Spent a half-day in Cortes which has the most recognized
tourist attraction called the
Laswitan,
this was our side trip tour when we visited Siargao Island.
Laswitan (comes from visayan term Laswit, which means splash)
Laswitan lagoon is actually a 20ft rock formation located
near the shore in Cortes. Visitors whooped as they plunged into the natural
pools and get themselves splashed by the sea water coming from the other side, but its different when we got there.
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| this was what we found, the ocean pool were so calm! No single "laswit" until the sun will about to set.😢 |
Practically there's not much special on this place without the big waves hitting those huge rocks.
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| since no Laswit on that day, these guest were jumping off to entertain themselves |
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| Cottages |
How to get here:
A 4-hours ride in a south bound bus from Surigao City to
Tandag and drop off at Cortes.
From Cortes town proper, take 15mins ride in a habal2x to
reach Laswitan.
Habal-habal - cost 350php for two way.
Rates:
Entrance Fee: Adult –
20php / Children – 10php
Cottage Rental – 200php
Life Jacket – 20php per hour
Best Time to Visit:
From December to March – waves are stronger during Amihan
season. If you’re not visiting this month then you’ll get disappointed (like we
did LOL)
Where to eat
Food stalls are available in the area and can enjoy a wide
range of food choices.
Where to stay:
Accommodation can be found in Cortes proper or near Tandag
city.
Shouldn't be missed to see Enchanted River a natural wonder of Surigao Del Sur. Unlike before the place has been well developed now more cottages constructed since it's flocked by vacationers. The Hinatuan Encahanted River is a very deep crystal clear spring river. People wonder how deep the river is and where the water coming from, some says 90ft deep and water come from underground spring of the cave under the mountain which until now is unexplored. At 12:00 noon, people warn to get off the river as it was time for fish feeding which we had no idea about. Suddenly huge fishes came out from nowhere. Fishes disappeared after five minutes feeding time and swimmers could go back to the water.
It gets really crowded by 10AM onwards especially during weekends and holidays so advised to be early.
Entrance fee: Php30.00 per person | Life Jacket Rental: Php15.00 per hour (optional) | Picnic huts and tables: Php100
From MANILA: Take flight to Butuan or Davao City.
From Butuan: Take bus from Butuan Bus Terminal bound to Mangagoy(Bislig City) and get off at Hinatuan Bus Terminal. Fare is 210 pesos and five hours travel time.
From Davao City: Ecoland Terminal Bus take Bachelor bus with signboard Mangagoy (going to Bislig City). Fare 250 pesos with travel time of six hours. Bus schedule, first trip 2:30AM with intervals of 1hour and last trip will be 6:00PM. Then take bus to Hinatuan.
From Hinatuan Bus Terminal take single motorcycle around the area, drivers usually offers one way for 50 pesos per person. Travel time is about 45mins.
Spending the rest of the afternoon after visited enchanted river, packed up and we came to see the Majestic Tinuy-an Falls. The waterfall spans 95meters wide and 55 meters high its the widest waterfall in the Philippines. Going here took us 45mins ride (single motorcycle) from Enchanted River.
Feels more magical when we get closer to the falls and when we ride the bamboo rafts the force of the cascading water hitting your back was an awesome feeling. We attempt to climb up that time but the management didn't allow us since the stairways are broken and risky to continue, feels kinda sad.
Children 7 years old and
below are free of charge
4 wheel vehicles and up: Php 20 per 6 hours
2 and 3 wheel vehicles: Php 10 per 6 hours
Cottages (rate is per 6 hours, overnight stay is double the
rate)
Table with tents: Php 200
Small tables with 4 chairs: Php 100
Air-conditioned room: Php 600 per night, good for 2 pax
Php 150
per additional bed
Use of electrical appliances
100 watts and above: Php 50 per unit
90 watts and below: Php 20 per unit
Bamboo Raft: Php 150 per 30 minutes
Life jacket: Php 30 per hour
Inflatables (Salbabida): Php 30 per hour
Camping site: Php 100 overnight
Last thing, be sure to ask the motorcycle driver to wait for you so you will be able to have transportation back to proper city of Bislig.
