Surigao del Norte: Sohoton National Park, Bucas Grande Island

Our last stop before leaving Surigao was Bucas Grande Island..
When I was planning this trip, I found out that there were more to see in Bucas Grande than in Siargao..but then again, why travel this long if we are not to surf in Siargao? 

So the Sohoton National Park in Bucas Grande Island became the side trip..

From Dapa, Siargao, we rented a boat to Hayanggabon port with side trip to Sohoton. We took this option because there were no public transportation at the time because its Holy Week. We got the boat for Php4,000 and the trip was a four to five hours not-so-smooth boat ride experiencing a bit of rain showers along the way.

This is what I am frustrated with our local transportation. Boats and buses from almost of the terminals we've been to do not have a fixed schedule. So, for the most part of the trip, we relied on hunches and from the locals, whom, no offense (mawalang galang na po), most were really not helpful. Whenever they learn we're not from around here, they rip us off!! And would often give us vague directions. Now, where is that so-called Filipino hospitality we're famous for?

view from Sohoton National Park Tourism office

We arrived at the Tourism Office. We were looking for something to eat but  no one's selling. We paid the necessary fees before entering the 
park. 

The whole place was really something. I notice a lot of lagoons along the way... and the underwater caves were magnificent. You know those scenes on some movies where they'd go exploring caves and there's a glowing light underneath them? It was like that! 

 Now, we went into this cave where the only way out was to jump off from a not-so-high 15 feet cliff! No choice talaga. Kailangang tumalon.

Jump! the only way out

Save the best for last.

Now we're off to see the famous Bucas Grande stingless jellyfish! They're like jellies!! Swimming with them wasn't aloud. The tourism office has long banned this activity; they noticed it agitates the jellyfish. Just like in Donsol. Same reason why they suddenly implemented rules when swimming with the whale sharks.

You're allowed to touch them but not swim with them
Photo courtesy of Mark Pelobello

Photo courtesy of Mark Pelobello

I was even trying to do some snorkeling before we leave, but time won't permit it. The whole tour took almost five hours, I think. And we haven't had lunch! Heading to Hayanggabon port, where we will be taking a bus to Surigao city, we saw a group of birds feeding.. Mark was able to take some photos. But it was something seeing it out in the wild.. 

Photo courtesy of Mark Pelobello

I enjoyed Bucas grande than Siargao..Bitin. From the stories of our tour guide, there's a lot more to see. It aptly deserves more than just a side trip.

Contact numbers:

09088963975 - Surigao Tourism Office

09394380618 - Kuya Kenny, boatman

09399047019 - Sohoton National Park Tourism Office, Kuya Dodo