SARANGANI - THE HIDDEN PARADISE OF THE SOUTH

This magnificent sunrise greeted us as we sail towards Balut Island.

     In the southernmost part of Mindanao lies the Municipality of Sarangani, the farthest municipality of Davao del Sur. But in the year 2016, Sarangani will formally become part of Davao Occidental. In truth, Sarangani is nearer to Indonesia and Malaysia than to the Philippines. It is composed of two main islands, Sarangani and Balut. Balut Island is where the seat of government lies.  Most barangays are composed of islets. 

Balut Island

     This year was my second time to go there. Last year was my first and both times the trips were smooth. I was glad to have been spared of the horrific, gargantuan waves brought about by strong ocean currents and deep sea trenches, as we crossed the Sarangani Strait, a part of the Celebes Sea. I have been told of horrible stories by every person I met who had already gone to Sarangani. The first time I went there I and my other first-timer companions sought for a prayer brigade for our safe travel. It may sound over-acting, but it's true. These horrific, gargantuan waves are the reasons why many travelers turn their backs on Sarangani. This time around, I got the chance to tour the place.

How to get there

     From Digos City, the capital of Davao del Sur, we traveled to General Santos City for almost two hours. From the terminal we went to the port of Puting-Bato where boats which ferried us to Balut Island are docked. There are also boats going to the island docked at Lion Beach. The boat departs at 11:00PM and arrives at Balut Island the next day. It usually takes 6 - 7 hours to reach Balut island, depending on the weather and the gargantuan waves, of course.

The people

     One best thing in the place is the warm and nice people. Almost 90 per cent of the people in Sarangani are members of the B'laan tribe, Maranao and Sangil. Sangil is an ethnic of Indonesian origin, they are the first inhabitants in Sarangani. Only 10 per cent are Christians. 

The food

     Of course, the food was great. Being a coastal municipality, fishing is the main source of livelihood of the people. There I found sea foods of high quality with the cheapest prices. Call me naive, but I was so excited looking at those big and freshly-harvested lapulapu, talakitok and several other colorful fishes still moving their heads and tails while being displayed in the market tables. And the octopus, it's really amusing to see their inks running through their transparent bodies and arms. Who would not be awed by the P70/kilo assorted high-quality fishes and P70/kilo octopus? I just want to bring them all to Davao. But the best was the oh, so delisyoso Curacha - a crab that looks like a turtle.

The spots

     You should conquer your fear of the gargantuan waves and don't travel abroad without seeing Sarangani's magnificent spots. The place has so much to offer. Since it is composed of islets, island-hopping is an exciting activity.

     
1. Tuke' Maclang - It means Punta Putol or Broken Point. From the Port of Mabila, one can reach Tuke' Maclang 10-15 minutes through pumpboat ride.

Tuke' Maclang

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

   

Sunset at Tuke' Maclang

2. Tuke' Nun Sol - Also known as Punta Buslot because of the cave-like openings or holes. It can be reached through a 30-minute pumpboat ride from the Port of Mabila.

Tuke' Nun Sol

Sunset at Tuke' Nun Sol

3. Olanivan Island - Paraiso! That's how I describe this island. Located in Brgy. Patuco, this pristine island stands in solitary in the outermost part of Sarangani. From the Port of Mabila, it can be reached through a 45 minute to an hour trip (depending on the weather) via pumpboat ride. Don't ever die without experiencing its grandeur.

4. Ballistic Island - This historical island is also known as Port Villalobos. It's just a 5-minute pumpboat ride from the Port of Mabila. Accordingly, the Spanish explorer Jose Villalobos landed here and made a fortress.

                                                                If you want adventure, chillin' out and excitement, Sarangani is what you're lookin' for! 🚣