April 22, 2012 Sohoton Trip
It was a Sunday when our group went to visit Sohoton Cove at Bucas Grande Island. I could say that it was a company outing since we from the Process Engineering group (PEG) was invited by the Admin group (AG) to join in this trip together with our Japanese staffs. We from the PEG was excited for this trip since it was our first trip together considering that we had just relocated in Surigao del Norte for work assignment.
The service came to fetch us around 6AM at the dorm. We waited for the others at the Hayanggabon wharf. Come 730AM we were now on the open sea via a boat with a capacity of 15 people.
The service came to fetch us around 6AM at the dorm. We waited for the others at the Hayanggabon wharf. Come 730AM we were now on the open sea via a boat with a capacity of 15 people.
Along the journey, we were treated to sights from the open sea. We saw the mining areas of the different mining firms in Surigao. There was even a ship moving towards the docks somewhere south. Rocky islets topped with shrubs greeted us as we near Bucas Grande Island.
We reached the shores of Bucas Grande Island by 8AM. The boat travelled fast that it took only around 30 minutes to reach the sandy shores of Kanlunes Beach Resort. The crystalline water was already inviting for a swim as we disembarked from the boat. The white sand was made up of corals washed up ashore.
Kanlunes Resort is just one of the resorts near the Sohoton Cove area. The resort gave us a beautiful view of the cerulean sky and sea. We left our belongings here and the food the we brought along. Some of the Japanese staffs immediately prepared their fishing lines in attempt to catch fish. The resort has simple cottages, some open to enjoy the breeze and the view while some are furnished for an overnight stay.
After leaving our belongings at the resort, those who will go to Sohoton Cove boarded the boats. We arrived at a cottage where the registration and payment of corresponding fees takes place.
After the registration, we transferred to a boat that will take us to Sohoton. Each of the boats can carry 6-8 persons and it comes with a guide aside from the boatman. We from PEG boarded one boat with a security escort. we felt like we were the VIPs in the group. Haha.
We learned from the guide that Sohoton in local dialect means suotin/pasukin in tagalog. The cove can only be entered when the tide is low. We were also told to duck as soon as we entered the low entrance of the cove. Then the view was magical as we exited the mouth of the cove. There were islets within the cove. A rock formation resembling a horse tail was also pointed out by the guide.
We learned from the guide that Sohoton in local dialect means suotin/pasukin in tagalog. The cove can only be entered when the tide is low. We were also told to duck as soon as we entered the low entrance of the cove. Then the view was magical as we exited the mouth of the cove. There were islets within the cove. A rock formation resembling a horse tail was also pointed out by the guide.
First stop of the trip was the Hagukan cave. This cave is an underwater cave on an islet. It is called Hagukan because when water is below the cave entrance it sounds like one is snoring. One has to be very careful though when entering since the cave entrance has a lot of sharp oysters. One of the Japanese staff that went with us got a cut on his head upon exiting the cave. I don't have a photo of the cave since I forgot the underwater camera at the dorm.
Next stop was the Magkukuob cave. This cave has stalactites and stalagmites inside. One has to be careful though when entering due to low head room and some sharp rocks. There's an added fun here by climbing up the slippery rocks then get out by jumping from a platform 15m above the water.
We went to the jellyfish lagoon afterwards. We went back to the registration cottage to transfer to smaller boats. We were able to paddle with our boatman. The drizzle came then stopped after some time. There were not much of adult jellyfishes that time. It was the spawning season according to our boatman. It was evidently seen by the tiny yellowish orange spheres floating on the water. These jellyfishes are also stingless which was a result of evolution and adaptation since the lagoon has no predators for their kind.
Come lunchtime, we boarded once again the boat that brought us first at Sohoton. We had our lunch at Kanlunes Resort. After lunch, one of the security mentioned about the lookout cottage on top of the hill. We from PEG did not hesitate to check out the place. The hike was exhausting but rewarding. The view from above of the islets and the surrounding sea was breathtaking.
Before we head back home later in the afternoon, we went to check out Hidden Island Resort for some photo ops. The resort is just a 5 minute boat ride from Kanlunes Resort. It is more of a classy one. Live marine life can also be viewed on the cages at the resort.
Then it was time to go by 430PM. It was a fun filled day at Bucas Grande. For us from Process Group, it was de-stress day. We forgot the pressures from work. We enjoyed everything at the island. I hope I can go back there because there are lots to see still.
A large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of life, by him who interests his heart in everything. - Laurence Sterne