Provinces

Dinagat Islands Province

Written by Patrick

ABOUT

The Dinagat Islands are a group of islands constituting a province in the Caraga Region in the Philippines, located on the south side of Leyte Gulf. Dinagat Islands is an island province that was formerly part of Surigao del Norte Province. It is one of the new provinces in the Philippines. Last March 2011, the island completed its requirements as a separate province.

Considered a Key Biodiversity Area of the Philippine government because of its lush rainforests with unique flora and fauna. It is dubbed as a “Mystical Island Province of Love”.

LOCATION

Dinagat Islands

Coordinates: 10°06′N 125°36′E

FAST FACTS

The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province.

Province:
Dinagat Islands
Location:
10°06′N 125°36′E | View Map
Year Founded:
2006
Capital:
San Jose
Area:
1,036.34 km2 (400.13 sq mi)
Population:
128,200
Density:
120/km2 (320/sq mi)
Division:
Region:
Cities & Towns:
7 Towns (Municipalities)
Demonym(s):
Dinagatnon
Elevation:
(Mount Redondo) 939 m (3,081 ft)
Time Zone:
PST (UTC+8)
Zip Code:
8411–8415, 8426, 8427
Area code:
+63 -(086)-XXX-XXXX
Electricity:
Standard voltage is 220V.
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
Bring A to B adapter(s).
Currency:
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange Rate:
Approximately 1 USD = 50 PHP | click for exact exchange rate
Income Class:
Fourth Class
Religion(s):
53% Roman Catholic
Language(s):
Cebuano, Surigaonon, English
Known For:
Caves, resorts, and beaches
Major Industries:
Agriculture, Fishing
Climate:
Tropical
Best Time to Visit:
March to October
Clothing:
Casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
Airport(s):
None
Seaport(s):
Port of San Jose PDI
Bus Terminal(s):
COMING SOON

CLIMATE

The climate in this province is tropical in Dinagat. The rainfall in Dinagat is significant, with precipitation even during the driest month. According to Köppen and Geiger, this climate is classified as Af. The temperature here averages 26.9 °C. About 3716 mm of precipitation falls annually.

March to October are the drier months of Dinagat Islands and make the better time to visit.

The most appropriate clothing in this province is casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.

READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines

CITIES & TOWNS

Dinagat Islands Map

The Dinagat Islands province is divided into 7 Municipalities:

  • Basilisa
  • Cagdianao
  • Dinagat
  • Libjo
  • Loreto
  • San Jose
  • Tubajon
 

ISLANDS

There are 25 outlying islands surrounding the mainland of Dinagat Islands which are under the jurisdiction of the province.

  • Bilabid Island
  • Cabilan Island
  • East Cabilan Island
  • Hagakhak Island
  • Hibusong Island
  • Kanhanusa Island
  • Kanhatid Island
  • Kanihaan Island
  • Kasundalo Island
  • Kisses Islets
  • La Isla Aga
  • Lalaking Bukid
  • Lingig Island
  • Little Hagakhak Island
  • Kotkot Island
  • Polo
  • Puyo Islet
  • Sayaw Island
  • Sibanac Island
  • Sibucaoan Island
  • Stingray Islet
  • Tabuk Island
  • Twin Islands
  • Unib Island
 

POINTS OF INTEREST

The following is a list of points of interest relating to the Dinagat Islands province:

  • Blue Lagoon
  • Campintac Black Beach No. 2
  • Hagakhak Island
  • Isla Aga
  • Lake Bababu Underwater Cave System
  • Mount Redondo Natural Bonsai Forest
  • Oasis Islet
  • Punta Villa Beach
  • Sondayo Island

If you plan to visit the province of Dinagat Islands, you can use the following sites to determine the best places to stay:

FESTIVALS

The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Dinagat Islands throughout the year:

  • Bugkosan sa Isla (December) – San Jose

FAQs

The following are the most frequently asked questions about the Dinagat Islands province.

Where in the Philippines is Dinagat Islands located?
Dinagat Islands is located on the northeastern section of Mindanao.

Is Dinagat Islands a city or province?
Dinagat Islands is a province.

What is the Capital of Dinagat Islands?
The capital of Dinagat Islands is San Jose.

What is Dinagat Islands famous or known for?
Dinagat Islands is famous or known for caves, resorts, and beaches.

How do I get to Dinagat Islands?
There are several ways to get to Dinagat Islands, the easiest being from Surigao:

  • Ferry to San Jose | 2 hours | $3
  • You can fly to an alternate airport (Butuan), however travel time will be longer and the cost will be significantly more

Note: Before you get on the ferry, make sure that you know the exact location of your destination as there is another town named Dinagat. If you are heading to the capital, get on a ferry to San Jose.

RESOURCE: Best Online Transportation Resource for the Philippines

How many islands are in Dinagat Islands?
There are 25 islands in Dinagat Islands.

How Safe is Traveling in Dinagat Islands?
Dinagat Islands is generally safe for locals and tourists.

Is the climate the same as the rest of the Philippines?
The climate in Dinagat Islands is considered tropical with significant rainfall throughout the year.

To learn more about the various climate types in the Philippines, and for a Climate Map, click the link below…

READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines

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About the Author

Patrick

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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