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Sohoton Bay, Bucas Grande Travel Guide

Looking at Map, you will find Sohoton Bay as another thick and dark-green plat, seating on the southwest portion of Bucas Grande Island. White strips dot the edges to its islet conglomeration. There are also blue lagoons and shallow areas reflecting a turquoise shade to the satellite cameras. And yes, by merely looking at the map, I couldn’t stop my thin arm hairs raising for excitement.

Sohoton Bay is a real stunner in Mindanao. It emanates a pixie world vibe. The conglomeration of karst massifs that seems floating on the shallow yet mysterious waters of Bucas Grande are covered with verdant greens. You will surely get curious on what other enchantments are hidden behind those shrubs. Enthralling and bewitching are more fitting words to describe such beauty.

Sohoton also features a multi-tinged water, covering all shades in between blue and green. It makes a stunning backdrop of your boating photos.

Tojoman Lagoon or the Sohoton Bay Jellyfish Sanctuary

If you want to visit Sohoton really soon, hope this guide will help you.

How to Get There

From Manila [MNL], take a flight to either Siargao [IAO] or Surigao [SUG].

If you arrive via Surigao City, proceed the the city’s terminal, and then hop on a van or a Bachelor Express bus (₱100) to Hayanggabon Port. Transfer to a pump boat bound for the Municipality of Socorro in Bucas Grande Island. Another option is to catch the 12:30PM boat (₱150) to Socorro from the Surigao City port.

If you arrive via Siargao, head to Dapa port using any available island transport. From Dapa, you can ride the 8:00AM or 4:00PM boat to Socorro (₱100).

There are several outrigger boats available at Socorro for your Sohoton Bay sojourn. Island hopping rates starts at ₱2000.

If you are coming from Cebu, you can either take a ferry to Surigao or a flight to Siargao.

Spelunking or swimming? within Makukuob cave

Things to do

Beach Hopping – There are a lot of beach fronts to choose. You can have your lunch at any beach of your choice.
Tojoman Lagoon (Sohoton Bay Jellyfish Sanctuary) – The spotted jellies or sting-less jellyfishes (Mastigias papua) of Sohoton usually surface from the later part of May to early July. You can watch them, but don’t touch them. Don’t even try lifting the vulnerable species out of the water.
Makukuob Cave – Swim, wade, spelunk, and cliff-dive. That is the full package that you need to complete. Remember, going back and skipping a step is not an option.
Hagukan Cave – Hagukan is named after snoring. Going inside is easy when it is low tide. However, you must be able to hold your breath long enough to get through when its high tide. You won’t regret it though. While you’re in, you can listen to the fascinating tidal music. It seems like nature’s version of 3D surround.
Tiktikan Lake – With the calm water and the enchanting surroundings, you could finish a book when someones paddles for you around the lake.
Bolitas Cave – So pebbly, that’s how the cavern got its name.

Just one of the many pristine beaches in Sohoton

Where to Stay

Club Tara Resort is the closest resort. It is located within Sohoton Cove premises. It features luxurious water cottages (₱8,000++) built on concrete stilts, which come with individual Jacuzzi. Their forest rooms (₱4,000++) are available for couples while the dormitory (₱5,000++) can house up to 6 guests. You can book you accommodations by clicking here.
Not too far away from Club Tara is Balanghai Tara Sohoton Beach Resort which offers humble standard and deluxe cabanas for the non-discriminating guests. The standard cabanas are available for ₱1,500 while the deluxe cabanas can be rented for ₱2,500 per night. You can book your Balanghai cabana by clicking here.
The Hidden Island Resort, on the other hand, is closer to a small community, but still situated on a private island giving you an exclusive stay. Accommodations starts at ₱3,500 but when you are lucky to spot a deal, you can get it at much lower rate at Agoda.

Club Tara Resort is located within Sohoton Bay and just a dive away to great attractions

Punta Isla Lake Resort: Discovering Lake Sebu

What I immediately noticed when I visited Punta Isla Lake Resort are the sweet sound of the tree dwellers. Singing an un-arranged lullaby, the Eurasian Tree Sparrows, the Chestnut Munias, the Pied Fantails, the orioles, and the swallows emanate a music that was so fresh to the ears.

Listening to these songs while wandering along the flower-filled alleys, the rustic stairways, and the healthy greens of the resort really feels extraordinary. Almost every corner of the resort is ornamented with natural flora, in which some are seemingly of foreign origin.

Lake Sebu as viewed from Punta Isla Lake Resort

The lotus pods floating in the perfectly calm morning lake works aptly with the vivid reflection of the sky and the rolling hills in the backdrop, thus creating a postcard-ready scenery.

I arrived close to noon at Punta Isla Lake Resort. Checking in was swift with my Agoda booking. They gave me a room spacious enough for a solo traveler. I stayed at their Blotik room with cliff-side balcony overlooking the famed Lake Sebu. There is a television with a single channel, an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold shower, a working table, a balcony, and a breakfast inclusion.

The room and around Punta Isla Lake Resort

Punta Isla also has available villas and cabanas for those who would like to spend a day tour only. They have a floating restaurant for guests who choose a noteworthy dining experience – a good place for you to try their 20 original Tilapia recipes.

The resort also offers boating and kayaking tour around the lake and other transport services.

For bookings, visit: www.Agoda.com/PuntaIslaLakeResort.

Things to do in Surigao del Norte

When you think of Surigao del Norte, Siargao immediately comes to mind. When you think of Siargao, there goes surfing. But Surigao del Norte or Siargao isn’t all about surfing. There are a lot of things to do in the northeastern province of Mindanao Island. That is aside from gliding with the waves. The below list is quite handy.

Spend Some Good Time in Mabua

With just 10-15 minutes away from the province’s capital, Surigao City, you can enjoy the clear waters of Mabua Pebble beach. However, instead of sand, you will experience a rocky shore, as the name suggests. This will desaturate you from the very usual sandy beaches, I guess.

[To know more about Mabua Pebble Beach, Visit my Article entitled: “Mabua Pebble Beach: Not Your Ordinary Beach in Surigao City“]

Get Filled with Seafood and Barbecue Feast

Walk along the boulevard in Surigao City and you will see a lot of eateries offering barbecues and inihaw (grilled meat/fish). With a cup of rice and hot soup, your food cravings will be complete. Try SamePlace Grill for a budget-friendly meal. The spider shell (saang) in barbecue sauce is also a must-try in Islands Seafood Restaurant.

One of the must-taste in Siargao is Saang (Spider Shell)

Mingle with the Locals at Day-asan Floating Village

They call it a little Venice but you won’t see any concrete structures submerged in freshwater, instead, you will find stilt houses and logged bridges. Unlike Venice, it did not sink over time – the villagers chose to erect their humble abodes in the water. Since the community is surrounded by mangroves, their homes are protected from ocean rage such as storm surges.

Day-asan Village (Photo by: al rodriguez, on Flickr)

Beach Bum ’till you’re Sun-roasted in General Luna (GL), Siargao

Siargao is nearly 3 hours by boat via Surigao City or 1.5 hours by plane via Sayak Airport. From Dapa Port or Sayak airport, you can take either a habal-habal, tricycle, or passenger vans to General Luna. Walk towards the shore and enjoy the view of the white beach with shallow waters. Beach bumming in GL is absolutely free of charge.

Take a Long Dip at Magpupungko

You can rent a habal-habal to Magpupungko Beach in the municipality of Pilar from General Luna and this usually takes more than an hour. Magpupungko beach isn’t the scene stealer here but the tidal pool on its northern end. It features amazing rocks formations and emerald-clear natural pool which, of course, is perfect for swimming.

Magpupungko (Photo credits: redhotchili09 on TripAdvisor)

Surf and/or Witness a Great Sunset

If you are an experienced surfer, then Siargao is the best place for you. However, if you are still in the early stage of the learning curve, leave the surfing to the professionals. Just settle comfortably in the observation deck and watch every surfer do the trick. You can also wait until sunset and witness how the sky changes colors.

Siargao Island Hopping – Get a Touch of the Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands

You can rent a boat at General Luna and explore the three amazing islands that float just off the coast of the town. Your first stop will be Naked Island. Bring some snorkeling gears for you to make the most of your stay in this bare island.

Your boatman will bring you to Daku Island next. Spend some good time with friends while waiting for your lunch to be prepared. You’ll just need to shell out ₱50/kg as a cooking fee.

The last stop of the island hopping is Guyam Island.

[To know more about how we spent our island hopping tour in Siargao, visit my article entitled:”The Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands: Siargao Island Hopping“]

Explore Sohoton and Tojoman lagoons in Bucas Grande Islands

Lastly, to complete your tour in Surigao del Norte, don’t forget to hop to Bucas Grande Islands and explore the enchanting lagoons of Sohoton and Tojoman. The best time to visit is during the mating season, which is June, that if you really wanted to see the sting-less jellyfishes that swim around Tojoman Lagoon.

Sohoton also offers spelunking and cliff diving.

Sohoton Cave, a passage to Sohoton Lagoon

Tojoman Lagoon (popularly known as Sohoton Jellyfish Sanctuary)

Shutter Feature: Daku Island

You greatest appreciation came when you expect it the least. I allowed my travel companion, Marx, to do all the research and travel preparation. I avoid “googling” about the destination. I just waited for the day to come and let things be.

To my surprise, Daku Island was especially astounding, peaceful, and relaxing. It offers one of the Philippines’ finest white sand beaches – back-dropped with awesome palm greenery and surrounded with surreal ocean scenery.

[Daku Island was the second stop of our Island Hopping in Siargao. Read more about it in my other article entitles: “The Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands: Siargao Island Hopping“]

Things to do in Camiguin

Camiguin is one of the famed tourist destinations in the Philippines. Dubbed as the Island born of fire, Camiguin offers not just a volcanic terrain but also with astounding white sand beaches, lush vegetation, and various water forms.

One of these days, you may set foot in Camiguin to see the wonder yourself. This list might be helpful for you.

10 Things to do in Camiguin

1. Fish for Your Lunch

At J&A Fishpen, you can go fishing and catch something for your lunch. They will provide you the fishing equipment depending on the way you would like to fish. Floating cottages are available for the guests as dining area.

If you do not have the luxury of time, you can choose from their menu and they will prepare it for you.

Though hungry, we couldn’t skip the groupie at J&A Fishpen

2. Beach Bum in the White Island

White Island is pure white sand island that floats 1.4 km (0.87 mi) off the northern coast of Mambajao, Camiguin’s capital. The tide constantly re-size and re-shape the island and sometimes divide it into even smaller islands. The island is bare so it is better to spend your beach bumming early in the morning.

White Island, Camiguin (Panorama credits to a friend, Teddy)

3. Resist the Chill at Katibawasan Falls

If you can’t do it slowly, jump into the quickly – that way, you’ll be able resist the cold shortly.

Katibawasan Falls is located 5 kilometers away from the town center of Mambajao and sits at the foot of Mount Timpoong, the highest peak in Camiguin Island. It measures 250 ft. (76 meters) and plummets to a pool surrounded with lush greeneries.

Dipping in the cold waters of Katibawasan Falls

4. Try the Sweet Caramelly Cruch of Kiping

You’ll be curious when you see it. Kiping is not only sold outside the Katibawasan Falls compound but also in market and schools canteens around Camiguin. This thin snack is made from cassava and is topped with latik (caramelized coconut cream). You can taste a plate-sized Kiping for only ₱10. You should try this one.

5. Be Thrilled at Sunken Cemetery

The Sunken Cemetery‘s most notable landmark is the big cross which was erected few meters from the shore. The cross wasn’t part of the remnants of the submerged cemetery caused by the eruption of Mount Vulcan in 1871, but was built (in 1982) as a marker of the graveyard.

If you are brave enough, you can snorkel around the sea and witness how the seascape down under changed – with corals invading the graves.

The sunset is really spectacular to witness so be here before the sunset.

Boating to the Sunken Cemetery, Camiguin

6. Return back in Time at Gui-ob Church Ruins

The Ruins of Gui-ob Church is located in Barangay Bonbon, Catarman, Camguin Island. You can still see the old belfry, the convent, and the church walls standing – the remnants of the 1871 Vulcan Daan eruption.

7. Release the Sweats at Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross

You don’t need t wait for the Lenten Season to do the Stations of the Cross. In Camiguin, you can do it as you see fit. Fourteen stations are spread in a 4-kilometer trail and offers a scenic bird’s eye view of the island especially on the later part of the trail. Stairs are only available up to the second or third station and the rest will be an uphill trek.

You don’t need to wait for a Holy Week to do this

8. Chillax at Santo Niño Cold Spring

The waters at Santo Niño Cold Spring is the perfect reliever of the summer’s heat. You may be reluctant at first but once you get used to its cold, you will eventually enjoy it. Think for best water game with your friends.

9. Get Pampered at Ardent Hot Spring

After the all-day tour, visit Ardent Hot Spring, which is open 24 hours, and vent out the superfluous. The water is specially pampering and relaxing. The management requires a minimal fee for an unlimited access to the pool area.

10. Get Amazed at Mantigue Island

A green backdrop, some coarse white sand, a vast corals beneath, and a blue sky – with all that, vacation is perfect at Mantigue Island. The island is 3.5 kilometers away from the nearest point (community) in Camiguin. You can access the island via Barangay San Roque through a 30-minute boat ride.

Mantigue Island (Photo Credits: ebtionko, on Flickr)

Where to Eat in Surigao City: Islands Seafood Restaurant

Roxas City in Capiz is the country’s seafood capital but Surigao City also has the right to brag. There are lot of restaurants in the city where you can taste variety of seafood dishes. One of them is Islands Seafood Restaurant. Located along Rizal Street in the smack of the city, the Islands Seafood Restaurant offers several selections to satiate your shell and fish cravings.

A yummy plate of Spider Shell (Saang) barbecue

I was long been craving for the taste of Saang or spider shell. It is a childhood favorite, so, when I learned that the restaurant has saang dishes on their menu, I got really excited. At long last, I can savor the mildly sweet and tender meat of these rare snails.

I liked it stewed but a friend suggested to try the barbecue version. It was a bit chewy but I understood it – quick heat caused its meat to become gummy. It wasn’t disappointing though. The special barbecue sauce enhanced the natural flavor of the shellfish and I enjoyed it

We also had a plate of Sweet and Sour lapu-lapu and tasty pinakbet.

Guests also talk about kalderetang kambing (chevon stewed in peanut sauce), garlic fried shrimp in butter, and sinigang (sour stew).

Inside Islands Seafood Restaurant in Surigao City

Mabua Pebble Beach: Not Your Ordinary Beach in Surigao City

We are heading to Dapa in Siargao Island but we missed the last departing boat. We had no other choice but to spend the rest of the day in Surigao City. Marx, my companion on that trip, contacted a friend (Nathalie) and asked for a possible place to hang out. Nathalie, who happened to be a local, suggested us to visit Mabua Pebble Beach which is just a tricycle away from the city proper.

The trike terminal to Mabua is located along Sarvida St. just beside Palma Trade Center. We paid ₱20 for the one-way trip.

I am a big beach fan but not of pebbles in place of sand. I want it white and powdery. When I heard of Pebble beach, Ampere beach came to mind wherein gigantic waves cut through the rocks on the shore which, I guess, isn’t safe for beach bumming. I anticipated to see the same picture in order for me not to get disappointed.

When we arrived in Mabua, I was totally stunned. I never thought that the water will be faultlessly clear and impeccably calm. Yes, there were no white and powdery sand but I was impressed, relentlessly enjoying every hop and shoots.

Rocks, stones, and pebbles of Mabua, Surigao City

The other end of the strip features towering boulders. We cautiously climb through the cuts on its side and positioned atop to witness the entirety of Mabua’s shore. “What an amazing sight!” were the mere words I uttered while peacefully settled in the elevated area.

Another very exciting scene to look forward to in Mabua Pebble beach is the majestic sunset. Yes, we found another spot among Philippines’ 7,107 islands to witness a beautiful sunset.

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For the nth time, I waited for the green flash but, like my previous sunset watching moments, I failed to spot the fairy tale before the twilight. Well, better luck next time for me. In the first place, I already had enough that day.

Bucas Grande Tour: Exploring Tojoman and Sohoton Lagoons

Our Surigao trip’s awesomeness did not end with the island hopping in Siargao. On our third day, we navigated three hours from Siargao’s General Luna town to Bucas Grande Island to check on Tojoman and Sohoton Lagoons. These two great lagoons are accessible via the municipalities of Dapa and General Luna (GL) in Siargao Island or via the town of Socorro in Bucas Grande Island. Since we reserved our accommodation in GL, we shelled out more for the much longer boat ride.

The Boat Ride to Bucas Grande

Kuya Lito Sr. asked ₱4,000 for the trip to Bucas Grande including the island hopping we had in Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands the day prior. The boat is good for 10 individuals. Since there were only two of us (myself and Marx of marxtermind.com), it was quite an expensive trip.

I was anticipating to see Sohoton and the fabled Jelly Fish Sanctuary on that trip so I couldn’t afford to scrap the idea. Thus, despite the budget constraint, we set sail.

On our way to the boat station in Sohoton Cove, Bucas Grande Island

As expected, travel time was 3 hours. It was quite tiring, but we forgot all about the downsides, including the costly boat ride, when we saw the gorgeous floating islands and the vividly clear waters tinted with all shades between blue and green. Not to mention, Marx was asleep half the trip, when he woke up and saw the surroundings, he immediately grabbed his camera and asked me to take a photo of him, like he was awake from the beginning. Of course, I also couldn’t let the moment pass – I also have my own taken.

We headed to Sohoton National Park tourist center, which was located just opposite of Sohoton boat station, to register for the tour. We had to leave our boat and transferred to smaller boats designated by Sohoton tourist officers.

Meet and Greet with the Jelly Fishes

First, we paddled to Tojoman Lagoon or more popularly known as the Sohoton JellyFish Sanctuary, a breeding and mating place of spotted jelly (Mastigias papua), a known specie of sting-less jelly fish.

Would you find anything calmer than Tojoman Lagoon?

Unfortunately, the month of May isn’t a mating season so we didn’t encounter even a single bloom of spotted jellies. They were very few and were scattered at a distance. I had to individually approach each one to take one good good shot.

Remember: Don’t lift the jelly fish out of the water. They easily dry up and die. Mating season is June, so it is the best time to visit.

Spotting some jelly fishes at Tojoman Lagoon or Sohoton Jellyfish Sanctuary

After circling around Tojoman Lagoon, we headed back to the tourist camp and transferred to a motored boat. This time, we were going to cross a cave to explore Sohoton Lagoon, which features an emerald network of islets and verdant vegetation. Well, the entire Bucas Grande Island has the same features.

Heads down at Sohoton Cave

Our tour guide gave us a heads up that we’ll be crossing Sohoton Cave without getting off our boat to get to Sohoton Lagoon. Though there was a significant distance between our heads and the cave’s “ceiling”, we couldn’t help but stoop. It was like some sort of uncontrollable instinct and defense mechanism. It was probably the reason why they started calling it Sohoton, a Visayan term that literally means “stoop”.

Sohoton Cave, the only way in and out to Sohoton Lagoon in Bucas Grande

Spelunking then Cliff Jumping

We passed through Sohoton Cave and we still had our heads attached. Yeay! So, we set forth to complete our adventure. Our first stop within Sohoton Lagoon was the Makukuob Cave. Yes, another cave – so, Bucas Grande isn’t a good place to hangout for claustrophobics.

Spelunking then cliff jumping isn’t a bad idea. I am sure that all adventure seekers out there will agree with me.

I got so excited when I heard that Makukuob Cave offers such thrill. Of course, I did not let that miss.

After the few minutes climb in the dark caverns of Makukuob, we found ourselves standing in the makeshift platform just outside the cave. The only choice to return to our boat was to jump. After estimating the water’s depth and found it safe, I dived.

Makukuob Cave a.k.a Diving Cave. Yes, You have to cliff-dive to return to the boat after a short spelunking.

Hearing the Snores in Hagukan Cave

Next, we proceeded to Hagukan Cave, which name literally means “snore”. According to the locals, you can hear these snoring-like sounds inside the cave.

For you to get inside, you have to dive and swim across. The oyster shells clinging on the rocks’ surface are pretty sharp, hence, take extra precautions when swimming through.

The tide was low when we arrived in Hagukan Cave – but not low enough – so the guides assistance were needed to cross. I am a confident swimmer so I was able to move on my own.

When we got inside, we were stunned and impressed. The water glowed and created a non-irritating natural music like the sound we heard in Cabacungan. It didn’t sound like snoring at all.

Hagukan Cave: Shown in the bottom-right is a photo of myself taken from the inside of the cave.

Cruising Sohoton Cave (Video)

When we were lurking in Sohoton Lagoon, we sailed back to the tourist camp. Sohoton Cave was the only way in and out so we had to navigate through it again. Below is the video recorded from that “cruise”.

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The Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands: Siargao Island Hopping

After lounging on my comfy bed at Buddha’s Surf Resort, I thought of just “staycationing” instead of going out for island hopping. But upon thinking for the main reason why I went to Siargao, I did stick to the itinerary. If only we caught the last departing boat from Surigao City to Siargao Island the day before, we could have plenty of time lurking in the corners of our spacious cradle.

We went out late in the morning and waited for a habal-habal to the town proper. Since it wasn’t a regular taxiway, we found it hard to find one. Hence, we decided to walk under the scorching heat and along the dusty highway.

We’d already walked more than 200 meters when a tricycle came to our rescue – thank’s, God!

While waiting for our ride at General Luna boardwalk

Siargao Island Hopping

We met our boatman, Kuya Lito, in the boulevard. We hadn’t had our lunch yet, so he told us to buy something to cook in the nearby market. We bought a kilo of Tambakol (skipjack tuna), some rice, mangoes, sauce, spices, and bottled water then boarded to our small boat afterwards.

When we were done loading all our stuff, the engine started with our bow pointing to the Naked Island.

Naked Island

Like Camiguin’s White Island, the Naked Island is a bare mound drifting in an open sea. Thre is only white sand and some hard corals on one side. The translucent and shallow coast around it is perfect for swimming activities.

We stayed there for a while, got another layer of tan, and propelled to Daku Island.

Daku Island

Not too far from the Naked Island perched the Daku Island, which name came from a Visayan word that means big – offers a long strip of angled white beach decorated with a green backdrop, a blue sky, and an aquamarine depth.

We rented the centerpiece cottage for ₱250 which rate is good for a day use. We also had our rice and fish cooked and paid ₱50/kilogram as cooking fee.

Some photo shoot inside our private cottage

We then had our lunch in the island, sipped refreshing buko juice, and beach-bummed for about 2.5 hours. Good thing that we had plenty of time to kill and had a bunch of reasons and options to kill the time.

Around Daku Island (also Dako Island) in Siargao

We let the sun moved a significant angle before we proceeded to Guyam Island.

Guyam Island

Guyam Island floats just few hundred meters north of Daku Island. You can see the island even when you are in General Luna boulevard.

An ivory to white sand on one side and hard corals on the other constitutes the Guyam Island. The island is also a host to few species of flora (coconut, talisay or beach almond, pine, and grasses) that thrived there for years. Thanks to the hard corals that protects the island from storm surge and from constant tidal terrain movement.

We had one amazing afternoon in the island. With the constant blew of the north wind under the cool shade, we escaped the summer heat a bit. The surrounding waters are clear and very ideal for water activities.

We ended our tour in Guyam Island and returned to General Luna by sunset.

Island Hopping Guide and Rates

Kuya Lito Jr, asked for ₱1000 for the entire trip. But that excludes the entrance fee (₱10 for Guyam Island), the cottage fee, and cooking fees. The boat can carry up to 10 individuals. You can contact him at: 0907 310 3333.

You can also visit Sohoton Bay is Bucas Grande Island from Siargao.