Sohoton Cove, Socorro Island

After a series of unfortunate hunger games event on our first day, it's about time for real adventure at the bewitching wonders of the Sohoton Cove.

But since Sohoton Cove is only accessible during low tide, we went spelunking to the deep wonders of Bucas Grande, the Crystal Cave and Bolitas Cave, to pass time.

We've already been in to two large caves, and one isn't even considered for beginners. So this is not really new to us. We went down the Crystal Cave first because the Bolitas Cave seemed to be so crowded.

Crystal Cave. Entrance: 50Php/head + 100 Php Guide Fee

Down there was actually pretty cool and amazing. No wonder why it's called a "crystal" cave, almost all those impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and columns in different shapes and sizes were adorned with glitters that they sparkle and shine even in the dark. I know, I know, our crappy pictures don't do it justice.

I tried. Hehe

The trek going in and out the Crystal Cave was pretty easy. Although it can get a little scary because there are large and deep holes you could fall in to but still, it was nothing like the ones we've trekked in Maitum and Sarasosa.

The Bolitas Cave, however, is far from what I've expected. It wasn't actually crowded after all. It just looks like it because the narrow passage can only fit one person at a time.

And you have to crawl all the way down. Ducking and crouching doesn't work here. You have to crawl with your belly close to the ground and wiggle your way in. And it was not easy. As what my friend said, this cave is size-ist - only meant for the people who wear small and medium sized shirts. Hehe. And definitely not for the claustrophobic.

Do these formations remind you of something naughty? Haha :D

The Bolitas Cave experience was unique and amazing. I have never tried this before. I have never been into small and dark spaces until this one. And I'm glad to have experienced it.

I'm not really sure how much time we've spent in these two caves, but just after that, the Sohoton Cove was ready for touring.

Entrance to the Sohoton Cove. If the tide gets high and we're still inside then we're doomed.

Going to the Jellyfish sanctuary with our non-motorized boats

The jellyfish sanctuary. We actually got to hold these little slimies but we weren't allowed to swim with them.

At Hagukan Cave. It got its name from the word "hagok" which in English means snore. It gives a snoring sound whenever waves slam into the cavern. Although we really did not hear it snore, I was pretty amazed with the luminous waters inside the cave.

At the Magkukuob Cave. Where there's no other way out but jump from that 15-ft platform. :)

The whole tour lasted until past 1pm and since we thought it was still early, we all agreed to go to Siargao Islands after (an impulsive decision). But due to time constraints, we just decided to look for some place where we can eat lunch instead. I think we had too much fun that we didn't notice we missed it until our tummies started complaining again.

Our boat driver took us to Hidden Island Resort for lunch. It was a charming resort. We actually expected to eat something there. But much to our dismay (this again. haha), their chef was out and no one was in-charge in their kitchen. Fortunately and unfortunately, we still had that leftover fish and gummy adobong pusit that already seemed delicious, although it wasn't enough to fill our extra large tummies in.

All these walang-available-na-pagkain experience made us decide without second thoughts to go on a 5-hour trip from Surigao del Norte to Surigao del Sur, revisit Sibadan Fish Cage, and devour whatever we were deprived of here. But first, we had to eat lunch.

At half past 3 o'clock, we ate at some eatery at the port, ate a full meal in less than 10 minutes (yes, we're that hungry), caught a van going to Tandag City at 4, arrived in Tandag at past 6, ate dinner at the Boulevard, had a good night's rest and caught the earliest ride going to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Overall, even though we didn't have the sumptuous meal we expected on this trip, we really had fun. Na-high ata kami. Di ko nga lang alam kung sa sobrang gutom o sa kakatawa sa aming kamalasan, or both. It was an unforgettable one. I can definitely say that my most memorable experiences stem from our misadventures. This is not one of those best-laid plans, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

If you want to have an unplanned and spontaneous trip to Bucas Grande, I would only give you one advice: if you eat like a horse, BRING A LOT OF FOOD.

Stay tuned for Part 3: Revisiting Enchanted River and Sibadan Fish Cage (plus, swimming with the stingray). I would have loved to write about it, but my allergies from eating too much crabs and prawns came out and the itch is killing me.

Boulevard, Tandag City. A nice place to chill.

Food was pretty good here. :)

Bucas Grande Escapade:
Part 1: Bakasyon Grande sa Bucas Grande
Part 2: Sohoton Cove
Part 3: Revisiting Sibadan Fish Cage and Enchanted River