Backpacking Overview
Our original plan was to hike Mt. Dulang-dulang and Mt. Kitanglad, but because of the question: “gusto nyo ba?” it was changed to backpacking in Northern Mindanao. It happened for a very, very short time. So from Malaybalay, Bukidnon, we rode on a bus with a Cagayan signboard and alighted at Agora Terminal. At the terminal, we rode in a bus with a Butuan signboard and alighted at Butuan Terminal. Then, another bus ride to Mangahoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Our first destinations are the majestic tourist spots in Surigao del Sur.
Surigao del Sur Top Tourist Spots
Tinuy-an Falls
Tinuy-An Falls is definitely the top tourist spot in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. It is a huge waterfall with cool and crystal clear waters, surroundedat by relaxing greens, creating the area a gorgeous landscape. The ambiance is so calm, with the fresh air blowing. Feel the pressure of the water falling by riding on the raft to the base of the waterfalls. One of the exciting and exhilarating experiences I had during our backpacking in Surigao del Sur was riding on a "skylab," the motorcycle or habal-habal, in a side-by-side position. We did this after visiting the falls and heading to the highway to Bislig City. We alighted by the entrance of a private property.
International Doll Museum
John, our guide, mentioned the Golden Matryosh Ka Doll (photo above) at International Doll House, in Bislig, and it’s our first time hearing of such an inviting attraction. John told us that this dollhouse displays thousands of dolls and toys. There’s a doll with gold on her head, a doll with hair and eyelashes from the original Rose of Titanic, there’s a motorcycle toy with a value of 2.5 million pesos, and many more.
Still surprised by the value of each of the dolls inside the International Doll House, we rode in a tricycle back to our pension house. Tidy up. Packed our stuff and proceeded to the I Love Bislig sign along the highway. On this spot, we rode in a van with a Tandag signboard (60 pesos fare) and alighted in Maglambing, Tagbin. Then, a motorcycle ride to the location of Libuacan Cold Spring, 20 pesos per head, one way. No entrance fees, just donations.
Libuacan Cold Spring
Libuacan Cold Spring is part of our must-visit tourist destinations in Surigao del Sur. We felt sad because the famous Enchanted River was closed due to its renovations, but it's fine, there will always be a perfect time for us; anyway, let’s go back to Libuacan Cold Spring. It is a river system with cold and crystalline water, free-flowing and surrounded by relaxing greens. Since the area is surrounded by trees, the ambiance is cool and relaxing; everything seems fresh. We stayed here for a couple of hours.
After enjoying the beauty of the cold spring, we rode in a tricycle. At Maglambing, by the highway, we rode in a Van with a Tandag signboard and alighted in San Agustin, Barobo Bus Terminal. At the terminal, a driver offered his service for only 300 pesos to San Agustin. Since it's a huge savings over having another bus ride, we accepted. The next day, it was a fun island hopping at the Britania Group of Islets.
Be transformed as you meditate at the garden of vines that heals every soul’s weary at Hagonoy, Naked, Boston, and Hiyor-historian Islands – three gorgeous Britania Group of Islets. These islets are small but have fine white sand beaches and are surrounded by cool and crystal clear waters. They are like pearls in the ocean!
The whole Britania Island hopping was three to four hours, and we returned to the resort to prepare for another tiring land travel. Tidy up. Repacked and proceeded to our next destination – Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. By the highway, we rode on a bus with a Butuan signboard and alighted at the Butuan Terminal. Travel time was three hours. We stayed at Shine’s family's in the city to lessen our expenses. The next day was a city tour.
Agusan del Norte Stunning Attractions
We arrived in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, around noon. The first thing we did was have lunch. Then, our family's friend brought us to their house for an overnight stay. We still had a lot of time, so we headed to the historical sites in the city.
Balangay Shrine
The Balangay Shrine is a branch of the National Museum of the Philippines, which is just a small structure. Still, the artifacts inside are the ancient and historical remnants of Balangay and other things discovered in the area. Most parts of its structure are surrounded by glass to protect each of the relics. If I am not mistaken, I was in the fifth grade when I heard this word for the first time. The Filipino word Baranggay was derived from the word Balangay, which is a watercraft used by the ancient people in the Philippines for transportation, barter, and trade.
Butuan National Museum
After the Balangay Shrine, we rode in a tricycle again and proceeded to our next destination – the Butuan National Museum. It is one of the historical structures in Butuan City that houses and protects the relics discovered in the region. It also holds several objects used by the locals for their daily life, such as jars, ceramics and earthenware, hand-woven clothing, and many more.
The Golden Tara
Just a walking distance from the Butuan National Museum, we found the Golden Tara. It is a molded gold figurine of a Tara or a goddess from the Buddhist Pantheon, which was found by a Monobo native along the Wawa River in Central Agusan. This image is cast in 21-karat gold that weighs nearly four pounds and measures around eight inches in height. However, it was acquired in 1922 by the Americans and bought by the wife of the Governor General Wood. It is now housed in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, IL, US.
After visiting the historical escapade, we headed to the public market and bought supplies. Headed back to the house, prepared, and had dinner. Tidied up and rested.
Camiguin Spectacular Destinations
The next day, around 2 AM, we were at the Butuan Terminal for our next destination – Camiguin. From Butuan Terminal, we rode in a bus, alighted in Balingoan, and proceeded to the port, a walking distance from the terminal. At the port, we bought our ferry tickets and paid terminal fees. Travel time to Camiguin is an hour.
Every time I hear the word Camiguin, I usually think of the best lanzones in the Philippines and the underwater cemetery. But during our visit, we saw how wealthy the top tourist spots and destinations in Camiguin are in terms of natural beauty, making the province one of the best tourist spots, tourist destinations, and tourist attractions in the Philippines. Backpacking is not a big problem here because at the port of Camiguin, a multi-cab with a driver can be chartered for the whole day tour (that’s what we did).
Katibawasan Falls
Our itinerary was from the farthest. Katibawasan Falls is a 250-meter waterfall with cool and clear water flowing into a river system. The atmosphere in the area is calm because it is surrounded by trees that give fresh and clean air. The water is cold but relaxing because of the pressure, perfect for your tired muscles. Entrance fees are being collected. Souvenir shops are available by the entrance.
Sto. Nino Cold Spring
With the help of our driver/guide, we followed the province's tourist spots map, and the next destination was Sto. Nino Cold Spring. You can easily expect fresh and cold spring water from its name. I had no plans to get wet, especially with the temperature of the water, but because of its super duper clear water, I dipped into the water and experienced how great this cold spring was. I was also stunned by the bottom of the pool; there is no silt because it is made of concrete.
Tuasan Falls is another stunning waterfall we found in a brochure of the Camiguin tourist spot. It is one of the must-visit attractions in the province because of its grandeur. Similar to the other waterfalls in the Philippines, it has water (of course), has a relaxing water pressure, and the area is surrounded by trees and woods. I think Tuasan is not that famous, so fewer people are good for you. During our visit, NO Entrance fees were collected. Stores are available at the entrance.
Bura Soda Swimming Pool
The Bura Soda Swimming Pool is also by the highway. I know you're wondering why they call it Soda. It is simply because the water coming out of this spring tastes like a soda, and it is safe to drink. Like the Sto. Nino Cold Spring, the Soda Swimming Pool, also has cool, refreshing, and crystal clear water.
Guiob Church Ruin
Creating an itinerary with all Camiguin tourist spots is easy because most of the destinations are by the highway, like this old Spanish Guiob Church Ruin. It was damaged by the volcanic eruption that happened centuries ago, damaging the other structures on the island. The ruin is composed of meter-wide walls and huge columns made of coral stones. Today, they are covered with mosses and plants.
Sunken Cemetery
In the 1800s, Mt. Vulcan was still an active volcano. Its first eruption was in 1827, then in 1862, and the most destructive was in 1871, causing the cemetery to sink. Then, it sank deeper when it erupted again in the 1960s. It was a resting place, but today, it is probably one of the most visited attractions in the province. It's a place that gives money to the government and jobs to the locals. The best time to visit this Sunken Cemetery is during the dry season, that is, from December to May. The large cross was built by the government to mark the burial ground's location. To reach the cross and step on its base, visitors can rent a boat, of course, NOT for free. Souvenir shops and stores are available at the entrance.
Ardent Hot Spring
After the tiring escapade, it's time to relax. The famous Mt. Hibok-Hibok of Camiguin is a good source of hot springs, like Ardent Hot Spring, our last destination for that day. Situated at the base of a volcano, Ardent has a wide land area composed of trees, plants, cottages, and other structures. Tourists usually make this hot spring their last destination to soothe their tired muscles. Spent an hour of relaxation here while my body was submerged in the warm water.
White Island
Due to bad weather conditions, we were unable to visit the famous White Island. We waited for good weather and the signal from NDRRMC to sail, but unfortunately, the local government closed it for that day. No choice but to say goodbye with malayo ang tingin shot.
Pabua's Cottage
We stayed at Pabua's Cottage for 1,200 pesos overnight. It is definitely one of the most affordable hotels or places to stay in Camiguin. The room or cottage is wide, with its clean rest and shower rooms, a TV with cable, a terrace, and three queen-sized beds. Since we were on a tight budget, we went to the market and bought our supplies, cooked, served with happiness, and then rested. Please note that the amount might change without prior notice.
Pastel de Camiguin
You can't complete your Camiguin experience without trying Pastel de Camiguin. Don’t forget to have a short break and eat a Pastel. It is not chicken pastel or pastel colors; it is bread with soft dough and yema fillings inside. Grabe! Iba talaga ang feeling habang kumakain ka nito. BABALA: It is addictive! Yung pasalubong ko, naubos ko sa Airport palang.
Final Thoughts
Backpacking across Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Camiguin is a journey through Mindanao’s diverse beauty—from majestic waterfalls and enchanted rivers to historical landmarks and volcanic islands. Each destination offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure that leaves a lasting impression on every traveler. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Bislig, exploring Butuan’s ancient past, or soaking in Camiguin’s hot and cold springs, the experience is as enriching as it is unforgettable. This backpacking route is perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path wonders in the Philippines. With every stop, you discover not just places—but stories worth sharing.
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