WOW PINAS!!: The Magnificent SOHOTON of Bucas Grande Island, Surigao

Going there from Davao City entails about 9-hour travel by land (including stops for meals) and a 45-minute boat ride, but the long trip is all worth it.

On our boat ride, we saw several islets (which are actually rocky cliffs with heavy vegetation) looking like mini forests floating on sea. There were also several “pocket” white sand-resorts surrounded by lush greenery making them secluded from each other. Our first stop was in one of these resorts, The La Fortuna, to have lunch. Nearing the resort, we noticed how clear the water is. When I got down from the boat and stepped on the beach, first thing I took note of is its powder-like sand which could easily rival that of Boracay’s.

Swimming with the jellyfish

After our lunch, we were transported to their non-sting jellyfish sanctuary. The sanctuary looks like a lagoon as it is almost entirely surrounded by greeneries except for a small entrance which can only accommodate small paddle boats. Once there, you can go down your boat and experience the thrill of swimming with thousands and thousands of jellyfish. Incidentally, that was my favorite part of the trip.

One of the few transparent jellyfish we saw

After the adventure with the jellyfish, next stop was the SOHOTON CAVE and COVE. The cave is the only entrance to the cove where the water is partly salt water and partly fresh water. Since the cave is submerged in water during high tide, the cove is only accessible during low tide. According to our guide, the name “Sohoton” comes from the Visayan word “suot-suot” which means to squeeze yourself into narrow paths just like what you have to do to get inside the Sohoton Cove. Inside were more greeneries and splendid turquoise blue waters. We were then brought to “HAGUKAN” Cave where we were asked to go down from our boat and swim inside and see ourselves “glowing” in the water. If you’re looking inside with the entrance of the cave at your back, the person in front of you will look like he’s glowing. The “glowing” effect is actually caused by the light coming from the outside. The cave got its name from the Visayan word “hagok” which means to snore because when it is filled with water, it emits snore-like sounds.

Look Ma! I'm GLOWING!

Next stop is the “MAGKUKUOB” Cave. Since it’s low tide, there were just a few inches of water inside. This is the final stop of the day where, according to the guide, we will have our “graduation.” By “graduation,” he means that we will climb to the cave’s other exit and once we’re out, we have to jump into the water about 15 feet below! Since there will be no other way to go down (going down the same path would be harder), those who chose to climb HAVE to jump. And jumped we did.

The "Graduation" Jump

On our way back to our resort, we were lucky to have spotted 2 beautiful rainbows.

One of the 2 rainbows we spotted

The second day, we explored “BOLITAS” Cave. We were shown the crystals, stalagmites and stalactites. Adding to the

CRYSTALS

thrill was the sound of a rattle snake. However, to see the “bolitas,” you have to literally crawl into another opening of the cave. Only one person can fit the opening and there can be no more than 6 persons who can go inside the chamber all together. Upon seeing how hard it was for our first batch of “crawlers” to go in and out the chamber, we passed up on the chance to go inside :). We were also brought to “TIKTIKAN” Lake (which entails a 100-meter hike) but since we were told the soil in the lake is muddy, we opted not to swim and just took picture. Last activity of our 2nd day was snorkeling in crystal blue waters where beautiful corals abound even in shallow waters.

The Beautiful TIKTIKAN Lake

HOW TO GET THERE FROM DAVAO CITY: 9-hour land trip via Butuan to Hayangabon Port (Butuan to Hayangabon Port is approximately a 3-hour drive) and a 45-minute boat ride from the port.

Boat Ride to Bucas Grande Island
from Hayangabon Port

WHAT TO BRING: If you are a large group, the life vests of your guide might not be enough so bring extras. They won’t provide snorkeling sets so bring your own. Aqua shoes are also a must.

HOW MUCH IT WILL COST YOU: For our group, we paid about 4K+ each which includes all the boat transfers (from Hayangabon Port and back and in-between islands), 2-night accommodation at the Hidden Resort, all our meals and the guides. Not bad. :)

The view on the other side of the island

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: The view on the other side of the island is its exact opposite. No more lush vegetation because of mining activities. I heard they promised to replant on the affected areas. I hope that would be enough to bring it back to its former grandeur.

FOOD: You're surrounded with water so expect your guides to serve you seafood. They don't usually serve pork unless you ask for it.