Surigao del Sur Itinerary, Backpacking in Mindanao

Photo: Britania Island.

Our original plan was to hike Mt. Dulang-dulang and Mt. Kitanglad, but because of the question: “gusto nyo ba?” it was changed to backpacking in Northern Mindanao. It happened for a very, very short time. So from Malaybalay, Bukidnon, we rode on a bus with a Cagayan signboard and alighted at Agora Terminal. At the terminal, we rode in a bus with a Butuan signboard and alighted at Butuan Terminal. Then, another bus ride to Mangahoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Our first destinations were the majestic tourist spots in Surigao del Sur.


How to Get to Surigao del Sur:

  1. By Air: Book a flight from Manila to Butuan Airport (BXU) and Surigao Airport (SUG). Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have their regular flights to these airports. From Butuan, ride in a bus or van to Mangahoy. From Surigao City, ride a bus to Butuan or Tanda, then ride a bus or van to Bislig.
  2. Or, at the airport, ride in a van to the Integrated Terminal.
  3. Take another ride to Biglig, Surigao del Sur.

Surigao del Sur Tourist Spots:


5 Days Backpacking in Mindanao
Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Camiguin

At the integrated terminal of Bislig, first, we rode in a tricycle and checked in. It was a tiring day, so we spent the rest of the day walking on the streets of Bislig. Bought supplies. Rested. The next day, early 7 in the morning, we had breakfast and started our backpacking to the stunning attractions.

Photo of majestic Tinuy-an Falls.

To start the day, we headed to Tinuy-an Falls. It is situated in Brgy. Barboanan and it's accessible via motorcycle from Bislig City proper. This waterfall has a towering limestone cliff where the waters are falling. On the ground, there's a freshwater man-made lake landscaped with trees, grass and flowers that preserve the relaxing ambience. If you're searching for adventure, you can hike up to terraces of water on top.

Photo: The heart-pounding skylab.

After the remarkable experience at Tinuy-an Falls, we went back to the city proper by riding on a "skylab." It's a motorcycle with built-in chairs made of wood on the side. The normal motorcycle capacity is 3-4 but, by using the skylab, it can carry 10 passengers at once. It's not just about weight balancing; the muddy road adds up to the reason why it's remarkable.

Photo: International Doll Museum.

If you're from Tinuy-an Falls and heading back to Bislig City proper, you can pass by this multi-million collection - the International Doll House. Before our visit, it was once featured on Rated K. Inside, you can see the precious and expensive dolls from different parts of the world. It is not limited to dolls; there are expensive cups and toys displayed inside the glass cabinet. Then, we headed back to the hotel to pack up for the next destination.

Photo: I love Biglig Signboard.
Bislig is a typical city, so the mode of transportation is not a problem. We rode in a tricycle to the park, where we took another van ride to Tagbina. The driver knew our destination, so we relaxed ourselves. Took a nap. And the driver shouted. At last! We're in Tagbina. From the highway, we rode on a motorcycle to Libuacan Cold Spring.

Photo: Libuacan Cold Spring.

Situated in Tagbina, the Libuacan Cold Spring bears a hidden beauty that nature possesses, perfect for summer destinations. It is a long river system where the cold spring water flows to the pool where the tourist can swim. The tranquillity is preserved because of the plants and the hardwood trees surrounding the area. Again, if you're looking for an extreme, tourists can climb on the trees by the river and jump into the water. Stores, parking area, toilet and bath are available in the area. We stayed here for 2 hours.

After enjoying the beauty of the cold spring, we rode in a tricycle. At Maglambing, by the highway, we rode in a Van with a Tandag signboard and alighted in San Agustin, Barobo Bus Terminal. At the terminal, a multi-cab driver offered his service for only 300 pesos to San Agustin. Since it's a huge savings than having another bus ride, we accepted. The next day, it was a fun island hopping at Britania Group of Islets.

Photo of a tourist enjoying Britania Group of Islands, the top tourist spot in Surigao del Sur.
Photo: Hagonoy Island.

Photo taken on the other side of Boslon Island.

These stunning islets are situated in the municipality of San Agustin. Composed of Hagonoy, Naked, Boslon, and Hiyor-Hiyoran islands, these islets have the same features, there's a white sand shoreline surrounded by crystal clear and emerald waters, artistic rock and limestone formations, there's a big picture of golden and beautiful sunset. Plus, there's a wealthy flora and fauna underwater.

The whole Britania Island hopping was three to four hours, and we returned to the resort to prepare for another tiring land travel. Tidy up. Repacked and proceeded to our next destination – Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. By the highway, we rode on a bus with a Butuan signboard and alighted at the Butuan Terminal. Travel time was three hours. We stayed at Shine’s family in the city to lessen our expenses. The next day was a city tour. Read our adventure on Helpful Links below.


Where to Stay in San Agustin, Surigao:

  1. Jumong's Resthouse
  2. Camp Soteria Resort


Where to Stay in Surigao del Sur:

  1. BNJ Boarding House, Bislig
  2. GLC Suites, Bislig
  3. Kamayo Hostel Hinatuan


Click Helpful Links Below:


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