As you dream of heading over to your favorite travel destination, or perhaps to explore a new one, the locals of that area are also gearing up to welcome and show their hospitality to tourists once more. Take the CARAGA Region, home to Siargao Islands and Surigao del Sur, which has reopened with its plethora of exciting activities both island returnees and new visitors will love.

DOT-Region XIII has developed two tourism circuits that they call Green Corridors—the Siargao Islands Tour and Water Sports Adventure, and the Surigao del Sur Eco-Tourism Loop.

Local surfers from Siargao showcase their talent and skills in surfing. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Siargao, which is popular to surfing and game fishing enthusiasts, is already starting to be known for wakeboarding. It is also an ideal destination for island hopping, particularly the Guyam, Daku, and Naked Islands in General Luna; Magpupungko Tidal Wave Pool in Pilar; and the Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen.

The CARAGA Region’s primarily open air destinations are fitting for a new normal kind of travel, here are some areas and activities you must not miss when you head to this gem down South:

Daku Island is the biggest island from the island hopping tour. It has soft white sand and refreshing mirror-like waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Daku Island is the biggest island from the island hopping tour. It has soft white sand and refreshing mirror-like waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The Magpupungko Tidal Wave Pool is a haven for tourists who like to explore the water because of its crystalline green waters and white sandy beaches.

The Magpupungko Tidal Wave Pool has crystalline green waters and white sandy beaches that are a haven for tourists who like to explore the water. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The Surigao del Sur Eco-Tourism Loop is an unforgettable experience of pure water adventure—from majestic waterfalls to bewitching underwater cave systems; to a picturesque highland countryside farm, and white beaches and splashes of gentle waters.

The Tinuy-an Falls is a white water curtain that flows in three levels and is said to be the widest waterfall in the Philippines. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The loop includes the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, dubbed as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines; the Enchanted River in Hinatuan featuring its glistening turquoise blue lagoon with crystal clear water; the Cagwait White Beach in Cagwait; the Laswitan in Cortes; and Britania Islands and Alameda Farms in San Agustin.

The Enchanted River is a deep spring river that flows into the Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean at Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Laswitan is a rock formation with three basins. When high waves slap the rock formation, water spills over to the basin, which is at the back of the rock, and creates a temporary waterfall.

A unique 20-foot rock formation located near the shore in Cortes. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Britania Islands is great for island hopping with its five islets with beautiful white sand beaches that has emerged as a family-friendly destination; and the Alameda Farms offer visitors a great view while enjoying food and drinks that are organic and made in-house.

Britania Islands comes from a Greek word “Brettaniai” which means “a collection of islands with individual names”. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The CARAGA Region is blessed with many other nature-based tourism destinations—Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Mt. Hilong-Hilong, and the Mangrove Forest of Siargao Islands, to name a few—just awaiting to be discovered by tourists from all around the country. You surely won’t be disappointed adding this to your new normal travel bucket list.

DOT encourages travelers to check the official websites of the destinations they are planning to visit, as well as https://philippines.travel for the latest updates on open destinations, travel restrictions, and entry requirements and protocol.

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