Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Archipelago

Sohoton Cove, part of the larger Bucas Grande Archipelago, is located in the Northeastern Part of Mindanao. Bucas Grande is an island group floating in the Pacific Ocean separated by a narrow strait from the mainland Mindanao Island. I was not expecting too much, especially I have been to many island hopping activities in the country. 

Minor Islands

Coconut Trees

As we approach the islands, we saw a lot of coconut trees which are pretty common in the Philippines (Did you know that the Philippines ranks first or second in coconut export?).  We first reached the Cinnamon Island. Living up to its name, it serves Cinnamon Tea and the place has cottages and huts. The place is also selling unbrewed Cinnamon Bark. 

Our boat being anchored in the Cinnamon Island

Where Am I? I am the one taking this picture

Cinnamon Tea. Looks Good, Tastes Good.

In Cinnamon Island. I am now part of the Picture. Thanks to the Boatman.

Sohoton Cove Proper

After the tea drinking activity, we went to the Sohoton Cove proper. The entrance to the cove has a low ceiling and we were required to wear hard hats.

Entrance to the Cove

Hard Hats. We were required to wear them.

As you enter the cove, you will first see the Horshoe Rock, as our guides call it. According to them their ancestors used it as a guide to see if they are already near the entrance / exit of the cove. (I think there are no other openings to the cove).

Horseshoe Rock

Inside the cove, we first reached the Hagukan Cave. It is a deep water feature where the entrance becomes submerged in water whenever it is high tide. Unfortunately, it was high tide when we arrived. You have no choice but to swim under so you can enter. The guides are very helpful in assisting you. You have to hold your breath for around 20 seconds. Floaters are not allowed, so you must know how to swim or at least float freely in the water. Luckily, it is salt water so it was quite easy to float. In all honesty this is the first time I was able to float in a very deep body of water without any paraphernalia connected. 

Cave at my Back. The guides will submerge
you underwater so you can enter the cave.

We were not able to take pictures inside the cave since we do not have an underwater camera. According to our guide, it is called Hagukan because whenever waves meet the cave, it produces a snoring sound. Haguk means snore in Bisaya. Inside the cave everything is dark and the water is cold.  

Next stop is the Magkukuob Cave. The water inside the cave is shallow and it was a perfect time to do some spelunking.

Before Entering the Magkukuob Cave

There is a point in the cave where you need to decide if you really want to push through or not, dubbed as a Point of No Return. Reason is that going up to the cave is easy, but going down is a lot more difficult. The only way for you to go out is to walk straight up and reach the outside cliff, then jump.

Stairs to the Cliff

I will definitely not miss this activity despite my issues with heights. I was fine and so were my friends.

The Jump!

There are other attractions in the place such as the Jellyfish Sanctuary, but we were not able to go anymore because we have time constraints. We were rushing to reach the port so we can catch the boat on the way to Siargao.

Overall, my assessment is that the place resembles the island formations in Palawan, but of course this place has its own beauty. I really enjoyed the tea drinking activity in Cinnamon Island (I even bought barks of Cinnamon for later use at home), and the adrenalin rush activities in the cove. 

Success!

Another thing that I especially enjoyed here is that there are very few tourists. Maybe because it was a weekday, but it was a perfect timing for us.



Photos Courtesy of Tope Saquillo and Derek Vivares