One of the least known provinces in the Philippines lies at the northeastern part of Mindanao: Dinagat Islands. Some people actually think it’s not a province but just an island where travelers can go to. Others even call it Dinagat Island (yes, without s) for a reason: it is not yet widely known. Travel bloggers in recent years have tried to change that, and this blog is my attempt to help make Dinagat Islands something Filipinos (and non-Filipinos) would try to visit and travel to.

Albeit one of the newest provinces in the country, Dinagat Islands has a rich history that predates the Spanish occupation when it was already considered a holy place. During the Spanish times, the settlements in the island province became a result of migration of people from Bohol and Leyte. It then served an important role during the World War 2.

With a total land area of 1,036.34 sq km, Dinagat Islands is one of the smallest provinces in the country. It comprises of 7 municipalities, home to 128,117 Dinagatnon (as of the year 2020). Most people of the province speak the Cebuano language, while those who live in the islands near Leyte can speak Waray-Waray. Many Dinagatnon also speak Surigaonon, Tagalog and English so you won’t have to worry if you’re traveling here.

The province may be most popularly known for the religion founded in it: the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA). Its former governor, Ruben Ecleo Sr., established the non-sectarian organization in the early 1960s. Called the “Divine Master” by his followers, Ecleo saw PBMA’s membership grow as he “healed” the people from the island province. According to this article, it was in 1967 when he used his influence to break into the political scene, and until now, his family has a hold in the Dinagat Islands’s elective posts.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the travel spots you can visit here in Dinagat Islands!

Hagakhak Rock Formations

Still relatively unknown compared to other travel destinations in Dinagat Islands, these rock formations have beautiful patterns comparable to the rock formations of Biri and Burias. Nestled in the historic Surigao Strait, Hagakhak Rock Formation can be reached via boat from the port of San Jose in 30 minutes. It was the first travel destination that we visited during our Dinagat Islands tour.

We looked around the rock formations when we got there. I saw an altar, and it somehow pleased me that there’s one out here to show reverence to the Virgin Mary. It’s like she’s looking after the island where these rock formations can be found.

Blue Lagoon / Ao Beach Resort

This beautiful natural wonder is one of the amazing places you can visit in the province of Dinagat Islands. It is adjacent to Pangabangan Island that has this small strip of white sand and is surrounded by limestone cliffs.

FEELING THE MOMENT: I sometimes close my eyes and just feel the moment of being where I am when I travel. I don’t know but it’s like I wanted that delightful feeling I was experiencing to linger – a rare chance during our busy, fast-paced lives. One of the nicest things in this trip is that we had the place all to ourselves so it’s extra peaceful and calm, which is how I want it.

Jelmar’s Resort

Resort in an islet? Check! This travel destination in Dinagat is best for families and friends who want to experience a whole day of fun or even a memorable overnight stay in the coastline. Upon arrival and while walking on its wooden platform, we immediately heard a clash of singing voices! Haha. Apparently, there’s another resort nearby.

The resort is surrounded by these rocky cliffs found at the coastline of Basilisa. Wondering how’s the view on top? Let’s see!

It took us about five minutes to go up the view point. It was actually rushed, which means If you’d go up here in a more casual manner, it would probably take you ten to fifteen minutes. Be warned, too, that there are pointy rocks here so be extra careful shall you go.

The view on top is definitely beautiful! I just think, though, that it would be more beautiful at sunset.

This resort is one of the many places in the province that were gravely affected by Typhoon Odette last December 2021. It’s really great to know they’re rebuilding and rising up again!

RSG Compe Beach Resort

There’s a beach resort in Libijo that’s called RSG Compe Munting Paraiso (“Little Paradise”). It isn’t a typical resort because it doesn’t only have a small strip of creamy sand beach and swimming pools with a great view of the sea, it also has a cave pool! Swimming in the cave pool is one of the highlights of our trip in Dinagat Islands!

We weren’t able to take a photo or video of the inside of this small cavern but it was definitely an extraordinary experience! Lights here are operated by a generator, which is where the fees paid by the visitors go.

This is what a part of the resort looks like from the outside. Just like the other resorts in the province, they’re slowly but surely rebuilding after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette. Here are some of the views from RSG Compe Beach resort. I just love how clear and cool the water is here.

Lake Bababu

This lake is one of the beautiful places we were able to visit while in Dinagat Islands. After exploring the travel spots in the town of Libjo, we went back to Basilisa to experience and witness this must-see place!

Bababu Lake is a meromitic lake, which means a lake with layers of water that do not intermix. It appears that there is an underwater cave system here that connects the fresh water of the lake and the salt water of the sea. The said underwater cave is considered one of the longest in the country. Interesting, right? These information made me a lot more curious about Bababu!

There’s a trail that would guide visitors going to the lake. The time going there would depend on how fast you hike. Our guide said we could reach it in 30 minutes. We wanted to reach it faster because it was already late in the afternoon.

Now here’s the view when we were returning to the town of San Jose. See the structure on top of the terrain? Guess what that is on the comments section!

By the way, the port used for boats of travel tours is located beside San Jose’s public market. It is different from San Jose Port where ferries to and from Surigao City load and unload.

PBMA Shrine

Also called the Divine Master’s Shrine, this shrine of the PBMA is located up in the hills of Bgy. Aurelio in San Jose. Considered to be sacred grounds of the Dinagatnons, visitors of the place must follow a dress code before they could enter the premises. When our habal-habal reached the shrine’s gate, we had to go to the “security office” and rent for P20 a pair of loose pants that we can wear while touring inside. The pants are too big, which is why if you want to look good in your pictures, better come here wearing following their dress code. Males are expected to wear a shirt, pants and closed shoes, while for females, skirts and closed shoes are required while no sleeveless shirts are allowed.

Islander’s Castle

Built in 2007, the palatial house of the Ecleos called Islander’s Castle was constructed by then governor Glenda Ecleo. It was said to have cost P350 million, which was reportedly sourced from mineral production sharing agreements as the island province was abundant with chromite. The Ecleo family may see it as a monument to show how Dinagatnons love and respect the “Divine Master” and his wife, but the others don’t. The castle provides a great contrast to the majority of the province’s population, which remains poor. How about you? What do you think?

How to go to Dinagat Islands?

Dinagat Islands can be reached via ferry or passenger pump boat (also called fast craft) coming from Surigao City, the capital of Surigao del norte. It is the primary transportation going to Dinagat as it is an island province. The earliest schedule of the fast craft from Surigao City going to San Jose, Dinagat Islands is from 5 to 6 AM, and travel time is about 1 to 1.5 hour. The last trip is early afternoon at around 2 to 3 pm. You can check their Facebook account to be updated about changes in their trip schedule.

How can you go to Surigao City if you’re coming from other places? Let’s find out.

If you’re coming from Manila, take the plane going to Butuan City. From Butuan Airport (Bacasi Airport), hail a taxi or multicab going to the bus terminal in Langihan where you can ride a bus going straight to Surigao City.

If you’re coming from Davao City, take the bus or van in Ecoland Bus Terminal and ride for __ hours going to Surigao City.

Who to contact in Dinagat Islands

There are travel groups that organize tours around the island province, and they would gladly help in your tour. Kindly check Dinagat Islands Tour Deals on Facebook, or contact them at 0935-315-9000. You may also contact the tourism office of Dinagat Islands in this number (0909-313-7300) or through their Facebook page. To encourage you to contact them directly, they respond quickly! Ask them questions before going here in the province.

I would highly recommend our guide, Sir Dondon, who let us experience the province in the best way we could during our stay there. You may contact him directly through this number: 0906-799-3578.

Where to stay in Dinagat Islands

There’s a lot of accommodation available in the island province! If you’re searching for a budget accommodation that is suitable for travelers, you may want to contact Amas Ra Homestay. For P700, you can stay in a small but air-conditioned room that is already good for 2 pax with comfort room. Isn’t that a good deal? Plus, there are a few restaurants around Amas Ra that you can go to if you’re feeling hungry! Most restaurants and stores are concentrated in San Jose Port, but if you don’t want to spend more by riding the tricycle going there, you can just opt to walk and find these restaurants around the area of Amas Ra.

There are resorts in the province you may opt to choose from especially if you’re going to stay for a few days here. You may check Cape Seaductive Resort & Spa, which is located near the coastline. It may be farther from San Jose Port, but the view you can have in the resort may just be well worth it!

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I hope everything I’ve shared in this blog post has convinced you to plan your next travel here in the beautiful province of Dinagat Islands! Hit me up in the comments section if you have questions or suggestions! Thanks, guys!