Bakasyon grande sa Bucas Grande: A ‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ itinerary

There is more to Surigao del Norte than Siargao! The country’s surfing capital may be the more obvious destination in the province, but if one seeks adventure, a chance to commune with nature while together with family, friends or a significant other, you may need to venture south of Siargao to the beautiful island of Bucas Grande.

 

What is there to explore and experience in Bucas Grande? Follow this “Biyahe ni Drew” itinerary. 

 

How to get there
 

There are flights to Surigao del Norte from most capital cities of the country, so check the flight schedules of your favorite budget airline from their respective websites.

 

From the airport, you need to travel by van to the port that will take you to Barangay Taruc Socorro Port. From here, you will take a 25-30 minute pumpboat ride to Sohoton.

 

Fees:

Van ride Php 120 per head

Pumpboat fee starts at Php 100 per head

 

Where to stay

Club Tara

Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte 

847 00 Mindanao, Philippines

Phone Number: +63 917 522 5500

 

Club Tara is a luxury resort nestled in a natural private lagoon. Their best accommodations are the water cottages perched on the water’s edge and comes with many creature comforts like air-conditioning, a refrigerated mini bar, and a Jacuzzi that comes with a spectacular view of the lagoon.

 

But do not worry! They offer affordable, basic options like forest rooms and dormitory-style family accommodations that may be far away from the water but still offer stunning vistas.

 

Rates:

Starts at Php 3,200 with breakfast + other inclusions (use of the pool, kayaking, etc.)

 

Cinnamon Island

Telephone number +639488205835 

Mobile number 09399047019 c/o Mr. Rolando Ajop, Bucas Grande Tourism Office Dept of Tourism

 

This secluded, rustic resort nestled among cinnamon trees is run by SAVE Sohoton, an organization that supports the livelihood and environmental causes relevant to the local fishing community. The huts are basic but comfortable and are equipped with their own bathrooms. They serve a mean seafood spread here and that is enough reason to drop by for lunch (or dinner)!

 

Rates:  

Php 2,500/room per night with free breakfast for 1-5 persons; pay Php 500 for each person in excess of five

 

What to do and where to go

 

Take a tour

 

Before venturing out on your own, do consider asking the hotel staff for tour recommendations around the island and see what fits your schedule and your budget. These tours usually include an exploration of  Sohoton Cove, island hopping, cave exploration, and snorkelling. You also do not need to worry about the fees (entrance, environmental, equipment, boat rental, etc.) packed lunch and snacks as these are already part of the package price. It’s all about the convenience. 

 

Rates:

Tour packages start at Php 1,450

 

Visit Sohoton Cove

 

Suhot is the Waray word for ‘ to enter’. This is precisely what one does to explore this cove:  pass through a narrow, hidden cave that can only be accessed at low tide. But before exploring this area, you have to drop by the Sohoton Cove Tourist Center to register, pay fees, don safety gear (like helmets and life jackets) and acquire the services of experienced guides and boatmen. These are mandatory as the area is a national park and visits are regulated.

 

Rates:

Entrance fee Php 25 per person

Environmental fee Php 25 per person

Life vest Php 30

Pump boat rental and driver’s fee for Sohoton Cove Php 500

Tour guide fee Php 330 pesos

 

See the Jellyfish sanctuary

 

Sohoton Cove is the home of a species of stingless jellyfish. The best time to see these creatures are from July to August, right after their spawning season. One can opt to stay in the boat and touch or even scoop the jelly fish out of the water for a few seconds. If you’re brave, you may try to swim with them.   

 

Spelunking at Makukuob Cave

 

One of the stops at Sohoton will be the Magkukuob cave. It is a narrow cave with a low ceiling that requires one to waddle like a duck amidst elaborate stalactite and stalagmite formations. Fruit bats also happen to make the cave their home. To get out, one needs some rock climbing skills as the only way out is on top. This opens to a platform resting on a cliff face where you are encouraged to jump off and scream YOLO to get back into your boat. Non-swimmers need not worry as the boatmen are experienced swimmers ready to help you.

Snorkeling in Mark-A Island

 

This A-shaped paradise is one of Bucas Grande’s many islands that have powdery white sand beaches. Just a few meters away, you will find lots of coral teeming with marine life so remember to bring your snorkeling gear.

 

Riding the zip line at Kapihan Nature and Adventure Park

Sitio Kapihan, Barangay N. Sering, Bucas Grande Island

Socorro, Surigao Del Norte

 

At the highest point of Bucas Grande you will find the Kapihan Nature and Adventure Park, where you will see a 360-degree view of the island and its neighbors. The park offers accommodations but the main come-on of this place is the 750 meter zip line.

 

Getting there:

20 minute, chartered motorcycle ride (habal-habal) from Socorro town proper Php 150

 

Rates:

Zip line Php 450

 

 

What to Eat

 

Bug-atan soup

 

It is a soup that uses the Comb Venus clam, locally called bug-atan. The tasty broth is a refreshing start to your meal.  

 

Where to get it: Club Tara Resort

Saang

 

Spider shells, locally called saang, are served adobo-style in Surigao, Cebu and Bohol. Perfect to eat with a huge helping of rice or as pulutan.

 

Where to get it: Club Tara Resort 

 

Nilambaran

 

Think of it as suman with stripes! This local delicacy has rods of sticky white rice intertwined with red rice, creating a visually striking dessert. Have it with fruit or a steaming cup of local tea.

 

Where to get it: Cinnamon Island 

 

Cinnamon Tea

 

Bucas Grande is home to many cinnamon trees so the locals found it natural to turn the bark into tea. Several quills (i.e. the rolled bark) are submerged in boiling water, steeped for a few minutes and is ready for drinking once the water turns red. It is a spicy and aromatic concoction perfect for relaxation.

 

Where to get it: Cinnamon Island

 

Row, swim, jump, explore, and take in the majesty of nature. A grand family adventure awaits you in Bucas Grande! ---ARP/BMS