Thinking of an island adventure? go To surigao del sur’s Britania islands
The provinces of Dinagat, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur in Caraga Region are one of the few places in the Philippines where you can find an abundance of amazing breathtaking island destinations. But finding a group of small islands or islets in one area is a unique rarity for those who want to hop from one beach to another.
More than a decade ago, what was once considered a hidden paradise in the small sleepy town of San Agustin in Surigao del Sur is now a popular destination in Caraga Region and Mindanao.
With its clear turquoise waters, fine white sand island beaches, and fresh seafood delicacies, a group of islets have captured the senses of those who visit the area and had been captivated by the beauty of Britania Islands and the best part is that for most visitors, the experience is affordable compared to other island hopping tourist destinations.
Over the past few years, the popularity of the group of islands and islets in the coastal barangay of Britania has grown. With the emergence of resorts and tourism-related services, what was once a hidden island destination known to only locals in the province has transformed into a tourism haven and a must for island getaways with visitors traveling as far as the Davao Provinces, Bukidnon, Cotabato, and Misamis Oriental.
The islands of Britania are nestled along Lianga Bay facing the Pacific Ocean with around 20 to 25 islands and islets, varying on the tide. Most of these are limestone formations yet some have fine white sand beaches and even lush green vegetations.
Among the island and islets, about four islands are part of the tourism tour island hopping packages and have become popular with tourist visitors namely; Boslon, Hagonoy, Britania, Hiyor-hiyoran, and Naked Island which is actually a sand bar that appears and vanishes with the tides.
Unfortunately, amid its growing popularity, the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 gave the destination its share of hiccups not only affecting the resorts and its workers but also the tourism services such as boat operators, fisherfolks, and seafood vendors. Adding to the injury was the series of typhoons that hit the province between 2020 and 2021 culminating with the brunt of Supertyphoon Odette.
With travel restrictions easing up, visitors and guests are slowly returning and are expecting to continue to rise way beyond the summer months and gain more numbers towards 2023.
For a frequent visitor like myself, Britania is a paradise worth rediscovering, especially after the pandemic lockdowns. This time I brought not only my camera but a drone to gain a different photographic perspective of the islands, and I wasn’t disappointed with my decision.
With the right amount of sunlight, the shots I took amazingly translated how beautiful the blending colors of the ocean beaming out as you can see how the turquoise waters gradually transition to deep blue colors with the white sand beach, limestone rock formations, and green from the island vegetation providing the right contrast.
Adding to the dynamics of the visuals were the boats and the human activity in the water giving depth and a story of fun and excitement for its guests.
For those who are curious, visiting Britania is not as expensive as it seems, there are resorts in the area like La Entrada and Macarthurs Place that offers as low as P1,000 to 1,600 a room that can accommodate a family or group of friends. For around eight to 10 people rates are from P2,000 to 3,800 a night.
For those who might want a more exclusive comfortable stay with a more expensive rate such as Alima ARQ Beach Resort and O’s Landing Beach Resort where prices range from P2,600 to a group rate between P6,000.00 to 8,000.
For the four-island tour package, most resorts operate their own big boats and offer P1,500 rates for a group of 10 to 12. Visitors can also have their food cooked at the resorts and then bring them to one of the islands and enjoy a picnic meal along the fine white sands of either Boslon or Hagonoy islands.
Britania in the town of San Agustin can be reached by bus or van services either from Butuan City (5 hours) or Davao City (7 hours) through the town of San Francisco in Agusan del Sur. The bus driver can be instructed to stop along the barangay road leading to Britania where the visitor can then transfer to a single motorcycle that will take them to Britania’s beach.
I would suggest bringing your own vehicle or renting one for a more immersive experience as there are several more areas near San Agustin that are good places to visit.
As for the experience, no matter if I’ve been to Britania Islands dozens of times, I would certainly keep going back for more.