Bucas Grande Islands/Sohoton National Park (Socorro)
Posted on 19. Jun, 2009 by Lakwatsero in Destinations, Mindanao
On the other side of the surfing haven Siargao lies the town of Socorro in Surigao del Norte, home to the Bucas Grande Islands also known as the Sohoton National Park.
The group of islands is blessed with numerous caves, some still undiscovered, white sand beaches, waterfalls, mangroves, iron woods, inland lakes, vast fishing grounds, and wonderful corals that are ideal for snorkeling.
Be amazed with its most famous spot, the Sohoton Cove and Blue Lagoon, a maze-like place consisting of limestone islets, where the only way in or out is the cave entrance that vanishes during high tide. Another must see is the jellyfish Lagoon, home to millions of no-sting, friendly and playful jellyfish comparable to those in Palau.
With its unique seascape and landscape, the place promises everyone a truly unforgettable, enchanting and extraordinary experience in this part of Mindanao. Visit Sohoton National Park and be enchanted with its natural beauty.
How to Get There
By Air
Surigao City, capital of Surigao del Norte is the main jumpoff point to Bucas Grande Islands. To get to Surigao City, PAL Express, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific have daily flights from Manila to Surigao City Airport while Cebu Pacific also has daily flight from Cebu.
Alternatively, one can also reach Surigao via two hours bus ride from Butuan City (bus fare ranges from P145.00 to P180.00). Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific have daily flights to Butuan City from Manila while Cebu Pacific also has daily flight from Cebu.
From Surigao City, you can go directly to its port or to the ports of Dapa, Hayanggabon, Pamosaingan and Cantilan where motorized boats to Socorro dock. Fare from Dapa, Hayangabon and Cantilan is at P100.00/person, P125.00/person from Pamosaingan and P150.00/person from Surigao City.
By Land and Water
(Though Lakwatsero haven’t try these means of transportation yet, one can possibly reach Surigao City by bus and/or ferry rides from Manila. These alternatives are relatively cheaper than air travel though quite strenuous.)
- Philtranco buses to Cagayan de Oro City pass through Surigao City for an approximately 42 hours travel time
- SuperFerry and Sulpicio Lines have ferries bound to Surigao City from Manila for around 30 hours travel time
- From Cebu Cokaliong Shipping Lines and Sulpicio Lines have ferries to Surigao City around 12 hours travel time
Where to Stay
The Sohoton National Park have five rooms guesthouse available for rent. Rate is as low as P500 per night for a fan room that is good for three persons. For high end tourists, Club Tara Resort and Hidden Island Resort offer world class accommodation and amenities.
- Club Tara Resort
Contact No: 09175225500
- Hidden Island Resort
Contact No: 09173282448
Activities
- Island hopping and boating
- Tour in Sohoton Cove – a maze-like place consisting of limestone islets, where the only way in or out is the cave entrance passable only during low tide. Hagukan Cave, which can only be entered also during low tide is decorated with magnificent stalactites in its ceiling that become home to hundreds of bats. Magkukuob Cave, another exciting spot inside the cove leads to a cliff, the best way out is to jump off this cliff.
- Swim with millions of no-sting, friendly and playful jellyfish of Tojoman or Jellyfish Lagoon
- Spelunking in Bolitas Cave, Crystal Cave and other caves in the area. Bolitas Cave is home to balinsasayaw, a rare bird that produces a very expensive bird’s nest that is a popular soup ingredient in Chinese restaurants
- Trek and have a boat ride in Tiktikan Lake and twelve other lakes in the area
- Dive or snorkel to see the magnificent corals in the area
- See the waterfalls and giant mangroves
- Camping
- Kayaking
Tips
Sohoton National Park can be reached via three hours boat ride from Siargao. The best time of the year to go there is from January to September where no-sting jellyfish are observed to be in the the area, although the guaranteed sightings of these jellyfish are during March to May.
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Crystal and Bolitas Caves: The Twin Caves of Bucas Grande | Lakwatsero
Aug 11th, 2010
[...] Bucas Grande is a group of islands and islets in Socorro, Surigao del Norte declared as a National Park due to its natural attractions and cultural heritage which include white sand beaches, limestone islets and cliffs, hidden coves, waterfalls, mangroves, inland lakes and colorful underwater scenery. But apart from these, the group of islands also offers spelunking on its caves- two of which are Crystal and Bolitas Caves, that meets on the same opening. Inside Bolitas Cave [...]
ryan
Jun 23rd, 2010
sohoton lagoon is such good and nice place.
Surviving Caramoan (A Budget Friendly Guide) | Lakwatsero
Apr 8th, 2010
[...] with its white sand islands and limestone cliffs, Boracay was out of my sight. It was more like Bucas Grande Islands in Surigao del Norte and Coron [...]
thepinaysolobackpacker
Mar 16th, 2010
huwaw! one of my must-visit this year! will surely visit your site again! thnx for sharing!
junne juanite
Dec 19th, 2009
thank you sa inyong lahat na nakapunta sa island namin,sana hindi kayo magsawang pumunta dahil sa sohoton cave ay napakagandang lugar. WELCOME AND COME BACK AGAIN……..
Marsi Kang
Nov 8th, 2009
Gooood Day!!!
Any questions for club tara..
Pls, email me clubtara_rsvn[at]hotmail[dot]com
Thank you !
benj
Sep 3rd, 2009
Angel, dagdag ka kaya ng pictures?
Pasyalera
Aug 29th, 2009
Really? On what days? We will be there this Sept 15 to 18.
Pinoytraveller
Aug 14th, 2009
Wahh! I was there right after uni graduation. Stayed in a friend’s house in Cantilan. I want to visit blue lagoon again!
Iris
Jul 13th, 2009
Hi! would you have the contact info for Club Tara and Hidden Island Resort? I’ve been looking all over and haven’t been able to find it. Appreciate if you can email me.
Thanks!
judy
Jul 7th, 2009
hey! i have been there in sohoton last may 2009…i am from claver surigao del norte…its really amazing especially when u entered the mouth of the sohoton…hey can i join you as you travel..email me piturenamo@yahoo.com..
thanks
cba
Jun 25th, 2009
great, angel! this is just one of the wonders, a must see in Mindanao. more people should go down south to discover it’s beauty and charm…
Pasyalera
Jun 25th, 2009
I love your shot. That was simply captivating! My friends and I will be in Siargao this September 2009 and we should not miss this scenic spot in the island. Thanks for sharing.
Bucas Grande Islands/Sohoton National Park (Socorro) | Lakwatsero
Jun 20th, 2009
[...] here to see the original: Bucas Grande Islands/Sohoton National Park (Socorro) | Lakwatsero June 19th, 2009 at 4:55 [...]