Breathtaking Britania

Nothing could contain my excitement when my fiance, his parents and I boarded the plane for Butuan. Ryan and I would finally have six days of pure, unadulterated relaxation and bliss in his dad’s hometown – Brgy. Salvacion, Surigao del Sur.

I was looking forward to the different spots we would be visiting – Britania Islets, Tinuy-an Falls and the ever-famous Enchanted River.

BRITANIA GROUP OF ISLANDS

The group of islets were first on our agenda. After a night’s full rest, Ryan had packed his photo gear and we were set to explore the white sandy shores of some of the islets.

I used to hear stories from Ryan when we were still dating about how he and his cousins would visit the islands like kids hanging out in a park only that instead of just playing, they would spend the rest of the day getting shells and fish.

View of the islets taken from the Rest Area at Davisol.

We dropped our things at MacArthur’s place, which incidentally, is owned by my fiance’s relative (practically all of Salvacion are their relatives so it was not really that surprising). After a sumptuous lunch of lokon (shrimp) and fish, we were ready to set foot on the islets.

MacArthur’s Place – Good food, cozy cottages with karaoke and function hall.

Slippers set, camera ready and shades on, we went past the footbridge to the makeshift dock where they “park” their boats.

Footbridge – entrance fee for adults is Php 30, children is Php 5.00

Path leading to the makeshift dock.

Because we arrived at around 3:30 pm, it was kind of late for us to visit all the islands. So our guide just took us to three of the biggest islands.

Naked Island

Literally called so because of its “nakedness,” – there was no vegetation on site, only pure, confectionery-fine sand and corals, the Naked Island is also known as the Vanishing Island, since it “vanishes” underwater during high tide. On the other end of Naked Island, stones seemingly arranged in an asymmetrical way became Ryan’s center of attention.

Stones fronting Naked Island.

Left side of Naked Island.

I have never been to Boracay but judging from the looks of it, the Philippines’ beach capital might have a worthy rival. On our way to the islands, the water was so clear that it was like looking through glass.

Since I was too excited to know the names of the other two islands we visited, I’ll just post pictures Ryan and I managed to take during the tour.

We weren’t able to visit this island because the tide was starting to rise, so picture2x nalang.

Two images of the Virgin Mary on this island.

View from the same island.

For more great-looking pictures of Britania Islands, check out Ryan’s photography page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ryanorcullophotography.

After our island-hopping adventure, the city girl in me was left in awe. This was something you don’t see everyday in the city, yet when you live in a relatively tranquil place, you tend to take things for granted.

I had the chance to ask our guide as to what their impression is of Britania Islands, knowing that it is becoming increasingly popular, he said that they are thankful that even though there are quite a few tourists that visit the place, they leave with the promise of coming back.

I know that I will. 🙂

PS:

The island tour is worth Php 1,500, for a maximum of 15 persons at MacArthur’s place. For accomodation in Salvacion, some residents offer board and lodging for as much as  Php 500 a night, aside from MacArthur’s. If you have inquiries, please do leave a comment. I cannot specifically give a breakdown of travel expenses since it was sponsored by my fiance’s family, but I’d be happy to help you contact them for a more personalized trip package for you and your companions.