Siargao is a small island quite far east in the Philippines. To the southwest of it lies another island group called Bucas, which are even smaller. We had decided to take a day trip to the Sohoton cave, which lies on Bucas Grande. This island might sound big, but it turned out to be way smaller than Siargao. I had no idea what we had booked, but a boat tour sounded fantastic. An organized day trip with no responsibility was just the thing I needed to get into vacation mode. Siargao was my last stop in the Philippines and it was time to relax.
The arranged pickup for the Sohoton cave tour was between 6:30 and 8am from the Happiness Beach resort. Quite a long time span, but thankfully the small bus arrived already at 7am. After collecting a few more we drove for 20 minutes to reach the place where our boat was moored. When we arrived I was not convinced that it was right place, nothing looked less like a port than that place. But eventually, after more waiting, there was a boat and everybody got on board.
all on board @Siargao
It took two hours in deafening noise to reach our destination on Bucas Grande. Without the provided headphones I am sure I would have gotten a permanent hearing issue. But the headphones helped and without anything else to do, I enjoyed the scenery.
on the way to Bucas Grande @Siargao
on the way to Bucas Grande @Siargao
Finally we arrived at the starting point of the Sohoton cave tour. The problem was only that the two guys on our boat didn’t really speak English and, even though we had Filipinos with us, no program was shared, so no one had any idea what was happening. At the cave stop we got off and after much debating, I brought only stuff that could get wet or fit in my waterproof bag. Everything else I left on the boat, not knowing if I would ever see these guys again, much less my clothes. At least the poster announcement had a professional sheen.
start of the Sohoton cave tour @Bucas Grande
As it turned out though, my thoughts were running rampant. Everything was under control and we just had to wait a bit. There’s a slower pace on these islands and every activity involved some kind of waiting. Eventually we got equipped with helmets and life jackets and after our group was split in half, we changed into smaller boats. Two guides sat at the helm and steered the boat to the lagoon.
cruising through the lagoon @Bucas Grande
inside the lagoon @Sohoton cave tour
At last the boat stopped in front of the Sohoton cave and, due to high tide, we needed to dive to enter it. Unfortunately the entrance was rather low, so one of the guides was pushing us down and forward, while the second guide waited on the other side to pull us through. It was quite exciting to be in a dark place with only a little light shining through from the bottom of the entrance. After about ten meters there was an entrance to a second cave, where we needed to climb up. No an easy feat in the dark and with no shoes. But it was only a short hike up until a window opened with a plateau from which we jumped back in the lagoon. What a fun adventure!
Sohoton cave @Bucas Grande
Next up was swimming with non stinging jelly fish and really, there was no sting. Quite beautiful creatures and it was so amazing to swim among them without feeling any pain! Absolutely fabulous experience especially after my unfortunate meeting with them in Moalboal.
non sting jellyfish @Bucas Grande
jellyfish in action @Bucas Grande
There was one more cave to see before lunch, with another dive to enter. Since no one said how long the dive was, it was a bit weird. I went first, this time with no assist from the guides, and got worried that I couldn’t hold my breath. But it was just badly timed. The cave was big and bathed in green from the outside light.
what green looks like @Sohoton cave tour
leaving the lagoon @Sohoton cave tour
Back at the Sohoton cave tour dock there was some waiting again, this time for the bigger boat with our clothes. Eventually it showed up, as well as the other half of our boat, and we all went for lunch. The restaurant lay in a bay and rose over two floors. Most groups touring the cave ate here and lunch was arranged for a couple of boats together on a huge table. Everything was laid out on banana leaves and the food was fabulous!
lunch @Sohoton cave tour
Best of all though was that after lunch we could jump into the sea from the first floor. There was a Tarzan swing, which I ignored. I definitely didn’t want to drop into the water like a stone. But others managed to hold on and swing like a monkey. Quite impressive!
Tarzan jump @Sohoton cave tour
On the way back to Siargoa we stopped at the Crystal cave, which was not worth getting off the boat for, bur we all went in.
leaving Crystal cave @Bucas Grande
But when we left it the tide was so low that we had to hop off the boat and walk through shallow water until we reached a deeper area behind the trees on the right side. The lagoon around Crystal cave was so beautiful though. I really enjoyed to spend a bit more time here, even if it was only due to a tide problem.
the lagoon near Crystal Cave @Bucas Grande
There should have been one more activity but it got canceled due to the low water levels. Personally I didn’t care so much, as the surroundings were so beautiful. It was enough for me to look my fill on the way back to Dapa.
shallow sea @Bucas Grande
enjoying my surroundings @Bucas Grande
the perfect beach @Bucas Grande
on the way back @Bucas Grande
We made it back to the Happiness Beach resort at 5:30. It had been a really long day and the many hours on the water made me tired. It was also one of the best days, just cruising through turquoise water and looking at a far away horizon. Yours, Pollybert
