Splendid Cabgan Island

“The sky, a perfect empty canvas, offers clouds nonetheless.  They shift and drift and beg interpretation… such is the nature of art.”  ~Jeb Dickerson,

Surigao Del Sur possesses many natural wonders from inland to islands – Shoreline Beaches, Islands, I Amazing Tinuy-an waterfalls, Pagbutuanan Caves and Enchanting Hinatuan River.

The fishers of men bound to Cabgan Island in his left horizon

You cannot go wrong when you are at the province of Surigao del Sur. This was based on my own personal experience of coming back to this province from time to time.

Lunch Meal Seafood galore

For this part of province, I had the opportunity to visit again the area as I assisted and guided a group individuals coming from Davao City. We toured at Tinuy-an Falls then at Hinatuan’s Enchanted River. A smorgasbord of food (Seafood – Lambay Crabs, Blue Marlin Steak, Shrimps –sauced and in tamarind soup, Hinalang na manok, Beef stew) was served in between – Breakfast and Lunch.

The R Tours did not failed the expectation of their participants to enjoy the tour by pampering them with a good and safe ride as well as the foods from Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as well as breakfast the morning after. – It is like offering a glam tour, all are prepared and well coordinated.

Fine clouds on a fine day on a fine island

Cabgan Island is a 20 to 30-minute boat ride from the boat port of Barobo at the back of old public market.  The sea is calm at around four in the afternoon we head our way to the island.  I always love the scenic view of the horizon as I saw the huge white cloud formation in contrast with the greenish tone of the mountains and the dark blue color of the sea.

Cabgan Island can be seen afar as well as the famous Turtle Island. It is named Turtle Island because of the shape of the island in whole while at its back there is a small island that also resembles a small turtle.

As we docked at the Island, Arthur Yap, one of the organizers of “The R Tours” welcomed us. The camping tents of the participants were already been fixed as it was being brought earlier dawn at the island.

Dinner was served before the sun sets in, as for the reason that movement later at night is limited due to lesser light. A good old Petromax lantern provided the much-needed light no continuously enjoy the rest of the night. Dinner served was Humba, Fresh, Malasugue (Blue Marlin)Kinilaw, Bam-I and other foods.

As the night goes on, we had a drinking spree courtesy of the participants. We exchanged talks, knowing each other more, share experiences and the best of it – Gain new friends. Some slept outside their tent on the sand in an open sky to enjoy nature’s ambiance.

Morning came and all was soothed and energized to enjoy the rest of the day. Fresh breakfast were served that morning with Hotdog, hard boiled egg, fried eggplant, crunchy dried fish,  Steamed fish and hot water  with your choice of coffee, tea or milo.  Aside from these foods that are served, it’s best to eat on a nice plate, good heavy spoon and fork – not that disposable plastics ones.

Snake Island

As we are full and satisfied with the breakfast meal – we headed for an island hopping for the rest of the morning. We visited the Snake Island or what they called the vanishing island, Turtle Island and the rest of Cabgan Island.

As we make rounds at the shores of the island, there is a rock formation at the back facing the Pacific Ocean. Arthur Yap called it the “sleeping dragon”. The rock resembles a dragons head lying on the island. Great sceneries of wall cliffs gave a more unspoiled look by human hands.

It was a very “worth it” tour.  As one of the R Tours organizer said “ Mao gani na ni laag kay gilaay sa trabaho or gusto mag lingaw lingaw, kung pwede patambukon ang participants pinaagi sa saktong kaon samtang ga enjoy sa laag.”

The advocacy of the The R Tours is to explore Mindanao, Discover Davao and its nearby provinces and promoting local tourist spots on a Barangay level thereby helping locals benefit from the visiting local tourist.

As part of contributing to preserve the island, The R Tours brought plastic bags to bring back all the garbage being  used while we stayed on that island, old garbage of previous visitors was also pick up and properly thrown at the mainland.

Some photo are  courtesy of Edwin Gales.