Bucas Grande Island  (Sohoton) Travel Guide

Few places evoke the wondrous hodgepodge of nature as powerfully as Bucas Grande. Decades ago, this far-flung island just lurks in the shadow of its more famous neighbor – the surfing capital of the Philippines – Siargao Island. Thankfully, it has carved out its own identity today. It’s the kind of place where you seem to have discovered a jaw-dropping idyll somehow uncharted by the rest of the country; where elusive tarictic hornbills glide past limestone hills hemmed in by pitcher plants and soaring magcono (ironwood) trees that yield one of the hardest lumbers in the world.

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Recommended boatman/guide/tours: 

Oliver Baronday at mobile#:  0919 787 1825

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TOP ATTRACTIONS IN BUCAS GRANDE ISLAND

 

STINGLESS JELLYFISH at TOJOMAN LAGOON (Sohoton Jellyfish Sanctuary)

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The star attraction here is the spotted stingless jellyfish (Mastigas papuas).  Though there are reports that they only thrive during summer (March-June), Ronald Ajop, the tourism officer, reveals that they are actually present anytime of the year, just moving around to avoid human disturbance. If you are lucky, you will find myriads of them in glassy, emerald waters like in Tojoman Lagoon.

For their protection, swimming with these pleasant creatures is prohibited.  You can also see them in other lagoons in Sohoton. I’ve seen a couple of them swimming freely at the coastline leading to Bolitas Caves, and a staff at Club Tara advised me that they also thrive in the jade-colored lagoon there.

 

HAGUKAN CAVE

 

The underwater cave of Hagukan is rooted in the local word haguk, which means snoring, because it makes an ominous snoring sound as the waves of the receding tide lap the cavern’s roof.  You can swim into the tiny passage and frolic in its bio-luminescent azure water.

 

MAGKUKUOB CAVE (Diving Cave)

 

At the nearby Magkukuob Cave, one has to wade in waist-level water. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by crystal draperies, stalactites and stalagmites. To exit, you can retrace the trail to the entrance or dive off the cliff!

 

BOLITAS and CRYSTAL CAVE

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For a more daunting spelunking experience, Bolitas and Crystal Cave won’t disappoint. As you might have surmised, Crystal Cave is draped by crystal formations. It is also home to Balinsasayaw birds that produce the edible bird’s nests. On the other hand, Bolitas Cave can only be explored by crawling through its tiny passage clad with amazing stalactites and stalagmites.

CINNAMON ISLAND

 

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A journey to Bucas Grande is not limited to Sohoton Cove; other islands are also open for exploration, such as Cinnamon Island, which is draped by cinnamon trees. Visitors here are welcomed with delicious cinnamon tea prepared by boiling the cinnamon barks, until the water turns rosy.

This island is managed by SAVE Sohoton, an organization founded to help provide alternative livelihood to the fishermen of Brgy. Sudlon, Socorro. Members served as boat operators, paddlers, tour guides, cook and entertainers.  They also have affordable rooms (fan and air-conditioned) with breath-snatching views of Sohoton Bay that can accommodate up to 5 pax per room.

 

MARKA-A ISLAND

 

Due to typhoons that hit Bucas Grande Islands in recent years, the corals here were heavily destroyed. Fortunately, the uninhabited Marka-A Island remains a good snorkeling spot, just bring your own snorkeling gears as there is no place to rent one here.

 

CLUB TARA

 

This low-key resort offers a scenic view of the surrounding bay. They are known for their Jacuzzi rooms with an impeccable view of jade-colored lagoons hemmed in by lush jungle-clad hills. Day trippers are welcome here, entrance fee is only Php 20 per head.

 

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TIKTIKAN LAKE

 

The glassy, emerald water of Tiktikan Lake is reminiscent of Bulusan Lake. Visitors can go boating or trekking here or simply chill by the cottages dappled around its shoreline.

 

KAPIHAN NATURE AND ADVENTURE PARK

 

Ride the zip line (Php 400) at Kapihan Nature and Adventure Park in Socorro, the highest point of Bucas Grande that also offers a scenic view of Siargao Island. Contact #: +63 910 292 3539.

 

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HOW TO GET TO SOHOTON/ BUCAS GRANDE ISLAND

 

Route 1  

Manila  – Surigao – Hayanggabon Port (Recommended route)  

 

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flies daily between Manila and Surigao.   You can travel by land to Hayanggabon Port via Claver from Surigao Integrated Bus Terminal. Fare is Php 120, travel time is about 1 hour.  From Hayanggabon Port, charter a boat directly to Sohoton.  (This is my recommended route)

 

Route 2

 Surigao – Hayanggabon Port – Socorro

 

If you wish to drop by or stay in Socorro Town, you can ride a passenger boat from Hayanggabon Port to Socorro.  Travel time is 1 hour, fare is Php 100. There is not much to do in Socorro town though.

Socoro to Hayanggabon Passenger Boat Trip Schedule

 

05:15 AMDailyD’Island Tour Vessel
06:00 AMM/Thur/SundayJade Horrace
06:00 AMWedPatrot
07:50 AMDailySohoton Star Spirit
08:30 AMDailyCCNCE
12:00 PMDailyD’ Island Tour
01:00 PMM/Thur/SundayJade Horrace

 

 

 

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Route 3

Surigao – Socorro

 

From Surigao you can ride a passenger boat directly to Socorro at Surigao Pier, however travel time is about 3 hours, fare is Php 220 and the boat leaves at 12 noon only from Monday to Saturday.

Route 4

Siargao Island – Socorro – Sohoton/Bucas Grande Island

 

From Dapa Port, passenger boats leave daily for Socorro. Fare is Php 100, travel time is about 1 hour.

Socorro to Dapa Passenger Boat Trip Schedule

 

 

05:15 AMDailyCCNCE
06:00 AMTuesdayJade Horace
06:00 AMMon/Fri/Sat/SunPatrot
08:30 AMDailyD’ Island Tour
12:00 PMDailySohoton Star Spirit
12:30 PMDailyCCNCE
01:00 PMMon/Fri/Sat/SunMon/Fri/Sat/Sun

 

 

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Route 5

 Siargao Island – Sohoton

You can charter boats directly to Sohoton from Siargao Island, although it is more expensive. See rates below (under tour expenses).

 

Route 6

 Manila – Butuan – Hayanggabon Port

 

Philippine Airlines flies daily between Manila and Butuan. From Butuan, catch a bus to Surigao City and get off at Bad-as junction. Travel time is 2 hours, fare is Php 180. From Bad-as junction, transfer to a van en route to Hayanggabon Port via Claver, fare is Php 90.

Route 7

Manila – Butuan – Hayanggabon

 

Take a Philtranco bus bound for Davao which passes by Surigao City via Lipata Port. Travel time is around 24 hours, fare is around Php 2,000+.  Follow Route 1-3 once you’re in Surigao.

 

 

 

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Bucas Grande/Sohoton Boat Rates:

 

Socorro- Hayanggabon – Sohoton  (vice versa / 1 day tour)                        Php 3,000 (small boat)/ good for 1-4 pax)
Php 3,500 (medium boat/good for 5-10 pax
Php 4,000 (large boat /good for 10-15 pax)
Socorro – Sohoton

(vice versa / 1 day tour)                    

 Php 2,000 (medium boat/good for 5-10 pax)

 

 Php 2,500 (large boat/good fpr 10- 15 pax)
Dapa (Siargao) – Socorro – Sohoton   (vice versa / 1 day tour)                     Php 3, 500 (small boat/good for 1-4 pax)
 Php 4,000 (medium boat/good for 5-10 pax)
 Php 6, 000 (large boat/good for 10-15 pax)

 

 


 

 

 

 

  • Recommended boatman/guide/tours:  Oliver Baronday at mobile#:  0919 787 1825

* Note that the boat rental does not cover the fees for Sohoton Cove tour. You will only be transported to Sohoton and you need to transfer to a smaller boat to tour inside Sohoton Cove.

 

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Please refer to the rates below for

Sohoton Cove Tour Fees

 

Php 50Entrance Fee for domestic tourists (Php 150 for foreigners)
Php 50Environmental fee
Php 100Docking fee (per boat)
Php 80Life vest and helmet rental
Php 500Pumpboat to get inside Sohoton Cove (per boat)
Php 330Guide fee (Php 165 per guide/2 guides per boat)
Php 100Paddler to go to Tojoman Lagoon/jellyfish sanctuary)

 

Other fees

 

 

Php 20Crystal Cave and Bolitas Cave entrance fee
Php 20Lake Tiktikan Entrance fee
Php 20Club Tara Entrance Fee

 

  • For those who wants to avail of tour packages or boat rental: contact  Oliver Baronday at  mobile#:  0919 787 1825 or
  • SAVE Sohoton via Cinnamon Island’s manager: Roldan Dizon at 0948 820 5835

 

 

I recommend staying in Sohoton since there is not much to do in Socorro town. Accommodations in Sohoton offers scenic sea views where you can swim, snorkel or go kayaking.


WHERE TO STAY IN SOHOTON, BUCAS GRANDE ISLAND

 

Cinnamon Island 

Contact #: Roldan Dizon (operations manager) at +63 948 820 5835

There are 3 spacious native cottages with a scenic view of Sohoton Bay.  Fan cottage (Php 2,500 / good for 1-5 pax with breakfast and air-conditioned cottages (Php 3,000/ good for 1-5 pax without breakfast).

Cinnamon Island can also arrange breakfast, lunch or dinner, contact the operations manager prior to visit (see number above).

* Take note that there are no store/ market around Sohoton so best to arrange the food for your island hopping tour.

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Beachfront of Cinnamon Island 

Club Tara 

Jacuzzi room promo rates start at Php 4,000 + with breakfast (good for two). They also have dorm rooms and forest view for Php 1,000 per person.

TO CHECK CLUB TARA ROOM RATES AND BOOK A ROOM, CLICK HERE. 

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