On a tiny boat I sat today Paddling on to make my way To a placid and pristine lagoon Where jellyfish abound and bloom

The jellies I will see today Do not sting, so they say I can touch and I can hold Nature’s wonder here unfold

Millions of jellies, I did see In this reserved sanctuary One of many wonders to behold In , so be told

A labyrinth of wonders Bucas Grande Socorro,

©© Leo Dublin swim, jellyfish lamps: translucent beneath surface; light underneath sound

Jellyfish sanctuary Hire a boat to take you to Tojoman Lagoon ©© Christopher M. Diaz, Entrance to Sohoton Cove Bucas Grande has many caves ideal for ©© Mark Anthony B. Togonon where you can swim with stingless jellyfish. Trekero.blogspot.com spelunking. Entering Sohoton Cove, one is greeted by this cave. togiexplorer.com

Zero-sting A fluther of Lagoon Jelly. ©© Christopher M. Diaz,Trekero.blogspot.com Enchanting Coves and Lagoons Best way to experience these ©© SinoPinas ©© SinoPinas coves and lagoons is by small boat or kayak. Don’t miss to swim in its turquoise waters.

50 PwC VisMin’s Philippine Gems 51 Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte, N East Bucas Grande Geography and people Middle Bucas Grande Bucas Grande is part of many of Socorro, Surigao del Norte. Land area: 128 km2 Major dialects: Surigaonon, Cebuano, Boholano, Filipino, and English. Bucas Grande Dinagat Points of interest Socorro • Sohoton Cove and Blue Lagoon Surigao BUCAS • Crystal Cave City GRANDE • Bolitas Cave Surigao del Pristine Book an island hopping tour to discover ©© Mark Anthony B. Togonon ©© Taron Amelia Jellyfish togiexplorer.com • Hagukan Sea-Cave Norte and experience Bucas Grande. Some of these islands have • Magkuku-ob Cavern (Diving Cave) Sanctuary white sandy beaches where tourists can swim, eat lunch or just stay under the sun. Some islands have rocky cliffs and • Bubon Group of Islets rock formations. • Club Tara Resort • Tiktikan Lake • Marka-a Island • Isla Noah • Jellyfish Sanctuary Accomodation What to bring

Taking the journey Tourists are encouraged to bring their own diving and snorkeling Food choices 1. Plane Daily flights are available gear since there are no available from Manila to places to rent around the area. (1 hour and 40 minutes) 2. Tricycle/Multicab At the airport, Don’t miss Transportation you can either ride a tricycle or multicab to the City’s Sea Port. • Ride the zip line at Kapihan 3. Boat At the port, you will take a two- Nature and Adventure Park, the hour boat ride to Bucas Grande Island See how we rate it on page 81. highest point of Bucas Grande popularly known as Socorro (Socorro is • Cinnamon Island, an island the term used by locals for the Island). Building better Bucas Grande surrounded by cinnamon trees. A regular trip is usually scheduled to sail • Try Sayongsong a famous Surigao Build more accommodations, resorts and from 11.00am to 12.00nn. delicacy similar to “puto” or rice cake. hotels • Try Poot-Poot Ginamos. This delicacy is made of small fishes fermented in fish Contacts Best time to visit sauce. • Try Surigao’s Kinilaw • Sohoton Tourism Management, +63 939 Second week of September for Bonok- 904 7019 Bonok Festival Explore further • Socorro Tourism Office, +63 909 360 1517

Starfish Island This island offers good spots for snorkeling. ©© Christopher M. Diaz, Trekero.blogspot.com Neighboring islands of Siargao and Dinagat

52 PwC Philippines VisMin’s Philippine Gems 53