The WHAT: Surigao Del Sur

On our way to Surigao!!

Random Photos: (en-route to various destinations)

Visited: (click on any of the first 3 for the full seperate review of each vacation spot)

* Tinuy-an Falls

* Enchanted River 

* Britania Islands

* National Museum

Surprisingly comfortable. :)

We decided to drop by the National Museum on our last day. Apparently, we were supposed to visit the oldest Alligator/crocodile in the Philippines(?) named Lolong but we were a year late since he just passed away a year ago. Asking our impromptu tourguide Kuya and Ate guard as to why, they couldn't give us a concrete answer. They merely stated that he got sick or something (they actually said it was pneumonia but i don't know). We got to see his remains instead. The giant crocodile head was scary awesome. It was stored in a freezer which I mistook for ice cream or meat until they pointed otherwise. Haha

RIP Lolong :(

We also saw a lot of artifacts from indigenous people who lived in the area particularly the "Malay" race. One of the 3 and I believe the last to arrive in the Philippines thru large ships called "Balangay". Filipino's are thought to be closest to them in appearance by ancestry.

We also saw this giant sundial and was taught how to read it.  Another thing worth mentioning was the "rattan" tree tused in making household furniture long ago. It is a rarity nowadays thats why the locals are working hard to preserve it for the future generation to see. Big thanks to Ate and Kuya guard who went out of their way to give us a private tour. :)

Ancient Blings

Pretty even in death.

Native coffins anyone?

Rattan tree

Stayed over at:

* Marky's Hostel
 

We stayed over here for the first 2 days. We've already read a lot of reviews from other travelers that the couple who owns it rents the place for a reasonable price. The room we had was big enough with 3 beds. We had airconditioning since Ate wanted our first trip to be enjoyable. It was thoughtful of Ate and Kuya. For only 1k a night it was great. We had to share bathrooms with other guests but that was fine. We were the only guests on our first day but later on we were joined by others who we incidentally met along our roadtrip.(Since we all had the same itinerary)

The story behind their business though was that it was their son who worked abroad who helped them establish the place. He's also a nurse and from what we saw thru various pictures of him in different locations. He traveled a lot too. It was thru his perseverance and his parents that they we're able to make a business out of their home. I really like how despite their achievements as a family. The couple was down to earth and did not brag. Staying there was worth it. They were so gracious as to even lend us plates and utensils when we  weren't able to bring ours.

The road to get there is safe and easy enough to remember when traveled to and fro at the enchanted river and tinuy-an falls. They can also hook you up with habalhabal drivers for a private trip when going anywhere.

* La Entrada Beach Resort

 We moved to La Entrada for our third destination. It was day 3 of our weeklong journey and the next stop was at Britania Islands. We only stayed there for one night. The cost I believe was for only php1-1.5k. We had a room that had an upper and lower floor and our very own CR. There was only one bed on the lower floor and 3 mattress beds on the upper floor. The room is spacious enough for even the four of us. Plus the airconditioning was better there in my opinion. They also offer cottage houses for guests. Although I'm not sure aware of the prices for that. One interesting thing though is that they built the area near the shore which borders a swamplike portion of the town where we were staying. The rooms and a part of the place was above water. It was really comfortable plus you could stay at the common area to watch tv or surf the net incase you get bored.

Wifi is supposedly available in the common area but was broken during our stay there. They also served a variety of homecooked meals. What I liked about it was they offered free breakfasts for two for their guests. I had cornbeef and fish fillet. For a free meal, it was ok. We also ate icecream that night. Horray for ate's libre!!

*Julian's Inn and Garage

Ending day 4 with a bang we had to go look for a place to stay for our last night in beautiful Surigao. It was really a hit and miss as we haven't contacted anyone yet as to where we would be staying which we always do in advance. We were enroute our bus then and we needed to say there in Butuan as the airport is within the area. As luck would have it, we chanced upon Julian's Inn and Garage. Located within a barangay, the place is famous to tourists. Although we stayed there for only 1 night I really enjoyed it. It was the hotel experience. For only 1k, we got a room which had two beds with TV and cable!. Although we got the standard , it was really comfy already. They have 2 buildings I believe, Building's A and B. We stayed at B. Although I think A is for those who would want a better room for a higher price ofcourse. 

They have their own bar which was pretty big able to accomodate atleast 50 guests or more. It is on the opposite side of the road across building A. I dropped by to see what they had to offer but refrained from buying. They had beers, the usual pulutan and stuff.

They had this pet cat though that roamed the place. Funny thing is that it always came and greeted guests even accompanying us from Building's A to B. We jokingly made comment that it was the manager as it was the first to greet us and the last to see us before we left. Haha.

FoodTrip: (click here for the complete review)

* Big Daddy's

* Weegools

* Gail's

* Margie's Bakeshop Cafe

PS This is a complete list of the places we visited on our stay in Surigao. Updated and Reviewed.
btw, most of the pictures are mine except for the one in Julian's which I borrowed online. All copyright restrictions follow ofcourse.