So you’re looking for something exciting to see and experience in Surigao del Sur, eh? One place I would recommend is the Britania Group of Islands in Barangay Britania San Agustin.
Quick Facts about Britania Group of Islands
- Located in Barangay Britania, (next to Barangay Salvacion) San Agustin, Surigao del Sur Philippines
- Also known as Britania Islets
- Group of 24 islands/islets
- It has 4 major islands that you can visit
- Not populated, has crystal clear water, powdery white sands
- The tourism office staff are all nice!
Top 3 Things to Do in Britania Group of Islands
Island Hopping
There are four major islands that you can visit and enjoy. These are Hagonoy Island, Naked Island, Boslon Island, and Hiyor-hiyoran Island. See my shots below
Eat fresh and super yummy seafood
Hiyor-hiyoran island was our destination for lunch. This is where the locals get fresh seafood
Photo Op
All spots are Instagrammable. Whatever island you visit, all shots will definitely be beautiful!
How to Get There
From Manila to Davao – by airplane (book a flight with Cebu Pacific), it took 1 hour and 45 minutes (but if you’re coming from another country, you can book a flight directly to Davao. If none, you should book a flight bound to Manila first.
Davao Airport to Overland Transport terminal – by Grab, 1 hour, I spent ~PHP 200
From Davao Overland Transport Terminal, look for Bachelor Express bus lines that are bound to Tandag City. Please note that they leave at exactly 11:30 pm and their next trip will be the next day. Ask the collector or driver to drop you off at Salvacion. I’ve arrived at around 7 am in Salvacion.
Ask the habal habal driver to bring you to the Tourism Office. Alternatively, you may book at La Entrada hotel so the tricycle driver will just drop you off at that hotel. Note that it’s best if you book in advance.
In my case, I didn’t have a hotel booking, but anyway, the tricycle driver was so nice that he recommended a cheap accommodation. It’s Joan’s beach resort (they don’t have a website though). I checked in, took some rest as the travel time was so tiring but I’m telling you, when you see the beach and islets plus the mountains, it’s so relaxing! 🙂
I didn’t rent a boat (for island hopping) right away as it was raining that day. Boat rental costs PHP1,500, this is good for 15 persons. But since I was alone, I waited for some travelers so I can join them, hence, I will be able to save some bucks. The weather wasn’t good so I just stayed at the resort for a few hours, took some pictures and enjoyed the fresh air. At 1 pm, though it was raining (light rain though) I decided to visit Laswitan which is 2.5 hours away from Britania. I already wrote a travel guide for Laswitan, this was my side trip.
The following day, the sun was shining and I’m ready to go island hopping! I went to the Tourism Office and ask them if I can join other tourists or travelers. After 30 minutes, they found 2 travelers and asked them if I can join. Luckily, they agreed. Yay! So each of us paid PHP500.
Let these pictures speak and show you how beautiful, majestic, and breathtaking Britania Group of Islands is. Such a paradise!
Hagonoy Island
Unfortunately, due to not so good weather that day, we were not able to dock at the Naked Island but I took a picture of it
Naked Island
That small brown thing. We’re just kinda far from the Naked Island that’s why it looks too small. See how clear water is?
Boslon Island
The weather was kinda weird that day. Rain and shine! 🙂
And lastly,
Hiyor-hiyoran Island
This is where we had our lunch.
Even if the clouds are dark, you’ll see how relaxing this place is!
When you look up, you’ll see these amazing coconut trees
After 40 minutes to an hour. The sky clears. Awesome!
It’s such an unforgettable experience! I would highly recommend anyone to visit this paradise. If you have other places to visit in Surigao del Sur, this is a must-see, you can do island hopping in 4 to 6 hours.
And this is the number 2 of the top 3 things that you can do in Britania Group of Islands. Eat!
If you’re a budget traveler, you can bring your own food. But if you have some money, let’s support their livelihood on the island. 😉
Summary of my expenses
- P750 – boat plus food (we were 3 persons)
- P1000 – 24 hours stay at Joan’s Resort
- Tricycle/Habal-Habal – P80 (from Salvacion to Britania and vice-versa)
Please note that prices may have changed more or less twenty percent. After pandemic, when traveling for leisure is good, I’ll definitely go back here.
Have you been to this paradise in Surigao del Sur? Share your experience by leaving comments below. I would love to hear it. Or perhaps you have questions? Just let me know.