Dare to try a second time: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary to Bislig

They say that you can never forget your first time.

For us Biyaheros, discovering a new place will always be unforgettable. That’s how our host, Drew Arellano described the city of Bislig, Surigao Del Sur. Would you believe, this is also the first time he experienced riding the habal-habal?

HOW TO GET THERE:

If you’re coming from Manila, you can either take a flight to Butuan City. This is the recommended route for tourists as it only takes three to four hours of land travel to the city of Bislig.

Once you arrive at Bancasi Airport (Butuan), there are multi-vans that can take you to the Butuan City Integrated Bus Terminal. From there, you can either take a non-airconditioned bus for P170.00 or the air-conditioned ones for P205.00 straight to Bislig.

TIP: Keep an eye on the bus signage as it often indicates MANGAGOY instead of Bislig. If all else fails, it doesn’t hurt to ask around for help, Biyaheros.

WHERE TO STAY:

Paper Country Inn; Osmena Street, Brgy. Tabon, Bislig City

This seafood madness is offered at Paper Country Inn.

Clean, affordable, and managed by friendly people, Drew still recommends staying at the same place from three years ago. They have dorm-type and suite rooms for only P900.00 to P1750.00 that are fit for tourists traveling in groups. They also offer tour guiding services to the local attractions.

WHAT TO DO:

Fall in love with their waterfalls

From Bislig, you have to ride a modified motorcycle called habal-habal to reach the Tinuy-an Falls. Travel time usually takes an hour but majority of the roads have been rehabilitated so your trip will not be as bumpy as it used to be.

The three layers of Tinuy-an falls can be seen clearly from a bird’s eye view.

Known as the Philippine version of Niagara Falls, Tinuy-an stands at 55-meter high and 95-meter wide. If you want to experience the strong downpour from the fall, but not yet ready to take a plunge, you can rent and ride a bamboo raft for P150.00.

On other hand, if you’re a with a group of playful kids, you might want to check out Sian Falls. Unlike the Tinuy-an Falls, the water in Sian is shallow and very kid-friendly. This would help you track the kids easier.

TIP: Make sure to try Tinuy-an’s infinity pool! You just have to ask around as its location is quite hidden.

Enchanted with the Enchanted River

You may have seen this beautiful gem first from a photo that made the rounds in social media, and even Drew was captivated during his first visit to the Enchanted River.

“There’s nothing quite like it, nothing, wala akong nakita sa buong mundo na may ganoon. Wala talaga, isang malaking aquarium na natural,” Drew fondly said.

Just a few minutes away from Bislig, you can take an hour ride on a habal-habal which costs P200.00 for two people.

Despite the flock of tourists, the population of the fishes is still growing.

Enchanted River’s best attraction is its crystal clear blue water where you can see fishes swimming alongside the tourists.

TIP: There’s a fish-feeding activity around lunch hour where people are asked to vacate the river. Make sure that you don’t go far from the edge as it is another enchanting experience that will make your visit memorable.

Taste their local delicacies and hunt for pasalubong

Don’t miss out on their puto balanghoy made from kamoteng-kahoy. Its texture is almost the same as the usual puto but this one is not very sweet. According to the locals, they use peanut butter instead of sugar as sweetener and it is best paired with coffee and dinuguan.

They also have salvaro, a treat that looks similar to kropeck but tastes sweet. It is made of cassava flour and possibly the best food pasalubong tourists can bring home from their Bislig trip. As its shelf life can last up to two years.

If cooked properly, salvaro’s shelf life can last up to two years.

So make sure to take a few on your trip home, this way, it’s rest assured that you’ll have a piece of Bislig with you for the next two years.

Few people forget their first time... may it be your first love or your first out of town trip. Every new experience will always have a special place in your heart.

Just like how Drew went back to give Bislig some of his 'pag-ibig,' you can always go back, revisit, and reminisce your own firsts. --- Sarah Jean Sarte/ARP, GMA Public Affairs