Surigao del Norte - Surfing Capital of the Philippines

The scenic province of Surigao del Norte is known as the surfing capital of the country because of its beautiful and powerful waves, which has attracted both local and foreign surfers. Its pristine beaches on the other hand, have mesmerized its visitors.

Demographics

1. Population - 409, 468 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 1, 972.9 q. km
3. Capital - Surigao City
4. Language/Dialect - Surigaonon, Cebuano, Boholano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (1)

• Surigao City

Municipalities (20)

• Alegria
• Bacuag
• Burgos
• Claver
• Dapa
• Del Carmen
• General Luna
• Gigaquit
• Mainit
• Malimono
• Pilar
• Placer
• San Benito
• San Francisco (Anao-Aon)
• San Isidro
• Santa Monica (Sapao)
• Sison
• Socorro
• Tagana-an
• Tubod

Surfing, Sea Kayaking, and Water Activities
Its waves combine the best quality features of the top-rated waves of Hawaii's fabled "pipeline" and the top-billed waves of Indonesia. Its huge, powerful rollers have been ranked among the top five breaks in the world, including the "Cloud Nine" which is considered one of the world's top surfing waves.

Mamanwa Tribe
The province is home to one of the country's ethnic tribes, the Mamanwas. Surigao City's Bonok-bonok Festival depicts the merrymaking of these native folks and their gratitude to their pagan gods for a bountiful harvest and good health.

Mangrove Forest
Mangrove is the major theme in the coastal areas of the province. The saltwater-loving trees form interminable marine forests covering an area of 17,473 hectares along the coasts of the mainland and the islands of Siargao and Dinagat.

Cultural

Surigaonon Heritage Mini-Museum
Location: Boulevard, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
A collection of ancient archaeological diggings like burial coffin jars and antique Chinese kitchenwares are showcased in the mini-museum. Some of these artifacts were unearthed in Panhatungan, Placer.

Man-made

Mini Dam Park
Location: San Jose, Surigao del Nortex`
A cluster of seven dams of graduated elevations carved out of cliffs with stones perfectly laid and fitted by human hands. It is a whole mountainside transformed into a man-made structure exquisitely landscaped with a variety of plants and trees.

Maharlika Training Center
Location: LIpata, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
One of the best convention and training centres in the city, offering the best accommodation and facilities. It provides a magnificent view of the Surigao Strait and some of the islands in the city.

Natural

General Luna Beach
Location: General Luna, Surigao del Norte
27-kilometer stretch of bewitching sugar-fine white beaches, stunningly sapphire seas, and natural coral barriers that keep the inlet waters placid make this area a perfect destination for surfers and sun worshippers.

Danawan Beach
Location: Danawan Island, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
Is an island resort in Danawan Island, just across Hikdop Island going west. Its white beach is so rich in rare seashells. Shell aficionados often go there to collect rarities.

Panomboyom Beach
Location: Brgy. Baybay, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
It is known for its fine white beaches grossly dominated by fine coral rocks, which has been splashed by the waves to the shore.

Basul Island
Location: Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
It is noted for its enticing white beaches richly interpolated by empty shells casing and fine corals.

Alingkakajaw Island
Location: Claver, Surigao del Norte
With no rock formations like its neighboring islets, it stands out like a green and white jewel on a pristine blue sea. This little gem is located just off mainland Mindanao.

Del Carmen Swamps
Location: Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte
A sanctuary of the large species of saltwater crocodiles. One can take a closer look into the tall marine jungle of mangroves and other endemic swamp creatures. A boat ride along the narrow passageway is a thrilling experience.

Buenavista Cave
Location: Brgy. Buenavista, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte It has three entrances which all lead to a cavern approximately 3 km. away. Unique stone formations inside the cave create an illusionary vision of a majestic "King´s Court" complete with other chambers.

Mapawa Cave
Location: Brgy. Mapawa, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
It has cathedral-shaped inner domes richly decorated with magnificent stalactites having like natural chandeliers balanced by an enthralling sight of varied sized stalagmites.

Magpupungko Rock Formation
Location: Pilar, Surigao del Norte
Surrounded by limestone and granite sculptures facing the Pacific Ocean, its pockmarked limestone floor reveals pools of assorted shapes and sizes resembling basins, barrels, tubs, and ponds during low tide.

Lake Bababu
Location: Basilia, Surigao del Norte
A mountain lake nestled in vast walls of granite. A steep descent to the lake adds thrill to avid adventurers and offers fine views to numerous small caves in great abandon.