Running out of holiday leaves but wanting to escape the city? Not a problem! You can take a quick break to Dinagat Islands on a weekend. Enjoy the province for 2 days and 1 night.
Lake Bababu
Dinagat Islands
Dinagat Islands province is located north of Surigao City. This low key province boasts several pristine beaches and a unique culture.
How to get there?
Dinagat Islands are physically separated from the mainland. Huge passenger outrigger canoes ply from Surigao City to Dinagat Island regularly.
Boat Fare: Php 100
Travel Time: 2 hours
Boats are available from the boulevard of Surigao City. The first trip departs around 5:00 - 5:30 AM. Trips are not available every hour. Please coordinate with the local boat operators as their schedule might change without prior notice.
Since this trip was not planned. We didn't have much time to prepare our itinerary. Hence, we availed the tour service of J malls, a local tour agency in Dinagat Islands. We paid Php 1,500 each for 2 days and a 1-night trip.
Inclusions of the Php 1,500 trip
- Airconditioned Room Accommodation within Poblacion, San Jose
- Port Pick up/drop off
- Free Plated Breakfast with coffee
- Island Hopping tour without meals
- Dinagat Land Tour
We had a hassle-free Dinagat tour for only Php 1,500.
J malls contact details:
mobile number: 0917 163 1907 or 0939 922 2449
There are other inns and accommodations in the mainland. Just coordinate with the local tourism of Dinagat. Boat rental for a whole day island hopping costs around Php 3,500 for 10-15 persons.
Island Hopping Day (J Malls Itinerary)
We started around 9 AM. Since the tour does not include food. We availed of J malls lunch pack at Php 150 per person: 1 rice, 1 side dish, 1 main dish, and 1 bottle of soft drinks or water.
Jelmar's Islet Resort
This is the farthest amongst the places included in our tour. We spent more than an hour slicing through the big waves of Dinagat just to reach the crystal clear waters of Jelmar's Island Resort.
This resort is pretty straightforward. It's a beach place on stilts. There's nothing fancy in this resort except for the clear and turquoise water that is at par to the likes of El Nido and Boracay. Well, if you've been to several beach destinations in the Philippines, we tend to loosely use the word 'resort' as a description of our basic beach place.
If you're planning to spend a night here, they offer air-conditioned rooms for a hefty price tag of Php 2,000 per night.
Pangabangan Tidal Pool
This place is close to Jelmer's. It has a blue lagoon that is best viewed from above a nearby rocky hill.
Lake Bababu
This lake is a 30-minute trek from the beach. The area is a private property owned by the Langit Family. Someone must accompany you to Lake Bababu as it is believed that non-human elements protect the area.
Due to time constraints and extreme weather conditions, we weren't able to visit the other beautiful beaches (Duyos Island, Bitaog Beach)
You can also explore Dinagat Province without the aid of any travel agency. This is better since you'll have control over your time and places to visit. There are other places that you should also visit in Dinagat.
You can also explore Dinagat Province without the aid of any travel agency. This is better since you'll have control over your time and places to visit. There are other places that you should also visit in Dinagat.
- Kamangon Cave
- Cab-ilan Island
- Sundayo Beach
- Dako Falls
- Mt. Palhi (Bonsai Forest)
- Hinabyan Island
Dinagat Land Tour
This is part of the package. But, there are a lot of motorcycle drivers that may tour you around for a reasonable fee. Furthermore, you can ask them for boat contacts.
San Jose Municipal Beach
This is a government-maintained beach. It's perfect for families and friends
This is a government-maintained beach. It's perfect for families and friends
Entrance fee: Php 10
Castle (Residence of the Ecleos, founding family of PBMA and political family in Dinagat)
Castle (Residence of the Ecleos, founding family of PBMA and political family in Dinagat)
I have no words to best describe what I felt when I saw their house/castle. The castle just shows how influential the Ecleos are in Dinagat. We were just at the gate since the castle no longers admits tourist right after the election.
Aside from those two locations, we just stopped at the random elevated points that had great overlooking views.
We weren't able to drop by PBMA Shrine because we weren't wearing white shirts/attire.
Where to eat?
If you're staying in Poblacion, then food is not a problem. There are shops that sell roasted chicken, BBQs, burger, bread, etc. Also, the market always has the freshest catch of the day.
Mobile Signal and Electricity
There's mobile signal for both Globe and Smart. Hence, calls and text are good. Data connectivity is not that strong in some areas, though.
There is an adequate supply of electricity in the mainland.
Tips for a pleasant Dinagat Adventure
- Smoking and Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the Poblacion area of San Jose, Dinagat Islands. PBMA members predominantly reside in the area and they've decided to ban the sale of such goods. You can purchase alcoholic beverages and cigarettes in the next town.
- Please respect their religion and culture.
- Bring enough cash since ATM's are limited.
- Know the boat schedule
- Bring an all-white outfit if you wish to visit the PBMA Shrine.
- Best to bring a dry bag as waves tend to become stronger in the afternoon.
- Lastly, chat with the locals. Learn a thing or two about their place.
- 7:15 PM
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