LITTLE MALDIVES. The entry of foreign and local tourists has started to grow since the opening of the Kabujuan Islet, also known as the “Little Maldives” in Claver, Surigao del Norte. More than 500 bookings were registered since it opened to the public last May 2, 2022, and advanced bookings were recorded for July on visits to the islet. (Photo grabbed from Exciting Claver Facebook Page)
BUTUAN CITY – The easing of restrictions amid the continuing threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has paved the way for more local and foreign tourists to visit popular destinations in the Surigao del Norte town of Claver.
The province has been placed under Alert Level 2 in May but site visits in the popular spots in the town have significantly increased more than a year after the pandemic.
In an interview Wednesday, Rizyl Tagapan, acting tourism officer of Claver, said among the most sought-after tourist destinations in the place nowadays is the Kabujuan Islet, which formally opened its doors to tourists last May 2.
The islet is known as the “Little Maldives” in Surigao del Norte, as its infrastructures are inspired by the different tourist destinations in the Maldives.
“Since the opening, the Kabujuan Islet has already registered more than 500 bookings,” Tagapan said, adding that the islet is fully booked this June.
Most of the foreign tourists who visited the islet are relatives and guests of residents from Claver and the neighboring towns and provinces in the region.
The Kabujuan Islet is under the management of the municipality of Claver in partnership with Barangays Lapinigan, Panatao, and Urbiztondo.
“For the next three months, we will only allow day-time tours as we are still making preparations for the overnight stay in the islet,” Tagapan said.
Some facilities in the islet have also undergone rehabilitation following the damage caused by Typhoon Odette in December last year, she added.
“Two more famous spots in the town are also welcoming visitors at present, including the Wangke Mangrove Trail and Bagacay Mangrove Trail,” Tagapan said.
She said the mangrove trails, being managed by Barangays Wangke and Bacagay, are frequented by visitors for relaxation and viewing.
“The trails have cottages and other facilities where visitors can have an overnight stay. Tourists can also enjoy daytime swimming, particularly in Wangke,” Tagapan said.
“We are still implementing the minimum health protocols in our tourist sites, such as the wearing of the face masks to help protect our visitors,” she added. (PNA)
