Tour at Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur

I never thought that the province of Surigao del Sur has a bunch to offer in terms of tourist destinations. Ranging from beautiful falls, rivers, caves, beaches, islands and islets, Surigao del Sur is a perfect place for people who adore nature tripping. And to add up another spot in Surigao del Sur that people should not miss when visiting the said province, let me tour you to a famous destination in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur - the Britania Group of Islands.

Honestly speaking, my visit in Britania Group of Islands was unexpected. It just happened that we already accomplished all the spots written in our itinerary and we still have another day to stay in Surigao before we fly back to Manila. For the past 2 days, we've been asking the locals for a must-see place in their town. The popular answers were Enchanted River, Siargao, Tinuy-an Falls and Britania Group of Islands. 2 out of 4 answers were already visited by us. But we decided to go to Britania Islands because that time it is nearest place from where we are (yet it is still 4 hours away lol).

Islands and islets are already visible from the beach shore of Brgy. Salvacion (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Port where our Britania island hopping starts! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

How to get there?
From Butuan City, commercial buses and vans are can be hired going to San Agustin. Travel time is 4-5 hours. Then from San Agustin proper, one can take a tricycle. Just inform the driver to drop you at Salvacion Tourism Office. As you hit at Salvacion, hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) to reach the Britania port in which adventure to Britania Group of Islands will start. But for us who started the trip in Bislig, we took a bus in a terminal in Bislig (near a gasoline station) going to Barobo Bus Terminal which cost 103 pesos. From Barobo, we rode again a bus with a signage of Tandag. We informed the bus conductor that we are going to Britania and to drop us  at Brgy. Salvacion. Bus ride from Barobo to Brgy. Salvacion is 40 pesos. Then from Salvacion, we rode a habal-habal going to the port of Britania Group of Islands. Fare is 20 pesos per head. From there, we paid an environmental fee which is 25 pesos.

Perfect weather! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

From the entrance of Brgy. Salvacion, we have been commissioned by a local "bangkero" (boatman) to take his service and let him tour us in Britania Group of Islands. His initial offer were 1,500 pesos. This is actually the regular price of the island hopping in Britania. However, since we were only 2 two in this trip, we negotiate if we can get it in a much lower price. Thank God that he agreed on 1,000 pesos for the whole Britania Island hopping. He's very courteous to tourists like us. He let us change our clothes in their house and lend us dinnerware since we are going to take our lunch in one of the islands. Their family also sell fresh seafood so we bought from them our food for lunch. They even give us discount and free rice! Thanks a lot Kuya Andy (the name of our bangkero).

3 out of the 24 islands and islets of Britania Group of Islands (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Lets GO! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Going back, Britania Group of Islands is composed of 24 stunning islands and islets. 6 of which are can be explore by visitors. So, let's start island hopping!

Hagonoy Island

Hagonoy Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

First off is Hagonoy Island. A pear-shaped island found in Bislig Bay that is characterized by white sand and clear blue water. I fell in love with Hagonoy because of its tropical atmosphere and simplicity. Simple that mostly seen on this island is its sand (yet not that white but fine and kind to the feet) and a portion of coconut trees that serves as a shade to visitors when the sun settles high.

Paradise here I come! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

(Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

This island also serves as our picnic area as we ate our lunch here. We also use that time to get to know more our bangkeros, their stories and way of living. We learned a lot from them most specially with Kuya Andy's stories. With all those stories I heard from him, I know that he really care for nature and also to his ka-baryo. He knew the rules and abide to it. Clearly, a good citizen of Brgy. Salvacion. It was a good talk with the locals but we have to continue with our trip. So after lunch, we got back to our boat and head to our next destination.

Off to our next destination (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Naked Island

Naked Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Don't be mislead by the name of this island. Naked Island got its name from its looks. No trees nor huge boulders. Its just a plain sand floating at Bislig Bay. If I find Hagonoy Island simple, then this island is bold. Though it doesn't have much in here, it still has a charm for those who sees Naked Island. Even though I am not fond of staying under the sun, I still enjoyed my visit in this island. Just simply look at the photos below on how crazy we are during our stay in Naked Island.

Our version of Look-up | Ryza Mae Shoooowwww! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Foreground, Naked Island. Background, Hagonoy Island. (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

(Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Buslon Island

Buslon Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Next in line is Buslon Island. Which is for me, the most beautiful island among the 24 islands in Britania. It has a striking look that I find it very heavenly. It is also characterized by powdery white sand that is comparable to Boracay. A perfect island to chill and stay for a while. 

Look at that fine Background! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

It has a huge boulder which gives preferable shade to visitors but it still leaves enough portion of the island for the sun can share its heat (This is my kind of island!). Aside from the big boulder, no structures can be found in Buslon island except for the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Images of Mary (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

One can walk around the island to see a 360 degree view of Britania islands. During low tide, one can do island hopping with bare feet. Yup that's right! Walking from Buslon Island to another island - Panlangagan Island. Indeed a new experience!

Baron - Author of Baron the Explorer (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Panlangagan Islands (twin islands)

Panlangagan Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

During high tide, no coastline nor sand bar are visible to connect Buslon Island and Panlangagan Islands. So I recommend visitors to talk to your boatmen to bring you here during low tide so you can experience walking from one island to another island. 

This sand bar only appears when low tide (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Island hopping using your "feet" From Buslon to Panlangagan Island

I don't have much to say in this island since we only stay here in a few minutes because we don't want to get stuck in here when the water sets high again. Haha. But one should visit this to complete your Britania Group of Islands experience!

Hiyor Hiyoran Island

Hiyor Hiyoran Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

I thought that our island hopping at Britania Group of Islands end in Panlangagan but Kuya Andy still brought us to another island - Hiyor Hiyoran Island. Hiyor Hiyoran Island is what I can say, a perfect spot for photoshoot. Yeah! It has sand, trees, big rocks and chops of tree trunks. All elements that can be use as props and background for a shoot. Too bad that we didn't stay long here because we're running out of time already. But good thing that we got to see and capture some shots of this island. It's time to bid farewell to Britania Group of Islands. 

(Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Yup, my site header was shot at Hiyor Hiyoran Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Before the sun sets down, we already reach Brgy. Salvacion. Kuya Andy directed us to a house where we can bath and change our clothes. The owner of the house also sells "iron wood chopping boards" which is very popular in their town. It is a chopping board made of Magkono tree.  A tree that is only found in Surigao and considered as the Philippines hardest tree. We got our iron wood for only 100 pesos. I bought 2 pieces of it. One for my family and the other is for my girlfriend's family. It weighs at almost 3 kilos which cost me excess baggage (by airplane) but it's fine, this thing is not common in Manila so this will now serve as my memorabilia of my Surigao trip. Lol!

And so our adventure in Britania ends as we travel back to Butuan City. My island hopping experience in Britania Group of Islands has been a great one. This place is really a must-see spot not only in Surigao del Sur but in the Philippines.

Kuyan Andy's contact number: 09305353703
Update: September 29,2013 - I received a personal message on my FB Page from one of my reader whose been to Britannia and rented Kuya Andy's service also. The message was:

Your blog about your Sirigao trip was very helpful to us. With your blog kuya andy has customes texting him for the boat ride however kuya andy has a concern. All of those who saw your blog wanted to get 1k for the ride even if they are 10 in a group. Kuya andy texted me last night to ask help to contact you guys. Please contact kuya andy as soon as you read this. Thank you.

This alarms me so much because even if my blog helps Kuya Andy gain more clients however he is being paid at "lowball" price. The regular price for this island hopping tour costs 1,500 pesos. And the only reason why he gave us a tour at 1,000 pesos was simply because we were only 2 on this trip who will shoulder the said expense. And having read the message above makes me feel bad because I don't think I am helping him back with the kindness he showed to us. So please please please... I hope you pay these guys on a regular price (Iam not just pertaining to Kuya Andy but to every boatmen there), most specially those who are going there in large group. He's a great/cool boatman and I guarantee you an amazing experience when you get him as your guide. They have families they needed to support. So please let's not kill their business instead we should help them.

Breakdown of Expenses:

Bus (Non AC, Bislig to Barobo) - 103.00 PhP

Bus (Non AC, Barobo to Brgy. Salvacion) - 40.00 PhP

Habal Habal (two way) - 40.00 PhP 

Environmental Fee - 25.00 PhP

Raw Squid - 280.00 Php / 2 pax = 140.00 PhP

(1) liter Soft drinks- 50.00 PhP / 2 pax = 25.00 PhP

Bathroom - 5.00 PhP

Ironwood - 100.00 PhP

Boat rental - 1000.00 PhP + 100.00 PhP (tip) / 2 pax = 550.00 PhP (This was just a special offer for us, the regular price for this tour actually costs 1,500 pesos - PLEASE READ MY UPDATE ON TOP OF THIS BREAKDOWN)

Ocean View Park & International Doll House of Bislig, Surigao del Sur

After our visit at the "Little Niagara Falls" of the Philippines, read full story here, me and my friend Baron were in a hurry to head back to the city of Bislig. The reasons are: first, its getting dark and we still don't have a hotel to stay in. Second, we heard that there is another must see place here in Bislig and it closes at 7 in the evening. So, after we found a place to stay-in for our 2nd night in this Surigao del Sur trip, we immediately got back on the road to visit the famous restaurant and doll house located in Barangay Cumawas, Bislig City - the International Doll House & Ocean View Park Restaurant.

Yup, you read it right. We are heading to a Doll House. The International Doll House & Ocean View Park (OVP) Restaurant is owned by a couple who resides in Zurich, Switzerland -- Mrs. Ruelaine and Mr. Werner Willimann. The restaurant and doll house are situated on a hill top. Therefore, one needs to climb up first for about 250++ steps before reaching these structures. It may sound tiring, but the view that this place can offer, as well as the food of the restaurant, and the intriguing doll house will definitely swept away all your sweats. And I guarantee that.

Well, we actually ran going to the top because it was quarter to 7pm when we reached OVP. Honestly speaking, the whole place was dark when we got in and they're already closed. However, the owner saw us still catching our breath due to our run on that hundred steps and told us that they will still take our orders and they can re-open the doll house for us. Thank God because luck was on our side that day and the couple was in the Philippines during our visit. From that moment, I know that these people has a heart to their customers and really value them (which includes us).

The International Doll House

Cutie Patutie dolls :] (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

We first visited the International Doll House. One should prepare 20 pesos for the entrance fee and before entering, footwear should be left at the veranda and in-front of the Doll House. Footwear are not allowed inside to minimize the dirt getting in. The place is fully air-conditioned and it just got to show that Mrs. Willimann really takes good care for her collection.

As we enter the first room of the International Doll House, I noticed that there were no dolls occupying the area. It was just a spacious room and a huge wallpaper with an image of an indoor garden. Our tour guide whose also part of the family who owns of the place, started to borrow our camera, directed us to some poses and started to take photos of us with the wallpaper. I was amazed when I got to see the output of our photo. That big wallpaper on that room is a 3D-wallpaper. With a good direction and pose, this wallpaper can be converted into a real life garden. Just refer on the photos below to see how amazing this 3D-wallpaper is. The 3D-wallpaper was previously owned by Universal Studios and bought by the couple in an auction.

Coolness overload! 3-D Wallpaper (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

At first, I am not really excited to see this part of the trip. Dolls were really not my interest and I thought that toys from this house are just ordinary collection of dolls. But I was wrong... because as I enter to the main room of the doll house and as our tour guide narrated some of the stories of Mrs. Willimann's dolls, I become a fan of this place and amused at the same time. This place housed hundreds of dolls and were collected from different side of the globe. Dolls range from Babushka to Barbie to a very rare and expensive dolls. Most of the dolls in this place are one of a kind and grand. And we're talking here ten thousands to hundred thousands worth of doll.

Just a part of the whole collection...

Look how amused I am here (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Another reason of my amusement is that there are also dolls in the International Doll House in which the hair attached to it came from celebrities and well-known personalities such as a daughter of a prime minister, Marilyn Monroe, and the king of pop - Michael Jackson. Amazing huh?

Can you guess whose hair were attached to this dolls? (Left Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Philippines represent!

On the other hand, Mr. Werner Willimann is starting to build his own collection. I wonder how this house will looks like after sometime. Hmmmm...

My father will surely like these (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

I wonder how much are these. I forgot to ask them (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Wow! Hope Mr. Werner continue to collect this (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

The Ocean View Park

Mr. Werner in action (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

After our tour in the International Doll House, then we proceed to the dinning part of the Ocean View Park which is just a few steps away. The place is a popular restaurant in Bislig and I heard a lot of good points why local and foreign tourists should dine here. And I'll say that they were all right!

The Place. Ocean View Park restaurant is clean, well organized, spacious and has a cozy ambiance. I find it as a perfect place for family bonding, friends get together and socialize.But what makes Ocean View Park restaurant stands out from other restaurant in Surigao del Sur is that, this place is elevated and on its view deck, an overlooking view of the city and the Pacific Ocean awaits to its visitors.

Clean, cozy and a nice background music (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Affordable. As we take a look on their menu, I couldn't believe how affordable they sell their food despite of their popularity. For less than 50 pesos, one can enjoy burger with drinks. In general, food here ranges from 50 pesos to 150 pesos. Which is not bad at all.

Don't be fooled by the size just by looking on the menu :] They serve in big servings! (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Servings. Never ever, ever, ever judge their servings by its price. Not because it's budget friendly it also means they serve it in small quantity/size. This is never the case in Ocean View Park Restaurant! I ordered Schnitzel (with fries) which is the "menu of the month" that time. I underestimate its look which I based on the photo on the menu, so I ordered an extra rice and an ala carte French Fries. As my orders were served in our table, I know that I am in trouble. Trouble in terms on how can I manage to eat and finish all that. My Schnitzel was two big slices of meat. One of each was almost as big as my foot! Plus, Baron shares me half of his burger. So my dinner that night was carbs on carbs on carbs on carbs on carbs!

Have you tried Curry Spaghetti? (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Schnitzel is a flour-covered boneless meat that is thinned with hammer (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Yum!!!! (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

The Verdict. Ocean View Park restaurant really serve delicious foods. It's the main factor why people recommend this to tourists. It's really a must try and should not be missed out. I ordered Schnitzel with Fries, an extra rice, ala carte Fries (again). On the otherhand, Baron ordered Curry Spaghetti with Schnitzel, and fish burger. We also ordered 2 Halo-Halo as our dessert. Plus, Mrs. Ruelaine gave us watermelons and its free of charge (thank you po). Going back, and with all those food that I mentioned, we did not regret any single of it. It was 4 thumbs up from me and Baron! We came back to our hotel with a full and happy tummies.

I'd like to thank all the staff of OVP for the great experience. Thank you for reopening your place to accommodate us!

Breakdown of Expenses:
Entrance Fee (International Doll House) - 20.00 PhP
Schnitzel (with Fries) - 150.00 PhP
Fish Burger (with drinks) - 50.00 PhP
Curry Spaghetti -
French Fries (ala carte) - 45.00 PhP
Halo-Halo - 45.00 PhP

The Grandeur of Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigao del Sur

Approximately 95 meters wide and 55 meters (180 ft) tall, this fall that is situated in Surigao del Sur moniker as "The Little Niagara Falls" of the Philippines. It's none other than the Tinuy-an Falls (Tinuyan Falls) of the municipality of Bislig. Tinuy-an Falls has been the main attraction in Bislig. Its white astonishing water that drapes and cascade to its three different levels makes this place as the most visited tourist spot in the region of CARAGA. Aside from that, Tinuy-an falls is considered to be the widest waterfall in the Philippines. So with all those words, backpackers like me who planned a Mindanao trip didn't forgot to include this wonder in our itinerary and adventure.

How to get there?
Starting at Bancasi Airport in Butuan City, one can take a jeepney going to Langihan Premium Bus Terminal. Upon arrival at the bus terminal, commercial buses or vans for hire going to Mangagoy are available. Travel time is about 4-5 hours. When in Mangagoy, head to Integrated Terminal and take a jeepney. Just inform the driver to drop you at the jump-off point of Tinuy-an Falls. From the main road, rent a Habal habal (single motorcycle) that will take you to the waterfall. I couldn't give you the prices of each ride because we came from a different route.

Sneak peek of the 1st and 2nd levels of Tinuy-an Falls (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Our Tinuy-an Falls adventure starts right after our visit to Enchanted river, read full details here. A habal-habal driver approach us in Enchanted River and offer us a ride going to Tinuy-an Falls at 1,500 pesos. As we heard his offer, we use math that we acquired during our elementary years and calculated the expense if ever we go to Tinuy-an by commute. Based on our computations, the driver's offer is quite expensive. It was too much for 2 backpackers like us to shed that amount going to Bislig. So we had to decline his first offer. He still insist the ride so we ended up bargaining the trip and settled at 900 pesos. This includes a ride from Enchanted River (Hinatuan) going to Tinuy-an Falls (Bislig). Then the habal habal driver will wait for us there until we're done with our Tinuy-an exploration. Afterwards, he will also help us find a hotel in Bislig City. DEAL! Now that's how tourists should handle this kind of situation.

It was the longest habal-habal ride I had experienced in my whole travelling life. I lost track but I believe it was 1 1/2 - 2 hours backride. Thank God the view is refreshing. It somehow takes away my butt pain and leg cramps of this habal-habal trip. As we approach near the site, I noticed the cold air that flows in my skin. It makes the two of us excited.

Grandest Falls I've ever seen so far... (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Then we finally arrived in the site of Tinuy-an Falls. We shed 20 pesos per head for the entrance fee then we go directly to the area where this waterfall lies.Tinuy-an is really grandeur. Since it rains the night before we got there, the water that afternoon was raging. I can say that we saw Tinuy-an Falls in its full form. It's the widest and tallest falls I've ever been to. It does seems like a curtain that covers the tall rock wall behind it. In addition to it, there are trees beside it that add colors and appeal to this falls. We do not waste any time. We set up our cameras and take photographs in any way possible.

(Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Tinuy-an Falls in its full form

Then a local guy approach us and offers a trip going to the 1st and 2nd level of Tinuy-an falls. One needs to pass 90 ++ steps in order to reach the spot and of course we say yes to his offer. It wasn't that hard. There are concrete stairs so it will be easy for non athletic person like me to reach its top. And the view up there was superb! It is a midget Tinuy-an Falls. Short yet still wide. We're lucky because we can still be able to see a rainbow even we got there late. People say that rainbow only appears at 9:00am to 11:00am only.

It is really beautiful up there. Visitors should not miss trekking this one (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Photo op! #selfie #lol (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Me and our tour guides (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

I envy Baron for having a photo with that rainbow! (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

After our trekked at Tinuy-an Falls, the same local guy offers us a bamboo raft ride to go near the splashing water of Tinuy-an Falls. Again, we say yest to it! It was off-season and weekday when we got there so the place isn't crowded. For the bamboo raft, the passengers were only me, Baron and the 2 bankeros. Cool! As we approached to the falls, I started to feel cold. The water is hitting us as well as the cold breeze of the air which makes me freeze on this raft ride. In the middle of this activity, Byron and I jumped from the raft. I don't know if that's the right thing since it only worsen the coldness we feel that time. Overall, it was a fun experience. We really enjoyed our bamboo raft ride. We just gave 150 pesos to the local guy for the whole activity (trekking + bamboo raft + tip).

Start of our Bamboo rafting adventure! (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

We barely couldn't hear each other out there (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

By the way, that's my travel buddy Byron of Baron the Explorer (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

My words are not enough to describe the grandeur of Tinuy-an Falls. After seeing it with my own eyes, now I know why it is reputed as the "Little Niagara Falls" of the Philippines. I hope people of this town take care of this place so that future generations will be able to see and visit it as well.

Breakdown of Expenses:
Habal-Habal (Enchanted River - Tinuyan Falls - Hotel in Bislig City) - 900.00 PhP / 2 = 450 PhP per pax
Entrance Fee - 50.00 PhP
Bamboo Raft + Tinuy-an trekking + Tip - 150.00 PhP / 2 = 75.00 PhP per pax
Table - Since it was off peak, we got it for free!