Britannia Group of Islands

Mindanao has lots of beautiful unexplored beaches that can compete w/ that of Palawan, Boracay and other known beach-filled provinces in the country. Hidden in the province of Surigao del sur, specifically in San Agustin town is a group of magnificent islands simply called as Britania islands that are beautifully scattered along the turquoise waters of Lianga bay w/c faces the mighty Pacific Ocean. One can't help but be reminded of the chocolate hills of Bohol upon seeing these beautiful islets absent land due to its resemblance in shape. According to the locals these islands used to be a temporary shelter of the fishermen along the area during typhoons. The following 5 islands are considered as the main attractions;  Boslon Island, Hiyor-hiyoran Island, Panlangagan Island, Hagonoy Island and the Naked Island.

The mushroom-like untapped islands.

First stop is Britannia's own version of Naked island, a long stretch of white powdery absent any form of vegetation.

Second destination is the Hagonoy island.

Boslon island. This is considered the biggest among these islands and the best place for overnight stay to those who love to camp. This is also where the sand is as powdery white as those of Boracay.

 Last stop is the very tropical-ish island known as Verde island.

The sleepy town of San Agustin can be reached either by land or by air travel from Manila or Cebu through the 3 domestic airports, Davao City, Butuan City or Surigao City. Approximate travel time is more or less 3 to 4 hours from Butuan City or 5 to 6 hours if your from Davao City to the town proper and from there you need to hire a tricycle, advise the driver to drop you at the Salvacion tourism Office ( registration fee of P30 ). Another 15-20 minutes motorcycle road ( rough road issue has to be addressed by the LGU ) and Britania is ready for you  :)

Camsur Watersports Complex

Last June of 2011, we made an unplanned trip to Bicol and was thinking of exploring the famous Caramoan Islands but much to our dismay after enduring almost 12 hours of nausea-enducing land travel we were informed upon our arrival at Naga City Terminal that the Philippine Coastguard issued a memorandum inhibiting all types of sea vessels to sail because of the imminent landfall of typhoon Egay in the area. (FYI, though the Caramoans are actually still part of Bicol peninsula but it is almost impossible for any land vehicle to go there directly because of the road conditions thus the best way is to take a motorized boat at Sabang Pier, a 2-hour ride from Naga City Terminal. Out of desperation we all agreed to just spend the night at CWC not because of an enthusiasm or excitement to see the famous spot but simply because we're so bone-tired and the fact also that it is only a 10-minute ride from Naga City Terminal. Upon arriving at the Complex, we're all are amazed at the modern beauty of the place that the idea of taking a nap vanished in the air and we immediately scanned the whole place using our Cameras.  A clear evidence of the immense popularity not just locally but internationally of this world-class Complex is the influx of European, American and even Asian tourists in the area since it first made open to the public which greatly helps increase the income of the province .

CWC is a sprawling 6 hetares tourist complex managed by the local govt of Pili, CamSur headed by Gov.L-Ray Villafuerte. Kudos to Gov Villafuerte, for being so determined of  making his province as a prime tourist destination in the country as it is now.

There are lots of places to choose from within the complex, from small wooden cottages, cabanas, posh villas and even a unique container van rooms.

We opted to get a small 'Bahay-Kubo' hut for P1,300 per night. But do not be fooled by its native exterior because this hut is air-conditioned and is very comfy inside.

The main attraction in CWC is wakeboarding, an extreme water sports. CWC  is equipped w/ the modern state-of-arts facilities that makes it a top spot for international competition.

 If you're forte is not really sports then the central pool surrounded by Bali-inspired cabanas and native huts is a big come-on for you. The majestic Mt. Isarog is not bad for a back draft, either.

There is also a Bar/Restaurant that serves concoctions made of wild tropical fruits and wide varieties of dishes especially the famous 'Bicol Express' with a twist made by the hands of pure Bicolanos themselves. 

Loboc River cruise

Loboc River cruise is one of the must-go-places if you are in Bohol and if you are in a look-out for a unique nature trip. The boat ride costs P400 ( as of Feb 2012, inclusion of entrance fee ), not bad for an hour or so of music (there are local folk singers on-board that serenades the tourists), food (eat-all-you can buffet) and the rustic, simple but breathtaking beauty of nature.

A glimpse of the historic Loboc Church which is considered as the 2nd oldest church in the whole province of Bohol. Unseen, is the Loboc Musem.

This is the mini-pier to jump start the one-of-its-kind cruise/nature trip.

The boat ride starts from a point right in front of the Loboc Church/Loboc museum and ends near the small rapids/waterfalls that the locals simply called "Busay".

You will pass through and shortly dock on another boat w/ an orchestra of local entertainers that showcase the native music of Bohol. 

It is truly an unforgettable experience for people who are used to the bustle and hassle of the city life as you enter and go on an hour or so cruise to this tropical paradise. More than the floating restaurans and the eat-all-you-can buffet, what makes it even more appealing is the magnificent river itself and its surroundings complemented and 'greened' w/ lush fauna of all kinds as a backdraft.
 It really is a fantastic way to know and feel the pure kindness of the Boholanos as you take the whole journey. Taste theVisayan cuisine and their traditional music as well as witness the grandeur and the simplicity of this tropical river/paradise all in just one hour cruise. We were unlucky though at that time because the water appeared brackish because of the heavy rains the previous days but that did not make us less appreciate the raw beauty of the Loboc River.