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CARAGA REGION XIII
Region XIII, commonly known as the Caraga Region, is located in the northeastern part of Mindanao, Philippines. Officially established through Republic Act No. 7901 in 1995, Caraga comprises five provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, with Butuan City as its regional center. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and strategic coastal location that supports both economic and ecological development.
Caraga’s economy is anchored in agriculture, forestry, mining, and fisheries, making it one of the most resource-rich regions in the country. Its fertile lands produce rice, corn, coconut, and root crops, while its forests supply timber and other forest products. The region is also rich in mineral deposits such as gold, nickel, and chromite, contributing significantly to the mining industry. Coastal access to the Philippine Sea and Bohol Sea supports a thriving marine sector.Culturally, Caraga is home to various indigenous groups and dialects including Cebuano, Surigaonon, Butuanon, Kamayo, and Manobo. The name “Caraga” is believed to have originated from the word kalag, meaning “spirit,” reflecting the region’s identity as the “land of spirited people.” Historically, Butuan was a prominent pre-colonial kingdom known for its maritime trade and gold craftsmanship. Spanish missionaries introduced Christianity to the region in the late 16th century, shaping its religious and cultural landscape.
Region XIII stands out as a dynamic and diverse region that balances economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. Its strategic location, natural wealth, and historical significance make it a vital contributor to Mindanao’s development. As Caraga continues to evolve, it remains committed to harnessing its resources sustainably while honoring the spirited legacy of its people.
Beautiful Spots located in Region XIII

TINUY-AN FALLS

Tinuy-an Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall in Bislig, Surigao del Sur in the southern island of Mindanao, Philippines.[1] Bislig is a city known as the Booming City by the Bay. The waterfall itself has been featured in various international travel magazines and TV shows.

The Tinuy-an falls are 95 m wide and 55 metres (180 ft) high, touted as the little Niagara Falls of the Philippines. Tinuy-an is a white water curtain that flows in three levels (with a fourth tier hidden from view) and is said to be the widest waterfall in the Philippines. Every morning, the area shows a rainbow between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. One may also ride a raft to get close to its cascades and get a water “massage.”


ENCHANTED RIVER

The Hinatuan Enchanted River, also called the Hinatuan Sacred River, is a deep spring river on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It flows into the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean at Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is found between the boundaries of Barangays of Talisay and Cambatong. It earned the moniker "enchanted river" from the diplomat Modesto Farolan who described the river in his poem entitled "Rio Encantado".[1] 

SIARGAO ISLAND

Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 196 kilometers southeast of Tacloban. It has a land area of approximately 437 square kilometres (169 sq mi). The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet, Port Pilar. The coastline is marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white, sandy beaches. The neighboring islands and islets have similar landforms. Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, and was voted the Best Island in Asia in the 2021 Conde Nast Travelers Readers awards. 

SOHOTON COVE

Bucas Grande is an island in the province of Surigao del Norte in the Philippines. The island is contiguous with the municipality of Socorro, Surigao del Norte.[1] Its area is 128 square kilometres (49 sq mi). Its name means "large mouth" or "large opening" in Philippine Spanish in reference to the wide strait in between Bucas Grande and Socorro Island.[2]

Bucas Grande Island is situated on the far eastern part of mainland Surigao del Norte. The lone island municipality of Socorro is the only one of its kind in the entire province of Surigao del Norte. Bucas Grande Island lies within the breadth of the Pacific and is physically located at coordinates 9° 37′ 17″ North, 125° 58′ 0″ East. It has a total land area of 12,445 hectares and had a population of 25,942 inhabitants at the 2020 Census, and a voting population of over 13,000. People have settled in 14 barangays of the municipality namely: Barangays Don Albino Taruc, Navarro, Rizal, Del Pilar, Dona Helene, Honrado, Nueva Estrella, Pamosaingan, Salog, San Roque, Sudlon, Santa Cruz, Songkoy and N. Sering.


BRITANIA ISLANDS

San Agustin, officially the Municipality of San Agustin (Surigaonon: Lungsod nan San Agustin; Tagalog: Bayan ng San Agustin), is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 22,855 people.[5]

It was established as the municipality of Oteiza on June 16, 1962, by virtue of Republic Act No. 3489, from the municipality of Marihatag;[6] it acquired its current name on June 17, 1967, by virtue of Republic Act No. 4903.[7]

The town is famous for the Britania Group of Islands (or simply Britania Islets), a group of 24 islands with white sandbar beaches scattered across waters of the Lianga Bay, overlooking the Philippine Sea.


LAKE MAINIT

Lake Mainit is the fourth largest lake in the Philippines, having a surface area of 173.40 square kilometres (66.95 sq mi).[2][3][4] The lake is also the deepest lake in the country with maximum depth reaching 223 metres (732 ft).[2][5] It is located in the northeastern section of Mindanao and shared between the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte. 

MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOLS

Magpupungko Rock Pools in Pilar are one of the most unique natural wonders of Siargao Island. During low tide, the receding water reveals a series of natural pools formed among limestone outcrops, creating a stunning mix of shallow lagoons and deeper swimming holes. 

AGUSAN MARSH SANCTUARY

The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Agusan del Sur, Philippines declared by President Fidel V. Ramos. The marshland acts like a sponge, as it is nestled in the midwaters of the Agusan River drainage basin. Within its lakes, several floating communities can be found. The sanctuary was home to the 20.24 feet (6.17 m) saltwater crocodile Lolong, the world's largest captive crocodile.[3][4]

It is located in the municipalities of Bunawan, La Paz, Loreto, Rosario, San Francisco, and Talacogon in the province of Agusan del Sur. The marsh was declared a Ramsar Site No. 1009 on November 12, 1999. It was also recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP) Site No. 42 on November 8, 2018. The site was also included in the tentative list of UNESCO on March 11, 2024, and is currently being evaluated.

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a national park under Republic Act No. 11038 (Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018) signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in July 2018.[5]


BUCAS GRANDE ISLANDS

Bucas Grande is an island in the province of Surigao del Norte in the Philippines. The island is contiguous with the municipality of Socorro, Surigao del Norte.[1] Its area is 128 square kilometres (49 sq mi). Its name means "large mouth" or "large opening" in Philippine Spanish in reference to the wide strait in between Bucas Grande and Socorro Island.[2]

Bucas Grande Island is situated on the far eastern part of mainland Surigao del Norte. The lone island municipality of Socorro is the only one of its kind in the entire province of Surigao del Norte. Bucas Grande Island lies within the breadth of the Pacific and is physically located at coordinates 9° 37′ 17″ North, 125° 58′ 0″ East. It has a total land area of 12,445 hectares and had a population of 25,942 inhabitants at the 2020 Census, and a voting population of over 13,000. People have settled in 14 barangays of the municipality namely: Barangays Don Albino Taruc, Navarro, Rizal, Del Pilar, Dona Helene, Honrado, Nueva Estrella, Pamosaingan, Salog, San Roque, Sudlon, Santa Cruz, Songkoy and N. Sering.



LASWITAN LAGOON

The Laswitan Falls and Lagoon in Cortes, Surigao del Sur, is such a rarity. So rare that it’s the only one of its kind that can be found in Southeast Asia.                                                                                      
The beauty of the place starts with the lagoon, a natural basin right beside the shore, separated from the ocean by amazing rock formations that enclose it. It’s like having a swimming pool in the ocean. And indeed, this area has become the main section where visitors take a dip to cool off.                                                                
Beautifully crafted by nature, the lagoon itself would have been enough reason for a visit. But what makes the place extra special is the way the powerful waves from the ocean pound on the rock formations. The waves from the ocean are so strong that they manage to climb over the 20-foot rock formations, descending on the side of the lagoon, creating a waterfalls effect.


Lanuza Surfing Ground

Lanuza, officially the Municipality of Lanuza (Surigaonon: Lungsod nan Lanuza; Tagalog: Bayan ng Lanuza), is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 13,642 people.[5] Lanuza is noted as a surfing destination with its various surfing areas from Reef Breaks to Beach Breaks. Surfing season is between the months of November to March where big waves are in constant motion. 

MOUNT HILONG-HILONG

Mount Hilonghilong is a mountain in the Philippines . [ 1 ] It is located in the Province of Agusan del Norte and Caraga region , in the southeastern part of the country, 800 km southeast of Manila, the country's capital. Mount Hilonghilong is 2,012 meters above sea level. [ 1 ] Mount Hilonghilong is part of the Diuata Mountains . [ citation 1 ]

The land around Mount Hilonghilong is hilly in the northeast, but in the southwest it is mountainous. [ citation needed ] Mount Hilonghilong is the highest point in the area. The nearest larger town is Cabadbaran , 18.7 km west of Mount Hilonghilong.


MABUA PEBBLE BEACH

Mabua Pebble Beach, which is located near Surigao's city center, stands out from other Philippine beaches thanks to the abundance of fine, white pebbles that make up its beachfront. Mabua Pebble Beach is made up of an infinite number of smooth pebbles, each with a unique size and form.

Towards the water, on the right, is a rock formation. It is simple to ascend the rocks but exercise additional caution because some of the rocks have slick edges. The stones are exceptionally white here, especially in the summer, and the waters are crystal pure. Because certain areas on our feet are related to our internal organs, strolling barefoot on smooth stones has an effect on the body, making this beach both beautiful and restorative.


DAKU ISLAND

Daku Island is one of the scenic gems in the group of islands off General Luna town in Siargao, prized for its broad white sand shores, palm trees, gentle waters, and a relaxed island life vibe. It offers a chance to soak up sun, sea, and local culture without the crowds of larger destinations.  

GUYAM ISLAND

Guyam Island is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 780 kilometres (480 mi) southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. It is around 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) south-southeast of General Luna municipality. It is a popular stop for tourists doing island-hopping trips. 

NAKED ISLAND

Naked Island is one of the most recognizable attractions off Siargao Island’s General Luna town. This sandbar, completely bare of trees or permanent structures, offers a unique seascape where white sand meets endless blue water. Its raw and minimalist beauty makes it a favorite stop for travelers who want stunning photos, a refreshing swim, or simply the quiet experience of standing in the middle of the ocean. 

CAGWAIT WHITE BEACH

Cagwait, officially the Municipality of Cagwait (Surigaonon: Lungsod nan Cagwait; Tagalog: Bayan ng Cagwait), is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 21,747 people.[5] Cagwait beach is the venue for the popular annual Kaliguan festival. Normally held towards the end of June, the festival is held over three days. A temporary stage is constructed on the beach and features music and a beauty pageant known as Perlas Ng Kaliguan. The most recent festival held in June 2019 was the 23rd annual Kaliguan festival. 


TINAGO LAGON 

Tinago Lagoon in Siargao is actually part of Tinago Island located in Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte, not directly on Siargao Island itself. The lagoon is also called Lapsay Lagoon and is known for its serene, clear blue waters, peaceful atmosphere, and scenic views that are often compared to the more famous El Nido in Palawan. It features opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and hiking nearby for breathtaking panoramic views of the lagoon and surrounding sea. The area is accessed by a boat ride from Tagana-an port and is a hidden paradise ideal for relaxation and nature appreciation. 

CABGAN ISLAND

Cabgan Island is a remote, picturesque islet in Barobo, Surigao del Sur, known for its fine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and untouched natural beauty. It is one of three islands typically included in an island-hopping tour from Barobo, along with Turtle Island and the Vanishing Islet.  

MOUNT MAYAPAY

Mt. Mayapay is a mountain peak in Butuan City, Philippines, known for its unique flat "tabletop" summit and historical significance as a landmark of the ancient Kingdom of Butuan. The mountain, which stands 675 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Butuan City, Butuan Bay, and the surrounding Agusan River and mountains. Climbing Mt. Mayapay involves a trek up a steep, sometimes challenging, trail and typically requires permission from the local military, as there is an army camp at the summit.   

MALINAWA COOLING SPRING

Malinawa Cool Spring is a natural attraction located in Brgy. Parang, Cantilan, in the province of Surigao del Sur. It is known for its cold, clean, spring-fed water that offers a refreshing retreat from the tropical heat.  

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