Bucas Grande Island is located on the far eastern part of the province of Socorro, Surigao del Norte. It is a lone island municipality in the entire province. To get there, our starting point is at Butuan City by a private car. For about 3 hours we reached to the port of Hanyanggabon. We then hired a private boat to the resort where we have reserved. The 'bangkeros' arranged a payment of 4,500 pesos including island hopping and back-and-forth transportation from the port to the resort. The Resort we stayed is posted below. :)
For half an hour, we arrived at the resort. We then put our bags in our room and change quickly to our adventure clothes then rushed back to our boat to start our escapade. OUR ADVENTURE BEGINS!!!! The places we visited are listed below. Go check them out now!!
These beauty of nature makes you think "Is this Bucas Grande Islands or Hundred Islands?" because of the left and right islands view you can see. These are the pictures I've taken.
CRYSTAL CAVE
First, The cave we entered in our trip is located atop a mountain called “Sohoton Gamay” which means small Sohoton. Before reaching to the main island, we sailed with hundreds of sting-less jellyfishes. Arriving in the island, we head straight to the counter then paid 25 pesos each for the gears (flashlight and hard helmet) needed for the cave visit. We then hiked for ten minutes into the grassy fields. The mouth of the third cave, known as Crystal Cave, comes into view. Inside is an intricate maze, made a little more dangerous by gaping holes in the ground. The stalactites and stalagmites glittered as they seemed to be embellished with “crystals.” Sadly, some rocks don't have crystals anymore because (according to the assigned tourist guide) many people who visited the cave touched them, which made the crystals melt. Maybe that's the reason that the stalagmites and stalactites are barred with ropes to limit the people from going near them.
The dead end of the cave. Our tour guide called this "The Stage".
Special photos!
LAGOON TIKTIKAN (TIKTIKAN LAKE COVE)
This is our second stop, Tiktikan Lake Cove! This is still located on Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte. It is a hidden lagoon inside a small island that is only reachable with boat. I think the place seems perfect to hang out for a day, cook some food, snorkel and others. The common area, which is situated high above the shoreline features amazing and detailed sculptures. This area also offers an encompassing view of Tiktikan Lake after a 5-minute hike.
Conquering my fear. 30 ft jump!
SOHOTON COVE
Our third stop, Sohoton Cove. This is the highlight of the whole trip. I can say that I have to agree to those travelers who say that this destination is a must-see in Surigao Del Norte. One can expect to be surrounded with many scenery during island hopping. The two main destinations inside the cove are Hagukan cave and Magkukuob cave. Hagukan cave can only be entered during low tide, but the time we visited, it is high tide. The entrance of the cave is filled with ocean waters, but challenged accepted. We conquered the cave by the help of our tour guides going inside the cave. They hardly pushed us in as we hold breath for 8 seconds. It’s dark inside the cave and you’ll be swimming most of the time. The water inside the cave appears luminous as an effect of the small amount of light that’s coming from the entrance of the cave. But I can say that the death-defying entrance was worth it. Magkukuob cave is a small cave where you need to climb a few steep but gorgeous rocks to go up to the entrance to cliff dive.
CLUB TARA
Fourth and last stop, Club Tara Resort. We didn't stay here for long because there's nothing much to do here. But, I can assure that the photographers will love the place for its many scenery, including the dramatic shipwreck in the entrance. But the stay was worth the visit too.
Our 2-day and 1-night trip was fun! Leaving us filled with happy memories. See you again, Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte.