No exact words can describe the beauty of Sohoton. The close adjective would be ENCHANTING!
This one whole day escapo to Sohoton National Park was primarily set as bonding time with our staffs in Siargao Area. Of course, I am one of the most excited!
April 9 was declared as National Holiday -that means "no work" for us. Around 10 o’clock in the morning when we left Dapa Port of Siargao Island to start our Bucas Grande tour/adventure. Huge waves and heavy rain took us 50 minutes to get to Socorro Port. A hired boat that will take us to Sohoton National Park is waiting for us there.
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| Bucas Grande's Way of Life |
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| Our early lunch before heading to Sohoton National Park |
After almost an hour boat ride we reached Bucas Grande’s Sohoton National Park where the famed Sohoton Cove and Sting-less JellyFish sanctuary are located- actually a lot more.
We are welcomed by accommodating guides and operators of Sohoton. We’re advised to be in hurry as low tide is approaching… Why? My initialreaction…
“Baka hindi po kasi kayo makapasok sa Sohoton Cove at magsasarado…” “Ah okay” our common response but still in question “bakit nga ba magsasarado?”.
“Baka hindi po kasi kayo makapasok sa Sohoton Cove at magsasarado…” “Ah okay” our common response but still in question “bakit nga ba magsasarado?”.
Note: They only allowed 6 persons each boat- 4 passengers/tourist and the 2 guides/boatmen. One Boat costs P800 plus additional environmental fee and the rent for mandatory Life Jacket and protective Hat.
Crystal clear water of Sohoton welcomed us. Coral formations and colorful fishes visibly seen below our boat invites me to dive and feel the coldness of turquoise water. Naturally-crafted rock formations are beautiful sightings before you reach the entrance of the main spot.
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| The Horse Foot Rock Formation |
Our questions where answered as we enter in the only entrance going to Sohoton Cove- high tide closes the entrance/exit and you have to wait for low tide to get out. It's like being "transported in another dimension or paradise" is what I've felt while inside this enchanting lagoon.
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| The only Entrance and Exit way to Sohoton Cove |
Our first stop inside Sohoton Cove is the Hagukan Cave. The cave is actually an underground river with very cold water. Hagukan comes from the Visayan dialect Haguk which means to snore- as you can here snorkeling sound while inside the cave.
The second stop is the Magkuku-ob Cave which is also an underground river. The most exciting part of Magkuku-ob Cave adventure is the trail up to its exit on the top of the small mountain with diving platform at the edge. We then instructed to dive to get back in the boat. Wew! Buti na lang kinaya.
The second stop is the Magkuku-ob Cave which is also an underground river. The most exciting part of Magkuku-ob Cave adventure is the trail up to its exit on the top of the small mountain with diving platform at the edge. We then instructed to dive to get back in the boat. Wew! Buti na lang kinaya.
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| Entrance of Hagukan Cave |
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| Balinsasayaw bird nesting inside the Hagukan Cave |
After the Sohoton Cove adventure we then hired another boat (smaller - good for 2-3 persons including the boatman/guide) for 100 pesos per passenger - going to the famed "Jellyfish Sanctuary". The sanctuary is 5-10 minutes boat ride from the tourist reception area or tourist boats' wharf area. My excitement meter keeps on rising as we enter in the sanctuary - stunned while passing the naturally-crafted rock formations and the unexplained feeling while looking the beautiful coral formations below us. The never-ending turquoise-clear water is truly enchanting, this is indeed a paradise!
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| On the way going to The Jelly Fish Sanctuary |
We then reached the jellyfish sanctuary. The sanctuary is surrounded by virgin forests and the waters are calm. The feeling is extraordinary- serenity adds magic to this place. Still amazed by marvelous nature, I didn't notice I was surrounded by hundreds or thousands of sting-less jellyfish. Sad to say my P and S cam's battery turns into 1% . Luckily, I was able to get 1 close shot of Sohoton's sting-less jellyfish.
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| My one and only shot of Sting-less Jellyfish |
Sohoton National Park is part of Bucas Grande Group of Islands. Municipality of Socorro, Surigao del Norte politically covers this group of Islands.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Butuan City: At the Butuan City Integrated Transport Terminal, be carried by a bus bound for Surigao City. Inform the driver to drop you in crossing Placer, Surigao del Norte. Fare in an air conditioned bus is around 160 pesos and less than 150 pesos for ordinary. In crossing, there is a terminal for v-hires and multicabs bound to Claver-Hayanggabon- fare is less than 50 pesos or wait for vans or buses bound for Tandag City. Tell the driver/conductor to drop you in Eskina Hayanggabon Port.
From Surigao City: At the Surigao City Integrated Transport Terminal, take a van or bus bound Tandag City via Nobenta Highway. Tell the driver to drop you in Port of Hayanggabon or the Pier going to Socorro. Fare is less than 100 pesos to Hayanggabon. Once in Hayanggabon, hire a boat for about 2500-3500 pesos (good for 20-25 people). You can also take a commuter boat bound for Socorro then hire a boat from Socorro to Bucas Grande. Detailed Surigao City Travel Guide(click here)
From Dapa Port: At Dapa Port, there is a commuter boat going to Socorro Port (100 pesos) then hire a boat from Port of Socorro to Bucas Grande (2500-3500). There are also boats for hire from Dapa Port direct to Bucas Grande’s Sohoton from about 3500-4000 pesos (back and forth).
***If you want to hire a boat (can accommodate up to 30 passengers), you can contact the owner of the boat we hired @ mobile number: 09094222789. We call him Kapitan - I forgot his full name but he is the Barangay Captain of one of the Barangays in Municipality of Socorro.
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