Caraga Region

How to get there: From Butuan City proper by tricycle or Multicab en route to Philippine Ports Authority where ferryboats for Magallanes is located and witness the mighty river.

Distance: It will take for estimated 10 to 15 minutes by tricycle or multicab ride to reach the Philippine Ports Authority since it is accessible by any means of transportation as its perfect location is in the heart of the City.

Paradise Ayoke Island, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur

July 10, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

An island paradise in the Pacific emerges like a sparkling beauty never been told and never been touched like a speck of land in an ocean that separated from the mainland, the isolated Ayoke Island of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. The island from afar seems to come into view in an open blue sea with a neat white line as an embodiment of beauty within the sea because of being a white sand beach in nature. That’s the quality of beaches and rocks islands along the eastern side of Caraga Region.

As you keep nearing the island witness how it was surrounded with turquoise water, and fishes glide above the water from nowhere that you clearly see them with your naked eye. Near the shoreline, probably on the side facing the Pacific Ocean, large waves forming where a quality of the sea that you can view as breaks for surfing activities. An island dominating white sand beaches with some unique rocky formations combined that put you in wonder. The island offers you a peaceful afternoon escape with blue sky hovering over the horizon before sunset glistening the clear water.

A 15-20 minute walk towards the highest peak where the locals call torre (tower) is located. A piece of good advice for tuning up your body and spirit to sweat it out through walking and hiking in the early morning and see the stunning 360-degree amazing view of Ayoke Island.

Ayoke Island is one of the islands and islets along the coastlines in the town of Cantilan. It belongs to the group of islands called Isla Heneral (General Island).

ayoke island, cantilan, surigao del sur — source: Marlon Villasor

Heaven-Sent Vanishing Island, Barobo, Surigao del Sur

July 5, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Vanishing Island of Barobo, Surigao del Sur has so many distinct beauty that is emerging in an open sea surrounded by turquoise water and a pure fine white sand beach while looking in a distance where the sea and the sky meet. Vanishing Island wowed visitors when the low tide comes in. During low tide, the sandbar became bright as ever showing its fine white beach as it expands far, glowing closer to another island, the Turtle Island. As you stand screening its beauty from one end to the other that was radiating in large blue seas, even the sand stretches wide in knee-deep water. Similar to the white island of Camiguin but this gem of Caraga Region has its own beauty to explain different from the rest of its own kind.

This Vanishing Island of the Pacific with its jaw-dropping fine white sand that you would mistake it powder could be a strong contender against the scenery of Maldives beaches in the Indian Ocean.

This wonderful place was a blessing from the people of Barobo. Aside from Vanishing Island are other neighboring islands, Turtle Island and Cabgan Island which set a triumvirate of power of tourism in the seas of Barobo. When the boat that carried you and sets your foot at Vanishing Island early in the day, you will find yourself holding the camera endlessly for taking a selfie or having a jump shot with your friends.

Vanishing Island is just a 30-minute ride by pump boat from Barobo seaport.

vanishing island, barobo, surigao del sur — source: Marlon Villasor

Nature’s Gift Kawa-Kawa sa Awog, Bislig City

July 2, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Amazing Kawa-Kawa sa Awog was a nature’s gift that Mother Nature had crafted for so many years, even a thousand years before we existed. This gem of the Caraga Region is located at barangay San Jose, Bislig City where all Caraganons started to notice its beauty before the pandemic came in. Its uniqueness was the symbol of the strength and power of Mother Nature unfolding before our naked eyes.

Kawa-Kawa sa Awog forming like a bowl of clear water running from the mountains of tropical trees and plants from the rainforest, the locals calling it a natural pool or natural jacuzzi. Some of them forming like oval shapes of different sizes with shallow and deep, and you can choose where ever you want. Added also into the show for those early morning escapees is the foggy atmosphere in the tropical rainforest.

Locals were also surprised by the flowing clear water still endure and will not fade away even during summer. People in the City and the neighboring towns flocking from their homes and submerge in the sparkling cool water, but that was before the pandemic came in.

So much fun and stress-relieving activities by not just swimming but by just looking at the flows of the water and hearing the sounds of it will revitalize your world and change your way of thinking before going back to hustle and bustle of the City life.

kawa kawa sa awog, bislig city — photo source: AJ Mordeno

Malalag Ridge Overlooking Butuan Skyline

June 27, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Malalag Ridge is another gem in Butuan with its inspiring views of the City skyline and the direct clear contact with your naked eye of the tallest mountain of Caraga Region, Mt. Hilong-Hilong, and the rest of Mother Nature engulfing the City of Butuan. Malalag Ridge is located at barangay Libertad with only around 15 minutes hike from the diversion road.

Malalag Ridge could be the nearest ridge in Butuan City that is good for camping with your tent overnight while looking at the City at night witnessing the boisterous lights below. Hammocking is another choice full of fun swinging while watching those scenic views at the same time chatting with friends. The sounds of the birds and the whispering winds coming from the mountains make you calm and refreshing. That deafening silence is the beautiful moment how to relieve stress that carried you from the hustle and bustle of city life.

On a cold morning, witness how amazing the clouds creeping and covering the City before the beautiful sunrise started hovering over the entire scene. This is how amazing Mother Nature unfolds before the naked eye at Malalag Ridge.

Butuan City is part of Agusan Valley that was surrounded by mountain ranges between the Sumagaya range to the west and Mt. Hilong-Hilong and Agusan Mountain range to the east. One of the most historic landmarks is the presence of Mt. Mayapay, a living witness to the Butuan’s glorious part.

malalag ridge, butuan — photo source: AJ Mordeno

Independence Day Climb at Mt. Mayapay, Butuan City

June 21, 2021 by caraga 2 Comments

The journey has been so exciting and amazing as the group of mountain trekkers swing back to the pathway that lead them to the most popular hiking destinations, Mt. Mayapay, the highest mountain peak in Butuan City. Mt. Mayapay was then the majestic crowning glory of the City’s glorious historic events that witness since Ferdinand Magellan coming to Butuan 500 years ago and the Kingdom of Butuan for a thousand years.

The mountain is standing 675 meters above sea level with its fascinating table-head shape as we look up from the distance. The trek started from the main trail through an overgrown rough road with a gradual walk. The difficult part of the journey is to climb near the peak where it is very steep and trekkers may literally crawl up most of the time. This difficulty, however, at the end offers a very rewarding view of Butuan City and the summit has breathtaking views of the plains and rolling mountains of Agusan del Norte, Butuan Bay and Agusan River. The winds are refreshing, and when the morning comes is a sea of clouds below them.

Mt. Mayapay has also its unique position from the rest of the mountains in the Philippines as it was surrounded by wide plain between the Sumagaya range to the west and Mt. Hilong-Hilong and Agusan Mountain ranges to the east. Plus the bonus offers of viewing Agusan River emptying into Butuan Bay with towering mountains behind them.

mt. mayapay, butuan city — source: Glenn Aspe

Khapeteren Forest, Barangay Bonbon, Butuan City

February 8, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Khapeteren Forest is another mountain resort located at barangay Bonbon, Butuan City facing the majestic Mt. Mayapay. Your life would never be the same by looking the beautiful surroundings that is keep spreading the wings of Mother Nature. Khapeteren Forest with its lush greenery and scenic mountains, overlooking flat lands and urban skyline will makes you startle and amaze. Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

How to get there:

Ride a skylab crossing Sports Complex, then drop to purok Matin-ao, Bonbon. Then hike or ride again motor (depends on you if you want to choose motor or hike), for hike from Matin-ao will reach 30 to 45minutes.

Opens Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Under Construct when I went there, at the end of the month, according to the owner, they will open the resort everyday.

They offer coffee, drinks, foods and many more once the construction is finished. You can also stay there overnight with your own tent.

Tapnigue View Park, Brgy. Tapnigue, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte

February 7, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Such an amazing views at Tapnigue View Park located in barangay Tapnigue, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte as surrounded with teeming lush green forest and charming mountains, foggy atmosphere, and noting the presence of historic Mt. Mayapay. This is one of sprouting resorts among the mountainous Butuan and Buenavista borders as part of the sprawling Agusan Valley.

tapnigue view park, tapnigue, buenavista, — source: AJ Mordeno

Tapnigue View Park is blessed with scenic views to fulfilled ones eyes who once drained from the life in the City. Its neighboring resort called Alicia Ridge Eco Park is another romantic place offering lots of activities like horse back riding, camping, picnics and taking picture by yourself or with the group.

Tapnigue View Park become the top of your list in visiting mountain resorts fleeing from the hustle and bustle of the urban life turning into a quiet and peaceful aspiration.

Buenas Coffee, Simbalan, Buenavista

February 6, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Buenas Coffee of barangay Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte is another heaven story overlooking the scenic greenery, and the majestic Mt. Mayapay in the background. Pandemic days are here, but the only reason to go out and life must go is to find the beauty of natures to discover your strength and your happiness.

buenas coffee, simbalan, buenavista — source: AJ Mordeno

Here, in the hilly part of Agusan Valley, where now lots of resorts existing as to fight boredom from the effects of home quarantine. Hanging out in the beautiful mountains to catch a scenic views in the ground, this is why the reason Buenas Coffee existed and welcomes nature lovers with coffee and cozy shelter to sit-back for a while.

Cool Alingatong Falls, RTR, Agusan del Norte

November 21, 2020 by caraga Leave a Comment

Alingatong Falls is located at RTR, Agusan del Norte has its beauty to possess with its cascading tier that drops the crystalline water of pure and cold. Hearing the splashing water into the ground that escape making its own route into the wilderness of the mountains.

alingatong falls, rtr, agusan del norte — photo credit: AJ Mordeno

Just another waterfalls in the mountains of RTR that points in the highest peak of Caraga Region, the Mt. Hilong-hilong and its ranges that spread in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur where waterfalls scattered and some waiting to be discovered.

How to get here
-From Butuan City ride a van or multicab to RTR
-Then ride a habal-habal or Skylab to Barangay Hall of San Antonio
-They will give you guide / guide fee 300
-Hike 3 to 4 hours

Cute Mayugda Falls, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte

November 19, 2020 by caraga Leave a Comment

Mayugda falls is located at Jabonga, Agusan del Norte as one of the cutest waterfalls in Caraga Region. You can reach easily unto the waterfalls as you can hear the splashing sounds of the water as you get nearer while having a ride with vehicle along the highway enroute to the center of the town. The location is accessible as you can witness the falling crystals along the side of the road or while you are inside of the vehicle. You can manage with few steps and touched the flowing crystals with your bare hands.

mayugda falls, jabonga, agusan del norte — photo credit: AJ Mordeno

One unique features is the white curtain formation across the wall, the same level of cascading water from one side to the other side. So cute that you can describe it as a dwarfed Tinuy-an Falls, while you are standing like a giant creature in the making.

You can explore as you climb going to the next tier and witness another cute crystal curtain, but the perfectness of the view is incomparable to the first one. You can still manage to go up there to have some idea where the waters came from. Enjoy what you discovered and be free into the womb of Mother Nature.

How to get here
-From Butuan City ride a van/Bus to Jabonga Terminal
-Then ride a habal-habal / Skylab to Mayugda Falls

The Tallest Pinagalaan Falls, Hamogaway, Bayugan City

November 13, 2020 by caraga Leave a Comment

Spectacular Pinagalaan Falls located at barangay Hamogaway, Bayugan City touted as the tallest falls in Caraga Region, but also considered as biggest or longest, or probably you can sense its own unique creation how wide and long when the water falls from the starting point that goes down the basin before your exploring eyes. It has some cascades and sub pool basins within some area of this gigantic falls.

pinagalaan falls, hamogaway, bayugan city — photo credit: AJ Mordeno

Pinagalaan Falls is surrounded with lush green vegetation of wild forest, and considered dangerous when you are challenged to climb from the basin up to the top because of slippery in nature and the current of the water is unpredictable that you might be carried away down to the basin.

When staring at the falls, you will be stunned of its creation because of its huge structure compare to other waterfalls in Caraga Region. Although every waterfalls has its own unique ways to please the eyes of visitors coming from near and far localities.

How to get here
-From Butuan ride a van or bus to Bayugan (50 to 60 fare)
-Then drop at Bayugan terminal
-Then ride habal-habal (skylab) or tricycle to Hamogaway Elementary School (12 to 20 fare)
-Then go to the Barangay Hall and coordinate to the Barangay Captain/Kagawad
-30 minutes hike from the highway to the falls
-Find Mr. Arthur Santiago (our guide)