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A lot of you might not know where the eastern most part of the Philippines is. Now I tell you this. The place is called Caraga in the province of Davao Oriental. And amazingly, this town really has a lot to showcase. From the natural wonders, adventure, food, culture, and the people themselves are included in the package. Let’s go and explore the Humble Beauty of Mindanao – Caraga, Davao Oriental, Home of the Caragueños.
PUSAN POINT
Situated at the easternmost barangay of the easternmost town of the country, it is one of the gems of Caraga. Pusan Point is where you’ll witness the First Light of the Millenium Sunrise as early as 5:00 in the morning. But that’s not all, Pusan Point also has it’s own Science Discovery Center that is good for educational tours for students, and an Ecopark, surrounded by the splashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Now that’s the time when you say it’s worth the alarm and an amazing view to start the day.
PRINSESA FALLS
Also located in Brgy. Santiago is the Prinsesa Falls. They say that it was named Prinsesa because of the ghost of a lady that has been seen here by the locals. The water is cold but just enough for a refreshing feeling, and once you get used to the water temperature, you can climb up to the rocks and a good cliff jump is a must. Sadly, the princess didn’t show up. Just kidding!
PANTAD TIDAL POOL & WHITE BEACH
For those who are up for Vitamin Sea, Pantad Tidal Pool and White Beach is perfect for you, another beautiful spot located in Brgy. Santiago. Soak yourself into the cool blue waters of the tidal pools and don’t forget to catch some photos because this place is so IG worthy. This beach is all so natural, you’ll notice some grains of sand moving. Apparently, those weren’t sand, rather small cute hermitcrabs. Oh! and don’t forget to have a good sip of some fresh coconut juice, harvested by the locals on the trees you might be having some shade at.
BARANGAY POBLACION
Who wouldn’t be wowed on this scenery? The Tourism Information Center is on its right place. Located at the Municipal Ecopark of Caraga in Brgy. Poblacion, beside the building is this, a magical view my eyes couldn’t get enough looking at, a view that would make you appreciate the world, and I hope this view stays as it is for the rest of the world to see. On the left side of the picture is what they call Isla Verde, and the water that separates the two lands is called Sabang, where the salt water and fresh water meets. Also, you can buy some authentic Caraga souvenirs at the Tourism Center. Those cacao products we bought were so delicious.
BANGO BEACH
After those tiring trips and activities, you might want to spend the night on Bango Beach Resort, one of the most visited beach in Caraga. The resort has beach houses and cottages where you can stay overnight with your family and friends. A good dinner, then chill, and a karaoke are nice things to do here.
MAGPAMANGAW FALLS
Next on the list is what I call the tongue twister falls, Magpamangaw Falls which is located at Brgy. Mercedes. Just an hour hike from the barangay center, you’ll find this waterfalls that will call you to swim because the water is so attractive. A cliff jump is also a must, and one unique thing about this place is that there is a hidden waterfalls inside a cave behind the primary waterfalls. It’s really interesting, so there are no photos taken because it’s for you to see, personally.
LANTAWAN VIEW DECK
Situated at the top of a very high mountain, the Lantawan View Deck gives you a magnificent 360 view of the town, and It’s just so breathtaking to see how beautiful Caraga is. But it’s an extra challenge to get there. Well it’s just a 20 minute bumpy motorcycle ride on a cliff hanging track so I advice you to hold onto your driver very well or else.
SAN LUIS SURF BEACH
If you are a traveler that is into water sports and beach activities, San Luis Surf Beach is for you. With a 2.3km stretch of fine sand and good waves, who wouldn’t dare to miss grabbing a surfboard or a skim board and have fun in the sun. You also wouldn’t want to miss spending a night here. Just put up a tent, and you can enjoy the cool breeze of the night. You might also want to do some stargazing. Then in the morning, you can witness a spectacular sunrise, awesome for some photos.
IGWAD FALLS
One of the most challenging part of the trip for me is the way to Igwad falls of Brgy. Alvar. Starting of with a 40 minute bumpy motorcycle ride to the start of the trail, then an hour hike to the falls, but upon hearing the sound of the water flowing, you tend to get excited until you finally see the falls and all the worries will be gone. But that’s not all, if you want more challenge, you can continue the treck to a more difficult trail up to the cave which is the source of the water flowing through the falls.
TUBILAN CAVE
Even though going inside this cave is very difficult, like you really need to move your way into a muddy path, climb walls of both mud and rocks, walk into tight holes with sharp edges, and extra challenge is it’s very dark ans scary. Not until you reach the middle of the cave where in you’ll see untouched stalagmites and stalactites in beautiful formations and color that would just make you awe. But remember, you still need to go out and get through those trails again. That’s the trademark of Tubilan Cave.
MANDAYA CULTURAL COMMUNITY
Above all the beautiful destinations enumerated, going to Brgy. Pichon made me feel more excited during that time. Because in this barangay, you’ll be able to encounter a genuine community wherein culture and its core has been preserved. The contrasting colors of the people and their clothes called “Dagom” for the upper garment and “Dagmay” for the skirt, and their accessories are very pleasing to the eyes. They also introduced us to their food, artworks, dances and music. And you have nothing else to do but to appreciate and be thankful to them. Surely, one of the highlights of this trip. And don’t forget to ask permission first before taking some photos.
KAPUKA FALLS
Not getting enough of chasing waterfalls? Caraga still has more. The next destination is the gem of Brgy. Lamiawan, the Kapuka Falls. Getting close to this waterfall is not that easy. You’ll experience an hour of one of the bumpiest ride of your life just to get to the start of the trail, and another 30 minute treck down the mountain and you need to cross a massive river with strong current and cold waters. But after the struggle, it would be worth it because the beauty of Kapuka Falls will make you speechless. And another check for the cliff jumpers. This really is one of the highlights of the trip.
These are just some of the destinations we’ve reached so far because 4 days isn’t enough to explore the countless treasures Caraga has to offer. But more of that, the most beautiful part of Caraga are the people. We have been very much wholeheartedly welcomed by the Caragueños. We felt the warmth and sincerity of each and every heart. And I personally would like to thank all the Caragueños who shared their time and effort for us. Continue being good people of the earth. Thank you to the Local Government Unit of Caraga for the hospitality and generosity, to the students of Caraga National High School for being our guide and help exploring Caraga, and special thanks to the Tourism Officer of Caraga, Ms. Daphney Cordero for being on our side from the start til the end of this journey. And of course to the Biyaheros Team, headed by Ms. Shane Mercy Iguiban, for making this possible and to the group who made this journey awesome, see you on our next adventure!
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