to butuan with a backpack (part 2 of 5)

When I told a friend that I was bound for CARAGA, she told me that I should visit Sohoton National Park. I thought that she had geography mixed up since the Sohoton I knew were the caves in Samar that I had visited a year ago. So I researched about it and found that we could squeeze a trip to Bucas Grande in our itinerary.

On our second day, we woke up at 0600 and got ready for our day of exploring the islands of Bucas Grande, including Sohoton National Park. Bucas Grande Islands are located South of Siargao in the province of Surigao del Norte. We took a short walk to the Claver Transport Terminal and had breakfast at a small carinderia. We then took a van going to Hayanggabon Port which took us about 20mins. When we alighted, we proceeded to the Tourist Center and got a bit confused when we saw that it was more of a sari-sari store than an information hub. A very accomodating man, whose breakfast we just interrupted, referred us to the local boatman and asked if we had anything else we need. We assured him that we had enough food and water and walked with the boatman to the port.

Hayanggabon Port

Since it was off season, we were the only tourists in the port, and I think that even if it is summer, there wouldn't be much tourists visiting this sleepy mining town since majority of the bloggers that go to Sohoton jumps off from the more popular Siargao. The standard day rental of the boat for the island tour is 3500, which would be really pricey, specially since the cost would just be split by two. So we negotiated it down to 2500, still a bit pricey, but we were already there and it would be silly not to take it.

We were welcomed to the park by huts on stilts with oriental looking roofs. Apparently, Koreans were the one who donated the money to build these huts so the design was inspired by them. We paid for the entrance and tour of Sohoton and proceeded to go around the area. We entered the park through an opening where you had to dock to get it (or out) when the tide is high. Inside you can see an expanse of sea, littered with jagged rock formations, seemingly holding caves underneath. We got to explore one and ended up, 10 feet above the water, and where jumping is the fastest way to get back to our boat.

Sohoton National Park on the map; Assembly Area at the Park Reception; A Hut for Functions (notice the roof design); Park Brochure; Entrance to the park itself

Exploring the caves inside the park (includes a 10ft cliff jump)

After the refreshing jump, we went back to the main hut since we needed to transfer to smaller boats to go into the jellyfish lagoon. The lagoons were called such because during the summer, it would be filled with jellyfishes, but fret not because the jellies that wander about here are stingless. Again, because it wasn't the best season we weren't greeted with water brimming with jellies but we did see some and they were so... weird. But very beautiful, and delicate. After playing around a while, we went back to the main hut, to our boat and left Sohoton National Park.

Stingless Jellyfish Lagoon (turns yellow in the summer because of the swarm of jellies present)

We asked our boatman to bring us to a snorkeling spot so we can use the fins my friend so tediously bring. We dock on one of the many islands and we were surprised and very very pleased with what we saw.  A vast expanse of coral fields was such a sight to behold. It was a bit difficult to swim around because the water was shallow as the corals were large. We spent a good hour exploring the area, until we felt our stomachs grumbling, signaling the time for lunch. We made our way to Cinnamon Island to eat. 

Vast expanse of corals at a nondescript island part of Bucas Grande; yes, we saw a sea snake (which was why I urged my friend to cut the snorkeling short)

I was half expecting the whole island to smell like cinnamon, unfortunately the tress (yes, actual cinnamon trees!) were way up the islands and a bit far from the beach. Welcome drinks were given and it was cinnamon tea. It smelled heavenly but a word of advise: sip it slowly as it is quite bitter. My friend didn't care for it much but I found that I couldn't stop taking little sips because the bitterness leaves a hint of cinnamon on your tongue. We bought rice and  extra food so we can share with out boatman and his assistant (his son!). As we were eating, some dark clouds had made its way to the beach and as we finished our meal, the rain fell. 

Cinnamon Island Accomodation; Cinnamon Tea

 We waited it out for a while and when it let up, our boatman took us to Crystal Cave and Club Tara. Club Tara is a relatively high end resort in Bucas Grande, and the receptionist didn't even give us the rates when we asked, saying that we have to shoot an email to get a quotation. Very very curious. Anyway, we explored and took some pictures then made our way back to the port since we still have to travel to our next city.

Crystal Caves

Club Tara

Our transfer from Claver to Barobo (in Tandag) was quite an ordeal, and therefore deserves its own post. Watch for it. :)

Day 2 Expenses:

Breakfast	Php55.00
Van to Hayanggabon Port	Php30.00
Boat to Bucas Grande	Php1,250.00		Php2500 whole day island hopping for a boat that could probably carry 8-10 people
Explore Sohoton National Park	Php635.00		Includes entrance fees, environmental fees, and boat transfers
Lunch at Cinnamon Island	Php160.00		Php50 entrance fee + half the cost of lunch for 4
Total for Day 02	Php2,130.00
Total for the trip	Php3,080.00

What an expensive day that was! But I loved that Sohoton National Park is maintained, preserved and protected by the government. Anything to contribute to eco-tourism and local tourism in general is always money well spent.

<3, dee

PS, if you haven't yet, check out part 1 of my CARAGA series :)
PPS, photos taken by yours truly and my friend