Things To Do
in Caraga
Caraga (Region XIII) occupies the northeastern corner of Mindanao and is a mix of rugged coastline, lush lowland marshes and forested mountains. The region is best known for world-class surf spots on Siargao, spectacular waterfalls like Tinuy-an, pristine coves such as Sohoton and the unique Agusan Marsh wildlife sanctuary. Local life blends Visayan/Cebuano-speaking settlers with indigenous groups (Manobo, Mamanwa) and island communities, giving the area a rich cultural palette and varied cuisines based on seafood and coconut.
Caraga is less developed for mass tourism than other Philippine hotspots, which makes it ideal for travelers seeking nature, outdoor adventure and authentic local encounters.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic town of Butuan, where you can explore the Balay Ni Mayang Museum to learn about the rich history of the region. Stroll around the site of the Butuan's ancient Balanghai boats, where you can imagine the vibrant trading culture of centuries past. Enjoy a traditional Filipino breakfast at a local eatery, sampling fresh lumpia and coffee.
After lunch, head to the Butuan Cathedral, an architectural gem that reflects the cultural blend of influences in the area. Take a leisurely walk around the town plaza, where you can interact with friendly locals and shop for handmade crafts. As the sun begins to set, visit the Agusan River to witness the stunning views and the importance of the river in the local culture.
Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties such as kinilaw and grilled seafood. Experience the local nightlife by visiting a bar with live music, where you can enjoy a mix of traditional and modern Filipino songs. Reflect on your day while enjoying the warm, inviting atmosphere of Butuan.
Wake up early and head to the beautiful beaches of Siargao Island, known for its stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters. Begin with a refreshing swim in the ocean or enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore, taking in the serene surroundings. Afterward, grab breakfast at a beachfront café, where you can enjoy fresh fruit and local pastries.
Spend your afternoon trying out various water sports such as paddle boarding or jet skiing, making the most of the vibrant marine life and beautiful scenery. If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for a surfing lesson and ride the famous Cloud 9 waves with the guidance of experienced instructors. Take a break for lunch at a beachside shack, indulging in freshly caught seafood.
As evening approaches, relax on the beach with a cocktail in hand, watching the stunning sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. Enjoy a beach barbecue dinner with fellow travelers, sharing stories and laughter under the stars. End your night dancing on the sand to local Filipino music, embracing the laid-back island vibe.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍚Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / hostel per night | $10-30 |
| ⛴️Island-hopping day tour | $15-50 |
| 🚕Local tricycle / short jeepney ride | $0.20-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural attractions (surf, waterfalls, lagoons) with fewer crowds than other tourist hotspots.
- Rich cultural mix including indigenous communities and seafood-forward cuisine.
- Great value for money — affordable food, tours and accommodation.
- Diverse outdoor activities: surfing, island-hopping, wildlife watching and trekking.
- Infrastructure is limited in remote areas; travel between sites can be slow.
- Weather is unpredictable during the wet/typhoon season, affecting plans and transport.
- Medical and specialist services are concentrated in a few cities — remote healthcare is basic.
- Connectivity (mobile data/Internet) can be spotty outside main towns.
- "Kumusta?" - How are you? / Hello
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Palihug" - Please (Cebuano)
- "Asa ang ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Pila kini?" - How much is this?
- "Pwede bayaran gamit ang card?" - Can I pay by card?
- "Tubig o kape?" - Water or coffee?
Places to Visit in Caraga
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic curved boardwalk and surf break perfect for sunrise/sunset surf shots, dramatic wave action and surfer portraits.
Broad multi-tiered waterfall with strong, curtain-like flows; excellent for wide landscape shots and long-exposure water effects.
Crystal-blue spring with surreal color contrasts — great for close-up water reflections and portrait photography.
Limestone islets, caves and clear waters; excellent for underwater, cave and island landscape photography.
Misty mornings, mangrove reflections and wildlife (birds, water buffalo) — ideal for nature and bird photography.
Cluster of white-sand islets with turquoise shallows — perfect for aerial/drone shots and island-hopping panoramas (check local drone rules).
Food in Caraga
Caraga Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A ceviche-style dish of raw fish or seafood 'cooked' in vinegar or citrus with ginger, onion and chili — widely available at markets and seaside carinderias.
Must-Try!
Soft sweet or savory filled buns popular in Surigao City; often sold at bakeries and perfect for takeaway snacks.
Freshly caught tuna, squid and shellfish simply grilled and served with rice and dipping sauces — a staple in coastal towns and beachside shacks.
Light broths made with local fish, native greens and ginger — comfort food commonly cooked in homes and local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market with fresh seafood, tropical fruits and pastel stalls; great for buying snacks and trying street offerings like grilled skewers and fried fish.
Small market in the surf town where you can find fresh catch, local baked goods, and street food snacks popular with surfers and travelers.
Provincial markets offering river fish, mollusks and regional produce — ideal for sampling regional specialties and street eats like banana cue and turon.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use friendly greetings (a smile and 'Kumusta?' / 'Hello') and show respect to elders. Using 'po' or polite language in Tagalog is appreciated in formal situations, and addressing people by titles (Ate / Kuya) is common.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural communities, and remove shoes where locals request it. Public displays of anger or loud confrontation are frowned upon.
If visiting indigenous communities or private barangays, always ask permission first, follow guide instructions and respect local customs regarding photography, gifts and behavior.
Avoid littering, use reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling and follow park rules — communities rely on clean beaches and waters for livelihood.
Safety
Tipping in Caraga
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; many restaurants add a small service charge (5–10%). For local guides, boat crews and drivers, tipping a small amount (PHP 50–200 / $1–4) is customary if service was good.
Cash (Philippine peso) is king, especially in rural towns and markets. ATMs are available in provincial centers (Butuan, Surigao, Siargao) but can run out; credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants and shops in tourist hubs but not reliably in remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Driest and generally sunniest months with cooler breezes from the northeast (especially Nov–Feb). Best time for island-hopping, beach activities and most comfortable travel conditions.
Higher rainfall, frequent squalls and an elevated risk of typhoons—some ferries and remote services may be canceled. Inland rivers swell and some waterfalls are most impressive after rains, but travel disruptions are more likely.
Siargao sees its biggest swells during late monsoon months (often Aug–Nov), drawing surfers for bigger waves; expect more visitors and higher surf-related prices.
Caraga at Night
Hiking in Caraga
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the region’s higher peaks — multi-day trek through forested slopes offering panoramic views; hire local guides and prepare for humid, tropical trekking conditions.
Short coastal walks and ridge trails on islands provide scenic viewpoints, beach access and opportunities for sunrise/sunset photography.
Boardwalks and guided trails through wetlands for birdwatching and learning about marsh ecology — ideal for easy, educational hikes.
Airports
How to reach Caraga by plane.
Main airport serving Butuan and Agusan provinces with regular domestic flights to Manila and Cebu; good gateway for Agusan Marsh and inland sites.
Serves General Luna and Siargao Island with flights from Manila, Cebu and other regional hubs—fastest option for reaching Siargao surf areas.
Small domestic airport near Surigao City providing convenient access to northern Caraga and ferry connections to nearby islands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of the population in many coastal and urban areas speak Cebuano (Visayan) and form the dominant cultural-linguistic group.
Indigenous communities live in upland and forested zones with distinct cultural traditions, languages and practices; many maintain traditional livelihoods.
Populations on islands such as Siargao and Dinagat rely on fishing, tourism and boat transport and have a strong maritime culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the Philippines and Caraga — local courts and community games are a common sight.
Siargao is a global surfing destination with contests, lessons and a strong surf culture centered around Cloud 9 and nearby breaks.
Both commercial and sport fishing are important local activities; many visitors enjoy recreational fishing and boat trips.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Caraga.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited outside larger towns; order vegetable stews, coconut-based dishes, rice meals and fruit. Communicate clearly (use 'vegetarian' or 'wala’y karne' in Cebuano) and carry snacks when traveling to remote areas.
Vegan choices are possible with coconut-based dishes and fresh fruit but gluten-free options may be scarce; discuss restrictions at mid-range restaurants and choose simple grilled or steamed dishes.
Seafood dominates many menus — always inform cooks of allergies in advance and stick to trusted restaurants in bigger towns to reduce cross-contamination risks.