Travel Diaries| Falling In Love with Cantilan

"Each morning in Cantilan creates unique photograph of beauty and inspiration. Subject? Choose from breathtaking sunrise, perfect clouds, unspoiled beaches,  amazing waves, beautiful people inside and out… "

On field work in Siargao Island, I received a text message from Dennis aka lovemindanao- to explore Ayoke Island and other interesting places in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur - plus meet-up with fellow travel bloggers. :) 

I was able to catch the earliest bus  (1:00 am of November 30- Bonifacio Day) bound to Tandag from Surigao City. Around 2:00 am, we can’t pass and trapped in the mountainous area called Noventa Highway because of the deep mud and erosion.
“Bakit Noventa? Dahil 10 % na lang nasa langit kana!”  

Aside from being famous as the red mountain/mining area, Noventa Highway seems to be one of the most dangerous roads in the country- steep, narrow, muddy, side by side is prone to soil/rock erosion. It was around 5:00 am (after almost 3 hours of being stuck ) when the bus successfully gets out of the muddy part - “operators” came and took help/control.

I arrived in the town proper of Cantilan around 6:00 am. My Idol James, yes James of Journeying James riding in scooter fetched me in front of Cantilan Bank. After less than 5 minutes of motorcycle ride we reached Cathe Pacific- Cottage by the Beach of our ever accommodating host Cathe Duero with the warm welcome from my confi/kaladkarin friend Dennis of Love Mindanao and good breakfast prepared by James. Glen of Escape Manila and Cathe then arrived after 30 minutes. 

Our first day was scheduled for surfing and beach hopping in Ayoke Island.Unfortunately, bad weather condition stopped us to explore and surf in the island. No disappointment as Baybay Beach’s waves (just in front of Cathe Pacific- Cottage by the beach) is almost same as those in Ayoke Island. Hesitant to say but that was my first time to do surfing and riding in a surf board.  Nakailang backdive at wipe-out kaya ako dun hehehe.

The lady in long blue gown- Nathalie of Wandering Soles then arrived the following day. 

The Pinoy Travel Bloggers

The Pinoy Travel Bloggers ( from left to right) : Traveling Morion, Journeying James, Love Mindanao, and Escape Manila with Cathe Duero. Not in Photo is Nathalie Penados of Wandering Soles

The Foods

WHAT TO DO IN CANTILAN?

Surf in Baybay Black Sand Beach
Characterized by fine black sands and huge waves- perfect for unique sunbathing experience, surfing and skim boarding.

Visit the Consuelo Wooden Bridge

One of the most romantic wooden bridges in the country. Best time to visit the wooden bridge at around 4:30 to 5:30 pm- ganda ng sunset!

Walk in Consuelo white sand beach

Its pristine and unspoiled white sand beach is almost perfect. Just see the photographs. I’m still at awe and wordless.

We also got the chance to do PHOTOWALK along Consuelo's Port Area

Variety of Pitcher Plant still abundant in the area

OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO IN CANTILAN

Explore and Surf in Ayoke Island

Ayoke Island is part of Cantilan , Surigao del Sur now being known as one of the best surfing spots in the country.  Facing the Pacific Ocean, expect huge waves perfect for surfing and skim boarding. Just recently, the 5^th Cantillan National Surf Competition was held in Ayoke Island. Professional surfers from different parts of the country came and joined.

Walk along downtown and visit Cantilan Heritage Houses

During 18^th and 19^th century, Cantilan is the cradle town of Northern part of Surigao del Sur. Heritage Houses reflects the town’s wealth and importance as the center of trade during early times.  

HOW TO GET THERE

Nearest Airports: BXU/Butuan Domestic Airport and Surigao National Airport.

From Davao City. In Davao City Bus Terminal take a Bachelor Bus bound to Tandag then transfer to van going to Cantilan or another Bachelor Bus going to Surigao City via Noventa highway.

From Escape Manila : If you miss the bus to Tandag from Davao, you can take the Butuan/Ormoc/Tagbilaran bound buses and alight in San Francisco/San Franz bus terminal. Take another bus or van going to Tandag.

From Butuan City. In Butuan Integrated Bus Terminal take a bus from Butuan City to Tandag then look for van/bus bound to Cantilan. If you miss the bus to Tandag from Butuan, you can take the Davao bound buses and alight in San Francisco bus terminal. Take another bus or van going to Tandag.

From Surigao City. At  Surigao City Integrated Bus Terminal take a bachelor bus or van going to Tandag. Ask the driver/conductor to drop you in Cantilan Terminal.

WHERE TO STAY
Cathe Pacific- Cottage by the Beach. The perfect place to stay in Cantilan. Located in Bo. Baybay, Cantilan fronting Baybay black sand beach and surfing area. Contact number: +639167872904.

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