My travel to Surigao is definitely one for the books. It was my first time to fly to Mindanao and admittedly, there are unnecessary qualms from my mom who kept asking if it is safe to travel to that side of the country. I couldn’t totally blame her for this, news coming from Mindanao is not always the type that can make your mom relax. There is a certain stigma that was ingrained in us, specially people coming from the north. I told my mom that she shouldn’t worry, that I’ll be taken good care of, and that I want nothing but to help erase the notion that a typical person who never traveled south like, unfortunately, my mom has.
There are two ways to go to Surigao if you are coming from Manila; one, take the Butuan flight and travel by land for another 2-3 hours. The second option is to take the straight flight to Surigao via Air Philippines or Cebu Pacific.
Surigao City is geographically located in the northeastern part of Mindanao. Surrounded by the cal waters of Surigao Straight and the scenic landscape of Surigao del Norte, it is blessed with natural wonders that is just waiting to be explored.
The city itself is explorable by foot. From the City Hall that is nestled right in the middle of the city to the city’s own Luneta, the city is alive with culture and colorful characters that the Surigaonons are known for.
If your feet are tired from all the shopping on the tiangges and makeshift stores along the busy streets of the city, hop on their version of the tricycle that can closely resemble a small jeep. This form of transportation can sit 6-7 people, only costs 8php and can take you to different parts of Surigao City.
Make sure to walk along the city’s Boulevard. A paved road along Washington and Taft, this kilometric stretch faces the waters and serves as a mini port for tourist who wants to rent a “bangka” or an outrigger boat to the beautiful islands that are not to be missed.
Surigao’s charm is truly in its islands. From the pristine waters of Basul island to the surfing mecca that is Siargao, it offers a variation of interests that suits anyone and everyone.
The people of Surigao City are mostly Catholics and are devout of San Nicolas de Tolentino. They celebrate his feast thru the Bonok Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival every September in colorful fashion. The festival queen and the much awaited dance-off of street dancers from different schools is the main event of the anticipated festival.
And for the food? There’s only one word for me on this topic: SEAFOOD! Giant alimangos, various fresh seafood and different viands can satisfy anyone’s hungry tummy. The street food is a definite must try while roaming around the city at night. Countless street food vendors offering anything from fresh sweet corn to unusually shaped fish balls can be found along the streets of Luneta.
The day that I got there, I immediately called my mom to say that everything is just wonderful. At the end of the trip, I have hundreds of stories to tell and experiences that can last me a lifetime.
The warm smiles of the Surigaonons will immediately turn your initial notions around and will make you come back over and over again.
To get there:
From Manila
By Plane:
There are flights available to Surigao and Butuan everyday via Air Philippines.
By Cebu Pacific, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
For further assistance, please call:
SURIGAO CITY TOURISM OFFICE
Luneta Park, Borromeo St., Surigao City
Tel No.: (086) 826-8064/(086) 231-7228
Email: tourism_surigaocity@yahoo.com
Choose Philippines would like to express its appreciation to the Department of Tourism for allowing us to take part in the Surigao City Media Tour. Special mention goes to Ms Aleli Guevarra of the DOT Office of Marketing Communications, Mr Leo Gerona of DOT Region XIII and the City Tourism of Surigao City for their generous assistance on this trip. Maraming Salamat po!
