“Dinagat Island is undoubtedly one of the best kept paradises in the Philippines which is often compared to Palawan.”
Behold, you are about to discover this secluded paradise with the most beautiful sites in the Philippines, often compared to Palawan.
Let’s get started. During my 2023 vacation in the Surigao City, I got the chance to visit Dinagat Island, which is located in the northeast of Surigao Del Norte and is three hours away by boat from Surigao City Town Proper. Dinagat Island is one of the smallest island provinces in the country and has a lot to offer, from lush green scenery to stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches.
How to get to Dinagat Island
- By Air: Direct flights from Manila to Dinagat Islands are not available; however, you can get flights from Manila to either Butuan or Surigao City. You can choose from Airlines operating in the Philippines, like Cebu Pacific & Philippine Airlines, which have regular flights to and from Butuan, while the flights to Surigao City transit through Cebu.
- From Butuan you can ride a van or bus going to surigao City, which is often the starting point of trips to Dinagat Island. (Travel time: 2 hours)
- Upon arriving in Surigao, look for a boat bound for San Jose. (Travel time; about 2 hours and a half)
By the way, since we were a big family with almost 26 people, we rented a boat from Surigao City, arranged by my cousin living in Dinagat Island. If you are a solo traveler, you can also join a group tour which is available online for booking facebook particularly, please refer to below costing.
Where to stay
There are numerous resorts and hotels available on Dinagat Island, depending on your budget. Just book in advance to ensure your reservation. You can also opt to do day tour only and return to Surigao City, which we did.
Best Island in Dinagat Island Rangking
Blue Lagoon
Probably the highlights of my visit here on Dinagat Island, it is undeniably one of the most beautiful lagoons I have seen so far, with a great scenery and a magnificent landscape. Also known as “Pangabangan Tidal Pool,” it is located on Pangabangan Island, a distance away from barangay Libjo. This place is unique on its own, with distinct features and pristine water. The lagoon has a view deck where you can appreciate the panoramic view of the area, just be careful with rocks during light trekking going up. In addition, a floating bamboo cottage is also available for you to get into the center of the blue lagoon pool. In my opinion, it is one of the best-kept secrets of Dinagat Island and a must-visit. If only I had searched this place first prior to our trip, maybe I would stay here longer than on the other island included in our island hopping.
Bitaog Beach
It’s definitely one of the best beaches on Dinagat Island. Initially, upon seeing this island, it reminded me of Palawan, due to the rock formation at the side of the beach. It is a tiny beach with a magnificent landscape and distinct features. The water is so clear that you can even see the ocean floor covered with powdery sand. I just hope we stayed here a little bit longer, unfortunately, we are running out of time since we came a little bit late due to some boat issues in the morning, and we need to complete the island hopping experience. Nevertheless, we are able to witness the stunning beauty of this beach. Entrance fee when we visit here is 30 pesos and free for kids, but I think they mentioned and posted that it will increase to 50 pesos starting June 2023, if I am not mistaken.
Jelmars Resort
Another stunning resort with so much to offer on Dinagat Island is Jelmars Resort, located in Magsaysay Libjo. This is a unique floating resort with a lagoon surrounded by lush Green Mountain and diverse rock formations across the area. You will also be amazed at how the wood bridges were connected and structured from one rock in the middle to another. In addition, there is also a mini-view deck where you can take a picturesque photo with a rock formation in the background. If you are a family with children, there is no need to worry, because, there is also a zone for children to enjoy swimming. By the way, karaoke is also available here.
Duyos Beach
Another beach close and almost 5 to 10 minutes away from Bitaog Beach is Duyos Beach. The beach is wider than Bitaog and offers a different ambience, it is more of white sand, like a sand Bar with a coconut tree, which looks fantastic in the photo. It is also one of the most popular beaches on Dinagat Island, so expect a crowd during peak season. Luckily, during our visit, it was not crowded, so we enjoyed most of the view there. Since the next tourist spot is a little bit far, we decided to rent a cottage and take our lunch here. Similar to Bitaog, entrance fee when we visit here is 30 pesos and free for kids, but they also posted an increase to 50 pesos starting June 2023, if I am not mistaken.
RSG Cave
Are you looking for a Cave Pool to complete your island hopping? Then visit RSG Compe Munting Paraiso Beach Resort. The Cave is Tiny, but it offers an exciting feeling and a sense of adventure. It is my first time seeing a Cave Pool and I must say, I am amazed, especially with the limestone and the structure of the Cave. Although there is a life jacket upon entering, please take note that the Pool is deep, so for safety reasons, it is better not to allow your children to participate in the Cave pool activity unless they are experts in swimming or guided by an adult. By the way the entrance fee for the resort and the Cave is separate, so just prepare sufficient funds for the extra fee. If there is something I want to add, perhaps to improve the electrical wire line inside the Cave, I feel like it needs more additional support for the safety and security of the tourists since it is a Cave Pool, other than that it was an amazing experience.
Best time to visit Dinagat Island
March to October are the drier months in the Dinagat Islands, making it the best time to visit.
Budget of travelling to Dinagat Island
Entrance Fee as of 2023 when we visited
| Description | Entrance Fee (PHP) | |
| Adult | Kids | |
| Blue Lagoon | 70 | 30 |
| Bitaog Beach | 30/50 | Free |
| Jelmars Resort | 40 | 40 |
| Duyos Beach | 30/50 | Free |
| RSG Cave | 40 (Island Property) + 70 (Cave) | 40 |
Cottage Fee
You have the option to rent a cottage, especially if you are planning to take your lunch. Cottages range from PHP 500 to PHP 1,000, depending on your choice.
Blue Lagoon has a bamboo floating cottage, which is a must if you want a more thrilling experience in the lagoon. Rent price is PHP 750 for 30 minutes
Estimated Cost Summary for Traveling to Dinagat Island
In our case, since we are more than 20 people, we opted to rent a boat for a day tour arranged by my cousin with a discount since she is living on Dinagat Island. (From 6 am to 7 p.m.)
| For a group or Family of 20 person with 6 kids Estimated Budget from Surigao City (Day Tour) | |
| Description | Cost (PHP) |
| Boat Rent (Discounted) | 15,000 |
| Entrance for 5 Island | 4, 310 |
| Bamboo Floating Cottage in Blue Lagoon | 750 |
| Cottage for Lunch | 500 |
| Food | 5,000 |
| Total Cost | 25, 560 |
Cost for Solo Traveler from Manila to Dinagat Island
| For Solo Traveler Estimated Budget | |
| Description | Cost (PHP) |
| Flight Ticket if From/to Manila/Butuan (Promo) | 3,000 |
| Bus Ticket from Butuan to | 200 |
| Boat from Surigao to San Jose | 200 |
| 2 days Island Hopping Tour Package | 3,000 |
| Hotel Accomodation | 800 |
| Food | 500 |
| Others (tricycle) | 200 |
| Total Cost | 7,900 |
Dinagat Island Tour Essentials
- Swimming attire
- Sunblock for skin protection
- Sun Hat
- Sun glasses
- Towel
- Swimming goggles for snorkeling
- Camera
- Food snacks
- Water
- Extra money for souvenirs item
- Power Bank
Hope you enjoy reading this article and help you decide going to Dinagat Island.
So, have you been to Dinagat island? Please let me know your thoughts and share your experience.
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