The provincial government of Surigao del Norte is set to transform its 11 towns and the city of Surigao in mainland Mindanao into premier tourist destinations in the Caraga Region.

The other nine municipalities in Surigao del Norte are located on the islands of Siargao and Bucas Grande, which are already listed as among the country’s top tourist destinations.

With the recent declaration of mainland Surigao del Norte, including Surigao City, as insurgency-free, the provincial government is poised to transform the area from a mere jump-off point to neighboring islands to a destination brimming with exciting new tourism products.

“We have the existing tourist sites here in mainland Surigao del Norte and Surigao City, which visitors frequent. We will also focus on the emerging tourist sites in the municipalities considered free from insurgency,” said Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers during the opening of the Suroy Surigao Plus last week.

The weeklong Suroy Surigao Plus, which ended on July 9, featured the existing and emerging tourist sites in Surigao City and mainland Surigao del Norte, including the Dinagat Islands.

Considering that mainland Surigao del Norte is also known as the country’s mining capital, Barbers mentioned that the provincial government is collaborating with the mining companies to convert some of their sites into tourist destinations.

“We are also looking into the possibility of establishing a mineral museum that will serve as part of our tourist destination,” Barbers said.

The mineral museum may include mineral exhibits, educational Information, a display of the mining history of Surigao del Norte, and geological exhibits.

Barbers said that mainland Surigao del Norte and Surigao City are ready to showcase their emerging tourist sites and promote them as prime destinations for travelers seeking unique experiences.

Last year, the province experienced a 189.18 percent increase in tourist arrivals, with 530,719 visits, compared to 183,528 visits in 2022.

Of the total number of visitors last year, 476,971 were local, while 53,748 were foreign.

Emerging eco-tourism sites

During the weeklong Suroy Surigao Plus activity, Governor Barbers highlighted the enchanting beauty of Surigao del Norte and Surigao City, emphasizing the need to focus on and promote the newly developed and existing eco-tourism sites in the towns of Alegria, Tubod, Mainit, Gigaquit, and Bacuag.

Among the standout attractions waiting to be discovered are the breathtaking landscapes of Alegria town, where the Lumondo Hanging Bridge awaits adventurers who wish to embark on a journey into the heart of nature.

Located in Barangay Budlingin, the Lumondo Hanging Bridge is a marvel of engineering, stretching 180 meters long and towering 120 feet above the ground.

Crossing the suspended pathway offers visitors a glimpse of the lush forested areas of Budlingin, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure that culminates in the majestic Lumondo Waterfalls.

A 600-step trek through pristine wilderness leads travelers to this natural wonder, where the cascading waters of Lumondo Falls provide a serene backdrop for moments of reflection and awe.

“With the end of insurgency comes new opportunities for us to increase our revenues through eco-tourism. This will help the municipality and the people a lot,” said Alegria town Mayor Rene Esma in a phone interview on Thursday.

He added that Barangay Budlingin has long been considered a prime tourist destination in the town, but with the presence of the insurgents, visitors are afraid to visit the area.

“With the opening of the hanging bridge and the 600-step trek leading to Budlingin Falls, we average around 150 visits per day, and there is an increase of 250 to 300 visits on weekends,” Esma said.

The provincial government is spearheading the promotion, which is expected to increase tourist visits to Esma in the coming days.

In Tubod town, the Water Nature Adventure Park in Sitio Mahucdam, Barangay Capayahan, awaits those seeking solace amidst the calming embrace of nature.

Settled within a 28-hectare lake, the park offers a sanctuary for weary souls to unwind and reconnect with the earth.

Visitors can go boating and kayaking in the tranquility of Lake Mahucdam, basking in the serenity that only nature can provide.

Michael Monta, the tourism office representative in Tubod, noted that the nature park is just 4.5 kilometers away from the town center, and a concrete road connects it.

“We are hoping for an increased visit at the nature park with the promotion being spearheaded by the provincial government,” he added.

At present, the park averages about a hundred visits a day and over 200 visits during weekends, Monta said.

Two other destinations frequented by visitors in Surigao del Norte are the hot springs in Mainit town and the adventure part in Bacuag town.

The Mapaso Hot Spring and the Togonan Waterfalls in Mainit are well-known tourist destinations that are visited daily.

In Bacuag, visitors have adventures on a 250-meter hanging bridge leading to the Puyo islet, where one can ride an 800-meter zip line or a 400-meter-long sky bike. (PNA)