12 Underrated Tourist Spots In Davao Oriental (Cateel & Baganga)

The promise island of Mindanao is now slowly gaining attention from the local travel community. It started with the mystic island of Camiguin then pretty quickly, Siargao rose to fame. One by one, the jewels of the southern parts of The Philippines are getting their well-deserved recognition. People are slowly warming up to Zamboanga, Basilan and Tawi Tawi when not so long ago, these places were feared all over the world. And I guess Davao needs no further introduction with it being famous for Mt. Apo and durian. Now the big surprise came from the areas away from this city, particularly, the eastern coasts. Many people already knew about Mati but let’s set our eyes to the less-known towns of Cateel and Baganga and these 10 Underrated Tourist Spots In Davao Oriental.

1. Aliwagwag Falls

Aliwagwag Falls is considered as the highest waterfall in the country. It consists of more than a hundred tiers of smaller waterfalls flowing from high up the mountains surrounded by a lush rainforest. As a child, I have always been enchanted to see this precious natural gem. It is sort of a relief to behold this beguiling beauty every time after a long and tiresome journey. Although some developments were made to make visiting the falls more enticing to tourists, I’m just glad to see it remain at its most natural state.

How To Go To Aliwagwag Falls: From Davao City, go to Ecoland Terminal. Ride a van going to Cateel or Baganga. The falls should just be along the way before reaching the town.
Travel Time: 3 Hrs
Fare: P350
Entrance: P100/Person

2. Lake Carolina

Lake Carolina is one of the newest spots to surface in recent years. It is a beautiful lake with mesmerizing turquoise water nestled in the middle of towering trees just a few walks from the highway. Its water is crystal clear and cold perfect for a refreshing dip during summer. Its depth is unknown. Some say it is connected to a nearby beach through an underwater cave but no one can really say for sure. Boating or rafting and simply chilling while basking in its captivating beauty are the most fun to do in this stunning lake.

How To Go To Lake Carolina: From Davao City, ride a van going to Baganga. In Baganga central, ride a tricycle going to Lake Carolina.
Travel Time: 4 Hrs
Fare: P450
Entrance Fee: P10

3. Long Beach Cream Sand

It is the longest beach in the area traversing barangays San Antonio and Baybay in Cateel hence its name. But the sands are not the standard cream color. It is more like brown, like milk chocolate or mocha yet it’s one of the finest, smoothest and softest sands I’ve ever sunk my feet into. The beach is truly gorgeous and some say celebrities like Erwan Heusaff and Drew Arellano secretly frequent the area to surf. And just recently, Kulas of Becoming Filipino also purchased property along this beach.

How To Go To Long Beach Cream Sand: From Davao City, ride a van going to Cateel. In Cateel central, ride a tricycle going to Brgy. San Antonio and tell them you’re going to Long Beach Cream Sand. You can also ride a van going to Baganga and get off in Brgy. San Antonio, at the junction leading to the beach.
Travel Time: 4 Hrs
Fare: P400
Entrance Fee: Free but a few resorts are in the area that charge P20.

4. Mahoc Beach

Mahoc Beach is one of the few white sand beaches in both Cateel and Baganga. It has fine sugary white sands that stretch to about a few kilometers. It has subtle waves perfect for both surfing and taking a nice dip. Cottages are scattered along the beach which you could rent for P500/day. Grilling areas are also available where you can cook some freshly caught seafood sold by fisherfolks there.

How To Go To Mahoc Beach: From Davao City, ride a van going to Baganga and alight in Mahoc Beach just before you reach the welcome to Baganga arc. The beach is just along the h-way so you can just walk your way there.
Travel Time: 4 Hrs
Fare: P400
Entrance: Free
Cottage: P300-P500 depending on the size

5. Anagacian Falls

Anagacian Falls is a newly discovered waterfall in Baganga. It has shower-like cascades falling to an emerald lagoon. Getting to the falls requires a 2-hour trek and several river crossings.

How To Go To Anagacian Falls: From Davao City, ride a van going to Baganga. In Baganga, ride a tricycle to Brgy. Batiano. Hire a guide and start the trek.
Travel Time: 5 Hrs
Fare: P450-P500
Entrance: 20
Guide Fee: P300

6. Sunrise Boulevard

Sunrise Boulevard is a local favorite. Most locals spend their time here with their families to simply admire the ocean or take a dip in its tidal pools during low tide. People usually stop by this spot at any given time of the day but the best hour is still during sunrise hence it’s called Sunrise Boulevard.

How To Go To Sunrise Blvd: From Davao City, ride a van going to Baganga and Sunrise Boulevard should just be along the way.
Travel Time: 4 Hrs
Fare: P400
Entrance: Free

7. San Victor Island

San Victor Island is one of the few islands dotting the Davao eastern coasts. It is a small island situated five minutes off the coast of Brgy. San Victor. It previously served as a retreat and recreation island for several Christian religious sects. The island has fine white sand beaches and cerulean clear water. Visitors are welcome to stay for a day or overnight.

How To Go To San Victor Island: From Davao City, ride a van going to Baganga. The jump-off to San Victor Island should just be along the highway. Hire a boat to the island.
Travel Time: 4Hrs
Fare: P400-P450
Entrance Fee: P50
Boat: P50/Person/2Way
Environmental Fee: P50/group

8. Kinablangan Floating Cottages

If you are into all sorts of seafood and would like to sample some of the freshest ones when you’re in the area, there is no other place to be than in Kinablangan. My mom frequents this place whenever she comes home from Manila. Visitors can rent a floating cottage for P300-P500, depending on your haggling skills. While afloat in the middle of the sea, you can enjoy binging on seafood and booze and take a dip to sober up later.

Update: The local barangay has now taken over the tourist activities in Poo Sandbar and Island. Visitors are now required to register at the barangay office and pay an entrance fee of P100/head. There are no more floating cottages and they are replaced by regular outrigger boats which is rented at P75/head/hour.

How To Go To Kinablangan: From Davao City, ride a van to Baganga. Tell the driver you’re going to Kinablangan so they would take you inside and not just drop you off at the side of the highway. From there, hire a tricycle to take you to the fish wharf. Roads are not developed so the ride could be a bit bumpy.
Travel Time: 4.5 Hrs
Fare: P400-P450
Entrance: Free
Boat Rental: P75/head/hour

9. Ban-ao Caves

Baganga surely is brimming with one too many undiscovered jewels. Just a couple of years ago, it opened five cave systems both for exploration and research. A visit to the caves is perfect for people looking for an adventure other than the usual, a rush of adrenaline maybe or simply basking at something extraordinary which spelunking can both offer.

How To Go To Ban-ao Caves: From Davao City, ride a van to Baganga and alight in Ban-ao Central. Go to the barangay office and hire a tour guide.
Travel Time: 4 Hrs
Fare: P450
Entrance: –
Guide Fee: –

10. Curtain Falls

As its name suggests, Curtain Falls has silky white curtain-like cascades falling into its emerald basin pool surrounded by a pile of rocks. The local tourism authority has developed the area near the waterfall where they built a lounge and a snack area for visitors. Spaces nearest to the falls were unchanged and only small picnic huts were placed to accommodate visitors. The roads were also being fixed for better access.

How To Go To Curtain Falls: Curtain Falls is kind of hard to get to with public transpo. So from Davao City, just hop on a van going to Baganga. In Baganga, rent a motorcycle or hire a habal-habal to take you to the Curtain Falls.
Travel Time: 4 Hrs (Dvo-Baganga) | 1.5 Hrs to the falls.
Fare: P450 (Dvo-Baganga) | P300 (Habal-Habal)
Entrance: P10
Parking Fee: P20-P50 depends on your vehicle

11. Brian J. Nature Resort

Experience luxury for as low as P25. This resort in the middle of a forested barangay of Mahan-ub has a gorgeous swimming pool similar to those you would only see in expensive private villas and resorts.

How To Go To Brian J. Nature Resort: From Davao City, ride a van to Baganga and alight at the turn leading to Brgy. Mahan-ub, just before crossing Baganga Bridge. Ride a tricycle to Brgy. Mahan-ub and ask them to drop you off at Brian J. Nature Resort.
Travel Time: 4 Hrs
Fare: P450
Entrance: P25/head
Cottage: P100

12. Langoyon Beach & Mangrove Park

Baganga and Cateel are overflowing with nature’s goodness from stunning beaches to gorgeous waterfalls and lakes. This fact is also seen in the abundant mangrove forests found in different areas within these two towns. One of the best places where these beautiful mangroves are showcased is Langoyon Beach & Mangrove Park and a visit to this place and one of its resorts makes for an adventurous retreat close to nature.

How To Go Langoyon Beach & Mangrove Park: From Davao City, ride a van to Baganga then ride a tricycle going to Brgy. Baculin and tell the driver to drop you off at Langoyon Beach.
Travel Time: 4-5 Hrs
Fare: P500-P600
Entrance: Depends on the resort. Langoyon Beach Resort charges P100/head.
Cottage: P500

Useful Travel Tips

• Davao City is the nearest airport to access these tourist spots. Flying to Butuan is also a good option if you plan to check out Agusan Provinces first and work your way to Davao Oriental.
• Taking a bus to Baganga and Cateel from Davao City is also an option but make sure you ride the bus passing by ComVal as the usual ones use the route via Mati which is farther. Unless you’re planning to explore Mati first, taking the route via Compostela Valley is the most ideal way.
• Getting to each one of the tourist spots can be done by hiring or renting a motorcycle. Note that these spots are relatively far from one another and it may require a couple of days to visit them all.
• If you are going back to Davao City after seeing these spots, I would suggest that you start exploring Baganga. But if you are headed to Mati, start with the spots found in Cateel.
• If you are into waterfalls, the nearby towns of Boston and Maragusan are a paradise for unexplored waterfalls too.
• Know that waterfalls are best seen during rainy seasons and in Davao Oriental, rains are predominant during the months of November to May. June to October is typically sunny.

There you have it lovelies. Tell me what you think about these spots. How many of them have you seen so far? If none yet, hope this helps you on your trip in the future. Share this post with your friends and plan that road trip now. Until next time. Ciao!