August 25, 2012 The Long Trip From Surigao City - Butuan-Lianga
It was another long weekend for the month of August. Just last week we visited South Cotabato and GenSan. For this week, the tribe wanted a short trip. Then someone suggested we visit Kim's place in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Our trip started by taking the service bus that leaves Taganito camp every Saturday noon. We had dinner at the city and left for Butuan via van by 8PM. At Butuan Integrated Bus Terminal, we rode a Tandag bound bus come 11PM. The trip lasted for around 4hrs going to Lianga. We had a short hike on the dark rocky road early in the morning with us passing by a military campsite made me fear of rebel stories in Mindanao. Seven souls wandering at 4AM of a Sunday. A 10 minute walk lead us to a stairs in hill. Kim opened up the gate and knocked on their door. His mom welcomed us into their simple abode. We had our introductions and Kim's mom invited us for a hot choco and coffee. We helped ourselves in preparing the hot beverages.
August 26, 2012 Hiking to Bao-Bao Falls
We had a short nap then since it was still early then wake up around 8AM. All were tired from the long trip of last night. I woke up early because of the excitement for the days adventure at the mountain foot. We were to hike going to the Bao-Bao Falls which was not so far from Kim's place.
By 830AM, we had our breakfast, a homecook meal to everyone's delight. We were used to the food prepared by a concessionaire at the campsite canteen but having a homecook meal just added the good in our morning. After breakfast, we prepared the things we needed in our BaoBao adventure.
After our preparations, we embarked to a 15minute hiking into the mountain. We headed north passing by the river side then into the lush vegetation of the forest.
The couldn't contain our excitements when we heard the splashing of water. We knew we were near. Then a enchanted sight before us, the Bao-Bao Falls.
Bao-Bao Falls is an unspoiled shallow waterfalls in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. I found the place still pristine considering the people who checks outs the place where just locals. Who knew?
We settled our things on a shady part nearby. Then the tribe went to swim on the cold waters of the falls. We arrived early so we have the place for us until a few showed up for a good cool down at the falls.
We settled our things on a shady part nearby. Then the tribe went to swim on the cold waters of the falls. We arrived early so we have the place for us until a few showed up for a good cool down at the falls.
Locals soon started to arrive. Since it was a Sunday, who wouldn't want to spend a nice picnic by the falls? Kim told us that we check the area above. We had another steep hike on the nearby cliff. We had so much of this jungle trek and cliff hanging during the day.
A series of small water falls came to sight. We had our snack of rice cakes and boiled bananas on a rocky shade. We also swam on the clear cold water pools.
After spending some time at the pools, we headed further up for the wider and deeper pools. It was a stress relieving scene with just the calm atmosphere away from the noises of the city.
We went further up following the stream of water. A high water fall same to sight after a slippery and steep hike. I slipped during our way back. I managed to get a good grip on a vine saving myself and the precious camera at hand. My knee hurts when we got back to Kim's house.
It was already past 1PM and we had to go back for lunch. We took our things and trek the slippery rock on the other side. I was more conscious of the camera in my bag than my safety as I cross the strong currents of flowing water below Bao-Bao falls. Dexter, Homer and Louie opted to jump from the falls for an adrenaline experience.
Going back was another tiring hike down to the community from the falls. We had some more photo shoots by the river. After drying ourselves at Kim's house, we had native chiken tinola for lunch of which I mistaken the sayote for papaya. Was that even a request after seeing a lot of horse raddish around Kim's house? But I liked the chicken tinola. Now I suddenly miss home.
Checking the Seaside
After the delicious lunch, we rested by taking an afternoon nap. We woke up by 4PM and went to the seaside via a motorcycle came 5PM.
The Surigao del Sur coastline has similar view of islets in Surigao del Norte. In Lianga, the beach was made up of white sand, dead corals and limestone rocks (reef rocks).
We did not spend much time by the beach since there was a limited transportation that will take us back to Kim's house. We just spent the rest of the evening by browsing Kim's college yearbook.
August 27, 2013 Going Home via Tandag-Surigao City Route
Kim's father arranged a van that will take us from their place in Lianga to Tandag. We bade farewell and gave our thanks to the hospitality of our host family. The van fetched us by 8AM. It was a two hour ride going to Tandag. The trip was partly sleeping and sight seeing given that we travelled the other way around. It was so nice seeing the countryside in Surigao del Sur. We arrive at Tandag bus terminal by 10AM. We ended up buying kilos of lanzones to spend our time while waiting for the 11AM departure time of the Bachelor Bus.
The bus then left Tandag passing by the baywalk with a beautiful view. As we left the town center, we passed by this bridge giving us a stunning view of an island with houses built on stilts on the water. If only I could stop the bus for a better angle.
Soon we found ourselves on a familiar road, the Noventa road which ment we were already near. By 2PM, we had another hike towards our campsite.
Our Surigao del Sur adventure was really fun and exciting. We were able to explore another hidden wonder in Mindanao. I had seen a lot of places here in Mindanao but the stigma on peace and security is still attached. Mindanao is full of natural wonders waiting for anyone to visit her. I hope I can explore more of this land.
Note: Thanks to Kim for hosting our stay and to Homer for some photos.
Our Surigao del Sur adventure was really fun and exciting. We were able to explore another hidden wonder in Mindanao. I had seen a lot of places here in Mindanao but the stigma on peace and security is still attached. Mindanao is full of natural wonders waiting for anyone to visit her. I hope I can explore more of this land.
Note: Thanks to Kim for hosting our stay and to Homer for some photos.
It is not down in any map; true places never are. " ~ Herman Melville