Agusan Del Sur – What to explore in and around

Agusan Del Sur is the largest landlocked province in Caraga Region. With that said, there are a lot of things to see and explore. But with my limited time, I have only managed to visit and experience some. Here are some of the things you need to know when visiting the “Land of Golden Opportunities.”

Read also: Agusan Del Sur Travel Guide

Places to See and Things to Do in Agusan Del Sur

Since the majority of the province is composed of marshlands and farmlands, there are limited (but beautiful) tourist attractions in the province. Since it is not yet in the tourist map, it is good to visit the place because there are no swarms of people crowding the area. Here are some of the places I went and saw in Agusan Del Sur!

Bega Falls

The mighty Bega Falls might be the most popular tourist attraction in Agusan Del Sur. This multi-tiered waterfall has three main falls, with Falls 3 being the most popular and most photogenic. Just take note, too, that there are around 396 steps going down to the waterfalls, which will take you around a 15 to 30 minutes hike, according to your pace. You will walk through Falls 1 first, then take a 5- to 10-minute walk to Falls 3. Falls 2 has a different path and you have the option to go to the second tier.

Bega Falls got its name from the local word “biga” which means “flirt.” Legend has it that there are mystical women who lived by the falls and attracted many suitors who never returned. The whole area is also part of the protected Bega Falls Ecotourism Park which protects a large number of plant and animal species found within and around the falls.

Bega Falls Business days and hours	Daily, 0800 – 1600 H
Entrance Fee	₱ 70
Life Vest Rental (optional)	₱ 30
Cottage Rental (optional)	₱ 150

Puting Buhangin Cave

My interest in Puting Buhangin Cave was sparked by a tourism leaflet I got when I attended a Travel Expo in Manila in 2024. Little did I know that this cave is one of the most beautiful I have been in Mindanao. This “White Sand Cave” is known for its interesting stalactite and stalagmite rock formations. True to its name, its flooring is natural white sand that is great while walking inside the cave (for visibility). Not to mention, there are A LOT of bats, locusts, and spiders.

Puting Buhangin Business days and hours	Daily, 0800 – 1600 H
Entrance Fee	₱ 70
Environmental Fee	₱ 50
Guide Fee (mandatory)	₱ 500 / small group
Life Vest Rental (mandatory)	₱ 20
Helmet (mandatory)	₱ 50
Head Lamp (mandatory / can bring own)	₱ 30

Agusan Del Sur Provincial Capitol

This is the seat of government in the province. The Provincial Capitol of Agusan Del Sur is located approximately 9 kilometers from Prosperidad town proper, in Barangay Patin-ay, municipality of San Francisco.

Soon:

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

– The Agusan Marsh is one of the largest wetlands in the Philippines. This is the place where “Lolong”, the largest saltwater crocodile was found.

Tugonan Falls

– Located in Prosperidad, this curtain falls, similar to Tagbilat Falls in Zamboanga Sibugay, is revered as a sacred site by the Manobos living in the area.

Where to Eat in Agusan Del Sur

There are also a number of delicious and home-grown brands found in Agusan Del Sur. Here are some of the most notable restaurants in the province.

Incredible Food House

Incredible Food House is really ‘incredible’ as it is one of the well-loved restaurants in Prosperidad. This restaurant serves Asian fusion cuisine, with a bit of Western dishes. This is also a popular venue for family gatherings and celebrations.

Ean’s Grill House

Ean’s Grill House is a sister company of the Incredible Food House. This restaurant serves mainly sinugba, or grilled food, akin to its sister restaurant.

Kanto Singko Food Court

Kanto Singko is a food park located near the Integrated Terminal of San Francisco. It offers a wide variety of food and drinks – from samgyupsal, milk tea, and seafood!

Hillsview Inn, Restaurant, and Resort

Hillsview Restaurant and Hotel is a popular site for guests who are visiting Awao Falls in nearby Monkayo, Davao De Oro. Their restaurant is primarily known for their flagship product – the mangosteen tea.

Other restaurants found in and around Agusan Del Sur:

Tikyo

Cafe de Jardin

Ayungan Cafe

Cristina Victoria Cafe

Where to Stay in Agusan Del Sur

Farmer’s Inn Hotel

The Farmer’s Inn Hotel is one of the most sought-after accommodation options in Prosperidad (Bahbah). Its location is also ideal as it is located near the Maharlika Highway and is only more or less 1 kilometer from the new Prosperidad Bus Terminal. The most prominent landmark near the hotel is the Prosperidad roundabout and the 7-Eleven sign. Its rooms are spacious and well-equipped (not to mention, affordable, too!) The WiFi connection is also fast and the location is very convenient.

Other accommodation options found in and around Agusan Del Sur:

Alma’s Budgetel

Casa De Los Amantes Inn

Asia Novo Boutique Hotel – San Francisco

HGC Tourist Inn

Paseo de San Francisco Suites

My Y Accommodation

Hillsview Inn, Restaurant, and Resort (Mangosteen Tea)

Sample Itinerary when Visiting Agusan Del Sur

A day or two is enough to visit the wonders of Agusan Del Sur. Here is a sample itinerary for your reference. Note that the information here might change over time without prior notice. It is better to check with your preferred tour provider for more timely information.

Day 1

	From Butuan City / Surigao City / Davao City – ride a bus or van going to Agusan Del Sur (Bayugan City, Prosperidad or San Francisco)
0800 – 0900 H	Arrival in Bayugan City, Visit Bayugan Rotunda (the widest circular park in Mindanao)
0900 – 0930 H	Travel time to Gethsemane Falls (habal-habal or private car)
0930 – 1100 H	Gethsemane Falls
1100 – 1145 H	Travel time to Prosperidad Town Proper
1145 – 1330 H	Lunch at Incredible Food House
1400 H	Check-in (preferred accommodation)
1400 – 1500 H	Rest, freshen up
1500 – 1530 H	Travel time to Agusan Del Sur Provincial Capitol
1530 – 1600 H	Agusan Del Sur Provincial Capitol
1600 – 1630 H	Travel time back to accommodation
1800 – 2000 H	Dinner at Ean’s Grill House / Tikyo / Ayungan Cafe
2200 H	Lights off

Day 2

0700 – 0800 H	Breakfast / Freshen up
0800 – 0830 H	Travel time to Bega Falls
0830 – 1000 H	Bega Falls
1000 – 1030 H	Travel time to Puting Buhangin Cave
1030 – 1230 H	Puting Buhangin Cave (spelunking)
1300 H	Check-out
1330 – 1500 H	Lunch at Wow Tuna Sangrill
1530 H	Depart to the next destination (Davao De Oro / Davao City, etc.)

     

*Note that the places, prices, and information written as of publication date and time are true and are given best during my visit. Changes may occur without prior notice. If you notice any changes to the information given above, you can e-mail me here so we can dish things up!*

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