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Summer of 2020 is something that a lot of us will surely remember because it had locked us inside our houses. No thanks, of course, to the COVID19 crisis that had us just daydreaming for the beach. For most of us, this is the time of the year that we all look forward to - the beach spots, getting that much-needed tan, the backpacking trips, and partying the humid nights away. I guess, we would have to make do with enjoying summer online or by leafing through our summer escapades from the previous years. This summer will stand out for me because I finally got to participate in the #OneWorld2020 project of @ProjectHeadshotClinic. The initiative was launched during the celebration of Earth Day last April 22 and the theme revolved around healing at the time of the COVID19 health crisis while the earth heals itself. The main goal is to spread the positive vibe while we all get transformed to a new way of life in a re-energized earth.
Merging our summer blues and the celebration of Earth Day, I want to share with you seven Philippine destinations where you can get energized and refreshed by nature. We are going to virtually travel from north to south of the country to get that summer vibe by communing with nature. These destinations allow you to see, hear, breathe, and feel the natural beauty of the Philippines. Batanes Batanes is a destination straight out of a movie. Its magnificent and rugged views, its laidback vibe, and its meek locals are the perfect ingredients for one amazing trip. It has its own world that dictates its own time and its own pace. You will feel it in every corner of Batanes and it will draw you into its world.
Read the first part of my Batanes adventure here. You can spend hours and hours of communing with nature in Batanes as you immerse yourself with the view of its hills rolling to meet the sea. You can just lie down on its grassy hillside and feel the earth under you and the sea wind blowing gently. Or you can choose to walk barefoot along its sandy or rocky shores and feel the cold water wash your worries to the sea. Read the second part of my Batanes adventure here. The culture and meekness of the locals blend perfectly well with its rugged natural beauty. The bounty that surrounds them is something that molded their humility and appreciating what the earth provides for them. Beyond getting energized by nature, a trip to Batanes will also teach you that the best things in life are free. Read the third and last part of my Batanes adventure here. Sagada, Mountain Province Sagada brings you back in time. It brings you back to the time where people live with what they have. It brings you back to the time when people value life’s basics more than profit. It brings you back to the time where people understood how nature is valued and how it protects people from harm.
The most striking story that stayed with me during my trip to Sagada was how Bomod-ok Falls kept the town safe during earlier times from raids. A different crashing sound was heard from the water cascading down the base of the falls served as an early warning to villagers of an impending attack. Locals have a unique understanding in nature and it is reflected in their culture and day-to-day runs. You can read about my Sagada adventure here. Sagada is a sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul. Tucked within the mountain ranges of the Cordillera, it is another perfect spot to commune with nature. You can always find a spot where you can enjoy the mountain views and breath in its crisp pine-scented air. The adventure that it offers allow you to walk through nature’s artwork that was slowly crafted by nature’s activity. Interestingly, Sagada’s traditional burial practices has a unique way of telling us that, even after life, we always come back to be one with the earth. Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal If you are from Manila and you are looking for a quick weekend escape, Daraitan in Tanay, Rizal is a great place to head-off to. This destination, east of Manila, is a favorite day and weekend destination because of the rustic adventures that it has to offer. You get the thrill of exploring without traveling very far.
Read about my daytrip hike to Tinipak River here. A trek to Tinipak Cave and River is a good way of exercising while enjoying nature. The trail to Tinipak River will keep you entertained with its views of the river and the mountain ranges that surround it. The view of white limestone rock formations of Tinipak River and a dip in its cold and clean spring water are natire’s reward after your hike. You can explore the Tinipak cave or just enjoy its cold spring waters under the shade of the trees. These activities remind me when I was growing up in Baguio and Cavite. Read about my fitspiration travel to Kuta Bungliw here. Kuta Bungliw is a great place to spend a night away from the hustle and bustle of the city lights. It is a no-frills kind of accommodation perched along the side of Mount Daraitan. The campsite was designed to blend with its natural setting so do not expect it to be a resort-kind of experience. This is the best place to just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. This is where you can sit back and enjoy the awesome view of Daraitan and the river that flows through it from the top. Balabac, Palawan Palawan will always be on my list... I guess, it will always be on my list at any given time. The province is the last frontier of the country and it has a lot to offer from its northern tip down to the southern tip. It will always have something to offer to any type of traveler.
Read the first part of my Balabac trip here. Beach lovers... Balabac is one destination where you can get to your sun and sand fix to the brim. You are talking about kilometers and kilometers of untouched white sand shorelines, awesome sunsets, and amazing underwater scenes. You will get enough of waking up every day to discover new beach spots, dip into natural infinity pools, and getting soaked on the summer combination of sun, sand, and sea. There is nothing else to do but just to enjoy and live the beach life. You leave the place energized, amazed that such beautiful natural spots exists, and wishing you could stay longer. Read the second part of my Balabac trip here. Balabac is slowly getting more attention now, from the time that I visited the municipality. I have to admit that it has re-defined my definition of beach spots that to this day remains to be THE standard. Spending hours and hours of exploring virgin white sand beach spots was more than enough for anyone to get fully charged and energized by nature. Balabac’s energy lingers for a long time and its memories linger longer. Antique Antique may not be on everyone’s immediate travel list but it is one off-beat destination that is worth exploring. Most of its attractions remain untouched by commercialism so this is the closest that you can get to its natural setting. Whether you choose to enjoy the inland attractions or the nearby islands, Antique has something to offer.
You can check out my Tibiao and Mararison adventure here. Tibiao was my favorite spot in Antique. It gave me the sense of freedom from being detached from the humdrum of the fast-paced world - no mobile signal and no television. It was a rustic night where I got to enjoy the relaxing sound of a spring water running down the stream and the chorus of crickets at night. The night sound lulls you to a relaxing sleep. Mornings were no different as I hiked up to a nearby waterfall and splashed around the river on a tube. A warm and relaxing “kawa” bath completes the Tibiao adventure. To cap off my day, I scooted to the nearby Mararison Island to hike up its rolling hills to watch its golden sunset. Lake S’bu, South Cotabato The slow-paced life of the T’boli tribe in South Cotabato revolves around the bounties of nature that surround them. Most of their cultural heritage are intertwined with their respect towards earth and nature. Water is the central element of their community with a lake that is central to their lives to the seven waterfalls that run through their ancestral domain.
For a guest of Lake S’bu, the day starts off with a tranquil canoe ride across the lake. Mornings become brighter with the blooming of the lotus as the sun rises from the horizon. This early morning treat is a feast for the eyes as part of the lake transforms into a sea of pink blooms. The adventure continues on as you explore the two accessible waterfalls within their domain. You can get refreshed as you dip your feet in its cold water as you admire its mighty cascade. The night orchestra of evening sounds crickets and nocturnal animals while you rest by the lakeshore is a great way to cap off the day’s exploration. Read about my Lake S’bu adventures here. Beyond the beauty of what nature bestowed upon Lake S’bu, one cannot help but notice the cultural heritage of the T’boli. From their T’nalak dream weavers to their wide collections of trinkets, gongs, and ornaments, its inspiration is drawn from the connection of man and nature. These T’boli ancestral domain in South Cotabato is a perfect example of how man and nature come together to create a functional society. It teaches us that all that we need is just around us. Bislig/Hinatuan A close encounter with stingrays made my visit to Hinatuan and Bislig a memorable one. It was even made more special by the fact that it was a first and last summer trip for 2020 because we had to rush back to Manila before the community quarantine was to take effect. Nevertheless, the natural attractions of both destinations did not fail to make me excited to come back and explore it again.
Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig was a stunner. The view of its wide cascade was just simply beautiful and, if you happen to be at the right location at the right time, you can catch the rainbow at the edge of the falls. The park has a lot of viewing spots where you get to enjoy the different characters of this famous waterfall. Take the time to enjoy its cool waters running over your feet while basking in the morning sun. The feel of the rocks, water, and the heat of the sun is energizing. Read about my Bislig and Hinatuan experience here. Just an hour away from Bislig is another natural attraction that is now being developed by the local government - the Hinatuan Enchanted River. The river was said to be once the dwelling place of “engkantos” that gave the river its amazing deep-blue and green color. Taking a dip in its cool waters can be a challenge because of the strong water current towards the sea. The opening of the cave is where the freshwater from the underground river meets the seawater of Hinatuan Bay. You can just relax, enjoy the greens that surround you, and enjoy the water as it slowly nudges you. POST TRAVEL NOTES I am one of the lucky guys who managed to slip in a summer escape just right before the #CommunityQuarantine was declared. Although it was cut short, I am happy that I got to pull a fast one rather than having none at all. It is true that, when we finally get out of our quarantine, everything will be different. We will be living in a different kind of norm.  Sharing positive vibes through #ProjectHeadshotClinic's #OneWorld2020 project released during this year's Earth Day celebration. One good thing about this quarantine is that it did refurbished the earth that we live in. Nature has a unique way of cleansing and re-energizing itself, in the same way that it can renew and re-energize us when we commune with it. So when we finally step out, take the time to breathe in earth’s energy. Take a trip to the nature spots that I shared with you or to your own earth spot to enjoy nature as it churns the day and breathe in its energy. It will be therapeutic and healthy.
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When the Luzon Community Quarantine was announced, we went on a mad rush to book a return flight to Manila. Our worry then was to get back the soonest that we can, lest we get stranded in Mindanao. We had to cut short our backpacking trip and, 12 hours after, we found ourselves wrapping up our half-baked CARAGA trip and wandering around a city known for its balanghai.  Butuan City was not only beautiful but also has a rich history to share. Butuan City is a regional center located on the northeastern side of Mindanao. It serves as the primary gateway of CARAGA region. The excavation of “balangay” boats have placed the city in the tourism map of the country. Since then, the ancient boats served as an icon of this bustling city.
With a limited time in Butuan, we went around town to explore its nooks and crannies. It did not fail to impress us with its old urban town vibe. Balangay Shrine Museum The excavation of these ancient boats gave us a glimpse of the rich history of the region as a trading post during earlier times. The museum is located near the banks of Masao River where 3 of the 9 balangays discovered were already excavated. These ancient boats measured 15 meters in length and 3 meters in width on its beam.  The Balangay Shrine Museum houses the excavated remains of the ancient boat - the balangay. These balangays or balanghais serve as evidence of Butuan being a port city way back to the pre-Spanish period. They are now on display at the shrine. Unfortunately, we were unable to view the exhibit as the museum was closed because of the COVID19 crisis. Getting there: One can take a jeep to Libertad and you can ask the driver to drop you off at the Libertad National Highschool. You can then ride a trike to the Balanghai Shrine Museum. Santo Nino Diocesian Shrine Tucked along Maharlika highway, one cannot miss out on this beautiful church here in Butuan City. Established in 1986, it is the home of the image of the Sto. Nino that was brought to Butuan by Ferdinand Magellan. The history that the church holds and the beauty of its structure make it one interesting destination to drop by.  The church is the home of the image of the Santo Nino brought by Ferdinand Magellan in Butuan.
The church looks simple beautiful with its simple façade but its interior is just amazing. I loved the high ceiling and the stained-glass windows that gave it a very impressive vibe. The focal point of the church is its beautifully crafted altar with the Crucified Christ as its centerpiece. Adjacent to the main altar is a smaller altar where the revered image of the Sto. Nino is prominently displayed. Getting there: From the Balangay Shrine Museum, you can take a tricycle and you can ask the driver to bring you to the Sto. Nino Shrine. You can also walk to the church from the tricycle’s drop-off point near the Libertad National Highschool. Banza Church Ruins On the banks on this side of Agusan River once stood a pueblo that served as the center of Butuan for 200 years. However, Banza’s location was prone to Moro raids that left a trail of massive destruction that a forcible transfer of the pueblo was decreed in 1865. It did not go well among the locals that it led to the arrest of the parish priest, Fray Matias Villamayor.  Reading through the history of the Banza Church Ruins Now, the only mute witness to the rich history of Banza is a huge Balete Tree that encased the ruins of the old church’s belfry. One can take a peek at the ruins through a small opening on the side of the tree. The balete tree seemed to be protecting the only piece left of a once thriving community by the river. A small kiosk was built near the tree where a marker was installed that outline the history of the place.
The place is a great spot to view the mighty Agusan River. It is also a perfect spot where you can just simply sit down on the edge of the dike or lie down on the grass to just enjoy a lazy and peaceful afternoon. I just hope that the LGU will give more attention to this historical place where the “población” once stood. Getting there: You can take a jeep to Banza from the Sto. Nino Diocesan Church. You go down at the corner right after the Magsaysay Bridge. You can then rent a habal-habal to take you to the Banza Church Ruins. I highly suggest that you ask the habal-habal driver to wait for you as it may be hard to get a ride back to the jump-off point. St. Joseph Cathedral At the heart of Butuan City is one of the main churches of the city – the St. Joseph Cathedral. The present church was consecrated in 1954 and was elevated to a Cathedral in 1967 by Pope Paul VI. The church is the first to be established in Mindanao and its history go way back to the Spanish Occupation. Its long history includes the celebration of the First Easter Mass in 1521 and the blessing of the first church in Mindanao in 1597.  The St. Joseph Cathedral is the oldest church in Mindanao.
The church stands tall and mighty over the city. Its simple façade is complemented by a belfry adjacent to it. Its simple design cuts across even within its walls. At the heart of the church is its beautifully crafted retablo adorned in brown and gold. Getting there: You can take a jeep headed for the city proper from the jump-off point of the Banza Church Ruins. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the Cathedral which is only a few meters after the bridge. Butuan Plaza / Guingona Park Just right across the St. Joseph Cathedral is an open place park – the Butuan Plaza. The plaza is the typical open-space park with a band stand that you see in urban cities in the provinces. A statue of our national hero is installed on one side of the area while the Philippine Flag stands right across it. It was once renamed as Rizal Park as it is believed that the national hero once visited the area but it was later reverted to its original name after it was reconstructed.  The Guingona Park is a good place to observe a typical day in Butuan City.
If you want to observe a typical Butuan day, the plaza is the best place to just sit down and observe locals go by their usual day. We got there in the late afternoon and I noticed that a number of locals just sit by and relax in the plaza just to see the afternoon go by. Getting there: The Butuan Plaza is right across the St. Joseph Cathedral. Magsaysay Bridge and Agusan River Another historical structure in the city is the Magsaysay Bridge that spans across the Agusan River. It was built in 1957 and was the first bridge installed in the city that goes across the river. The red color of its trusses was maintained giving it a more creative look with the Agusan River in its background and foreground. The arch-type steel bridge, for years, served as the lone connection of the city to the rest of Mindanao.  The Magsaysay Bridge was once the only bridge connecting parts of Butuan to the rest of Mindanao. This is also a good viewing point of the Agusan River. The river is the widest and the most navigable river in Mindanao. It is the third largest river system in the country with an estimated total length of 349 kilometers. Its headwaters are found in the mountains of Davao de Oro that drains directly to Butuan Bay.  The steel truss bridge was built in 1957. The best time to visit the place is in the late afternoon so you get to enjoy that warm afternoon sun striking the Magsaysay Bridge. The view is both photogenic and relaxing. Getting there: From the Butuan Plaza, you walk along San Jose Street until you reach a dirt road leading to the Butuan Fire Station. Agusan River is right across it. Butuan City Hall /National Museum (Butuan Branch) With a few extra hours before heading back to Manila, we decided to explore the Butuan City Hall and the National Museum in Butuan. Both spots are located adjacent to each other along Jose Rosales Ave.
The Butuan City Hall is the city’s center of governance. The sprawling complex is where most of the city’s LGU officials hold their office. The main building has a simple facade highlighted by the city’s seal. It also has a huge open space park where an image of Rajah Kolambu was installed to honor him as he once ruled the region. A few meters from the City Hall, one can check on the rich history of the region. The National Museum - Butuan Branch serves as the repository of the archeological finds in the city and in the CARAGA region. Some of its exhibit are metal crafts, woodcrafts, potteries, and burial jars from pre-Spanish period that details the historical role of Butuan and the region in Philippine history. Unfortunately, the museum was closed because of the COVID19 crisis and we were not able to view the exhibits. We had to settle with taking pictures of its complex from the outside. Getting there: From the Butuan Plaza,you can take a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to the Butuan City Hall. The National Museum (Butuan Branch) is walking distance from the city hall. Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol Butuan City was once the regional center of Agusan del Norte until 2000 when it was transferred to Cabadbaran City. Despite the move, some regional offices are still within the city pending its transfer.  The Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol was once the seat of power of the province. A kilometer across the Butuan City Hall stand the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol. The capitol building was built in 1951 and its design is influenced by American post-World War 2 architecture. Complete with a sprawling front lawn, the complex was built on a land donated by the first governor of Butuan, Teofisto Guingona. Getting there: From the Butuan City Hall, you can take a tricycle to the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol. POST TRAVEL NOTES Butuan City has a perfect mix of rural-urban vibe and history that made our short visit interesting. This historical port city has a full story to share that it deserves more than just a few hours to enjoy both its natural and man-made attractions. The hours of exploration may have been short but the fun and excitement of discovering a new city was still the same. I am pretty sure that I will have more time to spend with this city to share its story on my next visit.
As I waited for my flight back to Manila at the Bancasi Airport, I realized how the COVID19 crisis will impact the tourism industry, and businesses as a whole. Here I was in the middle of the departure lounge where dozens of people are waiting for their flights back to Manila. I wondered how many of them had to cut short their trips, like me, because of the #CommunityQuarantine. I wondered how local communities, who rely on tourism, would fare on a period of crisis.  Time to get back to nature. Time to recharge. Here we are now in middle of April and still under the enhanced community quarantine. Summer of 2020 was literally cancelled for everyone’s safety. I was lucky enough to have at least got a taste of it before it was cancelled. But there is hope and I would like to appeal to the one reading this... when this is all over, I encourage you to travel locally and to support local businesses. This will go a long way to help our fellow Filipinos, our local communities, and our beloved Philippines. Stay safe inside the comforts of your home! Getting there: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Butuan City from Manila and Cebu.
Water is my element and this province is overflowing with water that it comes from above, under, and on all sides. It is no wonder then that it was quite easy for me to fall in love with this province for its vast water attractions that captivates and enchants you. From its majestic views to its enchanting stories, Surigao del Sur is definitely a charmer.  Getting ready to get out to the blue to explore the other side of Mindanao. Located on the eastern coast of Mindanao, Surigao del Sur is the 56th province of the country that was created after the mother province Surigao was dissolved in 1960. The mother province was broken down to three new provinces – Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Dinagat Islands. Its name is derived from the word “suligao” that means “spring water”. Interestingly, the main tourism draw of Surigao del Sur are two natural attractions where spring water flows. One offers a majestic view while the other one enchants its guests. These two popular destinations provide a balance to the laidback vibe of its communities. Let’s hop aboard a habal-habal for a quick daytrip to explore two popular tourist spots that make this province a Surig-Wow! Bislig City It took us about an hour of habal-habal travel from Hinatuan to get to the City of Bislig. The city is, geographically, the easternmost city of the Philippines and it is the most populous in the Surigao del Sur. Bislig is a tourism destination known for its ecotourism. It has a handful of tourist destinations from its beaches to its grand waterfalls.
Too bad that I was not able to prepare for this trip and I only allotted half a day to explore the city. I highly recommend to give Bislig City a day to those who will plan a trip to the city dubbed as the “Booming City by the Bay”. Tinuy-an Falls Tinuy-an Falls is Bislig City’s tourism icon. The multi-tierred waterfall has been featured in different travel madazines and shows because of its natural beauty.  Tinuy-an Falls is dubbed as the Philippines' version of Niagara Falls. Dubbed as the “Little Niagara Falls of the Philippines”, Tinuy-an Falls is the widest waterfall in the country with a cascade spanning 95 meters wide. Its name comes from the Cebuano word “tinuyo-an” which is rougly translated to mean “a place that you’ll keep coming back to”. Its beauty is definitely one that you would always want to re-visit and enjoy. Fresh water cascades at a height of 180 feet creating a white curtain water along its rock surface. The most photographed part of the four-level waterfall is the second level. The third and the fourth cascade are hidden from the view. I was informed by one of the manongs in the area that one can climb up a trail to get to the third level but I opted not to since the trail looked risky to me.  Tinuy-an Falls is the widest waterfall in the country. Tinuy-an Falls is very majestic. Its wide cascade provide you with different a different personality of the waterfalls. The best time to go there is in the morning because with the right angle you will be able to catch a rainbow on the right-side of the waterfall. We were also lucky that we came in on a weekday and there were only a few visitors.  The most photographed part of the waterfall is the second tier. The park is developed and maintained. If you want to get closer to the cascade, you can rent a bamboo raft to get closer to the waterfall. Bislig City Baywalk As we headed back to Hinatuan, we made a short stop by the Baywalk of the city. The viewdeck gives you a panoramic view Bislig Bay. The long stretch of the beachfront is now being developed into an attraction of the city.  A panoramic view of Bislig Bay from the highway.
One can also have a picture with the “I Love Bislig” sign here with the sea as its backdrop. Too bad though that beach was not as inviting because it looked a “muddy”. Our habal-habal driver did confirm that the beach is muddy in this area of the Surigao del Sur. Hinatuan The quaint town of Hinatuan is a charmer. I love its rustic and laidback small-town vibe. The lazy afternoons by the breakwaters, the basketball games at the plaza, or the crowds by the food stalls near the plaza. The plaza is the focal area for community activities. These is where they congregate to share stories, play a game, or just simply enjoy the late afternoon buzz. Evenings are peaceful. Everyone seems to be in their homes in the early evening so you don’t get to see anyone around except for the occasional visitors of a 24-hour convenience store near the plaza. This is the life that most city dwellers would dream of. Hinatuan Enchanted River The Hinatuan Enchanted River evokes a mystical vibe. Its deep blue waters and the surrounding foliage is a very relaxing sight that it never fails to captivate its guests. The view and the vibe are so perfect that you would want to stay a little longer just to breathe in its beauty.  That's me getting enchanted by the famous river system of Hinatuan. The deep spring river has its own story to tell. Local folklores tell the story of “engkantos” that live in the area to serve as the protector of the river. The story goes that the fairies added the colors of sapphire and jade to the river to give it its unique color. These legends are shared to guests through the poem “Rio Encantado” and the song “Hymn of Hinatuan”. The song serves as the haunting background music and narrative during the fish feeding activity. The river runs very deep into the ground. A number of explorations were already done where a hidden cave and an underwater chamber were discovered. Fresh water flows out of the cave and mixes with saltwater as it drains to the Hinatuan Bay. Swimming is no longer allowed at the mouth of the cave but guests can still take a dip on designated swimming areas. You would notice that the current going out to the sea is very strong, indicating the flow of water.
The tourism complex is now being developed in the area. It was good to see that dining facilities were constructed far away from the actual site of the river. This prevents unnecessary trash from getting into the river. It was also nice to see that there are efforts to really preserve the natural beauty of the place. I just hope that it would be sustained through the coming years as more people visit the place.  The best way to end a day of exploring. The complex also serves as the jump-off point for the Hinatuan Bay island hopping. For a rate of Php500, one can already explore the islands of Hinatuan Bay. The tour will also give you a peek as to where the waters of the Hinatuan Enchanted River meets the sea. Sibadan Fish Cage The Sibadan Fish Cage is one destination that you should not miss out when you find yourself in Hinatuan. The resort, on stilts, is tucked on one side of Hinatuan bay and offers an amazing view of its surrounding areas. It is a popular spot in the region for its stingray interactions.  Trying not to get scared with my stingray interaction. It was FUN! At the heart of the resort is a fishpen that is the home of big talakitoks, baby sharks, and stingrays. There are two landings where guests can interact with these sea creatures. You will be amazed at how sweet the stingrays are when they swim by your side. You can buy a plate of small fish at Php20 to feed these gentle creatures. Initially, the size may look intimidating but, once you get the hang of it, you find stingrays are very gentle creatures. The resort also has a restaurant that offers fresh seafoods cultured from their own fish cages. For those who opt to stay overnight, they also offer overnight accommodations. Lodestone Shores Resort If you want a little adrenalin rush, Lodestone Shore Resorts is the place to check out. The resort is picturesque with its platform connected to the island via a wooden walkway. Its laidback vibe is a perfect spot to enjoy the afternoon sun.  Enjoying the views of the Lodestone Shores. The resort also has three platforms where adrenaline junkies can jump off into the aquamarine-colored waters of the bay. There is an activity for every kind of guest. You can enjoy an afternoon sun with chill music or you can opt to shout your heart out as you plunge in to the waters of Hinatuan Bay. Rock Island Rock Island is rock islet along Hinatuan Bay. The rock formation is the main attraction of the resort. Wooden structures and walkway platforms were built around it giving the place a relaxed vibe.  Rock Island's main attraction is its rock islet. Like other spots in in the area, the area was developed around a natural feature to give the guests a different experience. POST TRAVEL NOTES With Tinuy-an Falls and the Hinatuan Enchanted River at the helm of its tourism drive, Surigao del Sur is a province that holds promise as a tourist destination. Its beautiful spots, its rustic and charming small-town vibe, and the warm hospitality of its people complete the whole travel experience. Too bad that the #CommunityQuarantine had me cutting short my CARAGA backpacking trip that had me missing out on some of its other attractions. I guess I would have to plan out another CARAGA trip to discover interesting spots on this side of Mindanao.  Where are we heading next after this quarantine? The province of Surigao del Sur is a haven for travelers. It is slowly getting more traction in its tourism drive. It is no longer just Tinuy-an and Hinatuan. There are beach spots to discover, islands to explore, and strong waves to hitch a ride on. As the province slowly opens its doors to the world, I hope that these new destinations will be developed to improve and sustain the local communities around these destinations. Getting there: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Butuan City from Manila and Cebu. From the Bancasi Airport, take a taxi and jeep to the bus station for buses and vans departing for Mangagoy, Bislig. You can ask the driver to drop you off at Hinatuan. There are a number of inns and hostels in Hinatuan. For habal-habal services for Tinuy-an and Enchanted River, you can reach Kuya Jessie at (0910) 644 3428.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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