Summer is already here and what better way to spend it than to explore the 7,107 beautiful islands of the Philippines – or at least four of it.
Surigao del Sur is not just home to the captivating Enchanted River and Tinuy-an Falls. It is also home to another best-kept secret: the Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin.
Britania Group of Islets
If you think only the Hundred Islands scattered in the seas of Pangasinan are worth your time, then you might want to explore the Britania Islets located in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. Though they are smaller in number, 24 islets all in all, they certainly do not fall short when it comes to the natural wonders they have to offer.
What to Expect in Britania
Britania Group of Islands is derived from the Greek word “Prettanike” or “Brettanai” which means “a collection of islands with individual names”. The group of islands is composed of four major islands – Buslon Island, Hagonoy Island, Naked Island and Hiyor-Hiyoran Island – as well as a few smaller ones such as the Paglangagan Islands.
Island Hopping at Britania Group of Islets
An island hopping tour around Britania varies depending on which islands are visited. A trip to Buslon Island costs about 800 pesos for 10 to 15 people. Visiting the four major islands will cost 1,500 pesos while checking all islands in Britania will cost 2,000 pesos.
What can you expect from a tour around the Britania Group of Islands?
Hagonoy Island
Hagonoy Island is pretty similar to Naked Island – the only difference is that it has a few coconut trees bundled on one side so it is not fully ‘naked’. This is usually the first stop when you do island hopping at Britania.
Naked Island
Naked Island features a white sandbar with no shade – thus the name. Going there will remind you of visiting White Island in Camiguin only this one is much wider during low tide and more breathtaking. So if you are planning to stay here longer, don’t forget to put sunblock.
Buslon Island
Buslon Island is the largest in the group and is usually the most packed with visitors. The island boasts of beautiful limestone formations like that in El Nido. It also has a cross and a statue of the Virgin Mary at the side.
Hiyor-Hiyoran Island
Hiyor-Hiyoran Island, just like the other smaller islets in Britania, is mushroom-shaped but has a sliver of sand on one side lined with coconut trees. The island is also full of starfish and sea urchins – so be careful!
Fresh Seafoods at Britania
Aside from the beach bumming, you can also try fresh seafoods at Hiyor-Hiyuran island.
Other islands in Britania include the Panlangagan Island, Minasingin Island, Litik Island, Malingin Island and Isla Verde Island. They look like green-mushrooms – or cupcakes with green frosting on top – and can usually be accessed by walking during low tide.
Where to Stay at Britania:
La Entrada Beach Resort
Contact number : 0930 227 5934
La Entrada Beach Resort
Mc Arthur’s Place
Contact number: 09999910845 / 09399168917
Arena Blanca Britania Beach Resort
Contact Number : 0932 870 8968
For more information you can contact the tourism multi-purpose center of Britania here 09985415452 or 09399178741
How to Get to Britania Group of Islands
Getting to the area is a five-hour ride from Davao City or a three-hour ride from Butuan City. Visitors can take either a private vehicle or public transportation.
To get to the area, simply get off at the Salvacion Junction in San Agustin. The port going to Britania is still around 2.8 kilometers away and can be reached via tricycle or habal-habal. This ride should take around 10 to 15 minutes.
About the Author: WayPH
Keiser, thank you so much !!! We had a great time . We were 12 in the group from NC with 9 young people – of course with all the energy they had a blast. Everything was coordinated well . Thank you also for our driver- Dom , for bringing us safe back and forth to Davao.
Daghang Salamat !!!! God bless!!!