Surigao City launches tourism circuit

MANILA, Philippines - It will definitely be more fun in the Caraga Region with the recent launch of Surigao City Plus, a tourism cluster incorporating the attractions of 11 neighboring towns of Surigao del Norte.

According to Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas, the newly-crafted tourism cluster aims to produce synergy among the nearby towns to harness the full potentials of their natural attractions as tourism products.

Tours emanate from Surigao, dubbed “The City of Island Adventures,” with 21 of its barangays located in 17 charming islands. For sun lovers and true blue adventurers, the city is an archipelagic paradise with hidden beaches and crystal-clear water.

For a glimpse of the city’s past, there is the Surigao Heritage Center which houses archaeological and geological artifacts. Meanwhile, the Battle of Surigao Strait Museum located at the Luneta Park chronicles the last major encounter between the American and Japanese navies during World War 2.

Included in the Surigao City Plus cluster are Tinago Lagoon and Bakhawan Resto Park of Tagana-an, Baoy River and traditional rum-making wineries in Gigaquit, dive spots in San Francisco and Malimono, the long sandy beaches of Bacuag ideal for skimboarding, Biyabid Waterfalls of Sison, the cool Songkoy Spring and Lake Mahucdam in Tubod, Lumondo Waterfalls in Alegria, the Cagbuntog Beach in Placer and the industrial plants of Claver.

Also within the circuit is the lakeshore town of Mainit, home of the 16-hectare Lake Mainit, the fourth largest in the country; the 100-foot Togonan Falls and Resort Complex, and the sulfuric hot springs of Mapaso Wellness Resort.

Off Surigao mainland is Socorro town, also known as Bucas Grande Island, home to the Sohoton Cove Natural Park, concealed by limestone cliffs, tunnel-like subterranean passages and hundreds of stingless jellyfish.

For more details, contact the Surigao City Tourism Office at surigaocity40@gmail.com.