Your Complete Travel Guide in Laswitan Lagoon, Cortes, Surigao del Sur (updated 2020)

You have probably heard about Laswitan Lagoon in Surigao del Sur. This is my first time traveling solo 😉 and a friend of mine suggested this place as he has seen it on TV. I have seen it on Facebook but I didn’t know that Laswitan Lagoon was so sweet, enchanting, spectacular, and fascinating! LOL, I can say a lot of adjectives for this place. At first, I was kinda nervous (probably thrilled or too excited) hearing the strong winds and roaring waves of Laswitan lagoon but when I see the entire view, I was in awe – I could almost cry.

Laswitan Lagoon Quick Facts

  • Laswit is a Visayan word which means “Talsik” or Splash
  • Also known as Laswitan lagoon
  • Limestones height: 30ft – 40ft; Waves can reach up to 60 ft
  • Facing the Pacific Ocean
  • Strong wave during Northeast Monsoon (Amihan). But according to the locals, it’s best to see it in October to March.
  • According to the stories of the locals, the big limestones served as a hiding place of some Filipinos during the Japanese occupation.
  • Is it safe? Well, water is uncontrollable, so I may say it’s not safe. They already placed a bouncer barrier for safety. For me, it’s really not safe to be in the limestones as the amount of water that pours into it cannot be determined.

How to Get to Laswitan Lagoon in Cortes, Surigao del Sur

From Davao City to Surigao del Sur

  • Go to Davao City Overland Transport Terminal.
  • Look for Bachelor Express bus line that is bound to Tandag City (Surigao del Sur). Be confident to ask around if you feel you’re lost 😉
  • Based on my experience, aircon bus leaves at exactly 11:30 pm. Yes, they leave at their scheduled time.
  • Fare: ~P550
  • Travel Time: ~8 hours
  • Once in Tandag City terminal,
  • You can ride a multicab bound to Cortes.
  • Fare: P40; Travel Time: 1 hour. During your travel bound to Laswitan, you’ll see pacific ocean view and of course, lots of luscious green.
  • You can then ride habal-habal from the town proper, P40 per way. Travel time, 15-20 minutes.
  • If you’re planning to stay the whole day, you can ask for the driver’s contact number so you can contact them to pick you up. Otherwise, you can ask them to wait for you. Be generous enough to give tip 🙂
  • Heads up! Road to Laswitan is rough, just be prepared. If it’s raining, expect muddy road.

Coming from Manila or Other Country

If you’re coming from Manila, you have to book a flight bound to Davao City. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines fly to Davao daily.

If you’re coming from other countries, you have to book a flight to Manila. Then from Manila to Davao or Butuan. Otherwise, if your destination has a direct flight to Davao or Butuan, you can take it.

 Once you get there, you’ll see this:

Laswitan lagoon barangay ordinance

Laswitan lagoon barangay ordinance

Laswitan Lagoon Barangay Ordinance:

  1. 5-15 years old: P10
  2. 16 years old and above: P20
  3. Cottage rental P200.00
  4. Table rental P100.00
  5. No Smoking
  6. No Littering
  7. Climbing the limestone is prohibited
  8. Leave no garbage!
Kids playing at Laswitan Lagoon

Kids playing at Laswitan Lagoon

It's just me waiting for the splash

It’s just me waiting for the splash

Accommodation in Laswitan Cortes

Well, this was just my side trip. My accommodation was at Barangay Britania in San Agustin Surigao del Sur (2.5 hours away from Laswitan Lagoon). The nearest accommodation that you can book will be in Tandag City (which is approximately 1.5 hours away from Laswitan Lagoon).

Check out Agoda website for accommodation in Tandag City or nearby areas.

If you know any accommodation, please leave your comments below so it can help other travelers. Alternatively, you can ask the locals where to stay but of course, booking in advance is way better.

Travel Tips

  • Bring lots of cash (no ATM, you’ve been warned!), in small denomination as much as possible.
  • Always be polite, people here are kind and accomodating
  • Bring your own food and leave no trace of dirt anywhere!
  • Prior to your trip, advise your love ones that you’ll go to a place that has a very very weak data and network signal or no signal at all.
  • Feel mother earth, don’t hurt her
  • Don’t ask for discounts
  • Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Note: My travel date was in January 2017. Fares might have changed a little bit. After pandemic, we will all travel again! 

Have you been in Laswitan Cortes? Feel free to share your experience in the comment section below. Or perhaps you have questions? I’ll be happy to answer it as much as I can. Thanks for dropping by.

One Response

  1. Rod Angeles June 9, 2020

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