Just checking in at Sohoton Bay Resort was already a preview of what Bucas Grande Island holds. This municipality has often been overshadowed by the nearby island of Siargao. There are even day tours from Siargao for Sohoton Cove and their stingless jellyfish which people often mistake as being part of their municipality. But Bucas Grande is a destination of its own. My tour starts at Tiktikan Lagoon (also referred to as the Tiktikan Lake), a serene body of water concealed within Sohoton Cove.
Tiktikan Lagoon
Finding azure waters was an exciting welcome when we entered a small cove leading to Tiktikan Lagoon. The Sohoton Gamay Resort serves as the jump-off point for the hike to the lagoon. The resort offers lodgings. An exciting jumping board and slides towards the sea is available for guests. Visitors for the lagoon must register and pay the P20 entrance fee.
There’s a short 10–15 minutes hike up and down a steep slope of rocky staircase. The hilly land separating the lagoon from the sea water. At the trail are amusing wooden sculptures creatively done by the locals.
Peaceful Place
As we descend the trail, I got a glimpse of the placid waters of Tiktikan Lagoon. There are cottages situated by the lake where visitors can stand by, relax or have a picnic. A steady breeze to cool down visitors. The shallow salt waters is 2-hectares wide enclosed by towering lush limestone cliffs. The clear greenish waters looks inviting but swimming is not allowed in the area. There are underwater tunnels where salt water passes through which can be unsafe. Tiktikan Lagoon are also breeding ground for milkfish. Boating and paddling activities are available.
There are interesting legend surrounding these waters as well. Locals believed there is an endangered crocodile roaming here. The strangest sighting is a said to be a submarine spotted in this lagoon. Whatever mystery surrounds here, it’s the simple serenity that can draw people to visit this place.
My Bucas Grande tour is organized by Island Vacation Travel and Tours
Island Vacation Travel and Tours
Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines
Contact: +63917.677.7010
Email: [email protected]
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
