Tandag is a lively coastal city set on the Philippine Sea. Stroll along the breezy boulevard, try sizzling street food and watch local fishing boats unload their catches. There are beautiful beaches just outside the city and an uninhabited island to explore. Venture inland to discover tumbling waterfalls and jungle-framed swimming pools.
Things to do in Tandag
Tandag Boulevard stretches along the waterfront and treats you to uninterrupted views of the Philippine Sea. Visit after dark to see the boulevard lit up with colourful street lights. Food stalls pop up along the boulevard and serve local Filipino specialties like barbecue prawns, “balut” boiled duck eggs and fried plantains coated in caramelised brown sugar. Cool down with “halo-halo” shaved ice drizzled with condensed milk and rainbow-coloured syrups.
Charter a boat and visit Mangcagangi Island just off the coast of Tandag. The enormous limestone island rises up from the sea and is home to hundreds of bats. The ride shouldn’t take longer than 45 minutes. Ask your driver to dock on the white-sand beach, where you can sunbathe, swim and snorkel with colourful fish. Pack lunch and enjoy a beach picnic before heading back to the mainland.
Lush palms fringed Matho Beach. It’s a short drive up the coast and features honey-coloured sand and turquoise water. Laid-back resorts dot the coast and serve ocean-fresh seafood and ice-cold drinks.
Beat the tropical heat at Andap Falls. A short, jungle-covered trail takes you to the cascading falls. Swim in the emerald-green pool, dry off on the rocks and spot local birdlife. Maticdum Falls is another beautiful swimming spot.
Getting around Tandag
Motorised tricycles are a fast and affordable way to get around Tandag. Colourful shared minibuses called “jeepneys” are popular with locals, while private taxis are an easy option. The city is in the province of Surigao del Sur, a four-hour drive from Butuan City. Tandag Airport is a five-minute drive from the city centre.