Bucas Grande Island

Puloan Bucas Grande

A dramatic limestone island famous for its stunning underwater caves, turquoise lagoons, and pristine white-sand beaches. The island's Cave Pool and Sohoton Caves offer excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities in an otherworldly setting.

Things to do

• Snorkel in Cave Pool — Swim through a stunning natural sinkhole surrounded by towering limestone cliffs where freshwater meets saltwater in a magical lagoon setting.
• Explore Sohoton Caves — Dive or snorkel through a series of interconnected underwater caverns with crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone formations accessible by boat.
• Beach hopping around the island — Visit pristine white-sand beaches like Aliwata Beach and smaller coves accessible by boat for swimming, sunbathing, and photography.
• Island trekking and nature walks — Hike through the island's interior to discover limestone formations, viewpoints, and local flora while enjoying panoramic views of the Surigao Strait.
• Sunset viewing at Tabon Point — Watch the sun descend over the Philippine Sea from the island's elevated eastern point for dramatic golden-hour photography.
• Kayaking through lagoons — Paddle a traditional banca or kayak through shallow turquoise waters to explore hidden coves and observe marine life in calm bays.

Food to try

• Fresh grilled grouper — Locally caught lapu-lapu fish grilled whole with sea salt and calamansi, a staple dish that showcases the island's daily seafood bounty.
• Kinilaw na isda — Raw fish cured in vinegar, calamansi, and coconut milk, prepared fresh by island residents using that morning's catch.
• Tinola na manok — Chicken soup with turmeric, ginger, and local leafy greens, a comforting dish commonly served in island lodges and barangay kitchens.
• Fried squid — Lightly battered and deep-fried local squid served with garlic mayonnaise or vinegar dipping sauce as a popular appetizer.
• Coconut rice — Rice cooked in fresh coconut milk, a typical carbohydrate staple that pairs with nearly every meal on the island.

Local customs & good to know

• Ask permission before photographing locals — Residents appreciate being asked before having their image taken, reflecting traditional respect for personal privacy and dignity.
• Hire a local guide for cave exploration — Using licensed local guides not only ensures your safety in underwater caves but directly supports the community's economy and conservation efforts.
• Respect marine sanctuary rules — The island's caves and waters are part of a protected marine reserve; follow all signage, don't touch coral, and take only photographs.
• Learn basic Surigaonon phrases — Speaking a few words in the local Visayan dialect shows respect and creates warm interactions with boatmen, guides, and homestay owners.

Nearby

• Surigao City — 26 km
• General Nakar — 45 km
• Lake Mainit — 55 km
• Butuan City — 76 km