Backpackers Hostel – An Introduction

A backpackers hostel, which is a small hotel aptly named Island Vacations Country Inn, is established to cater to the billeting needs of backpackers and island getaways aficionados intending to spend on the beach holidays and go sight seeing on the fantastic caverns, seaside lagoon, seaside waterfall, and a view park and visit the giant mangrove forest and Colorum Uprising landmarks as well as observe the rich culture of peope helping people in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte Philippines. Located just 100 meters away from the Socorro Port, the backpacker hostel also aimed to accommodate medium-end tourists.

Backpackers Hostel – What The Island Vacations Country Inn Can Offer

Three months after I had featured in my blog the various natural attractions of Bucas Grande Island, I received numerous emails from my readers expressing interest in visiting the island. First and foremost of their query was the availability of affordable backpackers hostel with internet access. I promptly answered to the email senders that there indeed were available world-class vacation resorts within the vicinity of the Sohoton Cove but they catered to high-end tourists and hence, were pricey beyond the budget of medium-end tourists and backpackers notwithstanding the absence of internet facilities. I thought that the interest would just die down. However, contrary to my expectations, the queries on the same subject had become more frequent as the days passed by.

Meanwhile, it has been my dream to let the world know that there exist a variety of eco-tourism destinations in Bucas Grande Island. Moreover, I dreamed of telling the world the the fact that only in Bucas Grande that the Filipino Bayanihan culture of people helping people is practiced by heart. This is being done by way of an annual month-long Tinabangay activity, wherein, able-bodied men has to leave the privacy of their lives and offer their services for free for 30 straight days, except Sundays, spanning from July to August to work in the house construction and collective farming activities with the house and farm owners only shouldering the food and material cost. Such deeply-rooted tradition did not just occurred by chance but was developed as an aftermath of the Colorum Uprising which culminated on the attack on Bucas Grande Island by the mighty US Marines and Filipino Constables on board the patrol gunship USS Sacramento in 1924. An e-book on the uprising from the point of view of a grandson of one of the local defenders shall be released by this writer soon.

The campaign to visit Sohoton Cove has had slowly gained acceptance as evidenced by the growing influx of tourists in the area. Nevertheless, the absence of an affordable backpackers hostel in the place had forced a number of tourists to just hop to the southern side of the island and return to their destination afterward thereby missing in the process the opportunity to visit the other equally alluring tourist destinations and historical sites situated near the Socorro town center. Moreover, the chances for the tourists to mingle with the local folks and observe their rich bayanihan culture were also lost.

It is for this reason that I and my wife had decided to establish and operate a backpackers hostel on a leased property owned by my elder brother in preparation for the travel and tours that we will be operating in the very near future. After a few months of construction works, I felt satisfied that a small hotel and country inn was inaugurated on July 31, 2011.

Allow me then to bring you to a walk through to the Island Vacations Country Inn. Upon arrival at the Port of Socorro from any port of origin such as Surigao City; Barangay Hayangabon, Claver in mainland Surigao del Norte and Dapa, Siargao Island, you will be greeted with this sight . . .

The modern Socorro Municipal Feeder Port. On the right is the entry point for outbound passengers while the incoming passengers shall pass through the Welcome Arc on the left.

After passing through the Welcome Arc, this signage on the right side of the street at the edge of the Municipal Public Market would surely catch your attention . . .

An imposing Island Vacations Country Inn tarpaulin guiding visitors on the exact location of the small hotel

Just a few minutes walk and you will notice this imposing structure on the first street corner . . .

The Island Vacations Country Inn standing proud at A. Taruc Corner Burgos Streets in Socorro town center.

The facade of the backpackers hostel with the signage bearing good news to internet savvy-travelers . . .

The Free Wifi Wireless Internet Access notice in the signage would surely catch the attention of laptop-bearing visitors.

A few more steps would bring you to the hostel entrance situated at the other side of the building . . .

The entrance door of the Island Vacations Country Inn with the Socorro Port Welcome Arc seen at the background.

After entering the backpackers hostel and climbing through a stairway lined with elegant   hard wood balusters, this alluring sight would greet your eyes. . .

The comely Island Vacations Country Inn front desk . . .

Ask your self if your senses will not be captured by this lovely smile . . .

The amiable receptionist manning the hostel front desk . . .

Conspicuously displayed within the vicinity of the front desk of the backpackers hostel are two important information age gadgets . . .

A flat-screen cable TV and a state-of-the art wireless router supplying 24/7 free wireless internet access to guests.

You can chose from an array of accommodations, the first being the ordinary room provided with an electric fan and a separate comfort and bath room . . .

Sturdy double-deck beds providing comfort to weary travelers . . .

For group travelers, this dormitory-type air-conditioned room would surely fit your taste . . .

A view of the single and double-deck beds suited for guests traveling in group.

The other side of the dormitory-type air-conditioned room. . .

Foremost to be considered in selecting a backpackers hostel or any other public house is the quality of its comfort rooms. Here at Island Vacations Country Inn, you can be assured of a modern toilet and bath facilities with reliable water supply . . .

An elegant toilet bowl with hydraulic-driven cover . . .

Excellent quality sink and telephone-type shower facilities . . .

For couples, the family room of the backpackers hostel with toilet and bath facilities identical with the air conditioned dormitory type room is an excellent choice . . .

A simple yet elegant matrimonial bed . . .

With cabinet cum working table . . .

And now, the rates . . .

Booking Terms and Conditions:

1.) One day (24-hours) rate shall commence on the check-in time. A fraction of 24 hours is considered as 1 day;

2.) Booking can be done by directly contacting the mobile number +639199897331 or +639088842056 or by email at admin@islandvacations.me;

3.) Full payment in cash or through the Western Union is required to finalize the booking. If payment is not received by option date, the reservation will automatically be released without penalty and without prior notice;

4. ) Any change in the booking made after payment is received shall be accepted and be re-booked to another available date. In case of refund, a refund fee equivalent to 15% of the booking amount shall be deducted;

5.) A minimum of 2 guests at a time is required for  the dormitory-type air-conditioned room. A single occupant shall be billed PhP 500.00 per day;

6.) Children 2-6 years old  in excess of 2 guests in the family room is allowed whie  7-11 years shall be charged 50% of the extra bed rate. Children 12 years old and above are considered adults and shall be charged adult rates for extra bed.

7.) Only bath towels shall be provided. Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste etc. shall be provided by the guests themeselves.

Backpackers Hostel – Final Thoughts

Security and comfort are key ingredients that a traveler will consider in selecting a public house for temporary shelter. For tourists coming to Bucas Grande Island for sightseeing into its rich natural and man made attractions and observing the rich culture of its people, you can be assured that  the security features, amenities and services  of the Island Vacations Country Inn are tailored fit for a quality backpackers hostel ready to accommodate modern-day tourists and travelers like you.

Seaside Waterfall – An Introduction

A seaside waterfall, aptly named Magkahuyog Falls, which is a favorite island vacations, island getaways and family beach vacations destinations, has unique and stunning features compared to other ponds and waterfalls prominently featured in popular waterfalls pictures of biggest waterfalls in the world as it cascades directly into a seaside beach towards the crystal clear water of the sea. It is located in the western part of Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

Seaside Waterfall – Why Visit The Place

The name Magkahuyog is derived from the Surigaonon term HUYOG, which means FALL DOWN. The seaside waterfall is the favorite picnic area among the residents of the communities in the western part of Bucas Grande Island, notably, Barangays Pamosaingan, Nueva Estrella and Honrado. Being a resident of the Socorro town center on the eastern side of the island, I seldom managed to visit the place. It was only during the time that we had a seminar at Barangay Pamosaingan with guests coming from the Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City that I decided to treat them to a sightseeing trip to the area.

On board a motorized banca, we traveled for 15 minutes from the Pamosaingan wharf amidst the calm and placid waters. As we approached the seaside waterfall, my eyes was greeted with this stunning view of  the water that flows down at a low angle of descent in small steps or stages over rocks . . .

The cascade-type Magkahuyog Falls viewed from a distance.

As the boat we were riding was about to dock at the  beach, the seaside waterfall had become more spectacular in my eyes. . .

Full view of the Magkahuyog Falls from the sea.

Our pump boat operator failed to contain his urge to have a dip in the cool waters of the plunge pool of Magkahuyog Falls . . .

Enjoying the dip on the sparkling azure waters of the plunge pool.

I took shots of another portion of the plunge pool . . .

The other end of the Magkahuyog Falls plunge pool.

Including its spillway that flows towards the beach and into the sea. . .

The spillway of the Magkahuyog Falls plunge pool.

Decapod crustaceans called Hermit Crabs, locally termed OMANG collected by fishermen in the area to be utilized as hook and line bait, abound in Magkahuyog Falls. . .

An array of empty gastropod shells used in concealing the asymetrical abdomen of the hermit crab being carried around by the ceature with the Magkahuyog Falls on the background.

Seaside Waterfall – Final Thoughts

Generally speaking, a waterfall is closely associated with dense rain forests deeply buried inland. Most often than not, you can reach a waterfall by slogging your way into rugged terrains as seldom you can find one which is accessible by any form of transportation. Nevertheless, in Bucas Grande Island, right on the comfort of a banca, you can savor the spectacle of a flowing water rapidly dropping in elevation as it flows over a steep rocky region into the sea. The size and height of Magkahuyog Falls is not that spectacular compared to the other famous waterfalls that I had visited. But, tourists kept coming to the island to feel for themselves the thrill of seeing an amazing seaside waterfall in action.

Seaside Lagoon – Where Is It

A seaside lagoon, aptly named Lagoon Tiktikan and one of the best vacation spots having crystal clear water with floating rock gardens ideal for various forms of island water sports frequently visited by island vacations junkies and island getaways seekers wanting to spend unique vacations was my next stop during my February 14, 2011 sight seeing trip to natural attractions of Bucas Grande Island in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

Seaside Lagoon – Why I Visited The Place?

As a backgrounder,  Tiktikan is a 2-hectare lagoon situated within the vicinity of Sohoton Cove in the southwestern part of the island. It is the site of the Community-Based Environmental Program for Lagoon Tiktikan Ecosystem Project, a three-year (2006-2008) undertaking funded by the Philippine-Australian Community Assistance Program (PACAP). The project encompassed direct protection of Lagoon Tiktikan and its environs, development of mariculture sub-projects and bringing into picture a fishermen’s cooperative  based in the town center, who originally developed the area, as well as a peoples organization  in Barangay  Sudlon and another in San Roque to co-manage the lagoon ecosystem themselves. Lagoon Tiktikan is situated between these two barangays’ boundaries thus the inclusion of peoples organization representations from these areas was a tactical move to ensure the project’s success. Since then, the area is  ably co-managed by The TANARIZ Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TAFIMCO), a cooperative based in the town center whose members hail from the three poblacion barangays of Taruc, Navarro and Rizal, hence the acronym TANARIZ; the Sudlon Environmental Protectors Association (SOEPA) based in Barangay Sudlon and San Roque Farmers and Fishermen Association (SAROFFA)  of Barangay San Roque.

Two years after the end of the project, I decided to pay a visit to the area to see for myself its current state. From the docking area, a visitor needs to thread the uphill and downhill trail. . .

The boat lag and weariness I suffered was completely vanished upon having a glimpse of the lagoon’s  azure waters seen  in between tree trunks. . .

The Reception Cottage . . .

I was enthralled by the breath-taking view of the islet within the lagoon as viewed from the Reception Cottage . . .

I maneuvered through the trail downwards to the lagoon and I chanced upon this wholesome  signage  . . . .

Towards  the comely lagoon-side cottage . . .

I managed to convince the visiting lovely ladies Angel and Ivy of  TV 5 Butuan to pose as Tiktikan Lagoon models . . .

I went into boating in the placid waters towards the lagoon’s view deck . . .

And was attracted with the sight of the turquoise waters viewed from the Tiktikan Lagoon View Deck . . .

SAROFA President Roberto Cortina took his time broadcasting Milkfish feeds. Note the waters being disturbed by rumbling movements of the fishes grabbing for their share of  food . . .

On my way towards the paddle boat docking site, I was inspired by the sight of this perfect symmetry between the mountain ranges and its reflections on the calm lagoon waters . . . .

As our boat was about to depart from the docking area on our way to the Crystal Cave, my eyes were glued at the two innocent children and the extra-ordinary thing they were doing . . . that of utilizing a piece of styropor as their paddle boat . . .

The elegance of the glittering white stalactites and sparkling stalagmites  inside Crystal Cave located near the Tiktikan Lagoon would surely catapult the spot into  the cavers’ map . . .

Seaside Lagoon – Final Thoughts

There were 2 things that made my trip to Lagoon Tiktikan memorable. For one, I cannot forget the ingenuity of the two kids on board the styropor. A scene depicting their innocent stares kept flashing on and off in my mind until nowadays. They were at the lagoon because it was the turn of their parents, who were members of the Sohoton Environmental Protectors Association (SOEPA) to guard the place. The environmental protection endeavors of their parents would surely imbibe in their psyche. They would eventually grow to become vanguards of environmental conservation not only in the seaside lagoon but the entire island town as well.

Second, I cannot help but admire on the way the peoples organizations had managed Lagoon Tiktikan in preserving its pristine state. Their courage and determination in driving out illegal tree cutters within the vicinity of the seaside lagoon are worthy of emulation. Surely, their efforts would go a long way in making Lagoon Tiktikan as a seaside lagoon listed as among the best vacation spots by nature lovers and adventure seekers like you.

Hidden Island Resort is one of the island getaways in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines that I long to visit . For one, I want to see for myself the veracity of the stories being told that it has been transformed into a world-class resort by its owner, my good friend Roger Pimentel. Though I live in the island  but it was already quite some time that I visited the place since it was first constructed around 5 years ago.

Hence, on February 14, 2011, armed by my newly-acquired Nikon D 7000, I embarked on a sight seeing trip around my island home with the Hidden Island Resort as my first tourist spot destination.

Truly, after our boat maneuvered at the back of one of the secluded islets within the vicinity of Barangay Dona Helen, I was awe-struck when my eyes caught this view . . .

As I disembarked from the boat, my appetite to dive had soared upon seeing this dive board. . .

The Hidden Island Resort reception desk is simple and comely . . .

With its Patio so elegantly designed . . .

The simple yet elegant Blue Marlin Cottage had really caught my attention . . .

More so with the schools of groupers swimming on the azure waters beneath . . .

I saw for myself that guests in the Dolphin Cottage are treated like kings and queens as evidenced by this exquisite bedroom . . .

Standing at the resort’s catwalk, I cannot help but be inspired by the resort’s signage . . .

The sight of the resort’s flagship billeting place, the Lobster Cottage, is simply amazing . . .

But, nothing beats the exhilarating view of the island scenery as seen from the Lobster Cottage veranda . . .

Savoring the beauty of floating dish garden-like islets dotted on azure seas as viewed from Hidden Island Resort’s Lobster Cottage veranda would surely excite  the  urban guests and make them forget the hustles and bustles of city life . . .

Even I, an islander myself, so dearly admire the view of the Hidden Island Resort from atop the limestone view deck . . .

Truly, as my boat had sped away towards another tourist spot,  the spot had left an imprint in my mind in that . . .

judging from its facilities and amenities, Hidden Island Resort would surely dig deeper into the company of world-class vacation resorts capable of offering tourists a wholesome island vacations.

Island Vacations In Waterfalls – An Introduction

Island vacations enthusiasts are not only fond of searching for the clear water beach, best beaches, seaside lagoon or surfing waves but are also interested to visit island getaways hosting ponds and waterfalls. Nevertheless, there are little-known island vacations sites which are not included in the list of famous waterfalls nor frequently featured in renowned waterfalls pictures but actually possesses the grandeur comparable to the biggest waterfall in the world. Such is the case of the less advertised Tinuy-an Falls, dubbed by writers who had visited this  island vacations spot as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines,” situated in Bislig City, Province of Surigao del Sur in the southeastern coast of the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines.

Island Vacations In Tinuy-an Falls – How And Why

The island vacations spot can be reached via a 20-minute private vehicle travel from the Paper Country Inn, in Mangagoy, Bislig City passing through the national highway, maneuvering to the left upon reaching the junction road in Barangay Cumawas and taking on a bumpy feeder road towards the site located in Barangay Burboanan. It can also be reached in 30 minutes from the Bislig City Government Center following the 18-kilometer Poblacion-San Isidro-Burboanan-Tinuy-an Route.

The best time to visit the waterfalls is in the early months or towards the end of the year when maximum rainfall is experienced in Caraga Region and the water pressure is at its peak like that of my visit to the area in November 22, 2009 with my wife and 4 of our 5 children courtesy of the Bislig Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BGEMCO) through my friends Aprodecio A. Alba, Jr., Jonathan L. Jamora and Almar B. Autida, Chairman, Vice-Chair and BOD member, respectively, as well as the other coop officers.

Right after the vehicle engine comes to a complete stop, you will start knowing why Tinuy-an Falls as an island vacations destinations is a must-see for nature lovers:

1-      The sound. The impact of the cascading waters plunging into the ravine produces a thundering sound like that of a roaring monster which is audible even when you are still 500 meters away from the waterfalls.

2-      The Sight and Feel. The view of the 3-tiered waterfalls having a stunning 55 meters height and 95 meters width presents the first-time visitor a truly spectacular and awe-inspiring sight of a mighty waterfall in action. Further, the dark-brownish color of the cliffs combined with the bright blue pool at its base adds to both the mystery and allure of this falls. Furthermore, the catwalks made up of steel and concrete make it easy for you to climb up from one tier to another and get close-up and intimate views of the beauty and grandeur of this iconic natural attraction. Meanwhile, come to this island vacations destination between 9 to 11 o’clock in the morning on a sunny day and you will surely be treated to a bright rainbow arching across its base. Finally, the cool breeze produced by the surrounding rainforest and the mist that smack on your face produces an extraordinary and exhilarating feeling.

3-      The Swim and Bath. The presence of 3 islets near the “plunge pool” at the base of the waterfall makes swimming in this island vacations spot a really fantastic experience. Further, standing against the rock wall on the right-most side of the second tier towards the catwalk and letting the slow cascading waters fall on your back provides a mild and gentle massage effect.

Island Vacations In Tinuy-an Falls – Final Thoughts

Island vacations aficionados especially the waterfalls enthusiasts are willing to travel considerable distances to savor the renowned waterfalls in action. Thus, efforts should be done by the Tinuy-an Falls stakeholders to let this promising island vacations spot be put in the map of famous waterfalls in the country, if not in the whole world.

TINUY-AN FALLS VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE . . .

WHERE TO STAY AT BISLIG CITY PLEASE CLICK HERE . . .

The spectacular view of the Tinuy-an Falls

Another magnificent view of Tinuy-an Falls

Another view of Tinuy-an Falls

Close-up Photo of Tinuy-an Fall's 2nd Tier

Shouting "We Conquered Tinuy-an Falls"

Behind White Water Curtain

A Wholesome Family Escapade

Awe-Inspiring View of Tinuy-an Falls During Summer With Rainbow Arching Its Base- a sight that island vacations aficionados would really find very interesting.

Island Vacations- An Introduction

Island vacations aficionados prefer to spend unique vacations and visit island getaways hosting a variety of natural tourist attractions like a seaside lagoon with islets having lush natural vegetation and wildlife resembling that of floating rock gardens in crystal clear water teeming with coral fish and surrounded by fantastic caverns. Name them all and it is found in the famous island vacations spot named Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

Island Vacations – What Sohoton Cove Can Offer?

Island vacations are best spent in Sohoton Cove as it is a single tourist destination that offers you a variety of tourist attractions:

1-    Enchanting Cove. As part of the Inayaran Inlet in the southwestern part of the island, the cove is accessible only during low tide through the 40-meter Sohoton Cave serving as the sole entry and exit to the area. The best time to enter the cave is when the tidal movement recedes enabling the sea water current to slow down or come to a complete stop. You could have a completely satisfying experience if you will ride on a kayak or canoe. But if you are on a group, you can opt to ride a motorized boat and signal the operator to stop the engine upon entry and just paddle it inwards. You will be a little bit nervous and breathing with emotional thrill as the boat slowly enters the passage way. Going into the center of the cave and as the foreign light from the other end meets your eyes, you could hear a mixture of strange sounds resembling that of a banging metal or other identical vibrations. A very dark corner at the left side occasionally shoots-off a noise that resembles that of a frying lard. With the dim light from the outside serving as background, you can view the spell binding stalactites hanging from the cavern’s ceiling. Looking down, you can see blended colors of sea water often forming tiny whirlpools as the cave ends into the serenity of the lagoon.

2-    Identical Islets. A hard-to-explain feeling of fulfillment for your island vacations would greet you once you are inside. Looking straightforward, you cannot help but admire the sight of the islets of almost the same size resembling that of floating dish gardens adorned on water streets. Glancing downwards, you would be amazed with the reflections of its lush natural vegetation flashed in the pristine and crystal-clear waters. Occasionally, you can see a variety of birds and fruit bats hopping from one aguho and iron wood tree to another.

3-    Magnificent Rock Formations. A sight to behold in this island vacations spot are the spectacular, scenic and sometimes colorful rock formations resulting from weathering and erosion sculpting the existing rock of some islets.

4-    Alluring Caverns. There are 2 small caverns inside this island vacations destination. The first is the “hagukan” due to the snoring sound it emits as the water slams into the cavern. You can enter it by swimming carefully so your head will not touch the upper portion of the low mouth entrance. There is a big rock in the central portion inside the cavern where you step on and take a rest. As light comes in through the small cavern entrance, you can witness a luminous green color of the water thereby offering the only chance for dark-skinned visitors to have a fair complexion. The other cavern is the “magkukuob” coined by the bending position you shall undertake to barely make through a low opening and walk up the steep and rocky passageway towards a skylight leading to a wooden platform right on a cliff located 15 feet above sea level for a dive back into the lagoon.

5-    The Jellyfish Kingdom. If you happen to visit this island vacations spot in the months of January to September, you will be fortunate enough to mingle and swim with a smack of stingless Spotted Jelly or Lagoon Jelly (Mastigias papua) which abound inside the cove.

Island Vacations In Sohoton Cove- Final Views

Island vacations destinations offering a variety of attractions are not-so abundant. In Sohoton, you can go sightseeing and bird watching on its thickly vegetated identical islets and scenic rock formations, snorkel and dive on its placid waters, experience fun and thrill on its caverns and swim with the friendly and harmless jellyfish. No wonder, Sohoton Cove is the emerging all-in-one island vacations spot in this part of the world.

SOHOTON COVE VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE. . .

SOHOTON COVE TIDAL CALENDAR PLEASE CLICK HERE . . .

If you are looking for world-class resorts suited for island vacations enthusiasts like you located within the vicinity of Sohoton Cove please click here and also here. However, if you are one of the budget travelers like me, you may opt to stay in a backpackers hostel featured here.

Want more emerging island vacations spots in Bucas Grande  frequented by sightseeing aficionados, please click here as well as here.

You can also see the most popular white sand beach in the island by clicking here and a seaside waterfall being featured here.

Finally, if you are looking for a Package Tour either for 1 day visit at the Sohoton Cove and its vicinity only or avail of the 3-day, 2-night package for the Bucas Grande Island Tour, please click here.

Sohoton Cave, the lone entrance and exit of the Sohoton Cove . . .

The Sohoton Cove entrance towards outside of the lagoon.

Horse's shoe rock formation inside the cove

Another angle of the horse's shoe rock formation

The verdant islets dotted on crystal-clear waters inside the cove.

Islet ranges mirrored on the placid waters had delighted these island-hoppers much.

Fantastic view from inside the Hagukan Cave inside the Sohoton Cove

The Dagongdong Rock Formation inside Sohoton Cove.

Swimming with the smack of stingless jellyfish at the Jellyfish Kingdom

Pristine waters leading to Club Tarra resort within the vicinity of Sohoton Cove.

Bird's Eye View of Club Tarra Resort near the Sohoton Cove.

Club Tarra Swimming Pool

Another fantastic view of Club Tarra Resort Swimming Pool- a sight that island vacations lovers really like to behold.