Sarangani, Davao del Sur (Balut Island)

BALUT ISLAND is located in the west part of Sarangani, Davao Del Sur with an elevation of  862 masl.   It is composed of twelve barangays where residents are usually  sangils, bilaan and muslims. Three shipping lines are catering trips to Balut Island.  Boats are loaded with cargo since almost all  basic needs in  the island were bought in General Santos City from food, furnitures and some accessories. There are no daily  trip to Balut Island so it is better to contact the shipping lines for the trip schedule.

purchasing our tickets bound for  Mabila, Balut Island

Lions Beach Wharf

cargo loading

M/V SONG OF DOLLY 3

M/V NIEKY 2 (photo courtesy of  Sir Maulvi Bajunaid)

GETTING THERE:
From Davao City take a bus or van going to  Gen. Santos City. The port of   M/V SONG OF DOLLY 3 is located at Lions Beach and  Puting Bato wharf  for M/V NIEKY 2 and M/V SABHANG.  Estimated time travel is 6 hours.


Tourist Attractions:

Ulaniban Island (photo courtesy of  Sir Maulvi Bajunaid)

the Lighthouse at Ulaniban Island (photo courtesy of  Sir Maulvi Bajunaid)

Sabang Hotspring

Bolae Cove

swimming time at Bolae Cove

Balut Island as seen from Bubo Beach

Bubo Beach

Tuke Maklang Resort owned by Mayor Jerry Cawa

With Mayor Jerry Cawa in Tuke Maklang Resort

Tuke Nunsol

crystal clear water in Tuke Nunsol

Villalobos or Balistic  Island

ruins of rocks made in 15th century which was used in the war against Roy Lopez Villalobos

Balut Island Peak is a 30- minute ride  accessible by motorcyle

Municipal Hall of  Balut Island,  Sarangani, Davao del Sur

with the municipal mayor Hon. Jerry Cawa

I would like to thank my  travel buddies Cheryl Arcilla, Kristina Corpuz for coordinating with HRMO, Sir Maulvi Bajunaid for sharing some photos and Sir Rolando Paalisbo specially to  the Honorable Mayor Jerry Cawa  for the warm accomodation in Balut Island.  Some Photos are  courtesy of  Sir Maulvi  Bajunaid and Kristina Corpuz.

CAMIGUIN ISLAND

CAMIGUIN ISLAND is an island born of fire. One of the best tourist destination in Southern Mindanao. If your looking for  waterfalls, hot spring, cold spring and white sand beaches, Camiguin Island has it all. The island is also known for  " PANAAD" held every holy week  wherein devotees walk around the 64 km. island of camiguin or climb the old vulcan to pray. It was not my first time to visit camiguin but I still love to come back to the place specially if you are with your good friends.

Camiguin Island as seen from Balingoan Port, Misamis Oriental

                                                                      (photo courtesy of alan molina)

                                      

A must visit tourist attractions:

Katibawasan Falls-  250 ft. waterfall  located in Mambajao. Entrance Fee is Php15.00/person. (photo courtesy of alan molina)

Ardent Hot Spring -a 40 degree celsius warm hot spring also located in Mambajao. Entrance Fee is Php30.00/person.

Sto. Niño Cold Spring - located in Looc. Entrance Fee is Php40.00/person.(photo courtesy of  jenny plaza)

Tuasan Falls - located in Catarman. There is no Entrance Fee but you have to hire a guide to take you the waterfalls. The water is very clear and clean.

Mantigue Island - a  four hectare  island located in Mahinog. The island is visible from benoni port. Roundtrip Boat fare is Php500.00.(photo courtesy of alan molina)

White Island - a white sand bar located between Barangay Agoho and Yumbing. Roundtrip boat fare is php300.00. (photo courtesy of alan molina)

Sunken Cemetery /Old Church Ruins - remains from the eruption of old vulcan in 1871.

Mt. Hibok hibok -one of  the active volcano in the Philippines. To those who wish to trek Mt. Hibok hibok the jump off point is near Ardent Hotspring. A guide must be secured before climbing.

GETTING THERE:

From Cagayan de Oro City:

There are two options going to Camiguin Island: First is by PARAS SEA CAT  from Cagayan de Oro to Benoni Port.
                            Cagayan - Benoni          8:30am    daily
                             Benoni-Cagayan           4:00pm    daily

                                                                        or

 From Cagayan de Oro, take a bus or jeepney going to Balingoan Port, Misamis Oriental. Several trips  from 5:45am - 6:00pm daily at php130.00 for one way fare are available on ferries that will take you to Benoni Port.

Year End Climb at Mt. Apo

Most climbers here dreamed of climbing the highest summit in the Philippines and I was one of them. Although I made a lot of plans before to climb Mt. Apo but it was always cancelled but  I  got the opportunity to climb Mt. Apo together with my four climbing buddies Tina, Yoj, Palang and our guide  Jun. It was before new year when five of us went to Kapatagan, Davao del Sur. We had a night trek going to Barangay Paradise, fixed our tents and prepare our dinner. We also made the arrangement with our porter that night.  

It was drizzling the next morning. But we were still eager to pursue the climb. After we prepared breakfast, packed lunch and packed our things we started the trek. We passed thru Goody goody campsite, took our lunch near Baroring River and in the afternoon we trekked  the boulders of Mt. Apo. We reached the peak at 5:00pm. We realized that we were the only climbers in  the area. It was very cold so Tina and I decided to lit the lantern. It will lessen the coldness inside the tent and it was very helpful. 

It was 4:00am when we trekked the summit near the campsite. We were lucky to have a good weather. Had our photos here and there. We even made phone calls to our friends and loved ones telling them that we were already in the summit of Mt. Apo. It was a very nice experience communing with nature. After breakfast, we packed our things and start to descend via Kidapawan trail. We passed thru Lake Venado and had our lunch then we continue to trek until we reached Agco Hotspring at night.

It was a very tiring experience but it was one of best. To those who wish to climb Mt. Apo it is better to take Kapatagan-Kidapawan trail for you to see the boulders and crater of Mt. Apo.

GETTING THERE:(via Kapatagan Trail)

From Davao City take a bus or van bound for Digos City. Then take a van or  motorcycle to Kapatagan, Digos City. You can register  at  Mt. Apo Mountaineering trekkers Information Center in Sitio Baras, Kapatagan, Digos City. Porters and Guides may be secured upon arrival.