dinagat islands — Caraga rising paradise

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.

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.

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.