A magnificent view of the coast of Caraga from a high promontory.

Other than the Spanish era stone church and Pusan Point, there is not much left to do in the town of Caraga. But on a clear and calm morning, at a promontory just near the church, this beautiful view of the coast and villages is just breathtaking. The sea is clean. Fishermen are coming back to land with their catch and a few waves slowly approaching the coastline draws a moving white line.

There are lodging houses here but the ones found at the town center are sometimes not available. It is better to use the government owned guest house but if you’re all alone, the place looks scary. But it is cheap. The caretaker offered it to me (no receipts) for just P250 for a night in a big room with toilet and bath. As for food, there are several eateries or carinderias around. If you’re not particularly sure of the suitability of the meal, buy canned food and have it cooked.

One of the chapels found in the town.

One of four chapels in the municipality that folks here say are century old. However, looking at the structure, I’m more inclined to believe that historically, these visitas are more than a hundred years old but the structures are not.

The transport terminal for trips in and out of Caraga.

The terminal where one can catch a bus, van or jeep bound for Mati, Davao or up north to Tandag in Surigao del Sur. Public vehicles come few and it pays to ask around for schedules of departures.

The often crowded and inconvenient but faster ride is via a VHIRE or van for hire.

If you want a faster ride going back to Mati or Davao which can just take a few hours compared to taking the jeep, be prepared for a crowded and sometimes hot ride as the air conditioning is not always working. On a sunny day, the roads are very dusty that you come out of the vehicle covered with complementary face powder.

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger, freelance photographer and writer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has contributed to local and international publications including CNN Go, National Geographic Magazine, Geo (Germany), Sunday Times Magazine (London) and other publications.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.