Presence of a tropical depression led me to visit Surigao City without any research and expectation and relied fully to a Surigao-based blogger/friend, Ate Nats of www.mywanderingsoles.com, for attractions, things to see and do. Nearing final descent, the pilot announced that the weather in Surigao City is not that great and we might go back to Mactan. Everyone was disappointed as I finalized some items on my list of things to do in Surigao City. After some time, he advised that we will be going to continue the descent and safely landed in Surigao Airport after a few minutes up in the air.
Weather went fine as I started to track the tourist route of the city. The city is tagged as the City of Island Adventures and here are the things to see in Surigao City on your visit:
SURIGAO CITY HALL
The landmark of the city was built sometime in 1950’s and stands in the exact place where the Philippine Flag was first unfolded in Mindanao in 1898 by the triumphant Filipino-revolutionaries to end the Spanish regime. A National Historical marker beside the flagpole remembers the historic event.
BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAIT MUSEUM
Few meter from the City Hall is a museum dedicated to the Battle of Surigao Strait. The Battle of Surigao Strait, took place on October 25, 1944, is one of the major four naval engagements in the epic Battle of Leyte Gulf. It was the last naval battle in which air power played no part, except in the pursuit.
The museum houses a torpedo that was found in the waters off Dinagat Island in January 2013. The torpedo was used by the Japanese fighter and bomber planes in their attack of Pearl Harbor in 1941. You can also spot some Japanese army artilleries.
SURIGAONON HERITAGE CENTER
The city is known for mining which means that under the soil of Surigao City, and the province in general, are archeological and mineral deposits. These minerals can be seen in another center as it plays as a repository of Surigaonon history, culture, and has a collection of some 300 rock minerals.
PAGKAWASAN, LOOC, MABUA PEBBLE BEACHES
Surigao City has 3 famous beaches; Pagkawasan, Looc, and Mabua – Ipil Pebble beach. Pagkawasan beach is located in Hikdop Island which is around 40 minutes away from the city. It has fine white sand and clear blue waters ideal for swimming. The well-known Mabua – Ipil Pebble Beach is 30 minutes away from the city and considered as a unique stretch of multi-sized pebble beach. Right next to Mabua is another lovely pebble beach which can be accessed through naturally carved rock formations, Looc Beach.
BASUL AND DANAWAN ISLANDS
You can also visit nearby islands of Basul, a tree-lined island characterized by a long stretch of fine sand. It is closest to the city and can be reached by kayaking from a nearby resort in Lipata. The other one is Danawan Island, an island barangay around 40 minutes away from the city.
CHANNELING THE MANGROVES TO DAY-ASAN FLOATING VILLAGE
The attraction is dubbed as “Little Venice” because of the narrow channels of water. Houses were built on stilts and can be reached by channeling the hundreds of hectare of mangroves through small motor boats.
SAN PEDRO – CANTIASAY WOODEN FOOTBRIDGE
Imagine a wooden bridge connecting two separate islands? A 391-meter wooden footbridge, which connects the villages of San Pedro in Hanigad Island and Cantiasay in Nonoc Island, also offers a scenic view of the sea with the crystal clear waters.
Before leaving Surigao, make sure to try the skewers in Sabeth’s Barbeque located along Borromeo street. You can avail skewers for as low as Php7. I really loved the way they skewed the chicken intestines (isaw) different from the usual. There is really a place for surprises when you visit Surigao City from nothing in mind to a handful of activities to experience.
Where did you stay? Any cheap beach house that you can rent?
Thanks!
My friend offered the spare room at their house during my visit. But she did recommend Hotel Tavern Surigao.