Caraga: A profusion of exotic culture and tradition

Details

Category: Destination

Published on Monday, 23 January 2012 09:46

Agusan del Norte • Agusan del Sur • Surigao del Norte • Surigao del Sur • Dinagat Islands

About the region

The region is composed of the cities Butuan, Surigao, Bislig, Cabadbaran, Tandag, and Bayugan, and the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands. Caraga has a rich cultural heritage and vast natural attractions that offer unlimited adventure.

How to get there and go around

By Air. The Caraga Region can be reached through the Bancasi Airport in Butuan City from Manila or Cebu either by Cebu Pacific or Philippine airlines. Visitors can also take a Cebu Pacific flight to Surigao City.

By Sea. The region can be reached through the Port of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte from the ports of Manila, Cebu, and Bohol. There are also bus trips to Surigao from Manila via the Philippines' Roll-on-Roll-off ports. Dinagat Island can be reached by motorboat from Surigao City. Tourists can visit Surigao Islands Transportation for detailed transportation options.

Where to stay

When in Caraga, visitors can choose from various hotels and resorts that offer cozy accommodations for tourist friendly prices. The most popular places to stay in Butuan City include Almont Inland Resort, Goat 2 Geder Hotel and Restaurant, Gloreto Guest House, Dottie's Place, and Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center. Visitors going to Surigao City, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat and Siargao Islands can avail of accommodations from several hotel and resort establishments that dot tourist areas. Visit the Surigao Islands Hotels and Resorts website for detailed accommodation options.

What to eat

For people who like rice-based delicacies, then they will surely love the sayongsong. This local treat is made from a mixture of glutinous rice, ordinary rice, lemon juice, brown sugar, roasted peanut, and coconut milk.

The region's coastal areas are also famous for Kinilaw, a native cuisine that is prepared by mixing deboned raw fish with vinegar, chili peppers, salt, ginger, and onions.

Gigaquit rhum  is a rare but tasty beverage in Surigao. This beverage is preserved or fermented at a tree known in Surigao as sasa.

Tourists can also try the exotic, but delectable tamilok. It is a type of mollusk that grows in barks of mangroves thriving in the region's coastal areas. The locals eat tamilok raw after soaking it in vinegar.

What to buy

Lobsters and seafood abound in Surigao, Siargao, and Dinagat Islands. When visiting Butuan City, tourists can buy fruit wines, carrot soap, oatmeal desserts, and Bibingka ni Nanay (a local rice cake). Agusan del Sur can offer visitors handicrafts made by Manobos, one of the province's indigenous tribes. Hardwood furniture are also available in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.

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