SURIGAO DEL SUR - Shangrila by the pacific

Surigao Del Sur is home to half a million people known for its peace-loving and endearing qualities of warmth and hospitality. The province is known for its natural bounties and attraction, in the truest sense of nature, with an enviable diversity of flora and fauna, sustainable forest, unlimited mineral resources and fine craftsmanship of its products. The pristine beaches, cascading falls and serene waters await your tired and  weary souls.

HISTORY

Old folks still like to recount how some Visayan fishermen, forced by strong currents in what is now Surigao Strait, sought refuge in one huts somewhere in the province. The locals or Mamanwas thought the fishermen wanted to take the hut by force or by "agaw". This term was given the prefix "suri" and "Suriagaw" was formed. In time, it was shortened to Surigao.

Surigao del sur was created as the 56th independent Philippine province on June 19, 1960 by virtue of House Bill No.3058 also known as Republic Act No.2786 authored by then Representative Reynaldo P. Honrado. It was formally created and inaugurated on September 18, 1960 at the capital town of Tandag, the seat of the Provincial government was the late Recaredo B. Castillo, followed by the late Gov. Adela Serra Ty.

GEOGRAPHY

Surigao del sur is naturally advantaged. It is located in the northeastern coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 300 kilometers in length and 50 kilometers at its widest stretch.

It is bounded on the northwest by the Province of Surigao del norte, on the Southwest by Davao Oriental, on the East by the Pacific Ocean and the Southwest by the Provinces of Agusan del norte and Agusan del sur. The diwata mountain range lines the northwestern boundaries of the province.

Surigao del sur is a province of the infant CARAGA REGION

TOURIST DESTINATIONS 

Bislig Tinuy-an Falls - Dubbed as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines, Tinuy-an so far is the best waterfalls in the country because of its majestic, natural formation at the foot of the hills, beautifully covered with rainforest and coconut trees.

Hinatuan Enchanted River - This little known town is blessed with a hidden treasure -a stunning blue lagoon nestled within a mountainside and protectively covered by a forest. Its dark tinge comes from the Pacific sea pouring in from a deep underwater crevice. To local folks, it is said to be enchanted. Full of rich marine fishes swimming in the deep blue, no one is said to have ever caught one. Once you take a dip in the cool, clear waters, you don't want to come out.

Cagwait White Beach - Cagwait White Beach Resort also known before as “Waikiki Beach” of the Philippines as called by famous pilot Charles Lindberg, located in the town of Cagwait, province of Surigao del Sur. In modern times, this beach, was credited as “Boracay of Caraga” where the annual “Kaliguan Festival” was held in every 24th of June.

Britannia Group of Islets -  is located in the province of Surigao del Sur. It is a three-hour ride from my beloved hometown Butuan City. Of course, this will makes Caraga Region famous when precious white coral islands discovered facing the Pacific Ocean.

Lanuza Surfing Site - Lanuza is a perfect location for a laid-back surf trip and it is also an awesome place to relax and experience its serenity.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Land - 2 Bus Companies (Bachelor Inc. & PP Bus) ply the route of Tandag-Davao, Tandag-Butuan & Tandag-Surigao City. Only PP Bus ply the routes of Tandag-Pasay which leaves early every hour on the hour.

There are also vans-for-hire. Within Tandag commuting is through tricycle or "tri-sikad".

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Provincial Governor's Office

Capitol Hills, Tandag, Surigao del Sur

Tel. no. (086)211-3633-3257

Email Address: surigaodelsurgov@yahoo.com

Tourism Office

Tel. no: (086) 211-3947, 211-3633

Telefax: 211-3947

Department of Tourism Caraga Region XIII

Ground Floor, Grateful Realty Corporation Building

#008 Pili Drive, Butuan City

Tel. nos. (085) 341-6371/225-5712/815-3323/815-6040

Email Address: dot13@yahoo.com

MAP OF SURIGAO DEL SUR

LIBOD KAMO SA SURIGAO DEL SUR