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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

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. 

Also, if you want to stay for a night in Surigao City, click this link to see some of the cheapest accommodations in the city.

LOOK: Siargao Adventure

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.

• 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

Entrance fee: Php 10





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.

LOOK: Siargao Adventure

"Is it really safe there? What if we'll get kidnapped? Should we really go?" These were some of the things that were troubling my thoughts before our planned trip to Malamawi Island, Basilan. The ignorance, misconception, and dismissive attitude towards Basilan is the direct result of traditional media sensationalism. Still, we couldn't really deny the fact that the series of uprisings and terrorism weakened Basilan's tourism further. 

Getting There

There are a lot of boats from Zamboanga City Port that may take you to Isabela City, Basilan. There are fast crafts and ferries/RORO that are available daily from 6:00 AM to 4:45 PM.

Weesam Express 

Fare: Php 170

Travel Time: 45 minutes

Zamboanga to Isabela Daily Schedule (as of May 2018)

Aleson Shipping Lines Daily Schedule (as of May 2018)

Fare: starts at Php 145

Travel Time: depends on the vessel but definitely slower than most fast crafts

Contact number: 0917 821 8823

Zamboanga to Isabela Daily Schedule (as of May 2018)

Basilan is home to diverse ethnic groups including the Badjaos, who live by the coastal areas in the province. Upon reaching Isabela Port, you'll be greeted by communities on stilts. 

We only went to Isabela City where Malamawi Island is near. Upon reaching Isabela Port, we went to the other side of the port where motorised outriggers will willingly take you to Malamawi Island. It's just a short 5-minute ride for only Php 10 each.

The residents of Malamawi Island are accustomed to tourists. In fact, transportation from the port to Malamawi White Beach is not an issue. There are a lot of motorcycle drivers who'll take you to the beach for only Php 30 per way, per person.

Malamawi Beach

The beach is secured since there are several military personnel assigned to guard the area. We were shocked when we arrived at the beach. We were expecting a beautiful barren beach. Instead, the beach was full of excited beach-goers, families, and friends! It didn't feel like we were in Basilan. All our doubts and apprehension were erased in an instant. We couldn't even find an empty cottage! 

Rates

Entrance Fee: Php 35
Regular Cottage: Php 350
Big Cottage: Php 1,200
Bali Hall (upper): Php 3,000
Bali Hall (lower): Php 3,000

For reservations, please contact them directly at 0945 062 8568

Food

We highly advise bringing your own food since their store has limited supplies.

Overall, the island is generally safe. Just always remember to respect their local culture and you'll be fine.

LOOK: WE ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT TO THE PINK SAND BEACH OF STA CRUZ ISLAND ZAMBOANGA

This island has always been special to me. My father grew up in this beautiful place. My last visit here was like 20 years ago! So I felt the need to revisit and re-explore the island.

Camiguin is the second smallest province in the country next to Batanes. Which makes it more fascinating because this small paradise can be toured in a day! 

We stayed in Camiguin for 2 nights. We touched down to Camiguin around 7 am on Saturday and left the place early Monday. It was short but sweet. 

Accommodation

We stayed at Pabua's cottages located in Yumbing. We paid Php 800/room/night. The room was clean and comfortable. We had two big beds, a flat-screen cable tv, and own toilet and bath with overflowing spring water. 

Yumbing is dubbed as the heart of tourism in Camiguin. This is the go-to-place for tourists because this is where you can find fancy to budget accommodations. Also, the port for the white island is just a few steps away.

Pabua's Cottage

For more discounted Camiguin deals, please check out this link 

Tour

Touring the island is as easy as making coffee. There are literally heaps of Multicab Passenger type vans that you can rent for Php 1,500 - 1,900 for a day's tour. This rate already includes a dedicated driver, petrol, and port/airport transfers.

Tongatoc Cove

The best place to take a selfie. Spend some time and inhale nature. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the cove for free.

Walkway to Old Volcano

This 7-8 km station of the cross is not just perfect for the holy week, but it's really good for those who love to trek. 14 life-size stations are built along the pathway of Mt. Vulcan. Entrance fee is Php 5

Soda Water Spring Pool

Take a refreshing dip in this unique swimming pool. The water tastes like Soda without the sweeteners. The water is flowing.  Thus, it's clean - no need for chlorine.




Old Catarman (Gui-ob) Church Ruins in Bonbon

This historical church got destroyed due to the volcanic eruption that happened several years ago wherein Catarman was badly hit.




Sunken Cemetery

This is the most famous landmark of Camiguin. This should be on your list. When Mt Vulcan erupted, this cemetery submerged together with some parts of Catarman.




Tuasan Falls

This is one of the 2 popular waterfalls in the island. This place is really accessible. Take a plunge into the cold water and watch the magnificent falls.




Ardent Hot Spring

This place is quite "touristy". Thus, we came here in the afternoon. The spring is warm and relaxing. The aura of the whole area is calm and laid-back. Entrance fee: Php 30




Sto Niño Cold Spring

We came here around lunch time. The scorching heat of the sun didn't stop us from jumping into the spring's cold water. They offer cottages at reasonable prices.




White Island Camiguin

The best place to watch the sunset!! Plus a panoramic view of the island of Camiguin, this sandbar has more to offer. You should really visit this place.




Mantigue Island Nature Park

This is a really good place in Camiguin. Unlike White Island, this island has more shade and has better food choices. Enjoy snorkelling in their reef sanctuary and see the diverse marine life.




Food

Never ever miss their best crispy dried squid! A flock of vendors will storm you when you reach your hotel, etc. 

Another proud Camuigin delicacy is the famous Vjandep's Pastel. A pastel is simply a light bun with a special filling like sweet custard or yam. Vjandep originated from Camiguin but has started branching out to Cagayan. 

The tourism of Camiguin is thriving. They have a lot to offer. With the right support from the local government, this island will undoubtedly be part of the top destinations in the world.