Philippines is, indeed, a country of distinct and amazing natural resources. As a country of more than 7107 islands and gifted with tropical climate, we can claim and shout to the world that we are “one of the best destinations” on Earth.
Yep, 7107 islands means the best and the most pristine beaches. Beaches that come in many different colors – you can choose from white, pink, black or gray beaches!
Oh, I almost forgot, a pebble or rock beach must be on the list!
The Trip/Revisiting one of my Favorite Cities
I had the chance to re-visit one of my favorite cities, Surigao City, during 3-day work itineraries in CARAGA Region. Nothing is comparable to the feeling of revisiting a place once you considered as home.
Year 2012 – that was 2 years ago – when I first saw the beautiful and distinct coastline of Mabua and Ipil. Mabua and Ipil are Barangays in Surigao City (Surigao del Norte Province), blessed with a long stretch of stone/pebble beach. Smooth stones and pebbles are naturally scattered in the coastline of Mabua-Ipil said to be caused by volcanic eruption hundred years ago. Yep, not the usual coastline composed of cream or white or gray sands.
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| View of Mabua - Ipil coastline from Mt. Bagarabon |
Every time traveler friends ask me what to see within Surigao City, I highly recommend visiting Mabua-Ipil Beach. Aside from the stone/pebble beach, the ala Manila Bay Sunset viewing is also a perfect experience in this part of the city.
This time, another spot in Surigao City was added on my list – another beautiful long stretch of pebble beach not far from Ipil-Mabua Stone Beach… One of the reasons why I will keep on coming back to the City of Island Adventures.
Travel Notes/Diary
June 18, 2014 | I’ve felt indefatigable in 14 hours road trip from Zamboanga del Sur going to the City of Island Adventures! We arrived in Mt. Bagarabon Beach Resort & Hotel around 7:00 in the morning, CHECKED In, and napped for a while. Five hours free time (before the meeting starts) simply means walking and taking photographs of the beautiful Mabua beach.
June 20, 2014 | I’m done with my work and feeling accomplished! We hiked the nearby Mt. Bagarabon to see the beautiful view of Mabua-Ipil coastline and to check another interesting spot which is very near in the resort, the Looc Pebble Beach.
The resort where we stayed, Mt. Bagarabon Beach Resort and Hotel, is located at the foot of Mt. Bagarabon and fronting the stone beach of Mabua. After more or less 10 minutes of hiking up then going down to the eastern side of Mt. Bagarabon, you'll reach the pebble beach of Barangay Looc.
The resort where we stayed, Mt. Bagarabon Beach Resort and Hotel, is located at the foot of Mt. Bagarabon and fronting the stone beach of Mabua. After more or less 10 minutes of hiking up then going down to the eastern side of Mt. Bagarabon, you'll reach the pebble beach of Barangay Looc.
Yep, a Pebble Beach in Looc
Derived from the name of the Barangay that covers, Looc Pebble beach is one of the promising spots in Surigao City. Looc is the next barangay of Mabua. The beach is not yet a popular destination and there are only few accommodations within the area. In fact, our group were the only the visitors during that day. Not yet popular, this is the best time to visit the beach and enjoy its serenity and exclusivity.
Way of Living
The area is a typical fishing village. Freshest air, good food/freshest seafoods, beautiful sunsets, kind and smiling villagers, and playing, happy kids - simply Looc...
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| The beautiful waves turn into crystal clear water during calm seasons |
Compared to the coastline of Barangays Mabua and Ipil, Looc’s shoreline is composed of smaller stones or pebbles.
Must Try
Don’t forget to visit Marbie’s Store (in crossing Ipil) and try Surigao City’s pride local delicacy, the Sayonsong! Your Surigao City experience isn't complete if you miss sampling Sayonsong. It’s a yummy local delicacy made from ground sticky rice, coconut milk, etc., wrapped in banana leaf.
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| Sayonsong |
Where to Stay
I highly recommend Mt. Bagarabon Beach Resort & Hotel! No other place in the City of Island Adventures can match their excellent service and hospitality, not to mention their yummy Pinoy comfort foods served at Bongsod ni Jose Restaurant. Treat yourself with good sip of brewed coffee while satisfying your eyes on their collections of antiques and old things from different parts of the world at their Handurawan Café and Museum, which is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily.
I almost forgot to mention their fantastic room accommodations and “best costumer service”.
Plan your trip now going to Surigao City and don't forget to include Looc Pebble Beach in your itinerary.
How to Get There
Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines are servicing Manila to Surigao City; and Cebu City to Surigao City routes.
Ride in a multicab or tricycle from Surigao Airport going to Gateway crossing (minimum fare). From the crossing (Gateway Surigao), hire a habal-habal or tricycle that will take you to Looc Pebble Beach in Barangay Looc. Fare costs around 80-100 pesos. Cheaper way? From crossing Gateway, ride in a multicab bound to San Francisco (Anaoaon)/Malimuno (Php15.00) and ask the driver to drop you at crossing going Looc Beach. Just walk and you'll reach the beach area in less than 10 minutes. The other way (just like what we did), is via Mt. Bagarabon from Mt. Bagarabon Resort and Hotel.
Going to Mt. Bagarabon Resort and Hotel? From gateway crossing, ride in a multicab bound to San Francisco (Anaoaon)/Malimuno and ask the driver to drop you at crossing Ipil. From crossing Ipil, ride again in a tricycle or habal-habal (Php 10.00) and tell the driver that you're going to Mt. Bagarabon Resort in Mabua. Click and Read: Surigao City Travel Guide
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