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 in the area.

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Tags: bukas grande islands, siargao, sohoton, sohoton national park