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On the northeastern coast of Mindanao lies the surfing capital in the Philippines–Siargao. Aside from the fun surfing activity, it boasts pool-like water, blue lagoons, fine white sand, and some adventures that every wanderlust wanted. I can't deny Siargao is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Hiding behind the broad wall of fame of Siargao is the Sohoton in Bucas Grande Island.
Sohoton has been blessed with wonders of nature. I've been there twice in a row with less than two months of an interval apart. I would love to go back there and surely Sohoton thrills me. You can tell that I am in love with Sohoton.
The team was very fortunate the project development officer in our office had religiously researched a travel destination just to give the team an amazing trip before the project ends. She was able to discover a hidden gem. With that, from Siargao alone, our prime destination became Sohoton then a side trip in Siargao. It sounds odd that Siargao was not our main destination. Mostly, tourists visit Siargao alone or just avail of an overnight stay in Sohoton.
After the first travel, while we were on our way home, I had shared some videos and pictures on my Instagram story. I also teased my high school classmate, Hazel, by sending her videos and photos of my travel. Yes, I am a mean fella here! Because of that, she messaged to our group chat that Sohoton is our next destination for the annual get-together of OHMians. Everyone mutually agreed. That was the reason why I had a second trip to Sohoton.
Sohoton Cove
The island screams tranquility and adventure. It is an all-in-one travel experience were escaping from the hustle and bustle is possible. Sohoton is a secluded area and it is a great place where you can relax and savor the beauty of nature. The calm and pristine waters, the greenery of the forest, and the caves and its rocks formations are breathtakingly beautiful.
Sohoton Cove is a tourist attraction consisting of a cluster of islets located in the southwestern part of Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte. The said island is popularly known as the municipality of Socorro making it the lone island municipality in the entire province of Surigao del Norte. Bucas Grande Island lies within the breadth of the Pacific dubbing as the hidden jewel of the Pacific.
The name Sohoton comes from a Visayan word meaning narrow opening. It refers to the narrow gaps of the small islands. While Bucas Grande comes from the Philippine Spanish word meaning large opening. It refers to the wide strait between Bucas Grande and Socorro Island.
Fun Activities
- Swim in the Marka-a Island and Bubon Group of Islets
- A tour in Sohoton Cove where the entrance and exit are a cave passable only when high tide subsides.
- Have thrilling cave adventures in Hagukan Cave and Magkukuob Cave.
- Swim with the playful and stingless jellyfish in the Tajoman Jellyfish Sanctuary
- Cliff diving in Tiktikan Lagoon
- Trek and have a boat ride in Tiktikan Lake
- See the dancing glitters in the Crystal Cave
- Crawl into the Bolitas Cave
- Kayaking in a lagoon
- Island Hopping
- Sightseeing in Club Tara Resort
- Have a sumptuous meal to a freshly caught seafood.
Must-See Destinations
Bolitas Cave
Bolitas Cave is a low cave ceiling in which you have to belly crawl from the pinch-sized entrance to a 10-meter long, narrow passageway. Reaching the cave's end, you will see rock formations in a spherical ball-like form scattered on the cave ground. It resembles tiny metal balls used in ball bearings locally termed as bolitas.
Crystal Cave
In this deep cave, you will see stalagmites, stalactites, columns, flowstones, and other rock formations. As you walk in its wide and long chamber, you will see some rock formations twinkle like stars in the night when light shines upon them.
Hagukan Cave
Hagukan is a Visayan term for snoring. The two narrow entrances that look like nostrils produces a snoring sound as the water slams into the cavern. Hagukan Cave is also dubbed as the luminescent cave because of its water that turns into a luminous green when the light comes in through the entrance.
Magkukuob Cave
Entering the Magkukuob Cave requires you to walk into the dark and rocky floor with high-waist deep water or more. Then, you have to rock climb towards a skylight leading to the jumping board. Entering this cave means you have to cliff jump to a 5-meter high wooden jumping board.
Stingless Jellyfish Sanctuary
Get onboard to a two-man capacity paddle boat and enjoy the picturesque view of Sohoton Cove until you reach the jellyfish sanctuary. You can touch, hold, and swim with the stingless jellyfish in the clear and calm water of the lagoon.
Tiktikan Lake
Walk for about five minutes and witness the serene beauty of Tiktikan Lake. The lake is enclosed by the verdant landscape of which it is also known as Tiktikan Lagoon. You can either enjoy the view by sitting on the bench or in the hammock or go boating.
Where Did We Stay
Island Paradise Resort
On my first travel with my colleagues, we stayed in Island Paradise Resort. For a nature lover, this place is one of the best. The place screams tranquility. The emerald green water is peacefully surrounded by the lush green islets. The unit has a veranda and from there, you can directly jump into the water.
Tiktikan Lagoon and Lake Resort
Together with my friends, we stayed in Tiktikan Lagoon and Lake Resort. If you are fond of cliff jumping, then this resort offers you two levels of jumping board. Aside from that, it also has a long winding dragon slides and a lake on the uphill.
How To Get There
Since we are from Lanao del Norte, we had traveled from Iligan City to Hayanggabon Port. Both on my travels, we had availed a tour package where van rental from Iligan to Hayanggabon Port was included in the package.
From Surigao
You can ride a passenger boat directly to Socorro in Hayanggabon Port of Claver, Surigao del Norte. Travel time is about three hours.
From Siargao
There are passenger boats for Socorro available daily in Dapa Port. Travel time is about one hour. If traveling by group, you can charter a boat from Siargao Island to Sohoton.
Summing Up
You can tour all the must-see destinations in one day. But if you want to relax and breathe, then you can extend your stay. Just bring enough snacks. Sohoton is very secluded where resorts are located in an islet or a lagoon. One of my colleagues together with the boatman and his crew went to the town to buy snacks. The guys requested the snacks to pair with the liquors they bought in Surigao. She returned with a pack of biscuits and nuts only because of unavailability.
But I guess this is why I love Sohoton. It offers good serenity for your mind and soul. This is a great place to loosen up both from the concrete jungle and inner turmoil.
This is just an overview of what Sohoton has to offer. In my succeeding Sohoton blogs, I will be sharing my fun and thrilling experiences in the must-see destinations.