Agusan del Sur is the 4th largest province of the Philippines blessed with vast agricultural lands and natural tourist spots. Several years back, the province attracted the attention of the crowd when the largest crocodile in the world ever measured was caught on Bunawan, lurking in Agusan River.
Since then, more people began to wonder about the tourist spots in the province. This leads travel enthusiasts to experience the amazing natural destinations in Agusan del Sur which includes wetlands, mountains, waterfalls, rivers and a lot more.
Moreover, travelers and adventurers who want to support the tourism of the province began exploring more places to visit. They found out pristine caves hidden in the jungles and several promising tourism sites.
Agusan del Sur is a fertile landlock province where the famous Agusan River is almost at its center. The river flows from south to north which seems to divide the land. Forest-clad mountain ranges are positioned on its western and eastern sides forming a valley at its central area.
This province belongs to Caraga Region in Mindanao and is being surrounded by its neighboring provinces of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. Over 700,000 residents here speak in mainly Cebuano, Manobo, Filipino and English languages. The town of Prosperidad serves as its capital.
For you to have a glimpse of the its natural beauty, check out the most popular tourist spots in Agusan del Sur below.
1. Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo courtesy of iamadobojourney
A tour in Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary would be a very unique and unforgettable experience in Agusan del Sur. It is considered as one of the most ecologically significant wetlands in the Philippines encompassing about 14,000 hectares of interconnecting rivers, channels, lakes, swamp forests and hydrophytic plants.
The marsh has been a habitat of freshwater fishes and turtles all year round. Moreover, astonishing number of ducks come in the marsh to nest during rainy season. While thousands of wild birds flocks from other countries to find refuge away from ice-cold winter winds during rainy season.
Aside from bird-watching, sightseeing, cruising with a dug-out canoe, and possible swimming, you’ll also get to experience the life and culture of the Manobo Tribe. They are living on floating houses as a community. Contact the Banawan Tourism Center if you are planning to visit here.
Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
2. Mount Magdiwata
Photo courtesy of rikameeey03
Mount Magdiwata is one of the tourist spots in Agusan del Sur, a favored trekking destination among the locals and foreign mountaineers. Standing about 592 meters above sea level, it is a beautiful sight to behold especially in the town of San Francisco. Most trekkers reach the summit plateau in just one day where it offers beautiful views of Agusan Marsh and some part of the province.
Cloaked with tropical rainforest, this mountain is a sanctuary of wild animals such as Philippine deers, monkeys and tarshiers. The springs and creeks found on the mountain serve as sources of potable water in the province.
Mount Magdiwata is situated in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
3. Bega Falls
Photo courtesy of wanderingguro
Bega Falls is considered as one of the most amazing waterfalls in the entire province of Agusan del Sur. It is a 4-tier falls of refreshing and cold waters hidden in the jungles of the province. Each falls has its own catch basin good for swimming. However, the first tier or the topmost waterfall is the most impressive of them all. The water cascades on the gigantic limestone boulder down the wide basin below. Picnicking, swimming and cliff-jumping are the best things to do here.
To reach the waterfalls, you must register first at the Barangay Hall. Then a 30 to 45 minutes descent hike following an established trail leading to the falls. Make sure to wear hiking shoes.
Bega Falls is located in Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
4. Tugonon Falls
Photo courtesy of Jackie Besas
Tugonon Falls is also one of the known destinations in the province of Agusan del Sur. The water cascades on both sides of a boulder that looks like a huge block. The flat surface at the top could be a very ideal spot for cliff-jumping, it is recommended to ask the locals for safe spots. It has also a wide and deep basin suitable for swimming.
The falls is surrounded by lush trees, plants and wild orchids. The name of the falls is derived from the word “tugon”, which means remind. Perhaps, it is to remind people to take care of mother nature.
Tugonon Falls is situated in Barangay San Lorenzo, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
5. Gibong River
Photo courtesy of Kurt Morris Rojas
Gibong River is just one of the ideal destinations in Agusan del Sur for river cruising. It is a wide and calm river with abundant greenery on its banks. If you are one of those nature lovers and seeks serenity, surely this destination should not be missed. This river is also a source of water irrigation to more than 6,000 hectares of rice fields in its nearby municipalities and serves as the only gateway to Binaba Falls.
Gibong River is located in Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
6. Binaba Falls
Binaba Falls is a very refreshing falls where the crystal clear waters from springs and creeks cascades on a limestone boulder. It is positioned on the foot of a jungle-clan mountain of the province. It is not very known and less-visited but this is a favorite destination among the locals of the town. Visitors have to cruise down the Gibong River to reach the falls.
Binaba Falls is situated in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
7. Ongop Cave
Photo courtesy of proudlyagusandelsur
Ongop Cave is one of the best spelunking destinations in the province of Agusan del Sur. It is a very pristine cave less-known even in the neighboring provinces since it is hidden deep in the jungles. It has a huge opening and inside the cave, waters are coming from different directions but local drink it believing that it is a source of healing that cures different illnesses.
Amazing stalactites and stalagmite formations can be found in the cave. One of the most prominent formation is the “Golden Staircase“. In addition to the adventure, you have to trek approximately 3 hours to reach the mouth of the cave. Contact the Tourism Office of Prosperidad to arrange your adventure here.
Ongop Cave is located in Sitio Ongop, Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
8. Puting Buhangin Cave
Photo courtesy of James Paul Mascariñas
Another awesome caving destination in Agusan del Sur is the Puting Buhangin Cave. It is also full of amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations but this cave will give you both creeps and excitement if you are new to caving. It has a challenging terrain inside where you need to climb up and go down, pass through small openings, and some passageways demands you to submerge in the cold waters the half of your body up to your neck to be able to pass though.
Puting Buhangin Cave is situated in Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
9. Agusan Capitol Complex
The 200-hectare Agusan Capitol Complex is the seat of provincial government where the contemporary-designed capitol building is located. The best time to visit here is in mid-June since this marks the week-long celebration of the Naliyagan Festival. You can witness the indigenous tribes showcase their cultural music, graceful dance performances and native products. Socio-cultural events are being held in this complex specifically in the Naligayen Cultural Center.
Agusan Capitol Complex is located in Barangay Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
10. Giant Toog Tree
Photo courtesy of jamesrondal
The Giant Toog Tree is one of the iconic landmarks of Agusan del Sur. This is considered as the tallest tree in the Philippines standing about 65 meters high, 3.6 meters in diameter and estimated to be more than 300 years old. It is said that decades ago, woodcutters are unable to cut down the tree using axes and manual saws due to its thick trunks. Even a typhoon failed to bring this tree down. The tree is found roadside that makes it a perfect stop-over destination among motorcycle riders and curious visitors.
Giant Toog Tree is situated in Barangay Algeria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
