Destination: Sohoton Cove

By Jareliese Mauro


Every October, surfers travel across Surigao del Norte to attempt conquering Siargao Island and its world-renowned surfing waves. Since a well-kept secret was out in the bag, travelers side-trip to an another must-see destination.

An eden beckons at the eastern side of Surigao and only through a cave tunnel during low tide could the Sohoton cove in Sudlon, Soccorro be accessible. Just as the youth Theseus, in greek mythology, was looking for the exit, one could get lost in Sohoton's labyrinth of mushroom-shaped islets, limestone boulders, wild orchids, pitcher plants, and other vegetation. One of the distinguishing rock formations used as a landmark for the entrance of the cove is reminiscent of a melted candle wax with clam shells rooted at the bottom. During high tide, the clam shells at the rear end can no longer be seen. Sohoton is teeming with marine life and bright corals with the sky occasionally visited by bats and different species of birds such as eagles, hornbills and sea hawks. Have a red-letter sojourn as you kayak in the crystal-clear water or snorkel with a swarm of stingless jellyfish! The blue hue stretch changes color as if blue sapphire and jade were thrown into water. Travelers usually compare this paradise to the Rock Islands ofPalau in Micronesia.

Guests’ itinerary could include nature trips to Waing Crystal cave, Abunohan, Bolitas cave, Hagukan cave, Sohoton Cove, and Tojoman Lagoon. Inside the Bolitas cave, pebbles in a shape of marbles, scatter on the ground while small harmless black swift birds hang upside down in their own little love nooks of limestone stalactites. Forget not to make a stopover as well at the Diving cave. A makeshift dive platform is secured just outside the cave so one can take a leap or dive of their life. The tour guides were also trained as lifeguards for the security of the tourists.

"Take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time, leave nothing but footprints, " a line printed on almost all of the souvenir shirts available at the guard house which doubles as an information center for tourism. If you stay longer, you might be one of the lucky few who would learn the story of the Dagundong bonsai tree which grew against the wall of a rock formation which is in a characteristically white color. Some of the locals staunchly believed that its leaves, which should naturally fall, not picked, from the Dagundong branch, and caught just before it could reach the water, could be used as an amulet and cure-all medicine. Legend has it that snakes, wild birds, and a cogtong(imagined to be a large fish with eyes as big as dining plates) were thought to be guardians of the Dagundong tree. But now, all you can do is to marvel at the spot where they believe sprites and other mythical creatures roam. 

Sohoton boasts of eco-tourism sites with their credo: “Here in Sohoton, you'll find peace, serenity of mind, simplicity of the heart, tranquility of the soul. Come and enjoy the beauty and enchantment of nature.” The proof of the pudding is in the tasting so get ready with your snorkeling gear and be prepared to be amazed.