Summer In Surigao
Traveling and not over-spending is the wisest thing you could ever do as a newbie traveler. This blog will teach you how to travel light without spending too much.
Summer was nearing, my cousins and I were already excited of the pre-planned summer escapade. I, too, cannot contain the excitement and the outcome of our first itinerary together. I made 2 days and 2 nights accommodation and expenses in Surigao that will carry all the amazing spots on the island. It was our first time to have a long overnight travel and prayed to Jesus to give us a nice weather and a safe travel. A day before was my grandfather's birthday, so we really have to prepare our needs earlier and took our much-needed rest for the travel. My boyfriend drove the squad to Surigao but we were pretty sure that he'll be half dead by the time we each in Butuan City (haha!).
Day 1
At 4 in the morning, we traveled to Surigao. We haven't eaten yet, so, we looked for a private beach with a cottage to have our breakfast. The entrance and cottage cost Php10 per head. Cheap, right? Yes! We didn't spend much on food because we brought the leftovers of my grandfather's birthday. Also, we made our grocery at the supermarket to lessen our food expenses.
We arrived at Tinuy-an Falls, Bislig 2:00pm. We had our potluck lunch and rested for awhile. After which, we experienced the 95m wide and 55 meters (180ft) high, touted as the little Niagara Falls of the Philippines. It is like a white water curtain that flows in three levels and is said to be the widest waterfall in the Philippines. They said that every morning, the area shows a rainbow between 9am to 11am. The squad experienced the raft-ride to get close to its cascades and got a water massage. I was wearing my false lashes at that time, so ladies, it is a no-no to wear false lashes then directly flows the heavy water into it.
We left Tinuy-an falls at 4:30pm headed to the hometel at Hinatuan. At the hometel, we were allowed to cook our food and do our laundry. It was cheaper than a resort hotel because you really have to pay an expensive dinner plus you can't wash your soiled clothes in the hotel. So, I suggest staying in a hometel.
Day 2
The squad woke up at 4:00am to prepare breakfast for our second-day adventure at Britania Islands, San Agustin (1hr and 30mins from hometel). When we were there, we negotiated with Manong Jun to hire his "Banca" at Php1,500 unlimited time for the five (5) islands. Woohoo! Amazing, isn't it? We arrived at the first island for 15minutes then took our first meal inside the banca. I couldn't resist the blue ocean with its freshness and coolness on a hot weather. The sand was so fine and laid to it under the heat of the sun.
The Naked Island was the second place we visited. The reason why it is called as such it’s because there’s nothing to it but an island with white sand floating on top of the water. It's wide and stunning.
The last Island was Boslon Island where the squad rode the Banana Boat at Php500 good for 6 persons for 15 minutes. It was the biggest Island and where people have their grilled seafood but we didn't have our lunch on the Island because it's expensive. We agreed that, in order to arrive in Cagayan de Oro the day after, we have to utilize our time by compressing the activity since we finished Britania Islands earlier by 10:30am. We decided to travel to Enchanted River which is 45mins away from Britania Islands.
At the Enchanted River, cottages have already been built in this area, while local fisher folk sells fresh fishes, crabs, and lobsters, which they are more than willing to cook for the visitors. The squad was famished already, so we ordered fresh kinds of seafood then had it grilled. The squad hit the river after eating lunch.
The Hinatuan Enchanted River is a deep spring river on the island which flows into the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The river's unusual colors and depths have inspired various local legends. Several professional divers have attempted to explore the brackish waters and the underwater compartments at the river. Many foreigners attempted to reach the bottom but until today, no one has ever reached it.For the children, a portion of the river was transformed into a kiddie pool.They are urging the government and tourists to help in preserving the beauty of the enchanted river.
We went to the hometel by 7:00pm then had our dinner.
Day 3
We traveled back to abode by 9:00am and safely arrived by 1:00am. It was a tiring travel but worth it!
Expenses per head:
Private Car - Diesel Fuel: P3,000/6 = P500.00
(If you travel by a private vehicle, much cheaper. You will only pay for the gasoline. Thanks to my generous boyfriend!)
Boat rental to Britania Island: 1,500/6 = P250.00
Hometel (Hinatuan): P1,500/night good for 6 persons = P500.00
Entrance Fees:
Tinuya-an Falls: P50.00
Parking Fee: P60.00
Enchanted River: P30.00
Parking Fee: P20.00
Food Cost: P500.00 daily x 3 days = P1,500
