CARAGA Region: Siargao, Surigao and Hidden Waterfalls

PANA.PH Team · Philippines travel teamPublished June 5, 2026 · 3 min read

CARAGA Region: Siargao, Surigao and Hidden Waterfalls

CARAGA Region (Region XIII) occupies the northeastern coast of Mindanao - a relatively small region with an outsized natural endowment. It is home to Siargao Island (the Philippines' surf capital), the extraordinary Sohoton Cove jellyfish lagoon in Surigao del Norte, the Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur (the Philippines' widest waterfall, often called the Philippines' Niagara), and large areas of intact lowland rainforest and mangrove ecosystem in the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Siargao Island

Siargao needs little introduction for surfers - Cloud 9 reef break has been one of Asia's premier waves since the 1990s. The island has expanded its appeal significantly: General Luna village has a thriving community of remote workers, travelers, and surf instructors. Beyond Cloud 9, the island has Sugba Lagoon (a vast emerald lagoon in the north), the Magpupungko Rock Pools (tidal natural pools in volcanic rock), the Naked-Daku-Guyam island hopping trio, and Sohoton Cove (accessible by boat from Dapa port, technically in Bucas Grande island). See our 5-day Siargao guide for the complete itinerary.

Surigao City

Surigao City is the regional capital - a practical transit hub for Siargao and for exploring the CARAGA mainland. The city has the Mabua Pebble Beach (a beach of smooth volcanic pebbles rather than sand - unusual and beautiful), the historic Surigao Fort, and access to Bucas Grande island and Sohoton Cove.

Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande is one of the Philippines' most extraordinary natural attractions - a tidal cave system with a large jellyfish lake (stingless jellyfish you can hold), a cathedral-sized lagoon you swim into through an underwater passage at high tide, and bat caves with millions of fruit bats. Access is only at high tide; book a tour from Surigao City port (2,000-2,500 PHP including boat, guide, and entrance).

Tinuy-an Falls

Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur is often described as the Philippines' Niagara Falls - not for height (55 meters) but for width (95 meters of curtain falls across three tiers). The waterfall is in the PICOP (Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines) concession area, surrounded by one of the last large-scale managed forests in Mindanao. Entry 50 PHP; bamboo raft ride under the falls 50 PHP. The spray creates a permanent rainbow in the afternoon sunlight. Getting there from Surigao City takes 3-4 hours by bus via Tandag.

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

The Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur is one of the Philippines' largest freshwater wetland systems - 14,000 hectares of lake, floating islands, and river channel home to the Philippine crocodile (critically endangered, possibly 100 individuals remaining), the Philippine cockatoo, and dozens of endemic bird species. The Manobo indigenous people live in the marsh in floating houses (balay sa tubig - house on water). Eco-tourism programs run from Bunawan town; the marsh is UNESCO-listed as a Wetland of International Importance. This is genuinely off-the-beaten-track - you will not see another tourist here.

Getting to CARAGA

Fly Manila or Cebu to Sayak Airport in General Luna (Siargao) or to Surigao Airport. The Surigao-Davao coastal road offers spectacular Pacific coastline views for those traveling overland. Ferry connections from Cebu to Surigao City (10-12 hours overnight) are a budget option. See CARAGA and Siargao tours on PANA.PH.