By Christian Cabañas, Anchor, Brigada News FM Trento
In a far-flung coastal barangay in the Caraga Region lies a destination that continues to draw travelers seeking calm, seclusion, and nature. Tagpupuran Blue Waters Resort, located in Barangay Tagpupuran, offers a break from fast-paced urban life while highlighting the value of sustainable and locally managed tourism.
Unlike heavily commercialized beach resorts, Tagpupuran Blue Waters maintains a modest footprint. Its beach-facing cottages and air-conditioned rooms cater to both solo travelers and families, with rates starting at ₱800. The resort provides access to quiet beaches, locally prepared meals, and basic conveniences—without the crowds often associated with more well-known destinations.
Mental health professionals increasingly highlight nature-based tourism as a restorative experience. Research conducted by the Department of Health and the University of the Philippines suggests that time spent in green and blue spaces—particularly in low-density, open-air environments—can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall well-being.
Visitors to Tagpupuran often describe a similar effect. The gentle crash of waves, long walks along the coast, and minimal digital distractions allow guests to disconnect from routines and reconnect with themselves. For some, it is a destination for reflection; for others, a chance to spend unhurried time with loved ones.
Getting to the resort involves a bit of local travel. From Lingig town proper, visitors can hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi), typically priced at ₱100 per person for the ride through unpaved roads. Though the path is dusty and remote, the final destination offers views of open water and shorelines untouched by commercial development.
Behind the scenes, local workers power the small resort industry in the area. Staff are largely from Lingig and neighboring barangays, earning livelihoods through roles in hospitality, maintenance, tour guiding, and food preparation. “Before tourism, there were fewer jobs,” said a long-time employee of the resort. “Now we have more ways to earn without leaving home.”
As tourism grows, local government and resort owners have started discussions around sustainability. Waste segregation, limits on shoreline development, and community-based tourism guidelines are being introduced in partnership with environmental groups and residents. The aim is to keep Tagpupuran’s growth gradual and respectful of its natural surroundings.
“Development is welcome, but it has to be responsible,” said a municipal officer from Lingig’s tourism department. “We want to preserve what makes places like Tagpupuran special.”
Infrastructure in the region continues to improve, with ongoing road repairs and connectivity efforts from Surigao del Sur’s provincial government. For small resort owners, ease of doing business has also been simplified, with local permits and environmental clearances made more accessible through the Department of Tourism’s regional office.
Tagpupuran Blue Waters isn’t a commercial attraction by design. It is, however, part of a larger movement across Mindanao that favors locally owned, nature-centered tourism over large-scale resort chains. For travelers willing to trade convenience for quiet, the reward is a more grounded and personal experience.
The resort remains open year-round, with the dry months between March and June offering the best beach conditions. Visitors are encouraged to bring eco-friendly products and to respect local customs during their stay.
Whether for a weekend getaway or an extended pause, Tagpupuran Blue Waters offers an alternative path: one that values nature, supports community livelihood, and reminds visitors that sometimes, the best escape lies in places that take a little longer to find.
