DIY TRAVEL GUIDE: SURIGAO DEL SUR (BISLIG CITY AND HINATUAN)

Surigao del Sur is part of CARAGA region and situated at the east coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean. Surigao has a lot to offer in terms of a must places to visit, however, the focus of this post is only for Hinatuan and Bislig City. We went there last July 2015 for a quick visit and my first time to set foot in Mindanao.

This do-it-yourself travel guide to Bislig City and Hinatuan is my personal version for a 4D/3N trip and kind of relaxed itinerary. It was my special day so I don't want to put things in rush. However though, you can search for several DIY tips on google. I'm sure some of the Pinoy Travel Bloggers have an article for you.

Inside the van on our way to Mangagoy from Butuan City. Travel time took us 4 hours.

DAY 0:

Nothing. We did nothing aside from traveling from Manila to Butuan to Bislig City. Cebu Pacific has daily flights to Butuan. It is the nearest airport to Bislig City. Although Davao is another option but it would take 7 - 8 more hours of land travels to get to Bislig. You can check this link for a guide how to get to Bislig City.

We left Manila at 7:30AM and we arrived at Tiffany's Inn in Mangagoy Bislig City at 4PM. That's why I gave the first day to just transfers. I'm sure it feels tiring. We rest for a couple of hours after an exhausting trip and then we decided to walk around Mangagoy for sighting and looking for a place for dinner. I also arranged for a charter motorcycle (habal-habal) for the epic adventure the next day.

The real adventure comes with riding this habal-habal. You can try it too..

Welcome to Hinatuan Enchanted River!

DAY 1:

Enchanted River, Sibadan Fish Cage, Tinuy-an Falls.
Our habal-habal driver which turned to be a guide as well arrived at Tiffany's Inn on the agreed time, as early as 6AM. I know it's too early but as I have read prior to this trip you need to get to Enchanted River as early as possible to avoid the crowd and have a solo pic with it.

Early Bird Catches the Worm. The river is all by ourselves... Solo!

We arrived at the River before 7AM and we are the first visitor who writes at the log sheet. Mission accomplished, I had an intimate meeting with the Enchanted River, the place I am longing to visit since college. And because I wanted to make sure that I am the first visitor to dive at the river. I quickly remove my shirt, then show off the big belly and then setup the action camera and swoosh dive!!!

Tourists then continue coming in and diving at the river. Well sorry for them, I took the first dive. XoXO. At 10AM, our driver/guide told us to take lunch at Sibadan Fish Cage. I didn't know about it, but it's also a must visit which is pretty near to Enchanted River. We get there by boat. 

Arriving at the Sibadan Fishcage is quite relaxing. It's an inn and at the same time resto that is standing near the shoreline. You can actually check in here first before going to Bislig City. Since we went here just to take lunch, the staff asked us which food we wish them to cook. Yes, it's a fish cage so everything is fresh. They're cooked alive. Price is affordable. :). If I'm not mistaken I paid 800 PHP which is good to 6 - 7 people already. But we were only three that time which means I have eaten a lot! I mean a loooot!

After Sibadan Fish Cage, we went back to Enchanted River to take a final deep. Surprisingly, the river was already crowded with visitors. But then again, I can't help myself but to swim again. The color of water changed with the sunlight. It's turquoise color has showed up. It's really amazing. I can't give you enough words to define its magic. After a couple of minutes, I heard a bell which means everyone has to go out of water for fish feeding.

At 12NN, our driver told us to pack up for our next destination. And yes, we are going to Tinuy-an Falls. It's like hitting two birds in one stone. We don't have any problem anyway because we hired habal-habal whom the driver joined with our trips. I really recommend doing this, it's an adventure plus you're not wasting time waiting for the public jeepney/bus to arrive. Yes, you can save 200PHP when commuting, but c'mon 200PHP compare to convenience and the real adventure you get? Click the link for additional info how to get there and habal-habal contact.

DAY 3:

Hagonoy Island, The SandBar, Hinayagan Cave

Our third day should be Britania Island. But it's out of way, although you can but you will have to allot time for travel. The driver suggested to visit Hagonoy Island. This island can be seen at the Bislig Bay area. It's not really the best place for island hopping compared to Britania Island but somehow enough for snorkeling. Also, he suggested that there's a sandbar near to it. 

Surprisingly, I enjoyed the Sandbar rthan the Hagonoy Island. It is less maintenance plus the entrance fee is a bit pricy at 50 PHP. But we need to get there for lunch. The caretaker cooked us fresh crabs plus we bought dried fish at the store before getting there.

Then before we went back to the City proper, the driver drop us a quick visit to Hinayagan Cave.

Darn we had a complete trip - river, falls, island hopping, sandbar, caving..

We went back to hotel before dark, rest for an hour and then check out the best places to eat. I heard Gail's is one of the best, however, they're already closing when we get there. Glad My Dung's the newest resto is still opened. So we checked in there, they have the best serving as well but Halo-Halo is most recommended.

Selfie at the terrace at Tiffany's Inn.

This Casa de Babano..one of the popular inn in Mangagoy. They also serve food here.

That's My Dung's. People working on the drainage system that time. Definitely you should visit here and try Halo-Halo.

Inside Mang Dung's we ordered a lot of Chicken Wings and Pancit Canton. By they way their Shanghai rolls is the best as well.

This is at Gails!