Caribbean Beach Vibe in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur

This is not in Barbados, this is in Dugmakan, Marihatag, Surigao del sur!

When we say Surigao beaches, people outside Mindanao easily associate it to Siargao island, but there are two Surigao provinces. Surigao del Norte where the famous Siargao island is located, and Surigao del Sur, where Britania Group of Islands and Enchanted River are located. Just like Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur has also beautiful beaches because most of the places here are located facing the Pacific Ocean. In fact, I lived most of my life in the seaside.

I grew up in a quiet seaside town nestled in the coastlines, where chasing of the waves every afternoon or picking seashells after school was my only outlet back then. 

Some of these beaches with long coastlines are unspoiled and not yet developed so they are still pristine, uncharted, tranquil, and peaceful. Unlike highly commercialised seaside resorts with tourists and guests buzzing around, beaches in the municipality of Marihatag are quiet and relaxed. Some of the beach areas covering the municipality are not yet fully developed so we still have the luxury to enjoy the natural surroundings, the pristine waters, and the unspoiled shoreline.

I went home last month and plan to stay longer so I have the luxury to go to the beach anytime I want. Weeks ago, I spent a day in the seaside of Dugmakan with my family, with some beautiful memories lingering on because I used to walk here unbothered during my high school days. This place belongs to one of the barangays in the municipality of Marihatag - Arorogan - where beaches are still untouched. 

Its shoreline is so gorgeous and relaxed, with coconut trees hinge over the beachline. It is not yet developed, so we have the freedom to enjoy the quiet surroundings and the pristine water. The seaview is terrific and the clear seawater sparkles under the hot sun.

Dugmakan beach in Marihatag, Surigao del sur 

The beach looks like one of those images we see in the post cards from the Caribbean islands, with coconut trees bending over to the shores. Unspoiled, crystal-clear aquamarine and turquoise waters, breathtakingly beautiful views, peaceful surroundings with abundant coconut trees, and crisp cool breeze rolling from the ocean. Indeed, a relaxing tropical beach vibe.

Dugmakan beach gives you a Caribbean vibe

During low tide, mud flats are exposed, these are homes to corals, edible seashells, and other marine biodiversity which I hope local communities will help protect. And hopefully, businesses that are about to open in the area won't destroy the natural view of this beautiful tropical beach, and the natural habitat of marine life. Hopefully, they won't cut the coconut trees so that the natural tropical beach view can be preserved. 

It's not everyday that we can see a tropical beach with a calm, unspoiled surroundings given the fact that commercial establishments and tourism without clear rules have already ruined other beaches in the Philippines. 

It's sometimes disappointing to see small marine species being ripped off from the sea or taken from their "home" so young. They should be allowed to thrive and mature first. I am hoping the local government can protect marine biodiversity by implementing strict local ordinance. 

Hopefully there's a proper waste management to help maintain the pristine environment. Garbage and plastics can pollute the sea and kill marine life, so hopefully the locals, resort operators, and guests/tourists will have enough awareness regarding proper waste disposal to protect this beach area.