A Refreshing Dip at Songkoy Cold Spring | Tubod Surigao Del Norte, Philippines | The Frugal Traveler's Guide

Hello itinerants all over the world and steemit community! Howdy? It's been awhile since my last travel post and I am even more excited to share you the things I have been up to these past few days. It's another wonderful day to share you guys another wonderful experiences I had in Southern Philippines. I just feel like it's the perfect timing to make a post about it since summer is just around the corner here in the Philippines.

Ever since I always prefer going nature trips than anywhere else. If you do the same, just continue reading. I am bringing you today to one of the natural wonders that Southern Philippines has, the Songkoy Cold Spring. It is almost an hour drive from the city proper of Surigao. If you are from Cebu, you can go to Surigao via sea or air travel. There are two shipping lines which head to Surigao City namely the Medallion Shipping Lines Inc. and Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc. It's basically no more than 12 hour drive from the Queen City of the South. The ticket normally costs from 800.00 (15.4 US Dollar) - 1,000 (19.25 US Dollar) depending with the accommodation whether tourist or economy.

Upon arriving at Surigao City, there are vehicles just outside the sea port. Just a protip, always act like a local wherever you go so that no one could take advantage on you as a tourist. Normally if they think you are not from that place they will surely increase their rates. Just act like you've been to the place many times or you are originally live there. Going back, take a motorcycle or a cab going to SURIGAO BUS TERMINAL. The fare from the port to the bus terminal is only 10.00 pesos. Just another tip, they would surely let you pay all the seats in the motorcycle if they feel like you are a tourist so it's better to walk a little bit away from the port then just take another public vehicle going the terminal.

At the Bus terminal you look for a van for hire or a bus going to BUTUAN. The fare only costs 60.00 pesos (1.1514 US Dollar) one way. Just keep reminding the driver or assistant to alight you off at the Tubod Church. Then upon arrival, just look for a tricycle or motorbike that goes to the Spring.

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Tubod Church Surigao del Norte, Philippines

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This could be the easiest landmark that you can take note of. It's just along the highway. If it's your first time make sure to sit on right side of the bus closest to the window so that you can easily see this. It is still best to always remind the driver or his assistant to just alight you off your destination. I am not pretty sure if the church is still functional because when we went there it seemed not been used for a long time.

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The Winged Motorbike

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There they have this unique motorbike which most of them called as "butterfly" motorbike. This can actually accommodate 4-6 persons. This is the most common public transportation in the province. The fare going to Songkoy Cold Spring costs 20-30 pesos one way. I had tried this twice already but still I enjoyed this a lot. If you want a unique and more exciting ride, I suggest you to try this.

This only takes 10-15 minutes away from the highway. I can say that after a tiring road trip, everything will be worth it upon reaching the spring. It's very natural compared to any other springs I've been to. It's not commercialized yet really. What I like the most about it is that it's being surrounded by trees and the water is naturally cold from the mountain. If you see it for yourself, you'll really feel like living in a Disney World.

I can honestly stay here for a long time if I feel like escaping the hustle and bustle in the city. The water was actually clearer before the typhoon hit Southern Philippines. Good thing that when I went there there weren't much people utilizing the spring that's why the water still seemed clear. There's also a mini cliff there where you can jump for fun. If you are thinking where to put your things, there are actually cottages and tables in the area. The tables near the spring are just for free but the cottages have a fee of 100.00 pesos (2.00 US Dollar) just pay at the mini store nearby.

The place is just so enchanting. It's best if it happens when you visit the place it would be only all to yourselves. It will surely be as magical as living in fairy tale world. Listening while the birds chirp, the trees swing and feeling the cold breeze that the spring gives in is something that truly gives you a sense of satisfaction. I wasn't able to take a lot of photos for I enjoyed it a lot for me to forget to do the job but hopefully I have brought you to one wonderful experience and made this more informative.

That's basically it, if it happens that you have visited the place already, please care to share your experiences in the comment section below. Everyone's glad to hear the stories of yours! Just always remember that learning is a lifetime process. You can learn from your experiences, trips and from other people. The world is so vast. Explore and Learn! Traveling isn't is as expensive as you think! There's a so called travelling on a frugal way with a purpose!

DEUCES!

Regards,
@itinerantph

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