HELLO EVERYONE
Okay so picture this you step off the plane and the first thing you feel is that warm thick air wrapping around you like a hug. It hits you right in the face, mixing with the smell of salt and coconut trees. Thats Siargao for you right there. Its not some super fancy place where everything costs a million bucks its just pure laidback island life and thats exactly why everyone falls in love with it the second they arrive.
Lets talk about the beaches first because honestly they are the reason most of us come here. You got spots like Naked Island yeah, that’s really its name and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Just a long stretch of white sand sitting right in the middle of the ocean with nothing but clear turquoise water all around. When you stand there looking out at the horizon it feels like you are in a postcard except you are actually living it.
When the tides low at places like Naked Island or Daku Island you can walk for what feels like miles. The waters so warm and clear you can see every little shell piece of coral and tiny fish swimming right beneath your feet. Families bring picnic baskets here spreading out mats on the sand and sharing fried fish and rice. Friends take a million selfies trying to capture how bright the water looks under the sun. And couples just sit and watch the sea change colors from bright blue to soft green as the day goes on.
Then theres the beach with the swings you probably seen photos of it all over social media but being there in person is way better. The rope swings tied to a big old palm tree that leans out over the water and when you sit on it and let your feet dangle just above the waves, you feel like you are on top of the world. You dont even have to swing high if you dont want to just sitting there listening to the waves crash and feeling the breeze on your face is more than enough to make you forget about everything back home.
And of course we cant talk about Siargao without bringing up surfing. This place is the spot in the Philippines for catching waves and you dont have to be a pro to give it a try. Cloud 9 is the most famous surf spot there’s even a little pier there where you can watch the surfers do their thing. Some of them make it look so easy gliding across the waves like they were born to be there. The sound of boards cutting through water is like music to any surf lovers ears.
If you are new to surfing dont worry there are tons of surf schools around the island and the instructors are all super chill. They all take you to calmer spots first teaching you how to paddle out and stand up on the board. Even if you only manage to stay up for a few seconds before wiping out and crashing into the water you will still be grinning from ear to ear. Getting back on the board and trying again becomes the best part of your day.
The best part about Siargao though Its not just the beaches its the food and the people. You wll find little cafes and stalls everywhere where they serve amazing mango shakes that are so sweet and thick you can barely sip them through a straw. Fresh seafood is the star here grilled fish shrimp and squid thats been caught that morning served with garlic rice and a side of spicy vinegar. No fancy menus or fancy plates just good food made with love.
Everyone moves at a slower pace here. You will see locals hanging out under shade trees playing cards or just chatting. They all say hi to you on the street ask where you are from and maybe even invite you to join them for a game of basketball at the barangay court. At night some beaches have bonfires where people gather to sing songs share stories and roast marshmallows over the flames. Theres no rush to be anywhere or do anything time just seems to stretch out nice and slow.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend your days doing absolutely nothing but lying in a hammock under a palm tree or you can fill your schedule with surfing island hopping, and exploring hidden lagoons. Either way when its time to leave and you are heading back to the airport you will look out the window at the green islands getting smaller and smaller. And you will already be planning when you can come back because once Siargao gets into your blood you cant stay away for