The wonders of Cape San Agustin, Davao Oriental

Here’s a warning: The road leading to the southeasternmost point of the Philippines is no joke. Before getting there, you have to pass through rough and pot-holed roads. In between, you find yourself fighting time-induced boredom.

But once you set foot on Cape San Agustin, you will realize that all that is only a small price to pay. What you get in return is a 360-degree visual treat, complete with a visual palette of blue and green. (RELATED: Travel to see Balut Volcano and the hot springs of Sarangani)

Cape San Agustin is lodged in Lavigan, the farthest barangay of Governor Generoso, a quiet municipality in Davao Oriental where most residents depend on the vast sea for a living. Here, 3 lighthouses – each representing a distinct memory of a distant past and the modern era – stand mute witnesses to the wild yet beautiful clash of waters of the Celebes Sea and Davao Gulf. (READ: SOCCSKSARGEN: 10 Things to Do)

Two of these lighthouses can be accessed by the public free of charge. And as what they say, the best things in life are free.

From the top of these lighthouses, towering 80 feet in height, one can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the bluish waters below, watching it transform foamy white once it clashes with the rock formations of the cape, most notable of which is the Last Islet. Up there, you could see waters so clear, you can see clear through to the corals beneath. (READ: 9 spectacular places to visit in Mindanao)

The wind can be your worst enemy up there, aside from the intimidating height which is a problem for those who have acrophobia like I do.  But with such a commanding view of the Cape, it feels like you’re the king or queen of the world even just for a while. (READ: From Davao City, make the trip to these 8 beautiful beaches)

If the height intimidates you, you can just laze around below through makeshift swings attached to snag trees existing in the cape. It’s a perfect place for relaxation, to break free, to read a book, to meditate, catch up with friends—with the sound of clashing waves as your background. You seriously don’t need Spotify in this place. Mother Nature provides it for you.

Aside from the lighthouses, once could also walk in the pinkish sand of the Parola Beach, just a 3-minute walk from the trio parola. 

Here, the roaring sound of waves masquerades as the sound of happiness, mixing elegantly with the quaintness of the place. A 20-minute walk along the beach, where your feet sink into the soft sand with every step, can lead to an altar-shaped rock wall where St. Francis Xavier is believed to have commenced his mission to spread Christianity in this part of Mindanao in 1500s. 

The good thing about Cape San Agustin is its raw appeal. With a vast view of the sea, it’s a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Whether atop the lighthouse or in the comfort of the shoreline of the Parola Beach, Cape San Agustin offers many wonders. It’s just waiting for you to explore it. And it’s totally free! 

How to get there:

From Davao City, one may take either public utility buses or L300 vans to reach Governor Generoso. Public utility buses coming from Ecoland Terminal in Davao City travel to the town of Governor Generoso daily, with one-hour interval. Travel time: less than 4 hours. – Rappler.com

Louie Lapat is a government employee in Tagum City, Davao del Norte where he writes for a local government on weekdays. On weekends, he explores his beloved Mindanao and write accounts about it on his travel blog: dsprinkles.com.