Dinagat Islands is a young province of the Philippines which comprises of islands and islets blessed with enchanting tourist spots. Off the charts of prominent tourism hubs, this province hides outstanding tourist spots which includes islands, beaches, lakes and other natural beauties which are at par with famous destinations in the country.
The province of Dinagat Islands in part of Caraga Region in Mindanao. On its southern portion is Surigao del Norte, on the western side is the Island of Leyte across Leyte Gulf and the northern and eastern part of the province is facing the Philippine Sea. Its main island is called Dinagat where San Jose, the provincial capital, is located. Over 120,000 total residents of the province speak in Cebuano, Surigaonon, Filipino and English Languages. The bewitching tourist spots in Dinagat Islands could chop a great chunk of tourism in the Philippines. There’s so much more to experience and explore in this humble province. To have some glimpse of its beauty, check out this list of its famous places to visit.
Top Tourist Spots in Dinagat Islands
1. Bitaog Beach
Hidden on the southern part of Lalaking Bukid, a major island in the province, is a lovely pocket beach called Bitaog Beach which is one of the famous tourist spots in Dinagat Islands. It features a powdery white sand beach decorated with coconut trees and being bordered on both ends by impressive and towering limestone cliffs. This beach is also known for its turquoise waters which is very alluring for swimming.
Photo courtesy of Harlan Montecir
2. Kabakongan Cove
Another beautiful destination found on the northern part of Lalaking Bukid, same island where Bitaog Beach is located, is a mesmerizing cove called Kabakongan Cove. It is a long stretch of white sand beach fringed with coconut trees and towering limestone cliffs and boulders. The seawater on the beach is normally calm and crystal clear abundant in corals and marine lifeforms that makes it a perfect destination for swimming and snorkeling. Moreover, birds can be found nesting on the high limestone cliffs while some are hovering at the sky.
Photo courtesy of Icelle Millan
3. Isla Aga
Isla Aga is one of the famous tourist spots in Dinagat Islands which is mainly composed of limestone rock formations with growing vegetation. Atop the limestone rocks of the island offers a beautiful view of the nearby islands and islets. There is an alluring small pocket of white sand beach on the island where visitors can enjoy swimming and a small hanging bridge. This secluded island is surrounded by crystal clear waters teeming with marine life.
Photo courtesy of Kim
4. Pangabangan Island
Pangabangan Island is one of the paradise islands in Dinagat covered with lush greens. It has a beautiful white sand beach fringed with coconut trees, huge limestone rocks scattered on the shore and clear waters suitable for swimming. The most astounding feature of this island is the wide tidal pool or blue lagoon that every good swimmer would be excited to swim and snorkel around. The tidal pool is being enclosed by island’s towering rock cliffs covered with trees.
Photo courtesy of AkaDenz Dulguime
5. Sundayo Beach
On the eastern side of Hagakhak Island, one of the major islands in Dinagat Province, is where the lovely beach called Sundayo Beach is found. It is composed of white sand beach, coconut trees, noticeable rock formations dotting the coasts and mind-blowing crystal clear waters. This is where most visitors have their lunch on an island hopping tour while enjoying the tropical ambiance of the place.
Photo courtesy of JM Fortin Gawat
6. Duyos Beach
Duyos Beach is one of the known tourist spots in Dinagat Islands perfect for camping and barkada outings. The beachfront features a vast expanse of white sand decorated by coconut trees lined up with several cottages. The most prominent attraction of the beach is its enticing sandbar surrounded by turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Moreover, the beach offers a beautiful view of the nearby islands and islets.
Photo courtesy of Algea Sepe
7. Lake Bababu
Lake Bababu is one of the phenomenal lakes in Dinagat Islands which is also known in the Philippines. It is an enchanting lake found on the mainland of Dinagat bordered by towering limestone cliffs surrounded by lush greenery. The layer of water above the lake is freshwater while several feet underneath is being fed by saltwater through an underground cave connected to the sea. This awesome phenomenon where the freshwater and saltwater do not intermix is called meromictic. The very minimal penetration of wind, stillness and silence of the place brings about a very different ambiance.
Location: Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, Caraga Region
How to get there: From Butuan City by bus or van to Surigao City, then ferry boat for crossing the sea to the port of San Jose of Dinagat Island, then from San Jose, another boat ride to Basilisa town where beautiful beaches and islets surround like Isla Aga.
Distance: It will take for estimated 2 to 3 hours from Butuan City to Surigao City using public utility bus or private vehicle, then from Surigao City seaport crossing the sea by ferry boat for an estimated one to two hours in reaching the port of San Jose. While in San Jose, you can hire a ferry boat to carry you to the beautiful beaches and islands of Basilisa.
Photo courtesy of Michael Franks
8. PBMA Shrine
PBMA Shrine is one of the popular destinations in Dinagat Island where the tomb of PBMA founder “Divine Master” Reuben Ecleo, Sr. is located. The Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) is a non-sectarian, non-profit fraternal organization which is very known and founded in Dinagat Islands with hundreds of thousands of members in the central and southern part of the Philippines even abroad. This site is frequented by most PBMA members.
Photo courtesy of Eriinoa Ellie Casalme Balangue
9. Islander’s Castle
Islander’s Castle, also known as White Castle, is an iconic landmark in the provincial capital of Dinagat Islands. It is a very noticeable Disney-like castle sitting on top of a hill overlooking the entire town of San Jose which also offers fascinating views of the hills, islands and the sea. This castle serves as a residence of a very known and prominent people in Dinagat, Ecleo Family.
Photo courtesy of Kim
10. Punta Buena Suerte Resort
Punta Buena Suerte Resort is a blissful beachfront resort in Dinagat Islands that offers awesome views, variety of rides and sumptuous seafood. The waters on the beach is abounding with corals and teeming with marine life which is a good destination for swimming and snorkeling. On the other hand, visitors may enjoy its facilities and have fun with jet skiing, banana boat riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, cliff diving and a lot more. Moreover, they offer comfortable accommodations and delicious cuisines. For family bonding or traveling with friends, this resort is one of the recommended destinations.
Photo courtesy of Punta Buena Suerte Resort
Source: Tourist Spots Finder