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)
Municipalities (20)
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.
Battle of
Surigao Strait
Place: Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
Date: October 25
The greatest naval battle in Philippine history between
the allied forces and the Japanese Imperial Army was
staged in Surigao Strait during World War II. The commemoration
of this event stretches from Surigao City to Loreto
where the American troops landed on that significant
day in 1944.
Siargao International
Human Body Boarding Challenge
Place: General Luna, Surigao del Norte
Date: October 7 - 20
A new water sports event in the country participated
by top international body boarders. This is a world
series event organized by the International Bodyboarders
Association.
Bonok Bonok
Festival
Place: Surigao del Norte Province
Date: September 10
Surigao is home to the Mamanwa ethnic tribe. Their dances
are showcased in this festival held at the feast of
San Nicolas de Tolentino The Bonok-Bonok depicts the
native folks' merry-making to show gratitude to God
for bountiful harvest and good health.
By Land-Sea:
There are bus companies in Manila that travel
directly to Surigao City. These bus companies
utilize the RO-RO ports and dock at Lipata Ferry
Terminal.
By Air-Land:
Take a flight from Manila to Butuan City. From
there, buses are available headed to Surigao City.
By Sea:
Commercial ferry companies travel to Surigao City
from Manila. Travel time takes more than 24 hours.
Ferries dock at Surigao City Port and Ferry Terminal
Related Links:
WOW
Philippines Surigao del Norte Page
Surigao
City Official Website