When my father went to this place, he told us that this is the most beautiful place he ever visited. He will never forget, still refreshed in his memory, the beautiful experiences shared by this nature created perfectly by God. The only thing that you will forget is your… problems.

The cool refreshing winds, the green mountains, the seas, the sounds of the waves reaching the pristine whiteshore, islands grouping as the sun sets, never ending beautiful sights masterfully created by God. All can be yours at that moment, the world placed at your feet, and you will see magnificent things in every glimpse of your eyes.

My father added some account, and that is, sick persons can become a new person as it heal you…you feel rejuvenated with renewed strength. Heart and soul energized your being that you will live longer with your life. Yeahh….that’s the wonder as you enter this hidden paradise of Caraga…that is Bucas Grande.

Bucas Grande Islands, untouched and unexploited scenery, is located at Siargao Island – the surfing capital in the Philippines! I can say it as parts of Siargao in terms of political subdivision in the province of Surigao del Norte. So many islands and islets that form a group in different forms with all the white sand beaches, crystal blue water, and coral reefs. This is also the place where you can find the unique Suhoton Cave in which you can only came in when it is low tide, and pass out before high tide gobble-up the cave entrance. The cave entrance was so small, and yet, when you are inside, it is so wide that you can view the sun and mountainous side. You can splash in a very clear and cold water to beat the heat within you, and refresh yourself. One thing, another cave exists inside, and when you go there, it will gave you a brilliant color of your skin, glutathione users will be a loser here. Hehehe!

pix from islomaniac

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You can reach Bucas Grande Islands for 1 hour and 30 minutes from Dapa, Siargao, then Siargao by MV RORO for 4 hours or by super cat for 2 hours from Surigao City, and from Butuan City to Surigao City for 2 hours by bus.

According to the Chinese Soong Shi (history), Butuan already established trading relations in the kingdom of Champa (now known as South Vietnam) in the early 10th AD, and Sri Vijayan Empire of Sumatra in the 8th – 14th AD and Madjapahit Empire of Java in the 13th-15th AD of Indonesia. Fascinating, too, is the knowledge that the first Philippine trade mission to China came from Butuan in March 1001, 50 years earlier than Manila.

The discovery of 9 butuan boats or known as balanghai boats boosted Butuan as the center of trade and commerce in the Philippines during the prehistoric times, particularly in the 11th AD. Some of the butuan boats, in which, one of these existed during the 4th AD now placed in National Museum, Manila.

This Butuan City Regional Museum visited many times by local and foreign tourists to take a look of what’s inside. However, taking pictures in the museum are prohibited unless authorized by National Museum, Manila.

By taking a glance look of what’s inside, I can show you the scenic view of what’s outside of this museum by way you can feel also the presence of old Butuan, the trees, fresh winds, flowers and a pond.

the entrance…feel the presence of old Butuan.

the pathway…

the markings on the walls…symbolizes history and culture.

the bridge…symbolizes Magsaysay bridge…linking all butuanons as one.

the pond… symbolizes the mighty Agusan River.

side of the pond… and feel the refreshing cool winds.

other side of the pond… bringing back the old memories.

trees and flowers…symbolizes butuan as lushful green scenery during the old times.

This beautiful spot can be found in Tubay, province of Agusan del Norte. Tubay Mountain Beach Resort, one of the best resort here in Caraga that is best for hideaway seekers. This is the best place for making peace and contemplation within your soul.

You are viewing the mountains with large body of seas. ‘Twas full of nature traversing from one end to another as you glimpse the setting sun behind. The wind that you breath…so cool and refreshing as it embraces your mortal being…so calm and peace within you.

You can reach this paradise through trekking in mountains or by banca going to the sea by 15 minutes.

From Butuan City, you can travel for about 1 1/2 hours. Visited many times by international and domestic tourists.

A pool above the sea, nested in a mountain…

Splash!!!

Splash!!!

Jabonga is one of the 11 towns in the province of Agusan del Norte.

This is the hometown of my father. He grew in a place where a lake was surrounded with different mountain ranges. Natures really at its best where a lake embraced by mountains, then at the side of the mountains, a Butuan Bay joining together. This is an exceptional creation of God’s masterpiece unfold before your eyes. In the morning, fresh winds greeted you each time you breathe, and in the afternoon, a sunset turning the place into calmness seeing a vast body of lake. The joy within your heart cannot be taken away as you look deep into this one wonders of the earth.

Aside from those bountiful mountains and a lake, it has 3 water falls which were mentioned by my cousins, and one of which called Mayugda falls. When I was 7 years of age (that was 30 years ago), my cousins used to invite me to go to Mayugda falls everyday, and there we exploited everything. The temptation was so strong in taking a splash, and you will never know when to stop! The coldness of clear waters that flow from the mountains top refreshes your skins as it’s creeping up to the bones inside you! This makes you a healthy person, and even a better person. Wheww…that was it!

The falls was a walking distance from the town proper, and can be seen at the side of the main road when a car passes by.

Aside from those scenic spots, it has 6 beautiful diving sites as it faces Butuan Bay found in Jabonga Reef. The reef generally a rock formation with depths ranging from 45 to 200 feet with lots of colourful fishes traverses with Nemo as your favorite friend.

Jabonga was blessed. So much rare in a place where you go. But here, you can glance anywhere its mystic beauty that only God knows how he created it perfectly.

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Jabonga can be reached from Butuan City for 1 hour by bus.