Hello, Worldmappin family! Join me as we explore the Five Islands of Siargao, a globally renowned tourist destination. Known as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines," Siargao is famous for its world-class waves and the introduction of surfing in the country. However, it offers much more than that, including pristine beaches, great island-hopping opportunities, and a vibrant local culture.
It was a cloudy day with light rain falling when we arrived at General Luna, the starting point for our island-hopping adventure. We booked two boats for the day to tour the five islands. General Luna, or Heneral Luna, is the main tourist hub of Siargao and is often referred to as the "Heartbeat of Siargao." This is where all the action takes place, serving as the primary jump-off point for island adventures, the home of world-class waves, and the center of the island's lively nightlife.
Now, let me take you on a journey to these five stunning islands just off the coast!
First Stop: Naked Island
Naked Island is named for its small white sandbar, which is surrounded by pristine blue water. This 200-meter-long strip of white sand is located off the southern shore of Siargao Island. As you can see, it is completely devoid of vegetation, making it appear "naked." The sand here is very powdery, which attracts many tourists.
This small island is ideal for soaking up the sun; however, during our visit, the weather was cloudy, and we experienced a light rain. Despite this, we still enjoyed our time and appreciated the beauty of the place for about an hour. Since it was still morning, there were only a few people around, but the crowd is expected to grow later in the day, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning.
This is a very refreshing island, and I wish you could be here. Everything is great; the sun isn't out, and the white sand isn't hot right now. However, in the summer, the sand can get very hot. Although this is a lovely time to visit, we are worried about a storm that might prevent us from touring the islands. After about an hour, as lunchtime approached, we prepared ourselves to head to the next island.
Second Stop: Daku Island
Daku Island is a barangay community located on the island, known as "Daku," which means "big" in the local language, because it is the largest island in General Luna, Siargao. The travel time from Naked Island to Daku Island is approximately 15 minutes. The beach features white, powdery sand, making it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling if you plan to spend the entire day there. Visitors can also explore the island, immerse themselves in Siargaonon culture, and participate in a tri-island hopping tour. Notably, Daku Island is the only island in the area that offers cooking services and fresh seafood.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by vendors selling fresh seashells, locally known as "manok-manok." It was lunchtime, so we ordered food, including the manok-manok to be prepared for us. While waiting for our meal, we took the opportunity to explore the island and enjoy swimming in the blue, crystal clear waters. This is the perfect place to unwind under the abundant palm trees. You can relax beneath them, lay down your towel, and simply enjoy the serene environment while listening to the sound of the waves.
Additionally, snorkeling is available, allowing you to discover the vibrant underwater world filled with colorful fish and, occasionally, sea turtles. After what felt like a long wait, our seafood lunch was finally served, ready for a lively boodle fight with family and friends.
Check out these fresh seashells, which we call "manok-manok." They are delicious and perfect to enjoy while at the beach, listening to the sound of the waves. Since this is a popular tourist destination, be prepared for some of the seafood to be a bit pricey. Don't forget to bring enough cash!
The sea grapes here are delicious, very fresh, and large. They are abundant and can be dipped in a spicy vinegar with lemon and onions. It's so satisfying! Have you tried them?
Third stop: Guyam Island
Here we are at Guyam Island. Every island is unique, and this one is no exception. Guyam Island is part of a group of islands in the surfing capital of the Philippines and is a popular destination among visitors from other islands. It is a privately owned property, with caretakers who watch over the tourists, maintain the island, and collect fees for access.
Although the island is small, I was amazed at how crystal clear the water was as we approached. The small clusters of coconut trees in the center of the island are fascinating to see. Surprisingly, tucked away among these trees is a stall selling burgers. There are also swings, hammocks, and malongs laid out on the sand, creating perfect spots for relaxation.
Since Guyam Island is small, you can easily explore its beauty and travel around its perimeter. After exploring, we regrouped to prepare for our next island-hopping adventure.
Fourth Stop: Secret Sandbar Island
Next to Guyam Island, there is a hidden sandbar with waist-deep water that offers a tranquil experience thanks to its crystal-clear water. Unlike Guyam or Naked Island, the sandbar is not visible from the island. Here, the sea is vast, and the submerged sandbar is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can walk and swim in the area, but be cautious as the edges are very deep. It's important to stay close to where other people and boats are located for safety.
We stayed here for one hour, and after that, we went to our last stop of island hopping.
Last Stop: Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon is a popular tourist destination on Siargao Island, known for its crystal-clear emerald waters surrounded by lush hills. The water is perfect for various activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the island. There is also a wooden platform from which you can jump into the lagoon. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture that moment because everyone was so busy and excited to jump in and enjoy the stunning scenery. I wish I had a GoPro to take some great shots and clear photos.
This is a wonderful experience to share with family and loved ones, but it's important to budget for it, as visiting the island can be quite costly. Almost everything you use here is available for rent—tables, chairs, even service water—nothing is free. We just swam and didn’t rent any canoes since they were a bit pricey, and we didn't have enough time to explore as we needed to head back to General Luna.
Despite the costs, the lagoon itself was absolutely breathtaking, and we really enjoyed our time there—no regrets at all!
This marks the end of my journey to these beautiful islands. I've come to realize that Siargao isn't just a place to visit; it's a place to truly experience. It encourages you to slow down, reminds you to breathe, and inspires you to connect with nature, with others, and with yourself. The memories created here—from island-hopping adventures to peaceful moments under the sun—will stay with you long after you've left its shores.
If you're in search of an authentic island experience, filled with natural beauty and positive energy, Siargao might just be your next great adventure. What are you waiting for?
See you in my next Siargao adventure! Love you all!
Lead image edited in Canva Edu Lifetime
Camera Oppo Reno 8 (so sad for the photos output 😔)