photos and words by Guest Blogger Clark Jayoma on June 9, 2012

Hi guys! It’s been quite a while since the last time I wrote something about Britania Islands, which is for me, a really gorgeous place to put in your escape list. But I can’t help it, I just want to share it with you also the last escapade that we had before summer ends of this year. It’s totally a blast!  My way to Sohoton Cove, an amazing paradise in Caraga.

Sohoton Cove is part of Bucas Grande Islands which the whole islands is owned by Socorro town.  We started our trip at Hayanggabon port located at the town of Claver in the mainland Surigao del Norte province.  Yes, at the front you can see then Bucas Grande Islands for exhilarating 30 minutes boat ride.

When I heard the engine pumped-up and moved forward across the blue sea my excitement started to grind my heart.  Reaching Bucas Grande Islands with mountains covered with lushed vegetation forest, islands and islets, and tempting white sand beaches.

Almost the same island I met in the now famous Britania islands…and there are many to be discovered.

Most common captivating scene in a paradise not yet spoiled by human behavior and conducts.

Reaching the shorelines of Bucas Grande Islands, a clear jade water in a fine white sand beach greeted me as I moved out from the boat.

So be it. It’s me again engulfed with Mother Nature.

By the way, if you’re planning to go all of these places, like Britania islands, Hinatuan Enchanted river, Tinuy-an falls, etc. in a day, If you’re going to ask me, It would be best if you go to these places one day at a time. I tell you that it is an indescribable feeling from one place to another. You have to consider also the time of travel to these places, expect some road repairs and bumps along the way. And one thing also, If you’re too worried about huge church-like waves, sharks, relatives of lolong, NPA’s, anaconda, corazon, shokoy, etc., don’t let fear of the unknown overcome you.

This is supposed to be your comfort zone. Reward yourself some quality time and a peace of mind. And yes, you have to ask and implore Him that you’re out there not just to have fun with your family or peers, but to witness it to yourself also and appreciate the beauty and wonder of His beautiful and wonderful creations. If you’re up to team building or upgrading, don’t miss this spot also because they have cottages that can provide you for an overnight stay.

And if you have cool gadgets, like an underwater cam, don’t hesitate to bring it with you. Because aside from snorkeling, there’s this awesome underwater cave, I don’t know exactly how to describe it or express it in words, but once you’re there, it’s really such a nice feeling. It’s like partying in the water with glitters of light coming from the outside.

One of the panoramic views that captivates the eyes of the beholder.

I’m not yet into caving but this one mystified me with shining crystal of stalagmites and stalactites which they called Crystal Cave.

Entrance into the now famous Sohoton Cove the mother of all Mother Nature…be sure it’s low tide!

Horseshoe shape rock welcomes your journey from the entrance.

Sohoton Cove once get inside was a masterpiece of God’s creation.  The clear jade waters serenaded the untainted thick green mountains of forest in different forms nestled you the most quiet and lovely place on earth.

And they have this Magkukuob Cave also wherein it is stiff to climb, or let me say not that easy to climb, and difficult or near impossible to go back down the same way, so you have to jump into the water! If you don’t know how to swim or if you feel like you’re not comfortable with it, of course you have the option not to go. But if you are physically fit, you don’t have to worry that much because your tour guide (you have at least 2 tour guides in your group) is already in the water waiting to assist you and give you your life vest after your jump or dive.

And still, if you’re still too scared to go down, they will even jump with you. These tour guides by the way are local residents in the area. They make this somehow their way of living so they have to make it in a way that the visitors are safe as well as their personal belongings. But yes of course you have to be extra careful also and not just totally rely on them.

The enticing Hagukan Cave when swimming inside makes your skin toned into white.  Don’t miss also the jellyfish sanctuary. And for the record, these jellyfish are not itchy!

If you love nature, adventure, rejuvenation, one-of-the-experiences-of-my-life-that-I-don’t-want-to-forget escapades, then I must encourage you to please include this place also in your wish list!  And before I forget, I would like to thank and express my gratitude to my support group, to which I consider my closest friends because without them, this will be barely possible to happen.

I feel blessed to have them also because it’s really fun if you go there with your pack, not to mention that you can divide among yourselves the expenses of the whole trip. But if you want to impress your special someone with such a wild-get-away adventure also, I bet this place would make her fall for you even more. If you are too fed up with papers, numbers, screens, faces, deals, pressures or problems, etc. then consider this also your quick escape to reality. This is such an awesome place..so mystical, so enchanting, and an amazing place to be.

We went there as early as 3 in the morning and went back heading home at around 6 in the evening. You can do this as a whole day trip. But if you have the luxury of time, it is way much cooler if you can have an overnight stay.

We are devoured too much by the idea or thought of those highly recognized and very popular, well recommended tourist spots that sometimes we overlook these wonderful places near us. Don’t be a foreigner of your own land, because kidding aside, it is truly indeed more fun in the Phillipines. Welcome to Caraga folks!