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 a bus with a Cagayan signboard and alighted at Agora Terminal. Then, we rode another bus with a Butuan signboard and alighted at their central terminal. Then, another bus ride to Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Below was our 5-day backpacking trip in Mindanao covering Surigao, Agusan del Norte, and Camiguin.
At the integrated terminal of Bislig, first, we rode in a tricycle and checked in. It was a tiring day, so we spent the rest of the day walking on the streets of the city. Bought supplies. Rested. The next day, early 7 in the morning, we had breakfast and started our tour to the stunning attractions.
1. Tinuy-an Falls
To start the day, we headed to Tinuy-an Falls. It is situated in Brgy. Barboanan and it's accessible via motorcycle from Bislig City proper. This waterfall has a towering limestone cliff where the water is falling. On the ground, there's a freshwater man-made lake landscaped with trees, grass, and flowers that preserve the relaxing ambience. If you're searching for adventure, you can hike up to the terraces of water on top.
2. Ride a Skylab
After the remarkable experience at Tinuy-an Falls, we went back to the city proper by riding a "skylab." It's a motorcycle with built-in chairs made of wood on the side. The normal motorcycle capacity is 3-4 but, by using the skylab, it can carry 10 passengers at once. It's not just about weight balancing; the muddy road adds up to the reason why it's remarkable and is a must tried.
3. International Doll House
If you're from Tinuy-an Falls and heading back to Bislig City proper, you can pass by this multi-million pesos doll collection. The International Doll House was once featured on Rated K. Inside the glass cabinets are precious and expensive dolls from different parts of the world. It is not limited to dolls; there are expensive cups and toys displayed inside the cabinet. Then, we headed back to the hotel to pack up for the next destination.
Bislig is a typical city, so the mode of transportation is not a problem. We rode a tricycle to the park, where we took another van ride to Tagbina. The driver knew our destination, so we relaxed. Took a nap. And the driver shouted. At last! We're in Tagbina. From the highway, we rode a motorcycle to Libuacan Cold Spring.
4. Libuacan Cold Spring
Situated in Tagbina, the Libuacan Cold Spring bears a hidden beauty that nature possesses, perfect for summer destinations. It is a long river system where the cold spring water flows to the pool where tourists can swim. The tranquility is preserved because of the plants and the hardwood trees surrounding the area. Again, if you're looking for an extreme, tourists can climb up the trees by the river and jump into the water. Stores, a parking area, a toilet, and a bath are available in the area. We stayed here for 2 hours.
After enjoying the beauty of the cold spring, we rode in a tricycle. At Maglambing, by the highway, we rode a van, with a Tandag signboard, and alighted in San Agustin, Barobo Bus Terminal. At the terminal, a multi-cab driver offered his service for only 300 pesos to San Agustin. Since it's a huge savings than having another bus ride, we accepted. The next day, it was a fun island hopping at the Britania Group of Islets.
5. Britania Group of Islands
These stunning islets are situated in the municipality of San Agustin. Composed of Hagonoy, Naked, Boslon, and Hiyor-Hiyoran islands, these islets have the same features there's a white sand shoreline surrounded by crystal clear and emerald waters, artistic rock and limestone formations, there's a big picture of a golden and beautiful sunset. Plus, there's a wealth of flora and fauna underwater.
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 the Shine family's in the city to lessen our expenses. Click HERE to read our journey in Butuan.
How to Get to Surigao del Sur: By Air: Book a flight from Manila to Butuan Airport (BXU) and Surigao Airport (SUG). Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have their regular flights to these airports. From Butuan, ride a bus or van to Mangahoy. From Surigao City, ride a bus to Butuan or Tandag, then ride a bus or van to Bislig. Or, at the airport, ride in a van to the Integrated Terminal. Take another ride to Biglig, Surigao del Sur.
- Jumong's Resthouse
- Camp Soteria Resort
Affordable Place to Stay in Surigao del Sur:
- BNJ Boarding House, Bislig
- GLC Suites, Bislig
- Kamayo Hostel Hinatuan
