Here is a comprehensive list of Dinagat Island tourist spots.
Dinagat Island has been seeing severe environmental degradation as a direct result of large-scale mining. Vast swathes of its forests and mountains were cleared to give way to open-pit mines. Thankfully, the locals’ resistance brought mining to a halt.
Today, the local authorities are pushing for ecotourism development in the island. After all, Dinagat Island hosts numerous natural wonders which have been spared from mining. On its interiors and hidden outskirts are stunning bonsai forests, blue lagoons, breathtaking coves, white sandy beaches, and many more.
Dinagat Island is a promising eco-tourism destination you should visit to help advocate for sustainable development. Here are the must-see tourist destinations in Dinagat Island.
Behold Dinagat Islands Tourist Spots
1. Lake Bababu
Lake Bababu is among the top Dinagat Island tourist spots. Known for its enchanting view and serene atmosphere, Lake Bababu is a must-see, especially for nature lovers.
Among the favorite activities here are boating, swimming, and camping. Pristine rainforests surround the lake, giving it a rustic view.
- Location/Jump-off: Basilisa
2. Isla Aga
Isla Aga boasts of different limestone rock formations covered in verdant vegetation. The island is one of the off-beaten tourist spots in Dinagat Islands.
While atop the rocks, you’ll catch a breathtaking view of the neighboring islands and islets. Crystal-clear waters surround the island. Because of the thriving marine life, snorkeling is a favorite activity here.
- Location/Jump-off: Basilisa
3. Sundayo Beach
- Location/Jump-off: Hagakhak Island, Basilisa
- Attractions: White sand beaches, Coconut trees, Limestone Rock Formations, Crystal-clear waters
4. Bitaog Beach
Bitaog Beach boasts of pristine white sandy beaches. Beautiful limestone rock formations line the beach. Its crystal-blue waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Once you’re done with the waters, you can explore the beach forest and have an encounter with the flora and fauna species.
- Location/Jump-off: Lalaking Bukid Island
5. Quano Cave
Quano Cave is one of the least known Dinagat Island tourist spots. Inside, you’ll find numerous stalactite and stalagmite rock formations. Expect to get wet as you get deeper because of pools and streams you have to traverse.
- Location/ Jump-off: Brgy Arellano, Libjo
6. PBMA Shrine
The Philippine Benevolent Missionary Association shrine and castle dominates the landscape of San Jose. Its impressive architecture will surely entice to take Instagrammable photos.
- Location/Jump-off: Purok 5, San Jose
7. Kabakongan Cove / Cabacungan Cove
Kabakongan Cove features surreal turquoise waters and long stretches of powdery white sands. The seawater here is normally calm, thus, perfect for those who are still learning how to swim.
Coconut groves and towering limestone cliffs line the beach. You can find endemic birds nesting on the limestone cliffs.
- Location/Jump-off: Basilisa
8. Pangabangan Island
Pangabangan Island is a small island covered with lush tropical forests. It has a stretch of white sandy beach. Huge limestone rock formations also abound.
What makes this island even more interesting is the presence of a tidal pool. Enclosed by towering rock cliffs, the tidal pool is an ideal site for swimming and snorkeling.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Magsaysay, Libjo
9. Hinabyan Beach
If you’re into less touristy destinations, then you should check out Hinabyan Beach. It is one of the most pristine of Dinagat Island tourist spots. A river runs through the beach leading to the sea.
Thus, you’ll get the chance to swim in both salty and freshwater. Because there is no or less crowd here, expect to have a soul-relieving experience.
- Location/Jump-off: Cagdiano
10. Oasis Islet
Oasis Islet gives you a stunning view of surrounding limestone islands and islets. You can hop on a boat to navigate around this islet and gaze on breathtaking scenes.
- Location/jump-off: Cagdiano
11. Duyos Beach
Duyos Beach is also one of the top tourist spots in Dinagat Islands, owing to its powdery white sands. There are several cottages which you can rent. The beach also provides a stunning view of nearby islands and islets.
- Location/Jump-off: Basilisa
12. Bangkaw Falls
Bangkaw Falls is one of the most accessible of Dinagat Island tourist spots. It measures around 20 feet high with an enlarged swimming pool. It has cold and crystal-clear water to soothe you for the day. There are also available cottages which you can rent.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Diaz, Tubajon
13. Dako Falls
Dako Falls is one of the newly-discovered tourist spots in Dinagat Islands. Enjoy sitting on the base of the falls as the cascading waters give you a caressing massage. Lush rain forests surround the waterfall. It also has a naturally-built pool where you can swim or cliff jump.
- Location/Jump-off: Loreto
14. Mount Palhi (Babaeng Bukid)
Mount Palhi is one of the last remaining ecological frontiers in Dinagat Islands. A mining concession was supposed to operate on the mountain but the locals valiantly resisted.
Today, they are clamoring for the designation of the mountain as a protected site. As an alternative, they are promoting it as one of the hiking tourist spots in Dinagat Islands.
Bonsai forests are found here, home to unrivaled biodiversity. From its summit, you can catch sight of the mountains, lagoons, forests, plains, and coastal areas of Dinagat Islands.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Malinao, Tubajon
15. Paragamac Falls
Paragamac Falls is a multi-tier waterfall cascading from the pristine forests of Mt. Pulhi. Each cascade has a naturally-built pool where you can jump and have an invigorating swim. To get here, ride a motorcycle for Php 300.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Paragamac, Tubajon
- Entrance Fee: Php 20 per person
16. Cab-ilan Beach
Cab-Ilan Beach is one of the numerous beaches found on the island. It boasts of creamy white sands fringed with coconut palms and tropical forests. It as calm waters, fit for swimming and snorkeling. You can also hop on one of the boats to explore the neighboring islands and islets.
- Location/Jump-off: Cab-Ilan Island
17. Kamangon Cave
Kamangon Cave is one of the emerging tourist spots in Dinagat Islands. Inside, you’ll find numerous stalactite and stalagmite rock formations. It’s up to you to imagine characters out of these rock formations. Oh, there are also bats living inside the cave.
- Location/Jump-off: Loreto
18. Tambongon Lagoon
Tambongon Lagoon is a critical fish sanctuary, home to a myriad of endemic aquatic species. It is one of the protected tourist spots in Dinagat Island. Aside from relishing the scenic view, you can also go swimming and boating here.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Imelda, Tubajon
19. Mount Redondo
Mount Redondo rise to more than 1,020 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest peak in Dinagat Islands. It hosts the second-largest bonsai forest in the country, covering more than 600 hectares.
These breathtaking natural ecosystems host some of the country’s critically-endangered species such as the Dinagat Cloud Rat and Tarsier. Literally, the fully-grown trees here reach a maximum height of 4 feet. You’ll feel like a giant navigating this bizarre vegetation.
- Location/Jump-off: Loreto
20. Mount Cambinliw
Rising to more than 940 meters above sea level, Mount Cambinliw is another potential mountaineering destination in Dinagat Islands. It is a key biodiversity site because of various endemic species inhabiting its forested slopes.
Just like most peaks in Dinagat Islands, bonsai forest also cover a part of the mountain.
- Location/Jump-off: Loreto
For Your Information
If you need more information to help set up your itinerary to Dinagat Island tourist spots, do contact the Provincial Tourism Office via the following:
- Messenger: m.me/PDITC
- Email: ditourismcouncil@ymail.com
- Facebook Page: Dinagat Province Tourism Council
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Photos Courtesy of Dinagat Province Tourism Council Facebook Page, Marlon Villasor, Kyrke Jaleco, Dinagat Islands Tour Deals, Surigao Del Norte Tourist Spots, Jr Flores, George Tapan, Sean Shav Lentorio Rivero
