caraga — Page 2 — Caraga rising paradise

Amontay Beach Resort, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte

November 5, 2011 29 Comments

This could be my second post of Amontay Beach Resort in which my first post was visited by lots of internet viewers making a click from their mouse to search beautiful beach resorts in Agusan del Norte. Now I’m getting back making a post to express my admiration to this place since the time when I visited Amontay Beach Resort.

If you want to see paradise even if you are here on earth, Amontay Beach Resort will make you experience how it feels to be in heaven through their one-of-a-kind amenities and captivating views, making it one of the top Caraga tourist spots that is being visited by local and foreign visitors over and over again.

A first class beach resort with first class hotel amenities, Amontay Beach Resort is situated in Nasipit, a coastal town in Agusan del Norte. This beach resort has given Caraga a great impact and the residents and tourists even dub the place as something that is “almost paradise.”

Shaded soothingly by several coconut trees that stand proudly on their roots, the place gives its visitors a kind of tranquility that you can rarely find in other beach resorts around the area.

The moment you enter the resort, you will be warmly welcomed with amenities that suit five star hotels. Their rows of one storey bungalows have never failed to captivate the eyes of many tourists and locals alike.

And if you think that the beach in Amontay Beach Resort is just like other beaches you can find here in Caraga, well, you are wrong because the scenery from this beach resort cannot be surpassed by others, making it unique and beautiful all in its own way. Amontay Beach Resort will make you feel like you are not in Agusan del Norte, Caraga Region but in Indonesia, thanks to its one land of cottages inspired by Bali which are all made from indigenous materials. All these cottages are made big enough so you can comfortably doze off without any worries of falling to the ground.

You can also enjoy the vast expanse of the clear blue skies as it meets the deep blue waters of the sea in the distance calling the eyes of adventurers to witness how Mother Nature keep the lovely place in time.

In the morning, nothing will surely beat the scenic view of the sunrise to greet you upon waking up in this amazing place of Amontay Beach Resort. If the sun gets too hot in the morning, there is no need for you to worry because the talisay trees in the resort will give you the freshness and shade that you need.

Delight in the cool wind that blows and embraces your body and feel the waves smash on your feet pleasantly while you walk down the shoreline. Going westward crossing a small river, you will meet rock formations and amaze in the far end that trees live in the water.

And when the sun starts to settle on its place in the afternoon, you will definitely enjoy lounging in the chairs as you watch the shoreline being basked in the orange glow of the setting sun. Turning the place into panoramic view for lovers who want to settle for another world of fun and pleasure.

Truly, Amontay Beach Resort is something that will let you experience a lot of amazing things that you have never thought possible to exist right here on earth. From the exceptional and breathtaking views to the first class amenities and facilities offered, it will surely not be a big surprise if someday, the place will not just be known as one of Caraga tourist spots but also one of the must-see and must-visit places of the world.

Dinagat Islands – Mystical Island, Province of Love

October 22, 2011 7 Comments

Caraga is definitely gifted with earthbound paradise islands where you will truly feel and see the God given mesmerizing views and sceneries. So, when you are planning to spend your vacation in this place, do not forget to visit the newly-created province of Caraga, Dinagat Islands which has the tag name ‘Mystical Island, Province of Love’ that relates how Mother Nature creates the beauty of an island.

The other provinces of Caraga are Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur

Location and History

You can find Dinagat Islands at the Region XIII or also called as Caraga Region of the Philippines. San Jose is the capital name of the province and is considered as the center of the local affairs in the place. It has other six municipalities which includes Dinagat, Loreto, Cagdianao, Libjo also known as Albor, Basilisa also known as Rizal, and Tubajon.

caraga map dinagat islands — Credit: wikipedia.org

If you will base the location of the province from its nearby landmark known as Leyte Golf, this is settled right at its southern side. Mindanao Island is the northern side of the province that is much closer to Surigao City. The main island Dinagat physical dimension is 60 km from north to south.

Dinagat Islands to its west is the famed location called Surigao Strait where historic battle takes place between Japanese Imperial Army against American and Filipino troops that claimed almost half million lives in World War II. In the east face the Pacific Ocean in which the location of immeasurable Philippine Deep.

Way back before, this island was a part of Surigao Del Norte’s first district. But during the year 2006, precisely on December 2 of that year, the island has become a province. This is because of the approval of the Republic Act No. 9355.

But on the month of February in 2010, there is declaration from the Philippine Supreme Court that Dinagat Islands Province is null and void. This is due to the inability of the place to come up with the population requirements as well as land area standards. Since then, the island returned as part of the Surigao Del Norte Province. But on the same year, specifically on March 30, 2011, there is reversion of the ruling of the Supreme Court and the place is successfully declared as a new legitimate province.

The Mystical Islands

Bitaog Beach, Dinagat Islands — Credit: Dept. of Tourism Caraga

Mystical Islands, these are the two best words that will describe this heavenly island. There are so many people who refer to this island as mysterious and magical. Aside from that, there are other people who claim that this is a healing island. But still, you need to spend time in the place to uncover such mysteries. There are so many spectacular places that you can see in Dinagat Islands. Yet, your quest with the place will not just enable you to be amazed with the God given natural wonders but also, you will unveil the mysteries of Dinagat Islands.

Once you are already on the island, do not forget to take a firsthand look at the majestic and breathtaking view of the Dinagat Islands sunset. The view will surely make you gasp in awe due to excitement and elating scenery in the sky. They say that people who do not fear to go to this place will certainly understand the legend behind this naturally architectural place. Moreover, those individuals who have pure hearts will only be the ones who will see the real meaning of the Dinagat Islands mystery.

Aside from the wonders and majestic looks of Dinagat Islands sunset, this mysterious place still has lots to offer to you. As you go along with your travelling, your attention will be captivated by the enchanting views of Lalaking Bukid in Basilisa. This is among the islands in this place that will surely amaze you by its one of a kind looks and its majestic aura. Aside from that, your attention will also be captured by the Babaeng Bukid in Tubajon.

PBMA Shrine, San Jose, Dinagat-Islands — Credit: Dept. of Tourism Caraga

This is equally as mesmerizing as the other islands you can see in the place. Truly, this island will maintain the elation of your feelings from the start up to the end of your tour due to its magnificent views. You will surely find so many interesting animals in these islands and you will see the best natural views.

As you will continue your tour in the place, you will surely be captivated by the view of the Islander’s Castle. You can get an access of this one of a kind view by means of boat. Once you are far and you are looking at the island, you will definitely think that there is a real castle established in the place. And as you get nearer the Islander Castle, you will feel only extreme amazement.

Other Wonders in Dinagat Islands

Punta Villa Beach Resort, Libjo, Dinagat Islands — Credit: Dept. of Tourism Caraga

Right after God made the 7,107 islands of the Philippines, he has given abundant natural and mystical gifts to Dinagat islands. This is one of the best places in Dinagat Islands that boasts of the finest scenes of the place to its visitors. Imagine yourself boating in a group of scattered islands while you are struggling in fine and quiet crystal blue waters and this is the experience that you can expect from this God-given gift. The fresh and great vegetation gives mysterious looks to the mountains that you will see in the island. Aside from that, the relaxing exquisiteness of the bodies of water creates a very magical environment.

Aside from the natural sceneries you can encounter in this place, the PBMA President’s House is also one of the catchy landmarks in the place. The walls of this house are designed with matching animals. The carving of the designs portrays a group of animals parading to the house.

Bonsai Park, Loreto, Dinagat Islands — Credit: Dept. of Tourism Caraga

Aside from that, the bonsai mountains in Dinagat Islands is also among the most breathtaking attractions in this place. Certainly, touring in the Bonsai Park in Loreto will fascinate one’s soul the wonders looking those ageing trees and plants dwarfed by natures through time. Dinagat Islands has lots to offer that you see in mountains and other land masses that contributes much to Caragagifted paradise.

Additionally, Dinagat Islands are also known for its resorts, caves and beaches. This is like Boracay 2.0 where you can find fine white sand beaches. Examples of the popular other tourist spots here are Cab-ilan Gamay Beach in Dinagat, Cab-ilan Beach, Ben Paz Mountain Resort and Oasis Islet Resort in Libjo, Quano Blue Lagoon and Quano Cave, Talisay Beach in Tubajon, Hinabyan and Leandro’s Beach Resort in Cagdianao, Legaspi Water Falls, Sayaw Beach, Tagberayan Beach, Puerto Prinsesa Beach & Hagakhak Cave in Basilisa, Bitaog Beach, Lake Bababu and many more.

Kisses Islets, Libjo, Dinagat Islands — Credit: Dept. of Tourism Caraga

Aside from the huge paradise islands, this place is also loaded with eye satisfying islets like the Kisses Islets of Libjo, Stingray Islet and Puyo Islet in San Jose, Bat Sanctuary, Biray-biray Rock Formation, the Babaeng Bukid in Tubajon, and Lalaking Bukid in Basilisa, La Isla Aga, the Cab-ilan Island in Dinagat, and the Campintac Landmark in Loreto.

No doubt that Dinagat Islands is a very mystical place. Till now, there are lots of mysteries that are yet to be unveiled. If you want to be the first one to unveil such mysteries, a tour in the place will be your key to know the answers to such mysteries of Dinagat Islands. This is how Caraga Region became an amazing place to visits.

Book Your Vacation To Caraga!

October 20, 2011 4 Comments

One thing that people constantly talk about is going on vacation. You have your typical vacation spots such as Mexico and Cuba but have you ever heard of Caraga? Caraga is a popular travel destination for tourists all over the world. With their sandy beaches and their plush greenery, Caraga is the perfect travel destination for you or your family!

All About Caraga

Caraga is a region of the Philippines on the northeastern part of Mindanao, an island. Caraga has beautiful weather which is classified under a type 2 climate. In the Philippines they have four specific types of climates (1 through 4). A type 2 climate means that there is no specified dry season with a lot of rain ranging from November to January. It is a beautiful region with many things for you and your family to look forward to!

Caraga Tourist Spots

There are an abundance of tourist attractions that you can check out during your vacation in Caraga. There is surfing, trekking, mountain-biking, island hopping, scuba diving, visiting the beaches, spelunking, bird watching, and many events and festivals.

1. Surfing

If you are interested in surfing you can travel a small distance to Siargao. Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines and so you can expect for the tide to be amazing. The surf combines the best waves of Hawaii and it also has the best waves of Indonesia all in one. The surf off of the coast of Siargao has the famed “Cloud Nine” which is one of the world’s top surfing waves.

2. Trekking

There are two main mountains that are the best for trekking or mountain climbing. There is Mt. Mas-ai and Mt. Hilong-Hilong. These mountains provide the best views imaginable and picturesque landscapes that are absolutely breathtaking. You can see all of the lakes and even take photographs of them for your scrapbook at home. Never regret witnessing those panoramic views of amazing Butuan Bay while in the distance the volcanic appearance of Camiguin Island. These are just 2 of the established trekking paths but there are thousands of paths that have been untouched by tourists.

3. Mountain-Biking

There are amazing biking trails around the city of Butuan and Surigao. There are easy hills for the less advanced bikers and intense hills for those with more skill. They have an extremely futile biking industry and it is one of the most popular activities for both residents of the island and tourists.

4. Island Hopping

Island hopping is a popular activity no matter where you go for your vacation. You basically go from island to island to see new landscapes and some more breathtaking views. You can take a chartered boat to new locations and you can see the beautiful coral reefs and the majestic squids and blue marlin fish.

5. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is another popular tourist attraction. Take your family out on a nice day and journey deep into the ocean to see all of the gorgeous underwater sea life. You can scuba dive off of the coasts of Surigao if you are in for more of an adventure.

6. Spelunking

If you decide to go spelunking you can see the limestone karst bedrock within Surigao and Agusan. They also feature dozens of caves but you generally won’t see recreational cavers there. You can go on adventurous cave expeditions and see all of the limestone, stalactites, columns, and carved stalagmites.

7. Events and Festivals

There are plenty of events and festivals that you can be a part of within Caraga. All of the festivals give an eye opening insight into the culture of the Philippines. There are always festivals, regardless of the time of year some of them include: Bonok-Bonok Maradjao Karadjao, and Balangay. If you’re interested in some more surfing you can watch surfers from all over the world compete in Siargao to test their skills during the annual surfing competition.

Caraga is a beautiful and wonderful place to travel if you are interested in a family friendly environment. With their white sand beaches and their crystal clear blue water, you will be overwhelmed as soon as you step off of the plane. Compared to other travel destinations, Caraga is the creme de la creme so do your research today and book that well needed vacation!

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.

Caraga 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.

Tourists 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.

First 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.

Other 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.

Cagwait White Beach Resort, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur

October 8, 2011 87 Comments

Early morning at 5 sitting down in a quiet corner of the room after waking up from the alarm clock that set me up, reminded me of going to Cagwait White Beach Resort located in Cagwait town of Surigao del Sur province. It has been in the fourth day in Tandag City and the plan must push through before I bid goodbye Tandag City in the sixth day.

Tandag which was declared recently as one component city of Surigao del Sur was lucky enough to become a city which hounded some questionable eligibility from Supreme Court decisions. Until last February the decision was final with other new cities of Caraga Region, Bayugan City and Cabadbaran City.

I have to take the advantage because Tandag is much closer to Cagwait White Beach which will take half hour of travel compare to my origin place Butuan City which has almost three hours.

I have been dreaming Cagwait White Beach known as Boracay of Caraga. In my first post I was just a passerby witnessing a billboard for Kaliguan Festival for a quick moment of time then gone, then go back to my birthplace Butuan City, the center of Caraga Region.

The windy morning greeted me as I move out from the door looking some chair at the center of the cafeteria I live. The morning was just quiet and no one else in sight making a move, not anything from the lighted streets leveled before my eyes.

Looking passed the street constructed in a mountain top while I am sitting at the rooftop of a three-story building. A unique parallel position between me and the street is enough like a closer world in the outside.

Sitting the chair in a quiet and still atmosphere, giving me some cool reminiscent after doing my job yesterday from those professional head teachers who want to learn more of computer programs. Some of them find it hard to communicate since they are getting old and hate the technical word of computer language. They spar the mouse in their hand like holding tight causing tired muscles clicking left and pressing hard. And maybe hearing the word mouse is not a joke because they believe it is a pest running in the corner of the house or ruining the crops in the backyards.

The cold wind started drifting my skin layer as I opened the glass in a table top to get a sachet of coffee. If someone witness something strange going at the top then it might kill me since a thief mission started before dawn. But they believe visitor started pulling up everything for his own mission.

Zipping a cup of coffee to fight against the cold wind is just a moment to get energize early morning before moving to bus terminal en route to Cagwait White Beach.

Bus Terminal to Cagwait White Beach

Leaving the building I find my way of hundred stairs in climbing up to the street of Tandag. Walking through a terminal bus in a near distance never mind the dawn started to emerge in a cool and quiet morning. Meeting few structures along the streets with few people moving till up myself in terminal. Seems Tandag was just a baby hungry for development as the state of city hood begin for years.

Sitting in a rural bus was just typical setting where few passengers coming from different locations in going to some rural areas of the province. I notice young man carrying 30 brand new laptops sealed in package to be distributed in remote areas the farthest from Tandag with no fear of apprehension from would-be robbers along the way when sky still dark. When asked where to deliver he answered to Tagbina.

Deal business in a far-flung town that is surpassing seven more towns I guess before reaching Tagbina. Business is part of struggle from day to day when strangers coming in and out in the bus. He talks anyone he meet in the bus and telling them could be the cheapest laptops you can acquire if you have me but keeping an eye to his valuable assets.

This young man is set to become an entrepreneur for life if anything goes alright in his travel for the rest of his life.

Technology has gone so far that started in the Western World, and now the demands of thirty laptops went through in no time in the remote rural town of the province. Peoples seems addicted to the technology and they can acquire easily through cash on delivery or installment process.

The price of laptops nowadays goes in a downward trend since oversupply and competitive market becomes apparent, added measure was the invasion of mobile computing world like the rise of smartphones and tablets.

This young man promised everyone of having the advantage, and business became his recipe in life. I almost forgot where I have to go then someone shouting for Cagwait, till that moment I consumed 30 minutes or more, when I move out from the bus I am already in the center town of Cagwait.

Embracing Boracay Of Caraga

Along the highway, there was an adjacent road in going to Cagwait White Beach Resort and you have to wait for single motor called ‘habal habal’ in local community to carry you to the beach. Since still 6 in the morning, wrap up myself alone do the walking for hundreds of meters till I drop in a distance and my forehead badly sweating.

I think I have a bad estimate when someone told me you can reach Cagwait White Beach Resort by walking. I guess it was just kilometers away.

Single motor or ‘habal-habal’ at last came to the rescue and drop me at the entrance of Cagwait White Beach. Of course, seeing a vast land of white sands was an exciting tone and lifting the spirit for those first timers wants to make historic visit in the ‘Unseen Paradise’. The white line curving in a distance paints a warm impression. Sunrise began spreading its rays that merge in the ocean and sands putting glowing effects in Mother Nature.

Skies were clear and the weather was perfect for just visitor and incoming visitors of the day. Exploring the scene of natures it is captivating to say what others telling when witness a horseshoe shape paradise resort facing the Pacific Ocean with clear blue water mixed of blinking crystal when rays started to elope with water that bounces the large waves in the shorelines.

High tide started to diminish as large waves contains the white sand beach like sometimes an angry mob in a friendly gestures. The sounds of the bouncing waves sometimes like a bomb, but if someone asked me how it did to my ears they are sweet like a gong of music spreading healthy tone inside the auditory nerve. They played like magic as the bluish clear water mixed in fine white sand leveled each other fighting in the shoreline.

I walked a straight line tried to investigate how Cagwait White Beach became famous in the minds of the local. I have not seen anyone in the beachline except on the base of the curve in the far where three peoples never end their revelry embracing the white sand beach for life. In this moment I owned the beach alone drifting in a quiet pristine paradise.

This place became Boracay of Caraga but in an opposite rivalry since Boracay already a populous shorelines bumping each other shoulders either foreign or local tourists along the way. But here in Cagwait White Beach is like walking in a no man’s land, at least I met two fishermen along the way busy untangling the net with their few catches.

It seems walking alone with my bare feet as I used to be, touching in the wilderness the cotton like sands which formed my feet across for miles. I have never felt exhausted and drained. Energy is continuing and soul is alive when heart engaging the distance of the sands. When looking back of what I accomplished I can’t believe of what I have done. Those falling sweats in the skin started influencing the healthy lifestyle in the sea.

At the end portion of the beach find my way of small rocks littered the sea. Sitting in one of the rocks find a resting place while looking back the baseline of the horseshoe shape paradise which becoming far away in the naked eyes. The white lines draw back the coastlines witnessing one end to the other end.

The waves of the sea started splashing my feet, my mind striking back how many miles it takes in reaching the opposite end of the white curve. The paradise is too long to explore and losing the time embracing the whole beach.

I was impressed when mountains and coconut trees forming alliance of Mother Natures behind a pristine white beaches. But if you know how mountains behave when it has its own threatening formations like when giant crocodile submerge in the sea waiting for a victim in a moments of fun and adventures. In a tropical place like Caraga, mountains and landscapes forming like wild animals added attraction before the eyes.

Digging More of Cagwait White Beach

Cagwait White Beach Resort became known before as Waikiki Beach in the Philippines when famous American pilot Charles Lindbergh witness the horseshoe formation while on plane likened in his hometown resort in Hawaii islands.

The discovery was just an accident (as stated by the traffic accident lawyer) when the purpose of coming in Caraga Region is for the wildlife campaign when the land in Cagwait mountainous area under concessions of logging industry turns out a sanctuary of Philippine eagles. Since then history became the tagline when Cagwait White Beach having a twin resort located in Hawaii Islands.

Peoples from different location of Caraga and Philippines started flocking to witness the celebrations of Kaliguan Festivals every June 24th of the year. Tribal dance takes pride wearing colourful ethnic dress in the middle of the celebrations with the beauties entrance vying for Perlas ng Kaliguan.

Kaliguan Festival started in 1996 that brought the tagline of Cagwait White Beach as the ‘Unseen Paradise’ but not anymore as far as neighboring towns of Surigao del Sur and the entire Caraga Region. In addition of road project completion from Butuan City in going to Tandag City, Cagwait White Beach pose a perfect conditions when escape from urban life.

Believing what you have seen the wonder of natures what to do is capture the sights and sounds that is lacking before the young years of life.