The History of Tourism free essay sample

A popular folklore says that the name â€Å"Socorro† was delived from the Spanish priest’s plea for â€Å"help† when the sailboat he was boarding with his church worker-companions was about to capsize due to gigantic waves brought about by the coming thunderstorm while approaching towards the sitio to officiate mass on a Sunday morning in 1920 . The said priest and company were saved by the brave men of the place who rushed to the scene notwithstanding the wrath of nature. Such heroic acts prompted the priest to name the place â€Å"Socorro† in honor of the fearlessness of the men and as a way of paying tribute to the populace who were willing to offer help and assistance to others even in times of danger. Since then, the sitio, which was converted into a barrio, rose from a sleepy settlement into a progressive locality. On February 22, 1961. Socorro was granted the status of a municipality with the entire Bucas Grande Island as its jurisdiction with the signing of Executive Order No. We will write a custom essay sample on The History of Tourism or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 219 by then President Diosdado Macapagal. Socorro, same as with other places, had a history to be proud of. But unlike its contemporaries, Socorro’s history is written in blood. A group with religious proclivity called the Cofradia de Sagrado Corazon de Jesus settled in the island in 1917 from Maasin,Leyte. The earlier settlers joined the group. But the leader of the Cofradia broke up with the oman Catholic Church and joined the Iglesia Filipina Independiente in 1923. The enraged Catholic priest in Dapa reported to the Provincial Constabulary Command in Surigao that a colorum group in the island will rebel against the government. A troop was sent to the island but committed atrocities and the islanders retaliated. A military mission was sent from Dapa and some members were killed. Another encounter occurred in January 1924 resulting to the death of 16 soldiers and 40 local men. The American colonial government later sent men to attack and later negotiated the surrender of the local combatants. The municipality is composed of fourteen (14) barangays covering an area of 12,445 hectares. The town proper located in the eastern side of the island nestles tranquilly along the seashore of a bay where one can behold the first ray of sunlight arising out of the bosom of the Pacific Ocean in the wee hours of the morning. It has nine (9) comely natural attractions, with the Sohoton Lagoons emerging as the most popular, as well as three (3) man-made attractions that enticed a number of tourists to flock to the island. Its populace numbering 15,208 based on the 1995 census,are mostly immigrants from Leyte, Bohol, Cantilan and Tago towns in Surigao del Sur and Mainit and other towns of Surigao del Norte. The islanders are noted for nurturing and practicing the â€Å"Bayanihan† way of life, a proud legacy of their forebeas, whereunto, each and every socorronhon vow to uphold and pass on to the next generations. POCKET PROFILE Land Area: 12,445 has. Mun. Waters: 34,000 has. Population: 17,932 (2000 NSO survey) No. of Barangays: 14 Congressional District: District I, Surigao del Norte   Ã‚  Ã‚   Classification: 5th Class GEOGRAPHY The Municipality of Socorro, which comprises the whole island of Bucas Grande, province of Surigao del Norte, Caraga Region is situated at latitude 9? 33’ 49† – 9? 7’ 00† and longitude 125? 58’ – 126? 04’ 30†. It is 60 kms southeast of Surigao City. It faces the Pacific Ocean to the east (direct east towards Saipan), and the red mountain (Iron Mountain) of Mindanao in the west. In the north. It is bounded by the Municipality of Dapa (Siargao Island), and in the south by the Carrascal Cantilan peninsula and sea water. The Municipality has a total land area of 12,445 hectares. The Municipal Seawater of Socorro is estimated at 20,000 hectares. Its expense is situated at latitude 9? 32’ 15† – 9? 47’ 00† and longitude 125? 52’ 00?. How to get there? Pump-boat ride: Surigao to Socorro trip 12:30 noon at Pantalan #2 (daily) Dapa to Socorro Trip 7:30 – 8:00 A. M. (daily) 3:00 – 4:00 P. M. (daily) Cantilan to Socorro Trip 9:00 – 10:00 A. M. (daily) TOURIST ATTRACTIONS SITE ATTRACTIONS SOHOTON LAGOONS Maze of interconnected clear water pools clasped by karst hills of almost uniform shape. Most hill are thickly vegetated and wonderful water zoning like a city. Rock formation and caves along the waterways with some cultural importance. ROCK ISLANDS Scattered along the coast from Nakawit point to Poblacion Socorro. The rock island have Sculptural effect. Those with lush vegetation Have effect of dish gardens floating in the sea. WHITE BEACHES Intermittently Characterized the coast from Nakawit point to Socorro town center. Mostly Set againts karst cliffs with thick vegetation, Many are still intact forest. Some border deep Bays ATOYAY FARMSTEAD Communal housing units set-up by cooperatives amidst coconut and pineapple farm management has high human-interest value. Trails to mangrove area brook and revived forest. LIMESTONE FOREST Maybe the most accessible intact limestone forest in the country. Extra-ordinary biodiversity of plants. Shelter such endangered species like tarsier, hornbill, cockatoo, civet cat and sea hawk. LAKE There are 13 but 3 accessible. Clear water and surrounded by thick forest making these ideal trekking destinations. The three (3) are connected to the sea by underground channels and are reputed to shelter the the highly endangered salt-water crocodile. Unstudied physical and biological characteristics. COLORUM UPRISING Landmark Site of series of fighting Between the troops of American colonial Administration and native people . But the Landmark needs cleaning and sprucing up. MAGKAHUYOG FALLS the waterfall can be a beauty to see from the sea during rainy season when the stream flow is high. SPORTS FISHERIES Has good potential for small to medium size pelagic species (tuna and mackerels) and deeper water of about 20 to 25 miles of the island can yield large ones, marlins, dolphin and yellow fin tuna. MANGROVE AREAS The island is blessed with numerous Mangrove grown up to more than 40 feet High as big as a mature coconut tree. CAVES Numerous undiscovered / unknown caves. SOCORRO SWIMMING POOL A Swimming pool teemed with cool waters Source from multiple springs situated in the Scenic sitio tugop, Barangay Taruc Constructed through â€Å"Bayanihan System† In 1953 by Don Albino B. Taruc and Refurbished in 1997 under the leadership Of his son, Hon. Dominador L. Taruc, Incumbent vice-Mayor. It is perfectly understandable if you haven’t heard of Bucas Grande Island prior to reading this article. Information about Bucas Grande Island is commonly transmitted by word of mouth among locals and a few people who have visited its shores over the years. You can even say that it is a well-kept secret by those who wish to preserve this pristine paradise. And what a paradise Bucas Grande Islands truly is! Once you arrive at Bucas Grande Islands, it is like stepping into a world taken directly from imagination. Magnificent stretches of white beaches borders a picturesque landscape of islets, caves, waterfalls, and inland lakes that are deeply accentuated by lush green vegetation to give that feeling of an almost surreal tropical paradise. Bucas Grande Island is also designated as a national park registered as Sohoton Cove National Park. It was named Sohoton Cove after one of the numerous caves around the islands. To this day there are still caves that have yet to be discovered. So if you are up for some spelunking try the Sohoton Caves. Half-submerged, this cave is only accessible during low tides and features a lagoon inside which sparkles with bright reflections from the sun and illuminates the cave’s interior. Getting up close with a jellyfish is another rare experience you can have at Bucas Grande. You can go snorkeling at Tojoman or Jellyfish Lagoon which is home to millions of jellyfish. Don’t be alarmed by the jellyfish though. These particular species are non-stinging and are quite friendly and playful. With a little push from the Department of Tourism who want to develop Bucas Grande as an international tourist attraction, local businessmen have established facilities that can cater to the needs of both domestic and international travelers. The easiest way to get to Bucas Grande Islands is via Surigao City. From Surigao Airport you can get a ride to the City’s Pier 1 and then take a two-hour boat ride to Bucas Grande Island. Make your way to Bucas Grande Islands now and experience this peaceful virgin island in the Philippines Family Trip #5: Sohoton Cove, Jellyfish Sanctuary amp; the Hidden Garden  Resort Posted on  April 13, 2013  by  bukidnonoutdoors Standard Every two years, the Roque family (with the kids’ nannies in tow), embarks on a trip outside Bukidnon. Our history of family trips began in 2005. Before that, we usually had outings here at the farm (where we live) during Holy Week. However, in 2005, Grama and Grampa decided to bring us all for a trip to Boracay. That started the tradition of our family trips. These are the places our family has been to since this â€Å"tradition† started:  1)2005 – Boracay,  2)  2007 – Palawan,  3)  2009 – Camiguin,  4)  2011 – Pampanga amp; Subic (where we held a reunion with your Grampa’s siblings), and  5)  2013 – Surigao. During this trip, among the breath-taking sights of the Bucas Grande Islands, we explored and enjoyed three noteworthy places: Sohoton Cove, the Jellyfish Sanctuary, and the Hidden Garden Resort. Bucas Grande Islands  Ã‚  Bucas Grande Island is worthy to be called a tropical paradise. Thriving with crystal clear waters, hardwood trees (with ironwood in abundance), ornamental flowers, untouched vegetation and   bounded by fine white sands, and offshore islets dotting its surrounding waters, Bucas Grande Island is a natural wonder in itself. Its rocky islets, stalagmites and stalactites strewn caves, inland lakes, rock stacks, and pristine waters only illuminate this landscape that will surely transport you to another world. Sohoton Cove  Ã‚  Sohoton cove is situated in Bucas Grande Island, and is part of Siargao Island. The half submerged entrance is the only entrance and exit point in this blue lagoon and is only accessible during low tide. The cove is home to the  Hagukan Sea-Cave,  Magkuku-ob Cavern, and the  Dagongdong Wall. Hagukan (snoring) sea-cave is a cave which has a half-submerged, small entrance that is adorned with rock -oysters and whose ceiling is decorated with awe-inspiring stalactites. The  Magkuku-ob Cavern  offers a stunning display of mineral-encrusted stalactites and stalagmites. Once inside, a short climb brings you to a small make-shift platform where the brave of heart jump off 5-meters into the clear, blue waters below. Entrance to the Cove at high tide Inside the entrance to the Cove Magkuku-ob Cavern and jumping platform Dagongdong Wall Jellyfish Sanctuary  Ã‚  The Jellyfish Sanctuary is a landlocked region of the Bucas Grande group of islands. This placid lagoon, surrounded by islets is home to a huge population of non-stinging jellyfish called the Spotted Jellyfish or Lagoon Jellyfish whose scientific name is Matigias papua. To visit the jellyfish, tourists – only two people – ride on a small paddle boat (banca), paddled by a boat man who also acts as the guide. The bancas paddle some 10 minutes into the lagoon to be able to see these exquisite creatures. For several years, swimming with the jellyfish was a popular attraction among tourists. However this year, swimming with the jellies has been prohibited due to the decreasing number of jellyfish. It was later observed that injuries from getting snagged on life jackets or getting hit by paddling feet or hands, and the chemicals from sunscreen or sunblock lotion that tourists applied on their skin, was killing the jellyfish. This year, the Department of Tourism decided that tourists only be allowed to handle or touch the jellyfish for a few seconds so their delicate skin is not injured or affected by chemicals from sunscreen lotion. This proved to be the best and most unforgettable part of our trip. Hidden Garden Resort  Ã‚  The Hidden Island Resort at Bucas Grande is apt;y named. If you don’t know the place, it would be difficult to find as it is hidden behind a small island at the south western part of Bucas Grande Island in Siargao, Surigao. The resort was constructed at the side of an island with most of the buildings sitting on top of the water, forming an inverted letter C with both ends jutting out into the water. At one end is the Karaoke bar and the other end is a floating wharf with four covered kiosks at the edge. The waterfront teems with ocean wildlife and one is greeted by the different sea creatures that roams its depths as soon as you leave your room. Located between some of the walkways are huge fenced off â€Å"aquariums† that are home to some huge fishes, sharks and a giant sea turtle. Apart from these attractions, we also went island hopping, snorkelling and the ubiquitous past-time, swimming and shell hunting. This trip was a chance for us to experience the greatness of God’s creation and to teach RD about taking care of what God has created. We were also able to emphasize the importance of family and relationships. A bonus for the homeschooler is that these jaunts count as a field trip! 🙂 Sources: Enchanting Sohoton Cove of Bucas Grande gt;gt;  SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008 By Alfred A. Yuson We’ve all heard of how Siargao has been attracting surfers from all over the world, along with their groupies, and in their wake, photographers, sporting aficionados, waterworld freaks and trendy spectators who can’t be caught far behind whenever a fresh recreational haunt is spoken about. Why, Cloud 9 has entered the globetrotter’s lexicon as a famous surfing spot in Siargao — certainly an elevation from its original status as a brand name for a local chocolate bar that’s chewy but holds up well in tropical heat. After frequent forays to a sari-sari store that sold  Cloud 9, some surfers appropriated the name for the area where they loved the  breaking waves. Siargao takes pride of place in the view of  Surigao del Norte’s officialdom. It’s certainly a distinctive tourist come-on, and has only just begun a sunrise industry that also relies on white-sand beaches and a wondrous environment, other than surfing delights that are but seasonal. Still relatively unknown is another island that also bids fair to wondrous discovery and enchantment. Off the northeastern coast of Surigao del Norte, a two-hour boat ride south of Siargao, lies  Bucas Grande Island, officially under Siargao’s aegis but often overshadowed in the latter’s favor. Its main town of  Socorro  is home to a population of 21,000 farmers and fisherfolk. All around are clusters of isles and islets beckoning with lovely beach strips, lustrous coves and hidden lagoons. From the air, as a promotional poster sports its bird’s-eye-view attractions, Bucas Grande appears as an emerald maze of inlets and verdant forests. Accessibility poses a hindrance, keeping visitor volume low, thus far. Come July 21 2008, however, PAL Express restores its direct flights to  Surigao City  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s airport, making both Siargao and Bucas Grande within easier reach from  Manila  . Last week, we still had to take the afternoon flight to  Butuan, then motor for 2. 5 ours to Surigao City, where we lodged at the Tavern Inn — still being rehabilitated and expanded, but boasting of a fine restaurant, free WiFi, and capacious rooms that overlook a coastal boulevard with the sea right across, thus privy to splendid views of sunrise and sunset. It wasn’t until the following morning that we motored back down the highway to Claver, where a junction marker claims â€Å"The World’s Biggest Iron Mineral Deposit. † It takes 90 minutes by road from Surigao City to Bgy. Hayanggabon of Claver, from where the pumpboat ride to Bucas Grande takes only half an hour. A morning flight to Butuan would allow one to motor from the airport to Bgy. Bad-as of Placer town, only a 90-minute ride, and which also offers a proximate takeoff point for the island. As luck would have it, our mid-morn crossing rewarded us with a close encounter with a baby butanding or whale shark that was frolicking lazily along with a school of escort fish. As its fin suddenly came to view, the 10-foot-long gentle giant with the familiar white speckles met our boat headlong. We tried to slow down. It actually grazed the side of our boat, right under the outrigger, giving us a close-up view of its full shape. But the opportunity came too quickly and briefly for any image documentation. The fascinating creature simply moseyed along. Entering Sohoton Cove, the island’s major attraction, assured us that we were coursing into an idyllic habitat, with forested limestone mounds rising on all sides in a welcome embrace. Dominating the lush greenery were stands of a variety of agoho or casuarina that I’ve seen only in Mindanao , with curling leaf clusters that differentiate it from Luzon ’s agoho or the Benguet pine. Plentiful, too, was the Philippine ironwood, locally called magkuno, which is known to defy ordinary saws. When successfully cut, it makes good, hardy furniture. I hadn’t known that this remarkable tree sported radiant red flowers, not too many and quite small, until we glided close to some overhanging branches. Sohoton Cove has 13 inland lakes, with three of these considered accessible. They’re all part of the Sohoton Ecotourism Park , which is covered by a Protected Landscape and Seascape fiat. Awaiting us at the Robert â€Å"Bobby† Z. Barbers Visitors Center, a docking station on stilts on the water’s edge, was park rangers’ head Roger Pimentel, who welcomes visitors and collects all entrance and docking fees. He tells us how the eco-park’s splendiferous flora meet their match in the endemic exotic fauna, which include tarsiers, two kinds of hornbills or kalaw, the serpent eagle and white-breasted eagle,  green sea turtles, and 19 kinds of fruit bats! Visitors can choose among three types of boat and trek tours. Tour A, for seeing all the lakes and lagoons, costs P1,500. An additional P500 or P700 allows participation in Tours B and C, which include trekking through forest trails. The prime attraction is the elongated and seemingly endless Sohoton Cove, which leads to a point where a transfer is necessary from the large pumpboat to a smaller, low paddleboat. This allows entrance, but only during low tide, through a cavern opening to get to the Hidden Lagoon. Primeval is the look and feel of this extended maze of placid waterways that wind around limestone islets and outcroppings, with robust stalactites dropping towards the water’s calm surface. There are caves galore. One allows an intrepid swimmer to barely make it through a low-ceilinged opening and walk up a rocky passageway to a skylight that leads to a wooden platform, right on a ridge cleared of underbrush, for a dive back into the lagoon. Skimming around the water maze to marvel at crystal-clear waters, subterranean prospects and florid greenery takes about an hour, before the boatman finds another way to the same single entrance at low tide. Another come-on, this time man-made, officially opens next month. The high-end Club Tara Resort nestles at yet another cove’s end, where a breakwater creates a private  blue lagoon. A row of 10 newly-built suite-cottages stand at the lagoon’s edge, with balconies of wooden flooring featuring see-through glass for peering into the waters lapping at the concrete stilt-posts underneath. Each suite, which will go for about P10,000 a night, has a large air-conditioned bedroom that is elegantly finessed, with a California King-sized bed, a ref, cable TV and DVD features. The bathroom is strikingly charming, with flat black rocks covering the entire floor. At one end is a jacuzzi pool for two, bordered by a three-sided bay window that looks out into the blue lagoon. Majestic seduction is clearly spelled out. Eighteen-year-old Deven Joe Baculpo, nicknamed Jojo, is currently the resort’s all-around facilitator. He serves as a conceptualizer, designer, crafts artist, and when the resort opens, an entertainer. Influenced by the Talaandig tribe of Bukidnon, Jojo formed an indigenous percussion group called Kalsanon (meaning â€Å"native wildlife†) that used to perform at bars in Surigao City and Butuan. A fellow everyone calls Mr. Kang, a Korean visitor, was so impressed with his music and artistry with bamboo and wood that the young boy was pressed into service as a design consultant for the resort. Where Club Tara now stands used to be the modest resort Kwaknitan (a large bat), which had been set up by Dr. Potenciano Malvar and the Gen. Miguel Malvar Foundation. A friend of the good doctor, Mr. Kang offered to help upgrade the resort into a honeymooners’ getaway, presumably for Korean couples. There are plans to build more modest family cottages that will go for P2,500 a night. A divemaster is all set to open a dive center and chart the best diving sites around. A five-minute boat ride or 20-minute trudge up and down a green hill leads to Kanlunes Beach of fine, shimmering white sand. We had dinner and a long conversation with Governor Ace Barbers on our second and last night. The young, amiable fellow of striking good looks (nearly a dead-ringer for movie actor Albert Martinez, especially now that he sports more than a five-o’clock shadow), was both earnest and avid in sharing his plans for the province. Traditionally beholden to mining, Surigao del Norte has now embarked on an environmentalist thrust to promote eco-tourism. How can the two co-exist, we ask Gov. Ace. His answer is forthright. A balance can be struck, he confidently avers, provided that the provincial officials, led by him, do their part. The grand enchantment provided by  Siargao Island  and Bucas Grande Island alone, in particular the natural marvels of yet little-known Sohoton Cove, is guaranteed to keep Surigao del Norte on the good map as reflected on any global radar. THE JELLYFISH SANCTUARY OF BUCAS GRANDE ISLANDS September 20, 2011  By  Olan Emboscado  43 Comments Among the many breathtaking natural attractions that I have explored in the whole  Bucas Grande Islands, there is one magical place that until now bedazzled me. This place is called  Jellyfish  Sanctuary. Having toured to the key tourist spots in the whole islands, I thought I had seen enough. Truthfully, all these wonders of nature were captivating. But when our tour guide led us to the Jellyfish Sanctuary, everything seemed surreal. As if we were brought to the other world. Here’s the story. After our island tour at Bubon Group of Islets, we sailed back to Sohoton Reception Center. It was already late afternoon. Upon reaching the Center, we were told that we will be transferring to small paddleboats in going to the Jellyfish Sanctuary. Motorized boats are strictly not allowed getting inside the whole sanctuary. The small paddleboats can carry two passengers and a boatman. In my case, I was the only passenger. The sail going to the Jellyfish Sanctuary was out of the ordinary experience. The waters were calm. The whole environs were wrapped by tranquility I can hear the rowing of the paddles. The enigmatic chirping of various wild birds made the sail more exciting. I’ve tried boating in different places but this one was entirely surreal. The Entrance of the Jellyfish Sanctuary Nearing the mouth of the Sanctuary, my boatman named  Richmond  began narrating the story behind the mystical beauty of the Jellyfish Sanctuary. I learned from him that some years ago the whole place was originally inhabited by multitude of  sea urchins  locally known as  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Tujom†Ã‚  hence they formerly called the place  Tujoman. One day, for some unknown reason, this huge number of sea urchin dwelling at Tujoman began disappearing until none of them was left. As days gone by, a smack of jellyfishes began congregating the place. It was becoming a larger group and local folks began noticing. Soon, the locals found out that these jellyfishes dwelling in the waters of Tujoman were non-stinging. The smack of jellyfishes grew into a great number. It even multiplied to millions of jellyfishes permanently dwelling in the place. Soon after, they called the place â€Å"The Jellyfish Sanctuary†. They later opened the place for tourists but intense protection and preservation of the Sanctuary were maintained. Limestone forests abounds inside the Jellyfish Sanctuary As we enter the opening of the Jellyfish Sanctuary, there was one thing I instantly noticed about the place. There was a profound tranquility that enveloped the whole environs. Everything that I see there was filled with calmness and peace. It was a very contagious serenity I can feel it inside me. The first jelly fish that i saw made me shout in amazement. Sailing forward, jellyfishes began to appear in the waters. I shouted in amazement seeing the very first jellyfish that appeared in the waters. Another smack of jellyfishes we passed by. And then another. And another. As we moved towards the very heart of sanctuary, multitude of jellyfishes surrounded our boats. Again, I felt I was on another planet. This was surreal. Slowly, I was beginning to get emotional. Teary-eyed, I looked around praising and admiring such a spectacular body of water fully inhabited by millions of stunning jellyfishes. Sitting at the edge of the boat, I noticed a smack of jellyfish flocking around out tiny vessel. I learned from Richmond that jellyfishes here are naturally friendly. They even come closer when boats are coming in. Since these creatures are non-stinging, I excitedly caught one jellyfish out of the water and held it in my hands. As soon as I felt its texture and seen its form, I let go of it. Richmond told me jellyfishes can only last for ten seconds out of the water. So, I had to put it back. I had to admit I fear jellyfishes. They are noted to be stingingly perilous. But the jellyfishes of the Bucas Grande Islands are non-stinging and friendly. They even came closer towards us. It seemed they wanted play around with us. They were so welcoming. I put my hands in the waters at once and they came nearer. They were like wonderful pets. Amazing creatures. Before the sundown, the group started to leave the Sanctuary. All of us left the place charmed and amazed by what we saw. In my case, I felt overly joyous having experienced such tremendous encounter with the jellyfish. I was very lucky too that my boatman Richmond was kind and smart enough to tell me everything I want to know about the Sanctuary. After all, it is one of their prides. This is ME with a non-stinging jellyfish in my hands. Having gone and experienced this unique adventure with the Jellyfishes of Bucas Grande Islands, I felt another dream of mine has realized. I used to dream of going to the island nation of  Palau  and swim with the jellyfishes at the  Jellyfish Lake of Eil Malk  but now I need not to go out of the country to fulfill this bizarre experience. My  beautiful island of the  Philippines now boasts the Jellyfish Sanctuary of Bucas Grande Islands that is undeniably a world-class natural attraction that can definitely put all tourists, local and foreign alike, in so much awe and amazement like those in Palau. Me and travel buddies amazed by the enchanting Charms of the Jellyfish Sanctuary. My closest encounter with jellyfish at the Sanctuary is the highlight of my  Bucas Grande Island Exploration. Other natural wonders of the Island are indisputably attractions to behold. But experiencing Jellyfish Sanctuary is absolutely an exceptional experience. It is commendable and worth to experience again. If given a chance, I shall back there and swim and play with the jellyfishes again. Meet Richmond, my gracious boatman. Many thanks. Experiencing Jellyfish Sanctuary of the Bucas Grande Islands is the final stop of my Bucas Grande Island Exploration. Jellyfish Lake Philippine Version – Where Is It? A  Jellyfish Lake, the local version of which is called Jellyfish Kingdom, is one of the emerging  natural attractions  and  tourist spots  frequented by  island vacations  lovers situated in a  seaside lagoon  with  crystal clear water  within the vicinity of the Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. Jellyfish Lake Philippine Version – Why Visit The Tourist Spot? As local and foreign tourists are rolling into Bucas Grande Island, my family-owned and operated Island Vacations Travel and Tours had finally started its business with a group of 11 combined guests from Panabo City, Davao del Norte and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur in Mindanao Island, Philippines as our maiden clients. During our email correspondence, I advised the group leader to spend one full day in order to savor the beauty of the island. And true to my suggestion, they came in time for the past 4-day respite courtesy of the 2-day holiday in addition to the usual 2-day weekend break. After checking in at the Island Vacations Country Inn, we escorted the group for a 2-hour swim at the Puyangi White Sand Beach. At exactly 4:00 in the afternoon, we proceeded to the Kapihan View Park to catch-up the sunset and engage into sightseeing and stargazing activities. Back into the town center, the group went on a sunrise photography session at the feeder port . After breakfast, we proceeded to the Sohoton area doing island hopping and adventure diving at Sohoton Cove, boating at Tiktikan Lagoon and caving at Crystal Cave. We then proceeded to the Jellyfish Lake of Bucas Grande, dubbed locally as Jellyfish Kingdom, before strolling at the majestic Club Tara Resort. As all, except 2, of the mentioned destinations were already featured in my previous blog posts, I will be discussing in detail the Jellyfish Kingdom trip while the caving adventure will be featured in my future post. From the Sohoton Tourist Assistance Center,we were supposed to ride on small paddle boats with a maximum capacity of 2 persons per boat, excluding the paddler, towards the Jellyfish Kingdom. Nevertheless, the sea current was swift by that time due to the onset of high tide, hence, we opted to ride on a pump boat. On board our rented boat, we maneuvered at the narrow passage leading to the Jellyfish Kingdom . . . The tour guide expertly maneuvering the frontal section of the pum boat as it entered the narrow passage of the Jelly Fish Kingdom The area may not be comparable to the famous Jellyfish Lake in Palau as it is not exactly a lake but a lagoon with a constricted entrance. . . The azure waters of the Jellyfish Kingdom with its surrounding verdant hills. . Seen from a distance, the minute lagoon seemed to be just an ordinary scenery but as we moved forward, I had proven to myself that millions of golden jellyfish were really lurking beneath the crystal clear water. I then briefed the group that the underwater creatures surrounding us actually belong to a jellyfish specie who do sting but their stings are too mild to feel, hence, they were often referred to as non-stinging jellyfish. One of our guests enjoyed staying afloat on the water surrounded by golden jellyfish.