Britannia Group of Islands and Hinatuan Islands

The original plan was to climb Mt. Apo via PNOC trail but a few hours before our scheduled trip our group was informed that it was not possible to pursue the climb due to security reasons. Since everything was already prepared from food and transportation  we decided to chose another tourist destination and everyone agreed to go to BRITANNIA GROUP OF ISLANDS AND HINATUAN ISLANDS. 

Britannia Island is located in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur which is  composed  24 beautiful islands and islets. Our group left Davao City at 2:00am. We arrived at the visitors Area in San Agustin at 7:00am, had a short briefing and register our names before the boat took us at BOSLON ISLAND to stay overnight. We had the whole day to relax and  swim. During the night we had our parlor games with prizes. 

Jumpshot with Hanz and Aye at Boslon Island

The Whole Group

The next day after breakfast we made our tour to some of the islands of Britannia. Before lunch we headed to Hinatuan, Davao del Sur. We had sumptous seafoods lunch before we took another boat. This time its a bigger boat that will  take us to Maomawan Island and Tipdos Island. 

Maomawan Island in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Maomawan Island is a small island with only three coconut trees. It is not advisable to stay overnight here. While Tipdos Island is a big island with lots of trees. It was so fun swimming with the  big waves in Tipdos Island. 

Golden Powdery Sand of Tipdos Island

Twenty Six Islands and Islets in all for two days was a  great adventure experience for us. We may never climb the highest summit in the Philippines that time but we surely did have a lot of great time.

To those who plan to stay overnight in Britannia Island make sure to bring tents, food and drinks. There are no sari-sari stores or fast foods in the islands.

Photos courtesy of Roy Geonzon, Weng Gales and Hanzel Pacaña.

Climbing Mt. Matutum

Mt. Matutum as seen from  Sitio Glandang, Tupi, South Cotabato

When climbing Mt. Matutum all  trekkers are  required to plant seedlings at the foot of the mountain.   This  program was made by the local tourism Office of  Tupi  called "AMYAK MALEH MATUTUM" means climb and plant in Mt. Matutum. 

Our Porter Mang Natu at 62 yrs old (center) together with his younger brother at 56 yrs old can still climb the 2,286 masl Mt. Matutum

It was my friend Tina who planned the climb in celebration of  her  birthday. We left Davao Overland Transport Terminal at 4:00am. Arrival in General Santos was 7:00am. Our packed  lunch was bought at a nearby fast food at General Santos City Terminal  before we took  another bus bound for Tupi, South Cotabato. RegistrAtion fee and Porters were  already arranged by our friend and also our guide for this climb Sir Maulvi Bajunaid.

                                                                 Rare Plants found in Mt. Matutum

Phase 1 trail is an easy trail. The average hike is about 3-4 hours.  Flora and Fauna can be seen along the trail. We stopped to have our lunch before reaching Phase 2. Phase 2 the trail was a  difficult trail with an  average hike for about 3-4 hours until we reached the summit .It was 4:00pm when all of us arrived at the summit. The summit was surrounded with trees. We pitched our tents and prepared our meal for the night. The night was so cold with strong winds blowing that could flew our tents if

The next morning the whole surrounding was filled with fog.  We weren't able to witness the sunrise. We met some fellow mountaineers at the summit. It was fun talking and taking photo's with them. At 9:00am our group descend back and arrived at 3:00pm  at the jump off point.

with Fellow Mountaineers we met at the summit of Mt. Matutum

Getting There: 

From Davao City Overland Terminal take a bus to Tupi (php 280.00 estimated fare one way). Just inform the driver to drop you off Barangay  Kablon. Single motorcycles will take you to TOURISM GUARDHOUSE, in Sitio Glandang, Brgy. Kablon (Php150.00 pero motorcycle one way). Make sure to have an early registration prior the climb to avoid inconvenience. Registation fee is Php150.00 per person. Porter fee is Php 250.00-300.00 per day. If you need a guide feel free to contact Maulvi of Tupi (09269031934).

*Some photos are courtesy of Pen Casel and Anthony Elisar

  





.