SURIGAO BY THE DOZEN

"12 Things to do" in Surigao City/Del Norte-Whether you're local or a foreigner, you can't say you've really been to Surigao, unless you've done at least one of these, much better if it's all of the above, they're not that hard, and you thought the place is boring...

1.) EAT CHICKEN BARBECUE AT THE PIER: sometimes referred to as "the Berlin Wall" because the stands line-up the portside walls, this is not just a "to do" list, but a "must do" for locals here in Surigao City, so if you're a first timer, you should find out why.
Take your pick: paa, petso, atay/baticonoy, retazzo, esoy and adidas, and don't forget the "hanging rice" (poso)

t2.) VISIT THE SURIGAO HERITAGE MUSEUM: Located at the Surigao Boulevard, for a look at our past and rich culture, the Center also houses artifacts dating as far as pre-spanish times, and also the works of Surigao Contemporary artists/painters, including the works of international designer and awardee, Ann Tiukinhoy Pamintuan.

3.) CLIMB THE MABUA-LOOC STAIRWAY: A total of 167 steps, and thats only going up, but the path and the view on both sides is well worth it, a good way to burn calories too.

4.) TAKE A BANDUNG (Dugout bancas with no outriggers) TRIP AROUND DAY-ASAN MARSH AND MANGROVE FOREST: and a chance to visit Baranggay Day-asan, floating village, known in the 70's as the Venice of Surigao, and when you're done, be sure to take your lunch or refreshment at nearby Beroc Island, a small islet with a white sand beach.
(Photo: Stanley Aguilar)

5.) DIVE! DIVE! DIVE! : Punta Bilar marine sanctuary is a mere 20 min. drive from the City, and the Surigao Dive Club provides equipments and guides, including lessons for beginners.

 6.) GO CAVING: Surigao City/Norte does not only have caves but cave systems, and the choice varies, depending on skill and technical levels, there's Buenavista Cave in idyllic Hikdop island, which is right behind a white sand beach with a cottage, and Silop Cave in Baranggay Silop, just 20 min drive from the City, for beginners. For hardcores, there's Cuyapnit cave in Gigaquit, not to mention other caves that have yet to be discovered and mapped, and don't forget Sohuton Cave (#9)
(PS:For your safety, it is strongly advised that you enlist an accredited guide in any of the caves you wish to explore)

7.) HIKE BRAZIL-PARANG (2X) WATERSHED TRAIL: With it's diverse flora and fauna, It's an eco-tourist trail, also good for birdwatching, and if you're lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the Tarsier, the world's smallest monkey.
To make the trip more meaningfull, plant a tree, seedlings are available at the SMWD station there.

8.) TOUR SOHUTON LAGOON: As a tour guide, this is my no.1 recommendation to visitors, and it never fails to elicit oohs and aahs, there is the famed underwater cave, and crystal cave, which is on a hill, the challenging Bolitas and diving cave, there's even a Lake (Tiktikan-actually a Lagoon within a Lagoon)where you can camp for P100 per head.

9.) TAKE A SHOWER IN A WATERFALL: Sta.Monica Falls in North Siargao (pictured) about 2 km from the famed beaches and wave. there's also Lumondo Falls in Alegria,
Tinogpahan Falls and Biyabid Falls, both in Sison.
(Photo: Antoinette Go-Vaughn)

 

10.) TAKE A DIP AT MAGPUPUNKO TIDE POOL: Located in the Municipality of Pilar in Siargao Island, accessible during low tide, this pool roughly the size of a basketball court, boasts of a coral reef, teeming with life, perfect for snorkeling, with a rock at the center for diving, as the depth varies from 1 foot to almost 15 ft near the center.
(PS the steps in some parts are razor sharp so it is advisable to wear booties or sand shoes)
Photo: Antoinette Go-Vaughn

11.) TRY SURFING: This is the surfing capital, unless you're a surfer,(which is why you came here in the first place) so never leave without at least giving it a try, but be warned, once you get the hang of it (that is after you manage to stand-up) this sport is highly addictive, you might want to come back again and again.

12.) CALL ME (OR US): For an unforgetable and hassle free trip.
(ok email me first lol)