Three years. Since I last came in this group of islands I called my second home. Not really long, but I have promised to be back again. I have missed its tranquility and stillness. There are so many issues at the back of my mind that needs to be soothed by pure serenity, as if to disconnect. I randomly decided to be home once more.
Coming here is always a wet pursuit but I love the waters, its turquoise and emerald surroundings always gave me a warm welcome! Again, the hop was just brief but it was some kind of a retreat.
Jellyfish Lagoon
This is my favorite spot and I always come here to visit my jelly friends. Last time there was none, it was fortunate they were around, although it was not yet in full season, but its good to see them again. Swimming, floating, pulsating on the emerald waters. 🙂 I can’t help being with them, but you need to be careful not to disturb them. Just float and swim without flinging one’s limbs – the proper way to interact with this invertebrate. So soft, so gentle – I simply love them! I scampered up the boat when Brandon (my boatman) begged me to come up when he noticed other guests are coming. Swimming with the jellyfish is not allowed anymore!
Caving in Sohoton
The two caves inside the cove are worth coming again but you must need to be comfortable in the waters. It was new moon when I got there, so the waters movement was quite slow and even if it was low tide, the waters are still up but the good thing is, current was almost non-existent. 🙂 If you have entered Hagukan before, you knew about the rock in the middle of the lagoon, where you could stand to rest from swimming. Well, it was too deep to stand on, it was floating and swimming all the way!
Magkakakaub Cave is another challenging – rock climbing and that big splash to the Water! I came in here more than five times, in those instances I can walk inside without soaking my body but this time I was swimming inside. It was amazing how it could change with the moon’s movement!
Beaches
Time was too short but I still managed to hop in Marka A Island, it was swimming and lazing in its small patch of white beach under the noon sun, in the end I took refuge under a cavern from the scorching heat while watching the horizon. Lastly, I went to Cinnamon Island (my home in my last visit) for my sumptuous lunch with Raffy and Director Bulabong (of DILG). I enjoyed the seafoods, the buko and the home-made biko! Dining al fresco watching the blue horizons was just perfect. 🙂
Nothing much has changed since I knew Bucas Grande in terms of Structures. Well, there are new Lodging Cottages and Huts, but still of indigenous materials. The park and its waters have maintained its cleanliness, mainly because the community manage it and everyone takes part in its preservation and protection! 🙂
Home It Is
The community always welcome me even how short the notice was – DA always arrange everything with no fuss. My boat has been waiting several hours before I arrive at Port Hayanggabon. Roldan, Raffy, Renan, Jun-jun, Brandon, Chelyn were just few who would be willing to sit for some leisure talk and dine with me even if they have other chores to do. Most importantly, I can laze around to all my heart’s content. The wide horizons, the orange sky, the cicadas, the roaring waves and the dark nights. Just immersing myself with simple things that give pure joy.
It was another drenching visit in my home, which was purely cathartic to me. And I will be back again, it’s a promise.
Travel Notes
1. Vans going to Port Hayanggabon, Claver is available at Bad-as, Placer. Multi-cab/jeep also can be found at Surigao City bus terminal.
2. Last trip boat (public utility) from Port Hayanggabon to Socorro town is 4pm.
3. Consider the Moon cycle when visiting the islands, tide and current movements should not be taken for granted.
4. Lodgings with generator have electricity 6:00pm to 12:00 midnight only.
5. Cellphone signal which is not necessary actually, is almost non-existent!
6. When you visit Bucas Grande, please patronize the community-managed lodgings in Cinnamon Island, SIFAI, Green Cove and Titktikan Lagoon. Always arrange your visit to the island through the local tourism unit.
Life in the Great Beyond 
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