Thank you @The Lost Boys PH for the photos
With its tear-drop shape and feature, Siargao is surely one of the most fascinating islands of the Philippines. It has been considered as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines as the winds from the Pacific Ocean freely come and go paired by the current of water brought by the rest of the Mindanao rivers.
Surely, you have heard about Boracay and Palawan islands in the Philippines and know that both have been raking thousands of tourists from all over the world. However, the unexplored beauty and wonders of Siargao island makes it one of my top choices to visit this year.
What to Experience in Siargao?
Cloud 9
Cloud 9, Siargao’s most famous surfing wave has been a home to a lot of surfers from the Philippines and even to surfers from the international scene as it has been holding a number of competitions. Amidst its popularity, you can still find affordable entertainment activities, accommodations and restaurants here.
So, you don’t really have to worry about your budget as this awesome place is very friendly for backpackers like you and me.
You might also want to experience all the other islands surrounding the place. So, you can also do island hopping from Guyam Island, Naked Island, Sohoton Cove and Dako Island.
I was able to visit Sohoton Cove the last time we went to Surigao. So, you might be wondering whether Siargao and Surigao City are one and the same. For the information of the many, these two places are different from each other. They are both from the same province which is Surigao del Norte but Siargao is a tropical island whereas Surigao City is the capital of the entire province.
During my visit, we took a different route visiting Sohoton Cove and the Enchanted River. It was a totally different experience. You can check the following photos to see how our travel went.
Mangpupungko Tidal Pool and Sugba Lagoon are also a must!You can indulge yourself for all the water activities you want to try. Plus, you have the entire view of the place to treat your eyes! Aside from all these, you can enjoy snorkeling, scuba and free diving.
Mangpupungko Tidal Pool, Photo source
If you want to just enjoy the sand and the sun, you can just stroll down the beautiful bays of Siargao and take in the bright pinkish sunset and the beautiful rhythm of the sea waves.
How to Get There?
There are a lot of ways for you to go to Siargao. So, check the following discussion for you to know where to start.
For tourists from abroad and up north or other parts of the country outside Mindanao, you can always book a flight directly to Siargao. If you opt to fly to Butuan instead, you still have to travel by land for two hours and another two hours and half by sea. You can always ride a van or a bus from Butuan to Surigao if you want to experience travelling by land as there are vans waiting for you outside the airport and are willing to take youto the city terminal. The usual rates for van or bus rides is ranging from P 200.00 to P 250.00 while the ferry rates range from P 250.00 to P 320.00.
Once you get to the terminal, you can take a jeepney or a motorcycle to go to the Surigao port which only costs P20.00 to P 30.00. From the port, take a fast ferry to Dapa Island which the port of the Siargao island. Please be reminded of the schedule of the ferries as they only travel during the scheduled time. Their first trip starts at 5:30 in the morning and the last trip is only at 12 noon.
Things to Keep in Mind When Going to Siargao
Food and entertainment do not come expensive in Siargao. There are a lot of mini-carinderias along the side of the road. It is guaranteed that all are affordable and at par with services you get in other sophisticated resorts and beaches. In addition, if you are on a budget, there are affordable hostels in the island that only ranges from P 400.00 to P 500.00. There are also ATM machines available in the town of Dapa and there are some resorts which accept major credit cards with additional fees.
You can expect beach parties as well but you have to keep yourself posted with the schedule. Speaking of schedule, you have to be mindful of the schedule of ferries when going and leaving the island. Also, always ask about the low tides and high tides especially when you are planning to visit the Magpupungko Island as it is best to visit such place during low tide.
Remember to always enjoy your vacation away from the usual rush of the city. Take a walk. Stroll around the entire island. There are motorcycles for rent which you can own for a day for only P350.00. With this, you will be able to reach every corners of the island.
The most important thing that you have to consider is your safety and protection. If you are not confident with your surfing skills, ask an instructor to guide you with the proper techniques of surfing. Here, you can always hire a professional instructor for only P 500.00. This is very important as the waves and the seabed of this paradise can be very wild and tough for amateur surfers.
Here’s a Wrap
So, as a wrap, it is undeniable how beautiful the island of Siargao is. There are more than enough reasons for you to go there and experience it yourself. I, personally is awed with its beauty and I cannot wait to feel, experience and taste what Siargao can offer.
Be with me in my journey and let us explore more beautiful places in the Philippines. Again, as what most Filipinos always say, IT IS MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!!!
P.S
All the beautiful pictures are shared by our good friends, the Lost Boys Ph. You might want to check them out as well.
And yeah, that's me, yours truly.
