A one-day tour island in Surigao City is one of the most perfect and best experiences that a traveler may have. The city is crammed with different islands that are enough to love the place. Because of these islands are just adjacent to each other, you can tour lots of islands in just one day and explore its beauty in many ways! I am sure if you will have a one day trip to Surigao - Hikdop Island - will be one of your destination spot.
What about the Hikdop Island?
Hikdop Island is frequented by many visitors throughout the year. The island is closest to Nonoc Island where one can start on a trek on the longest wooden bridge in the Philippines – Cantiasay-San Pedro Foot Bridge – a 391-meter footbridge.
Aside from its outstanding beaches with alluring cool water, did you know that this island has more to offer to the tourist? It is the Buenavista Cave – a three kilometer cave with three entrances. I am sure spelunker enthusiasts will love to visit this place!
Nested near Sitio Pagkawasan of Barangay Buenavista, Buenavista Caves has its own unique formations that are carved withstanding passage of time. The outstanding chambers of the cave complete with a “kings” throne or create a picture of “Kings Court”. The cave has an underground pool and awe-inspiring stalagmites and stalactites that are just waiting to be discovered.
How to get there
By air: From Manila, there are daily flights to Cebu. There are also daily flights direct from Manila to Surigao via PAL EXPRESS. Cebu Pacific likewise flies from Cebu to Surigao daily except on Mondays and Fridays. One can also take direct flights from Cebu to Sayak Airport in Del Carmen, Siargao Island via Cebu Pacific every Monday and Friday. There are also daily flights from Manila and Cebu to nearby Butuan City via PAL and Cebu Pacific. Butuan City is 2.5 hours by bus ride to Surigao City.
By sea: Direct voyage from Manila to Surigao are extended by WG & A and Sulpicio Lines every Tuesday and from Surigao to Manila every Thursday. Voyages from Cebu are available daily except Monday via Cokaliong Shipping Lines and Cebu Ferries. Upon reaching Surigao City, there are fast craft transfers going to Dapa in Siargao Island. Commercial and cargo inter-island vessels travel daily to various municipalities of the island via a 2-3 hours trip from Surigao City. Motorized pumpboats and non-motorized bancas also ply the water routes.
By Land: There are regular bus trips via the “RORO” ferry boat from Manila to Mindanao using Surigao City as the gateway passing through Bicol, Samar, Leyte and Tacloban. Buses, jeepney vehicles and air-conditioned shuttle vans ply the routes to the different municipalities in Siargao Island and the mainland regularly. The most popular and convenient mode of transportation within the municipalities going to far flung areas is the “Habal-habal” or the single motorcycle ride.
Hotels in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte
• Buntog Lodge & Cottages
• Cheri Nicole Beach Resort
• Drop Inn Beach Resort
• Jade Star Beach Resort
• Villa Ernesto Beach Resor