Roaming Around

If you do not have a car to drive, the only option to get into places is via vans and buses. I do not recommend renting a motorbike to roam around. It takes hours to reach each destination so better to relax inside a van and watch a movie.

Airport

Tandag City has an airport but sometimes not operational. IATA code is TDG. The nearest airport is Butuan Airport (code: BXU) and Surigao Airport (code: SUG). Both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines services MNL-BXU, CEB-BXU, CEB-SUG.

Laswitan

Pacific waves hit these rocks and create splash effects over the lagoon, hence the name Laswitan which means splash in Surigaonon. The splash can go as high as 30ft and the best season is during Amihan (December-March) and the rainy season (June-September); however, during rainy season captures can be too dark and gloomy.

Footbridge at Cortes

Cortes is a 4th municipality of Surigao del Sur. This small town still reflects how the old times are. Make your way to the beach area, and this footbridge is a refreshing hang out area.

Britania Group of Islands

Located in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, is considered the best-kept secret of the province and I can't argue to that. Britania is a barangay and the take-off point to reach the group of islands. Island hopping is priced at Php1500 per boat with 10-15 capacity, no lunch included. The tour takes about four hours only to three to four islands, but you can haggle if you prefer to stay a little longer.

Hagonoy Island

This is sandbar island with a few coconut trees and plants in the middle. Hagonoy Island is the first stop of the island hopping. The sand is white and fine; water is clear and blue. Just a few tourists swim here because of the waves and sudden depth of the sea.

Naked Island

Visit on this island is dependent on season and weather. They only include this island on the tour during summer. Unfortunately, the tour did not include this in the itinerary during my visit but I paid the same amount. hmm.

Buslon Island

This island offers water activities and not just swimming and tanning. Banana boat is priced at Php100 per head. You can also rent jetski for half an hour. There are local selling souvenir items too. The sand here is finer than Hagonoy's and water is as clear and blue. You can only access the front area because the majority of the island is limestones and big rock formations. There are some cool features of this island like a passage from the front beach to the side beach through the rocks. Also during low tide, the adjacent island can be reached just by walking.

Hiyor-hiyoran Island

This is just 5min boat-ride away from Buslon and the last island of the tour. The strong features of this island are the tall coconut trees and the patch of grass that makes beer-and-chill suitable under the shade. Don't forget to bring your speakers to listen to your beach playlist while enjoying your meal or the bottles of beer. The sand here is the finest among the three, waters are as clear and blue - best for swimming too. These features make this island as one of my favorites.

Enchanted River

Perhaps this is the most popular destination in Surigao del Sur. Rio Encantado or the Enchanted River has sapphire blue hue of water and cave system that is still being explored; these and the local myths make the enchanted impression to the river. Tourists are now only allowed to swim in the shallow part of the river and required a life jacket. The entrance fee is Php 50.

Tinuy-an Falls

The location of this falls is far from the main highway. And upon seeing this, the falls look grand. The long stretch of the waterfalls adds to its unique beauty. It is a three-level waterfall and you may reach the upper two with a guide. The long trip of habal-habal is worth it! The entrance fee is Php 50 and just additional tip for the guide. 

Tinuy-an Falls

The other two levels of waterfalls are not that high but as expected, waters are strong and clean. Try the edge shot at the 2nd level. Scary but fun.

Mabua Pebble Beach

I added this destination in the itinerary if in case you like to explore Surigao city before heading to Surigao del Sur. The pebbles in Mabua are out of this world! The pile of pebbles are consistent and smooth. Even at the beach, the seafloor is made of pebbles. Just wow! this is a different kind of beach.

Places to Eat

Try Zabeth's BBQ if you are in Surigao City.