Crystal and Bolitas Caves: The Twin Caves of Bucas Grande
Bucas Grande (Sohoton Cove) 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 two of its caves that meet on the same opening – the Crystal and Bolitas Caves.
- Inside Bolitas Cave
Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is an open-ended cave. The name was derived due to its shining stalactites, stalagmites, columns and formations that seem to be dotted with crystals. With its big chamber and pathway, it is definitely an easy trek.
- A shining column inside Crystal Cave
- Stalactites forming columns
Bolitas Cave
This close-ended cave is named as Bolitas, a Filipino term for pellets, due to abundance of small pellet-like stones inside. This rounded stones are droplets from tiny stalactites and believed to be formed thousand years ago.
- Pellet stones inside Bolitas Cave
- A Balinsasayaw inside Bolitas Cave
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.
The trek to this cave is harder than the Crystal Cave due to its small chamber and very narrow passage that can fit only a person at a time. One needs to slide, glide or crawl to get inside.
- Narrow passage in Bolitas Cave
- These tiny stalagmites form pellet stones.
Bucas Grande is two hours by boat from General Luna, Siargao and thirty minutes boat ride from the Port of Hayanggabon, Socorro, Surigao del Norte.
how much is the package on island hopping including visiting the caves and the lakes? We will be going to Bukas Grande this coming May and where can we stay? and how much is the cheapest but better place to stay. Thank you.
hi!
i’am going to siargao this july. would you mind giving the contact details of your boatmen and tourguides?
thanks!
sakto. naghahanap ako ng caves!
Hi im going by january in siargao-surigao route. does it mean that i wouldnt be able to swim with the jellyfish? sadness
i have to admit thats one of my main reason thats why i booked a flight to siargao. this may seem silly but sohoton is nearer to siargao or to surigao?
Thanks for answering my queries
Hi Rose, the chance of seeing the non stinging jellyfish on January is very small as they are observed to be there on summer.
Geographically speaking, Sohoton Cove is nearer to Siargao than Surigao City.
hi angel,
love this post!
Thanks Che! Let’s go back here
sure, angel. i think it’s about time you should be back…
Hi,
Nice knowing that you visited Bucas Grande, My Island Home. How I wish we met each other during your future visits here.
sir ed,
we frequently visit sohoton, hope to meet you next time.