Travel Diaries| Enchanting Sohoton!

" No exact words can describe the beauty of Sohoton, the closest adjective I can use that fits to its charm is enchanting..."

The Trip

This one whole day Bucas Grande/Sohoton National Park eskapo was planned a month ago by workmates and friends from Siargao. Yep, April 9 was declared as National Holiday -that means "no work" / long weekend/ backpack mode (for me). 

Due to unexpected delays, we failed to catch the earliest trip of a commuter boat from Dapa Port to Socorro- we had no choice but to hire a boat going to Socorro. Fare in a commuter boat is P100.00 only per passenger which means we might pay double or triple of the standard rate - pero sabi nga, walang makakapigil, tuloy ang Sohoton! 

We're 15 in the group and use our individual "karisma" in negotiating the best rate- buti na lang mabait si Manong Bangkero (I forgot to get his contact number and name). The 1-hour trip to Socorro from Siargao is a non-stop "tulala mode" or I should say an hour of non-stop imagining of beautiful Sohoton - as what I've seen in the vibrant photos from travel sites and blogs. Obviously, I am the most excited in this tour/adventure!

Bucas Grande's Way of Life

We just had our lunch in Socorro town proper then back again in the port area to meet Kapitan, the owner of the boat or Lantsa we hired that will take us to Sohoton. 

Sohoton National Park is a 45-minute to an hour travel (depending on weather condition)  from Socorro Town/Port.

Our early lunch before heading to Sohoton National Park

After almost an hour boat ride, we reached Bucas Grande’s Sohoton National Park, where the famed Sohoton Cove and Sting-less JellyFish sanctuary are located- actually a lot more.


Arrived!

We are welcomed by accommodating guides and operators of Sohoton. We’re advised to be in hurry as high tide is approaching… Why? (My initial reaction…)
“Baka hindi po kasi kayo makapasok sa Sohoton Cove at magsasarado…” 

“Ah okay” our common response but still in question “bakit nga ba magsasarado?”.

We then transferred to smaller boats which are operated by accredited boatmen/guides. They only allow 6 persons in each boat- 4 passengers/tourist and the 2 guides/boatmen. 

Take note that your hired boat from Socorro or Hayanggabon (if you're coming directly from Hayanggabon) is not allowed to enter in Sohoton Cove and Jellyfish Sanctuary. There are boats with accredited boatmen/guides waiting in the wharf area just register at the tourist information/reception area. One boat costs P800.00 plus additional environmental fee and the rent for  mandatory life jacket and protective hat.

Sohoton!

Naturally-crafted rock formations are beautiful sightings before we reach the entrance of the main spot. Crystal clear water, beautiful coral formations, and colorful fishes visibly seen below our boat invites me to dive and feel the nature at its finest! 

The Horse Foot Rock Formation

Our questions were answered as we enter in the only entrance going to Sohoton Cove- high tide closes the entrance/exit and you have to wait for low tide to get out. It's like being "transported into another dimension or  paradise" is what I've felt while inside this enchanting lagoon.

The only Entrance and Exit way to Sohoton Cove

Our first stop inside Sohoton Cove  is the Hagukan Cave. The cave is  actually an underground river with very cold water. Hagukan comes from the Visayan dialect Haguk which means to snore- as you can here snorkeling sound while inside the cave. 

The second stop is the Magkuku-ob Cave  which is also an underground river. The most exciting part of Magkuku-ob Cave adventure is the trail up to its exit on the top of the small mountain with diving platform at the edge. We then instructed to jump to get back in the boat. Wew! Buti na lang kinaya.

Entrance of Hagukan Cave

 Balinsasayaw bird nesting inside the Hagukan Cave

After the Sohoton Cove adventure, we then (again) hire another boat (small boat good for 2-3 persons, including the boatman) for 100 pesos per passenger that will take us to another must visit spot in Sohoton, the lagoon famed as "Jellyfish Sanctuary". The sanctuary is 5-10 minute boat ride from the tourist reception and wharf area.

My excitement meter keeps on rising as we enter into the sanctuary.

On the way going to The Jelly Fish Sanctuary

JellyFish!

We then reached the jellyfish  sanctuary. The sanctuary is  surrounded by virgin forests and the waters are calm. The feeling is extraordinary- serenity adds magic to this place. I was totally stunned by the magical beauty of the lagoon. The unexplained  feeling and astonishment while looking the beautiful coral formations  below us, and the never-ending turquoise-clear water - truly enchanting, this part of Sohoton is indeed a paradise!

Still amazed by marvelous nature, I didn't notice I was surrounded by hundreds or thousands of sting-less jellyfish. Sad to say my P and S cam's battery turns into 1% . Luckily, I was able to get 1 close shot of Sohoton's sting-less jellyfish.  

My one and only shot of Sting-less Jellyfish

Sohoton National Park is part of Bucas Grande Group of Islands. Municipality of Socorro, Surigao del Norte politically covers, this group of Islands.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Butuan City: At the Butuan City Integrated Transport Terminal, be carried by a bus bound for Surigao City. Inform the driver to drop you in crossing Placer, Surigao del Norte. Fare in an air conditioned bus is around 160 pesos and less than 150 pesos for ordinary. In crossing, there is a terminal for v-hires and multicabs bound to Claver-Hayanggabon- fare is less than 50 pesos or wait for vans or buses bound for Tandag City. Tell the driver/conductor to drop you in Eskina Hayanggabon Port.

From Surigao City: At the Surigao City Integrated Transport Terminal, take a van or bus bound Tandag City via Nobenta Highway. Tell the driver to drop you in Port of Hayanggabon or the Pier going to Socorro. Fare is less than 100 pesos to Hayanggabon. Once in Hayanggabon, hire a boat for about 2500-3500 pesos (good for 20-25 people). You can also take a commuter boat bound for Socorro then hire a boat from Socorro to Bucas Grande. Detailed Surigao City Travel Guide (click here)

From Dapa Port: At Dapa Port, there is a commuter boat going to Socorro Port (100 pesos) then hire a boat from Port of Socorro to Bucas Grande (2000-3000). There are also boats for hire from Dapa Port  directly going to Sohoton -  from 3500 to 4000 pesos (back and forth). 

***If you want to hire a boat (can accommodate up to 30 passengers), you can contact the owner of the boat we hired @ mobile number: 09094222789. We call him Kapitan - I forgot his full name but he is the Barangay Captain of one of the Barangays in the Municipality of Socorro.

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