Viewpoint When Inside The Cave

“Great things are done when men and mountains meet.  This is not done by jostling in the street.”  ~William Blake

Elated over the luminous emerald color of water inside the Hagukan Cave, we hop in to our motorboat and continue passing through the clear waters inside Sohoton Cove. Four minutes past and we saw this cliff wall with a wooden plank tied into the roots and branches of some trees and it looked like a jump board and my guess did not fail me, the guide told us that is where our exit is as we go outside the cave. A fifteen feet jump into the water.

Jumping Area Beside The Cave Entrance

Above  photo courtesy by Arthur Yap.

Who cares about being afraid of height, almost all jumped right into the waters anyway except me who was busy at the cave entrance for some shoot. The R tours documented the adventure anyway, all of them jumped.

Outside the cave entrance on its walls are barnacles, unique colored crab, and some crawling shell covered creature unknown to me.

Left Side View when you're at the Entrance

The cave is not as wide like the Hagukan chamber. The water is just below the knee as we ventured deeper into the cave, a steep climb with the guide of large rock holding for us to use to get into the top and the next is individually history. Heheh

The jumped must be properly coordinated as the water is shallow near its cliff wall, one should jump farther. It really is a way of overcoming fear as some do not know much how to swim or afraid to jump but the guides are there to assist right away seconds after the jump.

Hagukan Cavern Entrance

“The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.”   ~Author Unknown

This is  the third  part of my Sohoton Adventure.

Here’s the first part.
Here’s the second.

About three minutes from the cave entrance of Sohoton Cove and explored its natures’ wonder. We saw many rock formations on the side of the cliffs, unique corals underwater visible to the eye, magnificent view of mountains the mirrors on the clear waters.

Our first stop will be the Hagukan Cave, from the local dialect “Haguk” or snore. On the onset of high tide and the water is nearing to close the mouth of the cavern.

Inside Look of the Cave - Happy faces Photo Courtesy of Sir Arthur Yap

It emits a snoring sound as the water slams into the cavern. Our guide informed to set our skull guards and get our life vest on. The R Tours who facilitated this trip brought some vest for the participants who enjoyed swimming.

All started moving in water with our gears on and entered into a small cavern that only our heads can be visible in between cavern ceiling and the water. The guides informed us that inside; a big rock can be step on for us to take our rest. In the dark, only the cavern mouth entrance gave us an ample light and made the water in luminous green color – It is a wonderful experience of fun and excitement. We enjoyed the photo shoots and feel the water temperature to vary from cold to lukewarm.  I just do not have any clue why but I think it is a mixture of water from the land above and the seawater.

Suggested Itinerary

12:00 mn Assembly time (mcdo Bajada) Calle Cinco
12:30 am ETD Davao
06:00 am ETA Municipality of Mangagoy
06:30 am BREAKFAST Mangagoy downtown
07:30 am Going to Brgy Borboanon
08:30 am ETA Tinuy-an Falls
09:00 am Enjoy the place Photoshoot
10:30 am pack up going to Enchanted River, Hinautan, Surigao sur
11:00 am ETD Tinuy-an Falls
12:00 nn ETA Enchanted River

12:30 nn LUNCH
01:00 pm Enjoy the place ,Photoshoot
3:30 pm Pack up going to Barobo for buy seafoods
05:00 pm San Franz
07:00 pm DINNER ( Brgy New Sibonga Bingka City)
09:00 pm Davao City HOME SWEET HOME

Tour Fee php 1,650

Last day of reservation and confirmation will be on Wednesday September 1.

Tour fee is not refundable but transferable

Inclusive of fares , Lunch buffet, entrance fees

For inquiries you may contact

Edwin -09295980194
Sarah -09392383900
elmer- 09994553333
Arthur- 09183288282

See you there!

Photo Courtesy from Sir Arthur Yap

Location: Brgy. Sambayon, Sua-on, Kapalong, Davao del Norte
4:00 am Assembly time (Mcdo Bajada)
4:30 am  ETD Davao- Kapalong (78km.)
6:30 am  ETA Kapalong Municipal Hall
7:00 am Breakfast (Kapalong )
7:30am Briefing ( orientation) prior to the tour
8:30am ETA Brgy. Sambayon 25 km. away from Kapalong

Number of participants divide by 4-5 caves

Gitgitan Cave, Otso Cave, Ocbot cave, Alena Cave, Sua-on Underground River, Kapunit

11: 00 am Lunch Time
4:00    pm Home Sweet Home
6:00    pm ETA Davao

package for only Php 1,000

Inclusive: Breakfast, Lunch, booking Fee, Entrance fee, Registration fee, Cave guides fee, skull guard rental.

WHAT TO WEAR:
Coverall or snug fit jeans/light jogging pants and sweat shirt with under shirt, rubber shoes or boots, and good thick socks.
Denims/maong pants, short pants, sandals and slippers are not advisable

WHAT TO BRING:
Light: headlamps, flashlights, Extra batteries, atleast two source of light,
Please bring plates & spoon

Other equipment: Dry bag, Plastic bags/zip lock plastic for camera, emergency personal medicines and first aid kit, bottled water, packed foods, extra clothing and footwear.

Last Confirmation day: August 10 down payment 50% (nonrefundable, transferable)

FOR INQUIRIES:

Contact Arthur: 09183288282, Edwin:09295980194, Sarah: 09392383900 or elmer: 0999455333

Inside Sohoton Cove

“Discovering this idyllic place, we find ourselves filled with a yearning to linger here, where
time stands still and beauty overwhelms.“

This is  the second part of my Sohoton Adventure.

Here’s the first part of my Sohoton Adventure

There are a lot of information was shared by our expressive host Rolando Henson Ajoc or we fondly called him “Sir Dhodong”.

Flora and Fauna are abundant as there are six kinds of eagles to be found here, to name a few like the Hornbills, white breasted eagle and serpent eagle. Other fauna to be found are Tarsier and a crocodile; I am just not sure where it is a fresh water or salt-water crocodile. Sohoton is an ecotourism site, protected area and the community is taking part on this endeavor.

Scenery with the twin Engine boats

Being here in this wonderful island aside from enjoying and relaxing, visitors also has a contribution to preservation and conservation as every peso spent is used to sustain the maintenance of this protected area. As an alternative to augment the income of the locals aside from fishing, they offer their basic services of boat rental and as a guide to keep them from using cyanide for fishing.

As sir Dhodong notably said “ Tanan na contribute diri na piso, dako kana na role para sa mahulatayon na kalambuan diri. Tungod kaninjo, nag employed ug mga tao na mao untay mo guba sa kinaiyahan nato mao na karon ang ni protekta.”

Calm and Serene waters inside the cove

Our first destination at Sohoton, Isla Bucas Grande will be the Sohoton Cove.  A 5 minutes motorboat ride and we arrived at the mouth entrance of Sohoton Cove.  From there, we were advised to stay low to avoid head injury as we entered into a 60 meters long cave. The space between our heads and the ceiling of the cave can vary. Sohoton Cove cannot be accessed on high tide as the cave entrance is engulf with water. Timing is needed for us to explore the cove as well the time constraint to exit the cove before high tide sets in. Low tide is critical for visitors to enjoy. Anyway, everyday there is a low tide time and high tide time in which the boat guides are aware. You should not be anxious of what I am saying “critical” as I was just sharing my view of “What if”.

Indeed Sohoton Cove is beautiful, the scenery of mountain cliffs with verdant forests of of Aguho, Ironwood trees sprouts around the side and top of limestone cliffs.

Pristine and clear emerald colored waters

The waters are so calm and almost still and the colors are emerald – green. White rocks, plants, and corals are visible to the naked eye underwater.

Caves are everywhere but low tide is needed to access those water-leveled caverns of the caves.

Boatmans' guide inside the cove

We passed by at Sohoton Coves’ landmark – a horseshoe rock formation that barely touches on waters when low tide. The horseshoe is a unique rock column formation sculptured built by nature through centuries and used by the guides as landmark on this island maze Sohoton Cove. Bottom of this formation are shells gathered all around on it.

Inside the cove are two distinct Cave that we visited named Hagukan Cave and Magkukuob Cave.

Rock Cliffs ; main Surigao Del Norte as the backgound

“To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring – these are some of the rewards of the simple life.” ~John Burroughs

I heard and read so much about a group of island that was so beautiful in the northeastern part of Surigao del Norte. Curiosity comes to play in my mind as to what really is this Sohoton at Surigao del Norte.

I had the opportunity to visit the place and it was breathtaking! The scenery was so relaxing, felt liked I am at another dimension. It is unusual view to see. Naturally perfect!

The travel was a bit expensive as the means of transportation was more on a motor boat (Bangka/Lantsa).  I tell you – It is worth it! If I were to choose if I will spend my money for a nice cell phone upgrade or notebook pc upgrade and Spend time to visit this place? I choose the latter. It is priceless!

On my own perception, Gadgets and devices luster do not last while the experience and the memories of being there will last for a lifetime not unless you will end up with some memory gap in years to come. Hehehe

Sneak pic:

Wheew! anything else to say?

I shared and wrote too much already and my adventure to this island starts here:

We departed Davao City at around eleven in the evening and no sign of possible rain, the wind breeze is cold as we dropped by at New Sibunga at Nabunturan, Compostela Valley sipped some coffee and ate some rice pastries like Bibingka.

Three thirty in the morning, we were at Bayugan City already and took some rest at a gasoline station. Travel was smooth with less bumps as the driver was already familiar with the area.  Two hours and thirty minutes had past and we passed by at the junction going to Surigao City and Tandag, We were at the Municipality of Placer that time around Five forty in the morning.

Going there, on our left side was the bulldozed mountain with reddish color of soil, I saw a group of people all with gears from skullguards, gloves and in long sleeves shirt. It was like a concentration camp I saw from a movie as bunker building just along side the highway – It was a group of miners getting ready for a days work in an open mining pit.  A very sad view for me as the mountains are slowly diminishing in height in exchange for short time needs with a long time effect for the people.

We arrived at Barangay Hayangabon were we took our breakfast on one the eateries there near the port. Hayanggabon is 16 kilometers far from Municipality of Claver. Claver is the largest in terms of land area and the largest deposit of iron mineral in the world.

We proceeded to the port of Hayanggabon and got onboard a motor boat around seven fifteen after breakfasts. Big barges filled with reddish soil are visible at the port as mining was the major contributor of their economy – these minerals brought to America and some other parts of the world.

Calm waters of Sohoton

The seawater is calm as we crossed on our way to the Island of Bucas Grande. Forty-five minutes motor boat ride and we arrived at the Sohoton reception area.

As we headed to the Sohoton reception area, scenery of islets  are visible, the more we go near inside the group of islands the calmer the water and the reflection of the verdant mountain cliff was so relaxing. The Scenery was great!

Entering Sohoton maze of islets

As we docked into the reception area, the Operation-in-Charge of Sohoton in the name of Rolando Henson Ajoc, its staff, and some locals on standby waiting to give services to the visitors welcomed us.

Sohoton Cove Reception Area

Brief Orientation was given about the area, Sohoton is under the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape initiated by NIPA or NGOs for Integrated Protected Areas, Incorporated engaged in biodiversity conservation and community based protected area management.

Sohoton is located at Bucas Grande Island and some of its ecotourism sites are Sohoton Cove, 13 inland lakes, and group of islands for snorkeling, Lagoons, Bird watching, and trekking.

There are other distinct part of Sohoton :

Private owned resort

Islands and Islets

More of my Story here: Inside Sohoton Cove

Serene Lake Sebu

Fascinated by the beauty of seven falls and the exhilarating experience of zipline ride, the highlight of our tour, which was the Lake Sebu our next destination that day. It was a 15-minute ride from the junction of seven falls we arrived at Punta Isla beach resort, there are other resorts in the area but this was the more favorable. We experienced touring around the lake by a motorboat ride together with our young bubbly young tour guide who shared and explained all about the lake. It has an islet of about 11, some owned by private companies or citizen while the government owns others.

Lake tour with our charming young guide

Common view of the lake is the bamboo formed into squares act as fishponds of cultured tilapia fish. This is where I ate Tilapia in different culinary specialties from Paksiw, tamarind, grilled, paste, chicharon, deep-fried, soup, and other kind of way in cooking this fish.

Soothing to the eye and calm waters of the lake

The depth of Lake Sebu varies from location – there are areas as deep as 400- 600 meters. Another common view of the lake is their mode of transportation from islets mainland, which is the canoe. Their canoe was made of tree carved fit for people. Some Islets have occupants with houses along the banks.

Tiboli Canoe

As we toured along the lake, there are some abandoned building being made but was not finished either by the government of private owned. An old cemetery of locals on one of the islet can be found but it was not been used around 30-40 decades ago. There are other resorts on the banks that and can be accessed on other locations.

Cottages at Punta Isla

Beautiful water lilies and lotus are common plants floating above the lake. The boat tour was great as information fed by our young tour guide about the lake and its surrounding.

Tiboli women native brass ornaments

It was fulfilling to visit this part of the country that was fed with not so good information as they took it generally – South Cotabato. South Cotabato is a beautiful place to visit. There are more nature spots to visit and to be explored.

Thanks to the R Tours who continuously share their expertise in exploring the natures’ beauty of our land Mindanao.

Falls Three, four and Five

“I remember a lake and the trail down to the falls. It has given me blessed release from care and worry and the troubled thinking of our modern day.  It has been a return to the primitive and the peaceful.  Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and benumbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail of mountains ; and when I hear the gush of water from the waterfalls , my cares fall from me – I am happy.“  ~Hamlin Garland

There has never been a year after I graduated college that I wanted to visit Lake Sebu for the reason that I wanted to get up close with T’boli people. That happened way back 2002 when my job needed me to be assigned at Surallah for one year – back and fourth Davao City.

The Municipality of Lake Sebu is located at some 700 meters above sea level. Products are Tilapia, bamboo and rattan furniture.

It was a great opportunity to came close and had a first hand experience with them, the way they live and witnessed how their colorful dresses were made which they called T’nalak an abaca handicraft.

Came the day where I visited again the place of Lake Sebu and it never ceases me to wonder about its simplicity and beauty. Lake Sebu has a cool weather with astounding natural scenic spots with rich culture of people.

Mount Matutum - An early morning view

We left Davao City at two thirty in the morning and after three and a half hours we are at the Municipality of Polomok  already. Polomolok has a cool weather, the breeze of air was so relaxing. Sunrise gave a scenic view of Mount Matutum as the background and it was spectacular.

Thirty minutes had passed we arrived at the Municipality of Surallah and it won’t took us long to reached our destination for just about 20 kilometers left for Lake Sebu.

The road to Lake Sebu was so smooth, with a cool breeze of air and was very scenic. Road was shaded with trees along the way to the municipality proper. That made me said – Verdant all over.

We arrived at one of the eateries contacted by the organizers, which was the R Tours who continuously explore Mindanao, discover Davao and its nearby provinces. Some took their rest while others chitchat and photo shoot, as the breakfast was prepared that time. Meanwhile, coffee and chocolate drink was there to fill in before our meal.

Fried Tilapia, Hotdog and egg served as breakfast meal and everyone got their share. Across the road where we ate was the beautiful view of Lake Lahit.

Waterfall One of Seven

Seven Falls was just five minutes away from our location. All was done with their meals and already took some rest, we then proceeded to our target destination – Seven Falls or sometimes called Dongon Falls.

The road going up to the entrance of the Seven falls resort was a bit rough and muddy as it was raining prior that day and the road is not cemented. It has some overlooking view of the lower valley as a compliment of riding a motorcycle. Private vehicles can be used to reach the entrance of the falls.

The park has an ongoing modification of the landscape to make tourist and visitors more comfortable. These modifications are path walks, gazebos, path rails.

Falls number one was our first destination as it was the nearest falls at the main gate entrance. It is a block type of falls and strong gush of water with some lily plants came along with it as it dropped down below.

Overlooking scenery

Cameras both for photos and videos shoot like there’s no end with all the poses, a very joyous atmosphere.  We then proceeded to the next exhilarating move- the 720 meter stretch of zipline! Fly above and across the Falls number 2 below and Falls number 3, 4 and 5! Isn’t it a great idea?  That should be a great outdoor experience. The people who maintain the Camp Sabros Zipline at Kapatagan, Davao del sur are the ones’ who setup this Ziplines.

720 meters Zip ride all the way

Some shouted and screamed at the top of their lungs while others are coping with their fear of heights with tears flowing from their eyes. For those who were afraid but successfully took the ride – That was a great experience and that gained  self-confidence and conquer their fear of heights.  Nothing was physically lost, only the fear and the will to finished the zipride for another 420 meters back with the view of Falls number 3,4 and 5.

Identification of falls banner

There was a 5 minute walk from the finish point of the second zipride to the second falls where nipa huts were built for us to stay and rest . There are  souvenir shops  available aside from the shops that was found along the road and in every store.

Waterfall Number Two

Falls number two was Majestic in size and its walls are huge formed like a shield. You will be wet when near the falls as the mist from the gushing water embraces your body.

Jump shot! Falls number two as the background

Lunch was served on time and the food was good as we have many meals to choose from. We took a rest after our lunch meal and proceeded down to Lake Sebu.

Lake Sebu story to be posted next. Enjoy!

Splendid Cabgan Island

“The sky, a perfect empty canvas, offers clouds nonetheless.  They shift and drift and beg interpretation… such is the nature of art.”  ~Jeb Dickerson,

Surigao Del Sur possesses many natural wonders from inland to islands – Shoreline Beaches, Islands, I Amazing Tinuy-an waterfalls, Pagbutuanan Caves and Enchanting Hinatuan River.

The fishers of men bound to Cabgan Island in his left horizon

You cannot go wrong when you are at the province of Surigao del Sur. This was based on my own personal experience of coming back to this province from time to time.

Lunch Meal Seafood galore

For this part of province, I had the opportunity to visit again the area as I assisted and guided a group individuals coming from Davao City. We toured at Tinuy-an Falls then at Hinatuan’s Enchanted River. A smorgasbord of food (Seafood – Lambay Crabs, Blue Marlin Steak, Shrimps –sauced and in tamarind soup, Hinalang na manok, Beef stew) was served in between – Breakfast and Lunch.

The R Tours did not failed the expectation of their participants to enjoy the tour by pampering them with a good and safe ride as well as the foods from Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as well as breakfast the morning after. – It is like offering a glam tour, all are prepared and well coordinated.

Fine clouds on a fine day on a fine island

Cabgan Island is a 20 to 30-minute boat ride from the boat port of Barobo at the back of old public market.  The sea is calm at around four in the afternoon we head our way to the island.  I always love the scenic view of the horizon as I saw the huge white cloud formation in contrast with the greenish tone of the mountains and the dark blue color of the sea.

Cabgan Island can be seen afar as well as the famous Turtle Island. It is named Turtle Island because of the shape of the island in whole while at its back there is a small island that also resembles a small turtle.

As we docked at the Island, Arthur Yap, one of the organizers of “The R Tours” welcomed us. The camping tents of the participants were already been fixed as it was being brought earlier dawn at the island.

Dinner was served before the sun sets in, as for the reason that movement later at night is limited due to lesser light. A good old Petromax lantern provided the much-needed light no continuously enjoy the rest of the night. Dinner served was Humba, Fresh, Malasugue (Blue Marlin)Kinilaw, Bam-I and other foods.

As the night goes on, we had a drinking spree courtesy of the participants. We exchanged talks, knowing each other more, share experiences and the best of it – Gain new friends. Some slept outside their tent on the sand in an open sky to enjoy nature’s ambiance.

Morning came and all was soothed and energized to enjoy the rest of the day. Fresh breakfast were served that morning with Hotdog, hard boiled egg, fried eggplant, crunchy dried fish,  Steamed fish and hot water  with your choice of coffee, tea or milo.  Aside from these foods that are served, it’s best to eat on a nice plate, good heavy spoon and fork – not that disposable plastics ones.

Snake Island

As we are full and satisfied with the breakfast meal – we headed for an island hopping for the rest of the morning. We visited the Snake Island or what they called the vanishing island, Turtle Island and the rest of Cabgan Island.

As we make rounds at the shores of the island, there is a rock formation at the back facing the Pacific Ocean. Arthur Yap called it the “sleeping dragon”. The rock resembles a dragons head lying on the island. Great sceneries of wall cliffs gave a more unspoiled look by human hands.

It was a very “worth it” tour.  As one of the R Tours organizer said “ Mao gani na ni laag kay gilaay sa trabaho or gusto mag lingaw lingaw, kung pwede patambukon ang participants pinaagi sa saktong kaon samtang ga enjoy sa laag.”

The advocacy of the The R Tours is to explore Mindanao, Discover Davao and its nearby provinces and promoting local tourist spots on a Barangay level thereby helping locals benefit from the visiting local tourist.

As part of contributing to preserve the island, The R Tours brought plastic bags to bring back all the garbage being  used while we stayed on that island, old garbage of previous visitors was also pick up and properly thrown at the mainland.

Some photo are  courtesy of Edwin Gales.

Filed under: Adventures Tagged: barobo, Cabgan island, pedroiho, Surigao del Sur, the R tours ]]> http://pedroiho.wordpress.com/2010/06/19/barobo-surigao-del-sur-splendid-cabgan-island/feed/ 4 pedroiho OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA http://pedroiho.wordpress.com/2010/06/14/june-escapade-seven-falls-and-lake-sebu/ http://pedroiho.wordpress.com/2010/06/14/june-escapade-seven-falls-and-lake-sebu/#comments Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:26:13 +0000 pedroiho http://pedroiho.wordpress.com/?p=1105 ]]> Our advocacy is to share and experience the beauty of our land Mindanao. Experience the local culture.

Happening this June 20, 2010.

Day tour itinerary

200 am Assembly Time (Calle Cinco) mcdo Bajada
230am ETD Davao- Koronadal City
600 am ETA Koronadal City
700am ETA  Seven Falls
730 am Breakfast @ Fall# 1
800am Start trekking / zipline falls 1-6
1130am Lunch
100pm  pack up going to Lake Sebu
130pm Punta Isla
200pm Punta Isla
400pm pack up home sweet home
730 pm ETA Davao

For only Php 1,800.00

Inclusive:
Round trip fare( aircon bus)
Breakfast
Lunch
Entrance Fees
Zipline Seven falls
Guide fee(Seven Falls)
Boat ride Lake Sebu

What to bring:
Extra bottled water, camera, personal belongings

Deadline of Registration until June 15, 2010 w/ down payment of P 1,000.00

For more info please contact:
Arthur: 09183288282
Sarah: 09392383900
Edwin: 09295980194
Elmer:09994553333

Note: We are in anyway not affiliated with any other group or individuals claiming to be us.  We are the first who posted this tour package event online.

Enjoy nature!

Photo Courtesy by Arthur Yap