HomeAsiaPhilippinesMindanaoEast Mindanao Itinerary – Siargao, Bucas Grande, Sohoton, Compostela, Davao DIY Solo 210 shares By Marcos Detourist on February 8, 2013What brought me back to Siargao and Bucas Grande Island? That’s easy! These islands were among my favorites in the entire Philippines.For years since my first visit to Surigao provinces, I craved intensely to go back and swim in the crystal-clear emerald waters of Sohoton lagoons with hundreds of non-sting jellyfish and finally ride the famous surf in Cloud9.I stayed six days each in Siargao and Bucas Grande wanting to see as much of these islands as possible. Even then it was not enough. I spent most of my time wandering around random beach and inland trails, which got me lost pretty often but also rewarded memorable experiences.I spent another week chasing waterfalls and enchanted rivers in the eastern corner of Mindanao. My feet were set to visit Aliwagwag Falls, the highest waterfalls in the country. Along the way, I also stumbled upon interesting and beautiful places in Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, and Surigao del Sur.Journey to Surigao del Norte Aerial view of green islands of Surigao on my “Cebu to Siargao” flightSiargao’s surf waves beckonBucas Grande Island, Surigao del NorteExploring quiet beaches of Socorro, Bucas Grande IslandBeautiful hidden spot that took more than an hour hike along the coast from Socorro town proper Rough waters at desolate white sand beaches on the other side of Bucas Grand IslandBlooming rice paddies surrounded my emerald-covered hills One of the easily overlooked spots I passed by on my walkathons around Bucas Grande. I loved the color contrast on this red earth trail, the bright green leafy shrubs, and chaos of its net-like thin rootsLonely walk on the hills overlooking the whole islandSohoton Cave and Lagoons An overlooking view along the 30-minute karst forest trail from Brgy. Sudlon to Dagatan, near Sohoton Lagoons. Trekking my way to the lagoons still required another paddle boat ride to the entrance of the Sohoton Cave and then a chartered boat around the main lagoons.Passing through Sohoton Caves, the entry-point to the beautiful salt-water lagoons of Bucas Grande IslandSohoton Salt Water LagoonHornbill (Kalaw) sighting!Snorkeling at the coral gardens outside the lagoonsSohoton’s famous non-sting jellyfish. Hundreds of these can be found swimming in one of the lakes.Surfing in SiargaoSiargao’s Cloud9 surf spot during low-tide Surf waves at Cloud9 were not too active during my visit. As a beginner, I actually liked it better since I could avoid monstrous wipe outs. The long arduous walk from Pesangan surf spot to the mainlandPlanned to spend at least one week in Siargao to learn how to surf better. My body was aching real bad after only two days of surfing. I realized it would take me at least a few more weeks to have a good “surf training” taking rest days into account.Around General Luna Beach view outside my cottage in General Luna town proper Bird hunting for fish at Pesangan, General Luna.Ate a few sea urchins that children were collecting at Pesangan. These orange non-sting sea urchins are my favorite kind. Best eaten raw!Beaches along the coastal foot trail from General Luna to Cloud9. I survived the whole day without slippers :D One of the interesting tidal pools, natural aquariums, offering a close-up glimpse of marine plants and critters. Biking through random trails around SiargaoPeaceful, low-key dirt roads of General Luna town proper.Working lunch at one of the restaurants in General Luna that offers free WIFI.Magpupungko Tidal Flats and Rock Formations “Top load” jeepney ride from Dapa to Pilar, Siargao IslandCaptivating landscape of Magpupungku Rock FormationsColorful seemingly extraterrestrial vegetation at the expansive rock shelfBunawan Giant Crocodile Bunawan, Agusan del Sur’s most beloved creature is a crocodile At 20 feet and 3 inches in length, Lolong is the world’s largest crocodile ever caught and placed in captivity.Awao Falls, Compostela Valley Fan-like cascade of Awao falls in Monkayo, Compostela ValleySerenity at Awao Fallsmore: Awao Falls, curtain-like cascade in Monkayo, Compostela ValleyAliwagwag Falls, Davao Oriental Front view of Aliwagwag Falls, a series of 84 cascades that make up the tallest waterfalls in the PhilippinesVirgin forest surrounds the entire length of Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao OrientalMy favorite cascade of Aliwagwag FallsEnchanted River, Surigao del Sur The abyssal depths of the Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. One of the most visually bizarre places I visited in the entire PhilippinesDon’t leave yet. There’s more!19 Days Northeast Mindanao Itinerary — Surigao,…High Point of my Jungle trek to Sohoton Lagoons of…Siargao, Bucas Grande, and Surigao del Norte 4-day ItineraryMalaybalay and Bukidnon 2-Day DIY ItineraryIligan Waterfalls and Cagayan de Oro 2-Day DIY Itinerary12 Days Northeast Mindanao Itinerary - Surigao,…Comments Wends of Journeys and Travels saysFebruary 8, 2013 at 3:11 pmThese beautiful destinations are in Mindanao which I have yet to see and great you captured these photos, its inspiring me to pursue those rather late bucketlists.:) Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:31 pmGo lang Doc, lots of beautiful experiences await you there :) I know, Eastern Mindanao provinces are still a relative distance from your hometown. It’s a log bus ride away just getting there, then there’s the long land/sea trip getting around. Buti talaga kung may direct flight to Butuan, Surigao, or Davao. C.A. | Adventurous Feet saysFebruary 8, 2013 at 8:37 pmgreat captures im in love with the shots! astig ka talaga! :D Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:32 pmThanks CA!! Missy l Sole of Missy saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 12:06 amYour snaps are so impressive. I can feel the bizzare-ness of the place by just looking at your shot of the enchanting river alone. Kudos for this well-written article! Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:34 pmThanks Missy. Yeah I just noticed, most of the photos posted are not the conventional image of a tropical paradise. Still equally beautiful nonetheless. andratraveltours saysFebruary 12, 2013 at 4:44 pmI salute you sir! You’ve captured great photos, you must be quite a photographer. The last photo is just so intriguing.. It’s like you’ll be sucked once you dive, and mystery of what’s down there… creepy. Marcos saysFebruary 16, 2013 at 5:44 pmThanks :D Tripsiders saysMarch 8, 2013 at 11:58 amWow! Great Photos! Maganda na ang falls pero mas pinaganda pa sya ng mga shots mo. Galing.:) lyn saysJuly 14, 2013 at 4:09 pmbeautiful shots! Marcos saysAugust 13, 2013 at 3:45 pmThanks Lyn :D Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Wends of Journeys and Travels saysFebruary 8, 2013 at 3:11 pmThese beautiful destinations are in Mindanao which I have yet to see and great you captured these photos, its inspiring me to pursue those rather late bucketlists.:)
Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:31 pmGo lang Doc, lots of beautiful experiences await you there :) I know, Eastern Mindanao provinces are still a relative distance from your hometown. It’s a log bus ride away just getting there, then there’s the long land/sea trip getting around. Buti talaga kung may direct flight to Butuan, Surigao, or Davao.
C.A. | Adventurous Feet saysFebruary 8, 2013 at 8:37 pmgreat captures im in love with the shots! astig ka talaga! :D
Missy l Sole of Missy saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 12:06 amYour snaps are so impressive. I can feel the bizzare-ness of the place by just looking at your shot of the enchanting river alone. Kudos for this well-written article!
Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:34 pmThanks Missy. Yeah I just noticed, most of the photos posted are not the conventional image of a tropical paradise. Still equally beautiful nonetheless.
andratraveltours saysFebruary 12, 2013 at 4:44 pmI salute you sir! You’ve captured great photos, you must be quite a photographer. The last photo is just so intriguing.. It’s like you’ll be sucked once you dive, and mystery of what’s down there… creepy.
Tripsiders saysMarch 8, 2013 at 11:58 amWow! Great Photos! Maganda na ang falls pero mas pinaganda pa sya ng mga shots mo. Galing.:)