• Home
  • About Caraga
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Tourist Spots of Caraga Region
  • Real Estate for Sale in Butuan

Caraga rising paradise

journey into a mystical place caraga.

  • Caraga
  • Agusan del Norte
  • Agusan del Sur
  • Bislig City
  • Butuan City
  • Dinagat Islands
  • Surigao City
  • Surigao del Norte
  • Surigao del Sur
  • Bayugan City
  • Cabadbaran City
  • Tandag City
  • Outside Caraga
  • Caraga ‘Oh My God’ Photo

Caraga: A Wonderful Paradise on Earth

October 13, 2011 Leave a Comment

Top class surfing beaches, an amazingly blue lagoon, a mysterious tree aging 500 years old, unique caves, sanctuary marsh wildlife, extraordinary rock formations, magic whirlpool, spectacular falls, picturesque Britania Islands as well as “Jurassic Park.” These things are just some of the top tourist destinations in Mindanao, popularly known as Caraga Region. Caraga is being particularly readied for tourism by the local governments and private groups in some Mindanao provinces. And truly, Caraga tourist spots are world class and must see.

The government agencies in the locality, like Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the eco-tourism in the region, have already recognized the 127 Caraga tourist spots and are now working to attract more foreign and local tourists to experience this wonderful paradise on Earth.

caragaCaraga is made up of several provinces including Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, the newly created province of Dinagat Islands, with cities such as Butuan, Bislig, and Surigao. Last February, the Supreme Court approved the creation of another three new cities of Caraga Region, Cabadbaran, Bayugan and Tandag. Butuan which became the capital of Caraga Region houses history as one of Caraga tourist spot destinations.

Every year, there are surfing tournaments conducted in General Luna town of Surigao del Norte’s Siargao Island called Cloud 9. All tilts are meant for both foreigners and locals. Here, competitors and visitors are equally enjoying the playful waves and winds from the astonishing sea advantageous for the sport. Well, this is without mentioning the unspoiled and spectacular beaches and homelike tourist inns that only Caraga can offer.

agusan marshTourists are also being lured by Agusan Marsh wildlife haven with 19,196.588 hectares which stretch the rich shores of six municipalities in total. The country’s marsh lands used to suffer a dismal state because of depressing human spoilage. But the improved efforts of private entities and the government have led to full rejuvenation of several areas of marsh wildlife and made them into one of Caraga tourist spots.

Marsh lands can be regarded as important for keeping the marine life, particularly the thriving, propagating and endangered. The marine life only thrives in the natural habitats like the areas of the marsh wildlife. Agusan Marsh wildlife teems with marine life of the tropic that are not seen in other areas in the world.

golden taraFirst on the list of the wonders in the southern part of Caraga is Bucas Grande’s well acclaimed Sohoton Cove. This is in Socorro town of Surigao del Norte. There is also Catadman’s interesting rock formation that is naturally sculptured, known as Punta Calabera. Another of the Caraga tourist spots is Zaragoza’s rock formation that is definitely a wonder of nature and Bitaugan’s magic whirlpool, both of which are found in the city of Surigao.

tinuy-an fallsOther Caraga Region’s tourist spots can be seen in northern and southern parts of Surigao and Agusan yet most of these are still awaiting discovery, harnessing as well as promotion. All of these natural wonders in Caraga are being protected and conserved by units of the local government as well as businessmen.

Mindanao is one haven in Philippines of various astonishing yet curiously natural picturesque sceneries, and most of these can never be surpassed by other spots of the world. Caraga is among the many regions that vividly illustrate this outright tourism fact as the Caraga Region combines challenge, beauty and mystery into one complete package.

Filed Under: Caraga, Caraga: A Wonderful Paradise on Earth Tagged With: agusan del norte, agusan del sur, bayugan city, bislig city, butuan city, cabadbaran city, caraga, caraga region, dinagat islands, surigao city, surigao del norte, surigao del sur, tandag city

Bislig City – a city by the bay

July 1, 2009 40 Comments

This is one of my most exciting visit since this is the place where the famous Tinuy-an Falls located. Bislig City is the opposite end of Butuan City that is end to end to each other in Caraga. If you want to look at the map, Bislig City was 158 kilometers away southeast of Butuan City, and is heading at the last part of Caraga in going to the South to Davao Oriental.

caraga mapBislig City was located in the province of Surigao del Sur. It is known as – a city by the bay – because most its land mass occupying the scenic bay facing the great Pacific Ocean. Bislig City owns the whole part of the bay. No more, no less. Both Butuan and Bislig have a bay in honor to its name. Bislig City got its name from a forest vine of the rattan family that grew in abundance along the banks of its rivers.

In 1990, the then Bislig town was converted into a city. Other cities that comprise Caraga aside from Bislig are Butuan and Surigao.

A Portal of Virgin Forest

It is just about 5 hours ride from Butuan City. While as we move closer to Bislig City, the rough road has started to bump my seat but there were lots of entry point in order to get through to the city. There you experience big trees along the side of the road as you have never seen before like a trip to a never ending forest. You are heading the road as if you are passing the cradle of giant trees and wild plants but it seems they are just the leftover of boom logging in the 70’s.

If you think of it, Bislig City before the boom of logging industries was part of a cradle of virgin forest, or else a frontal image of a nude forest in the Pacific. This is where the defunct PICOP Resources discovered the best location of it. PICOP was formerly the largest paper mill in Asia.

PICOP, Mangagoy, or Mangagoy, PICOP

It can not be deny that word PICOP and Mangagoy – are famous name compare to the name Bislig. When you say PICOP refer to Mangagoy, and Mangagoy known where PICOP Resources located. It is just simply both name overshadowed the name Bislig. When I was young I always hear the name Mangagoy and PICOP until then in high school, I have a research on it and discovered that they are all came from Bislig town.

Someone is telling me, to that effect that comparing Mangagoy is like a city and Bislig was just a plain rural area. Later I learned that Mangagoy was just a downtown barangay envelope by not famed Bislig town. PICOP became a household name because most of its inhabitants were connected to PICOP as human resources and the source of livelihood. In short, most bisliganon survives due to PICOP existence.

Tourist Attraction

I have already discovered the beauty of Tinuy-an Falls which is known as “Niagara of Caraga.” It is a 3-layered falls with a height of 55 meters and a width of 95 meters, and possibly the widest falls in the Philippines. When I went there, it will cost 45 minutes to jump from the city proper. It is one of the best waterfalls in the entire Philippines because of its majestic and unique natural formation. Its colorful picture was once appeared in the International Travel Magazine.

tinuy-an falls, bislig city

Another hotspot is Hagonoy Island is a pearl shape island with clear blue water and white sand suitable for tropical getaway. It is 45 minutes pumpboat ride within the Bislig Bay.

hagonoy island, bislig city

The Lawigan Beach which faces and considers a part of the Pacific Ocean is a host of white sand beaches in the coastal area with fresh ocean breeze and sun bathing.

lawigan beach, bislig city

The enchanted underground river of the Hinayagan Cave. Famous for its unique features and has an atrium at the center reflecting sun rays. Experience a thrill while riding a banca or bamboo raft with bats hovering over your head.

hinayagan cave, bislig city

The Togonan Cold Spring which is a 30-minute ride a far from the city proper.

togonan cold spring, bislig city

Forester Park where amazing rock formation carved by nature through time which includes century old trees amidst mahogany tree plantation.

forester park, bislig city

Bislig also hosts an annual festival called “The Karawasan Festival” during the charter day of the city which features an inter-school ethnic dance competition. Karawasan came from a local dialect which means “movement of the crabs”.

karawasan festival

Never-ending Nature Parks and Resorts

• Ocean View Park – found at Gangas Drive 300 step up in a forest. You can see the panoramic view of Bislig Bay, Pacific Ocean, and Bislig City Skyline
• Baywalk Boulevard
• Mone River – offers a boat ride tour and witness the tropical getaways
• Florland Resort
• Restiseta Farm Resort
• Villa Salud Resort
• Villa Maximilla Resort
• Sian Resort
• Highland Function Farm

some photos and info from bislig city government website, other pics from bislig tambayan, and friendster from bislig karawasan photo


You can reach Bislig City for 5 hours from Butuan City by bus.

Filed Under: Bislig City Tagged With: bislig, bislig city, caraga, caraga region, surigao del sur

Tinuy-an Falls – niagara of caraga II

February 28, 2009 37 Comments

It’s been sometime that I’ve been for a while gazing memories back when I conquered this falls a year ago that started from the first lane of layers then climbed at the top of it. The memories are worth nothing but real treasure. Now I’m back to the amazing place which is called Tinuy-an Falls. Possibly, the widest falls in the Philippines.

tinuy-an falls, bislig city

It’s My Second Post

I remember my first post about Tinuy-an Falls full of wonder how it was discovered when a story came out. When you enter the center of a thick covered virgin forest, falls were nowhere else but when cleared everything magnificent falls started to emerge before your naked eyes. That was the logging boom in the 60s and 70s when the story started. Well a story started easily from the scratch but it turned out to be an added fascination and attraction for curious individuals out there who don’t know about Tinuy-an Falls. For those who do not know the story of Caraga, well it will add color to your curiosity about the land of the brave, and became a frequent visitor here.

I have gone to different falls in Agusan del Norte with its beautiful mountain ranges. Even the dominated flat lands of the historic Butuan and the Shangri-La adventures of Surigao del Sur, I can tell you simply amazing, but you can not resist the beauty of Tinuy-an Falls. It makes me a crazy person, and easily lost all my 2 gigs of digicam for wild shots of different angles.

On The Road To Redemption

tinuy-an falls, bislig city

It started with a bumpy ride for almost an hour from the heart of Bislig City. I was stuck with my friends in an old jeepney ride that turns out to be over crowded that some of us became a sandwich. The backache, headache, butt ache and some kind of ache turned out to be so vulnerable whenever the vehicle jumps from the rocky and hollow portion of the road. Well, I will tell you its part of adventure to an unknown place beyond.

But when we reached Tinuy-an Falls all of the ache vanished. Tiredness and weariness lost when you saw the scattered glistening white falling like crystal that crushed into the rocks, so big and wide as mountains. The sound of the falls is more than a music, you will never get tired of listening. The place was surrounded with thick green trees that refresh your eyes that were strained too much from the exposure of computer screen. And here, you will forget everything. It makes you a renewed person: body and soul.

tinuy-an falls, bislig city

I remember Siargao escapade. You can see the beauty of nature between seas and mountains, the escape route was the beaches. But here, it is not, you must be at the center of the forest, and find the magnificent view of nature that captures your eyes so much – the gigantic flow of water from the top of the mountains.

A Three-Layered Falls

You can see the first batch of water that falls from the top of the mountain. The first layer…

tinuy-an falls, bislig city

The second layer is the most gorgeous because of its highest fall. Wanna know where my friends are….let’s move closer…

tinuy-an falls, bislig city

Get closer…follow the red marking…

tinuy-an falls, bislig city

Gotcha!

tinuy-an falls, bislig city

The third layer is the first you can see after moving out from the vehicle I am in.

tinuy-an falls, bislig city

To sum up all in all, here’s the whole world of Tinuy-an Falls.

tinuy-an falls, bislig city

I find it very interesting when Tinuy-an Falls of Caraga turns out to be the Niagara of Caraga. Someday, Tinuy-an Falls will be remembered as Tinuy-an of Niagara. Err, I think, they are both the best of natures.


You can reach Tinuy-an Falls for almost 1 hour from the heart of Bislig City and from Butuan City to Bislig City for 5 hours by bus.

Filed Under: Bislig City, Tinuy-an Falls Tagged With: bislig, bislig city, caraga, caraga region, niagara of caraga, surigao del sur, tinuy-an falls

Caraga – a place of never-ending adventures

April 20, 2008 42 Comments

 

CARAGAcan be traced back to the 15th century when explorers discovered the existence of Kalagans, believed to be of Visayan Origin in one of the three districts in Mindanao. The word Caraga originated from the Visayan word “Kalagan”: “Kalag” meaning soul or people and “An” meaning land. The “Kalagans” have a long history of being brave and fearless. Thus, the region was called by early chroniclers as the “Land of the Brave and Fierce People.”

The “Kalagans”, called “Caragans” by the Spaniards occupied the district composed of the two provinces of Surigao, northern part of Davao Oriental and Eastern Misamis Oriental. The two Agusan Provinces were later organized under the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao and became the independent Agusan province in 1914. In 1960, Surigao was divided as Norte and Sur, and in June 1967, Agusan followed suit. While Butuan then was just a town of Agusan, the logging boom in 1950’s drew business and businessmen to the area. On August 2, 1950. by virtue of Republic Act 523, the City Charter of Butuan was approved.
CARAGA is an Administrative Region of the Philippines, on the northeastern portion of the island of Mindanao. It is the newest region in the Philippines, and is also called Region XIII. The Caraga Region was created through Republic Act Number 7901 on February 25, 1995. The region is composed of five (5) provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, and the newly created province, Dinagat Islands (from Surigao del Norte); six (6) cities: Butuan, Surigao and Bislig, and recently, the newly created component cities: Cabadbaran, Bayugan, and Tandag; seventy (70) municipalities and 1,346 barangays. Butuan City is the regional center.It’s haven for tourists and adventurers. The region hosts two of the Philippines’ 10 National Integrated Protected Areas – the Siargao Seascape, and the 100,000-hectare Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary – as well as world class dive, surfing, and sport fishing sites, mountains trekking and biking, white sand beaches, hot and cold springs, caves, rivers, forests, and waterfalls.If you are seeking a challenging experience or simply an escapade from the humdrum of urban life, venture no more… Come and experience adventure one can find south of the Philippines islands that simply lures visitors to frolic in its pristine beauty.

 

Filed Under: Caraga Tagged With: agusan del norte, agusan del sur, bislig city, butuan city, caraga, caraga destination, caraga festival, caraga region, caraga tourist spots, caraga travel, caraga vacation, dinagat islands, siargao, surigao city, surigao del norte, surigao del sur

Hagonoy Island – a pearl-shaped paradise

December 4, 2007 5 Comments

hagonoy island pictureHagonoy Island pride of Bislig City in the province of Surigao del Sur. This island beach resort was ideally isolated for 3 kilometers from the mainland as simply as good champion for all honeymooners out there! It’s so sweet like Guyam island.

A pearl-shaped paradise just about the size of 4 basketball courts, good enough for a white sand lovers for tropical getaway. You can mesmerize with its crystal blue waters as it gleams in your eyes across the pacific ocean.

Another wonderful experiences to all scuba divers out there too, and prepare for the best swim in your life!

How lovely it is capturing the best of nature as it meets heaven and earth in the horizon! You can stroll the island and embrace the beauty, or take a momentary look as you move around the island with a pumpboat, and give a shot for a rare moments in your life.

It’s a 30-minutes pumpboat ride within the Bislig Bay. It takes 5-hours ride from Butuan City to Bislig City.

Hagonoy here i go!

Happy trip!!!

hagonoy island picture

hagonoy island picture
pix from jobarclix

 

Filed Under: Bislig City, Hagonoy Island - a pearl-shaped paradise Tagged With: bislig city, caraga, caraga region, hagonoy, hagonoy island, surigao del sur

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Sponsored Posts

beach

5 Travel Tips for the Busy Business Owner

Going on holiday is not always easy when you run a company. It is said that less … [Read More...]

  • Holidaying in Majorca (Sponsored Post)
  • How To Make Your Travel Unforgettable
  • Preparing Oneself Physically and Emotionally When Travelling

Recent Comments

  • mhai10 on Jabonga – a place where lake surrounded with mountains beside Butuan bay
  • Dahan, Jeffony M. on Bolihon Beach Resort, Carmen, Agusan del Norte – Coral infested Caraga beach resort
  • Discover Agusan: Places To Explore in Agusan del Norte - ASIASHITA on Bolihon Beach Resort, Carmen, Agusan del Norte – Coral infested Caraga beach resort
  • NERISA on Bolihon Beach Resort, Carmen, Agusan del Norte – Coral infested Caraga beach resort
  • Mary Versy on Bolihon Beach Resort, Carmen, Agusan del Norte – Coral infested Caraga beach resort

Archives

Stats

Copyright © 2025 Caraga rising paradise · All Rights Reserved