Sometimes when work seems to get boring, we opt to look for some inspiration to go on. We need an escape from reality, hence, thoughts of taking a break come to mind. But a usual weekend is not enough for road trips so we have to wait for a long weekend to make such travel plans possible. Then came National Heroes Day!!! Tadaaaaa! Behold, one of God's obra maestro in the Eastern part of Mindanao, Sohoton Cove in Socorro, Bucas Grande Islands, Surigao del Norte! :)
It's more than 400 kms away from Davao and traveling itself took us half a day. But when you see the crystal clear waters of Surigao, you'll shit bricks. Hahaha. Swear, it's worth the time! :) We had an excursion to Butuan City since we still had the whole afternoon to do just anything. Stayed overnight at Revlun Pensionne in Claver, and left early the following morning to Hayanggabon Port. And the adventure began! We basically spent only a day in Bucas Grande Island so we made use of our time as wisely as possible. Bahala nag maabtan sa ting balud pagkahapon sakay lang sa lancha. YOLO na ni! Ginusto namin to e. Hahaha.
From Hayanggabon Port, it takes around 45 mins to an hour to reach Bucas Grande.
That seemingly tiny opening is the entrance and exit to Sohoton Cove. So it's not advisable to take a tour when it's high tide.
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| Dagongdong Wall |
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| Horse foot/tail... When you see it, you'd know you're on the right track. Pag wala na, saag lang sa mo. Haha! |
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| The Hagukan Cave. When it's low tide, you don't need to dive just to enter. Higda lang besh choks na pero pag taas kag ilong, ayaw nag dare. Masangit na for sure. Haha! |
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| When inside the cave... Bahalag blurry basta happy. |
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| Stalagmites |
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| Since pa high tide na, there's no way but to hold your breath for like 3 sec and dive your way out. |
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| Magkukuob Cave. Another cave, means another adventure. |
Did a little "wall climbing" after this pose, oblivious of the challenge life has to offer a few minutes after. Lels. Just like life, the trail was also scary. But unlike life where there are circumstances that call you to let go, the trail teaches nothing but to hold on even when you're hurting. Chos. Hold on as your life would be at stake when you let go. Pili ka, masamad lang ka or magkapiang piang jud ka? Gotta choose before the day ends. Hahaha.
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| The struggle of whether to let your emotions out, or just keep to yourself. |
Mga dramang, "Kuya, nakulbaan man jud ko uy," ug "Relax lang ma'am. Hangad, tan-aw sa layo, inhale, exhale." Haha. It's only 15 ft but to us who aren't that adventurous enough, it's like life and death!! Even at this time, you still had to decide whether to willingly jump whenever you're ready, or wait hantud itulak ka sa tour guide. Which is less scary though? You decide coz you have no one to depend on but yourself only. #RealLifeLessons Hahaha!
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| Ani diay dagway sa mga nataanggalan ug stress! Lels. |
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| Stingless jellyfish. It comes in different sizes and colors. |
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| Crystals inside the Crystal and Bolitas Cave |
After our tour, we went on an island hopping for the rest of the day and spent the night at SIFAI Cottage which is managed by Sohoton Integrated Farmers Association Incorporated. Lucky us, we were the only guests at that time so it's like we own a rest house. It is ideal for barkadas. No wifi and almost no signal at all. :)
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| Trying to strike a pose candidly. Haha! |
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| SIFAI Cottage |
A well-spent 3-day vacay with the fambam. Spelunking at its finest! :) I've just added another two provinces in my list--Agusan del Norte & Surigao del Norte. More to gooooo! :)
