Agusan Marsh: The Pride of Agusan del Sur Province
I was born and raised in the Province of Agusan Del Sur, and yes, since I was a child, I keep on hearing this name but I have never been to due to some circumstances which you should consider in visiting the place. But I never expected that it holds a beauty that could take your breathe away.
With its vast complex of freshwater marshes and watercourses, the biodiversity of the Agusan Marsh has become an important region in the Philippines. Serves as a nesting and home of the migratory birds, as well as endangered species and other wildlife. Migratory birds are seasonal (by December - January), and during our visit, they were not present nonetheless, it was still worth it.
So June last year, we decided to visit the Agusan Marsh, hours from our home (1 and a half hour land travel and 30 - 40 minutes boat ride). First you have to visit the tourism office for the briefing and to pay the fees. We were then led to the port which will lead us to the lake.
The boat that we rode has no wings and it was terribly scary as you never know which creatures lie beneath the surface of the water. Agusan Marsh is said to be the home of huge crocodiles and in fact, Lolong (the biggest captured crocodile) was captured in the area.
The place is being take cared of by the Manobo, an indigenous tribe that originates from the Agusan del Sur and are known to be the Lumads of the Province. And I must say, the place has been really taken cared of. Sadly, these beautiful sanctuary has not been known by many and Tourism is at its lowest. What a waste of beauty that it has been ignored by the Department of Tourism in the Province. I just hope that through this, the Agusan Marsh will be known and its tourism will boost. As when the tourism boosts, the Lumads will have an opportunity of a change to their livelihoods.
By God’s grace, we were able to reach the place and came back home safely.
Mother Nature is always the best therapy if you’re burnt out. It always gives you peace, clears your mind and make you realized that the world without natural resources would be death. Tops, travelling ain’t necessary to step out of your country. It’s more fulfilling if we start from our own homeland. Your homeland would be proud of you for exploring your own land. Hence, I just really hope that the department of tourism should do something to enhance the tourism in the land as it is beautiful not to be seen and visited.
Thank you so much for your time in reading my post. 'Til next time :)
Erwan Heussaf isdatyu? I loved that video of him.
Motorized naman Pala ung banka, but the balance still... Like, howwwww???
Mao ni akong ganahan Mam Apple Adventure Travel Blog. Payter kaayo.
I was born here in Manila in 1970, but the following year we moved to Bislig, Surigao del Sur. And there in Bislig we also had lots of big saltwater crocodiles in the rivers, marshes, and even in the ocean. We lived there in Bislig for 8 years and went back home here to Manila in 1979.
Those years there were the best years of my life, as I got to see many kinds of things and creatures just by living next door to the jungle, that many city dwellers never get to experience in their whole lives. I haven't been back there yet ever since we moved back here.
Btw, the village we lived in is just some 16 miles away from Bunawan, the town in Agusan where Lolong was caught.
Wow thank you for this comment and I’m glad that you also came from the Caraga Region. Been in Bislig particulary in Enchanted River and Tinuy-an falls. Both places are extremely beautiful.
Wow, look stunning. Miss ko ang bangka. We've got similar look of motor boat. Ganyan din ang look ng motorboat sa probinsya namin.
Masarap talaga magbakasyon, yung wala kang iniisip ma iba, kahit isang araw lang 😊. Hanggang panaginip na lang hehe
Fantastic post @appleskie. This shows the beauty of nature. I guess it is dangerous because crocodiles live in the area and there is the possibility of your boat turning over. Still, I think that it is worth it. I agree, the tourism authorities should promote this place but also make sure of the safety of the people who will visit. Thanks for posting your travel adventure. Keep safe po! :)
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Hello! Thank you so much for the tip 🧡