Dinagat Islands: Hidden paradise

By Alexander Lopez, Philippine News Agency

Bitaog Beach in Dinagat Islands, Philippines (Photo: Mark Onod/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands – The provincial tourism office of Dinagat Islands bared an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals, particularly during the first quarter of this year, indicating a promising trend for the local tourism industry.

Local visitors to the island saw a remarkable 47.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year, while foreign visits skyrocketed by an astounding 356 percent, showcasing a growing interest from international travelers in this hidden paradise.

Overall, Dinagat province experienced a 51.9 percent boost in tourist visits during the first quarter of 2024, underscoring the allure of its natural wonders and cultural richness.

The province was featured during the weeklong Suroy Surigao Plus tourism promotion campaign, which concluded on July 9, alongside Surigao City and the mainland Surigao del Norte province.

The promotion campaign, which aims to transform Surigao City and mainland Surigao del Norte from mere jump-off points to neighboring islands into destinations with exciting new tourism products, was joined by social media influencers from Cebu, travel and tour operators from Davao City and media personalities from the Caraga Region.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to be part of this tourism campaign, which will further bolster Dinagat Island’s tourism prospects,” said Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. in a statement on Friday.

Demerey described Suroy Surigao Plus as an essential promotional tourism campaign that will attract more visitors to Surigao City, mainland Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands by showcasing the diverse attractions that await travelers.

In the first quarter of 2024, the island province welcomed 6,190 local visitors, compared to 4,205 in the same period last year.

Dinagat Islands, in the same quarter this year, also welcomed 301 foreign visitors compared to 66 recorded in the first quarter last year.

“The opening of the Dinagat Islands – Siargao Island route early this year is also a big factor in our increased tourism visit,” Demerey said.

The route, he added, offers visitors from Siargao cheaper fares and less time of travel if they wish to visit the Dinagat Islands.

Pristine beaches

The surge in tourism can be attributed to the Dinagat Islands’ pristine beaches, rich biodiversity, and warm hospitality, which leave a lasting impression on visitors and inspire them to return and explore more of the island province’s offerings.

Among them is the enchanting Unib Island, locally known as ‘Lalaking Bukid,’ a hidden gem that boasts two breathtaking beaches with fine white sands that attract travelers from far and wide.

Unib Island’s natural wonders include Pagkawasan Garden Resort and Bitaog Beach Resort, which are known for their tranquil atmosphere and pristine waters, making them must-visit attractions in the Dinagat Islands.

“So far, in my almost three years of tour guiding, these two resorts in Unib Island are frequented by visitors who come to Dinagat Islands,” said Al Pondoc, a trained and accredited tour guide,

Pondoc is a member of Abay sa Isla ng Dinagat (ASID), a tour guide organization in the island province supported by the provincial government.

“A booming tourism also means an income for us tour guides here. We charge PHP500 per day of guiding,” Pondoc said.

Visiting the two beaches on Unib Island requires a seven-minute boat ride from Don Ruben Port in San Jose town.

Visitors can choose boat rides depending on their numbers: a 30-seater capacity boat for PHP7,000 to PHP8,000 per day or a 10-seater capacity boat for PHP4,000 to PHP5,000 per day.

“However, the price is negotiable,” Pondoc said, adding that visitors can bring their uncooked food to the resort as cooking facilities are also available.

He noted that visitors he has assisted over the years left impressions of Dinagat as a destination worth exploring with its pristine beaches, welcoming communities, and rich cultural heritage.