By Many tourists arriving in Surigao del Norte immediately hightail Surigao city for the swells of Siargao and the lagoons of Bucas Grande, missing out a local favorite - the more accessible Pebble Beach.
Situated around 30 minutes away from Surigao city’s commercial hub, the craggy coastline of Brgy. Mabua is divided into two sides by the mountain plummeting into the sun-sparkled sea.
Follow the Mabua-Looc Concrete Mountain Trail and be rewarded by a scenic trek. The marker along the mountainside track indicates that the beach on the other side is already a part of Sitio Looc in Brgy. Punta Bilar. Marvel at the pure azure waves smashing against the coast and striking rock formations here. The shoreline of Looc beach also abounds with pebbles eccentrically designed by nature.
Not to miss when heading to this destination is Surigao’s native
delicacy called sayongsong. There are two stores in Brgy.Ipil that
sells this soft and sweet indigo-colored treat. Sayongsong is made of
cooked glutinous rice blended with coco milk, sugar and milk and wrapped
in cone-shaped banana leaf.
Aside from sayongsong, eating
seafood is a must-try when you’re in Surigao city. Dine at Ocean
Bounties Fresh and Frozen Food Restaurant that serves curacha, lobster,
prawn and squid among others. But if you’re on a budget, rush to
Surigao City Public Market for where fresh produce are cheaper. For
dinner, try another local favorite – the roadside barbecue stalls at the
pier, open from 5:00 PM to 12 midnight.
Gael Hilotin is the author of The Pinay Solo Backpacker.
