SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES GUIDE | Surfing,Things To Do

Siargao Island Philippines Travel Travel Guide | Surfing, Things to do, Weather

SIARGAO ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE + HOTELS, RESORTS, TOURIST SPOTS, THINGS TO DO, WEATHER, SURFING

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WHY VISIT SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

“If you will be stranded on an island, where would you want it to be?”

Getting stranded in a place for days can be really frustrating, but if a beauty queen is asked this question, they will surely answer a paradise they dreamed of going. This scenario wasn’t just asked to the Miss Universe beauties Lauren Howe of Canada, Rachel Peters of Philippines, and Samantha James of Malaysia, but they indeed experience it recently as typhoon Urduja struck Eastern Samar, Philippines.

“…reasons to smile here in the Philippines,” “…minutes of calm,” and “So happy to be stranded…” are the actual words these three beauties used to describe their experience. But where exactly in the Philippines is this place? It’s none other than, Siargao Island.

So what’s with Siargao that these three girls still had some fun while being stranded?

WHERE IS SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

Siargao Island is located in the Mindanao, specifically in the province of Surigao del Norte. This island should definitely be on the list of those who love to travel; not only it attracts surfers due to its intact waves and winds, but typical beach bum who know nothing about surfing can still be awe while staying on this island.

SIARGAO ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE + TOURIST ATTRACTIONS — SIARGAO SURFING. By Mclovin’tosh (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)] [ *Siargao Island Travel | Hotels, Resorts, Tourist Spots, Things to do, Weather ]*

SIARGAO ISLAND: THE SURFING CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

Finding the best surfing to go to if you are in the Philippines? You can never go wrong if you are to visit the country’s highly-touted surfing capital, Siargao Island, in Surigao Del Norte.

But when you think that it’s only valid to the locals who hailed it as the best across the country, international institutions such as the CNN recognized the island—specifically it’s “Cloud 9” region—as among the top 10 best surfing spots all over the world, bested only by eight others.

Able to consistently provide decent waves year-round, which makes it a hub for surfing enthusiasts and professionals alike, Siargao Island’s surrounding beaches are at their peak in producing high waves averaging 7 feet in height during September/October up to March of the following year.

The place was so popular among surfers, especially Cloud 9, during peak season, locals often label the same area as “Crowd 9,” hinting how crowded the area can be at times with thrill-seeking surfers. With little to no competition in neighboring areas apart from their equally beautiful beaches, the idea that Cloud 9 getting overcrowded is perhaps expected rather than surprising.

Popular to both foreigners and locals from other parts of the country like in Manila, getting to Siargao Island is a trip by plane or by boat, in addition to a further land transfer, depending on where you are coming from.

BUSINESS FOR SURFERS IN SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

Thriving with businesses centered towards surfers, there are establishments within the region that offer rentals of surfboards. The selection may not be at par with the greatest surfboards elsewhere, but places like the Fat Lips Surf Shop offer decent choices to choose from.

While you can choose to carry with you your rented stuff and walk a rather long way to your intended destination, renting a ride for $8 a day is a more convenient option, especially if you are already too excited to check out the famed waves.

To get to the offshore waves, however, a boat transfer is required via the so-called “bangka,” a local outrigger boat, which costs $5 per person. This is a 2-way trip, however. Meaning, the “captain” of the boat will be there to stay until such time his passengers are done surfing in the area.

When you think that these so-called “captains” of their bangka are seasoned sailors of the seas as reflected by their age, you would be surprised to see that they can also be as young as a teen, yet are experienced enough to be in their trade.

SURFING — Stan Shebs [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)] [ *Siargao Island Travel | Hotels, Resorts, Tourist Spots, Things to do, Weather ]*

HOW TO GO TO SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

Whether you are coming from the country’s capital region or that closer to the province of Cebu, getting to this tropical island in the further south-eastern part of the country is only possible in one of two ways: direct flight by plane or via a ferry boat.

The easiest and most comfortable way of getting to Siargao island is to fly direct from Manila or Cebu International Airport.

Another route to reach the place is to fly from Manila to Surigao, after which you will take a boat to reach the island. This route might be a bit cheaper but might consume most of your time.

Landing into the island by plane or dropping off by boat, it takes another 40 minutes of land travel to get to the town of General Luna, a gateway to the surfing beaches of Siargao Island.

SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES WEATHER FORECAST

Click here to find out the Siargao Weather Forecast

SIARGAO TOURIST SPOTS | THINGS TO DO

Sugba Lagoon

Sugba Lagoon is located at Del Carmen, about 90 to 120 minutes from General Luna via van and boat. In the middle of mangroves and splendid rock formation, this place offers a calmer atmosphere as there are fewer visitors on the spot; if you are lucky enough, you can have the whole place on your own.

Notes:
Entrance fee is 100php while table fee is 50php / table.
A menu of freshly caught fish is available, but expect that it is very costly.
For a cheaper food budget, you can bring your lunch or buy raw foods at the market near the Tourism Office and grill it at the lagoon. A fee of 100php is required for grilling.
If you want to skip the hassle of the DIY travel guide mentioned above, just book a tour of hotels.
Activities: swimming, SUP, personal encounter with Stingless Jellyfish (if lucky enough), water bike, bamboo raft, and diving at the springboard

Kawhagan Island

After having numerous fun water activities at the Sugba Lagoon, head to Kawhagan Island to be relaxed and just chill under the sun while having fresh coconuts. This island is only around 20 minutes from Sugba.

Daku, Naked, and Guyam Island

Never underestimate the beauty of similar islands. These three islets located near General Luna are similar in kind, but experiences will always be different from one another, so visit all.

Magpupungko Rock Pool

A beautiful gem in the Municipality of Pillar, this place offers sophisticated rock formation and inviting turquoise blue water. The area is already commercialized as food stalls, and restaurants warmly welcome every guest. On the other hand, guests can also bring their food. You can choose on two different ways on how to reach the Rock Pool: from the back passing rock steps, or passing through the beach. One thing to remember: visit during low tides to witness a calmer atmosphere. The entrance fee to this place is just 50php.

Alegria Beach

If you want to skip the busy coastline of General Luna, opt to go to Alegria Beach instead. The crystal clear water, white sand, and coconut palms make the beach perfect for a great photo opportunity and even postcards photos. Having many coconut palms, enjoying big fresh coconuts is expected. What makes it more enjoyable is that there are fewer (or none at all) tourists in the area, which means that it is still unspoiled and has preserved beauty.

Pacifico Beach

Another tourist spot to visit in Siargao island, especially if you prefer a less touristy area, is Pacifico Beach. The white sand and clear blue-green water would make a perfect view if you decided to have a stroll and swim early in the morning. The radiant colors of the sunrise, on the other hand, are best enjoyed during summer; it gives a dramatic picture, which is perfect if you just want to have that me-time kind of moment. The surfing lesson is also offered as the beach has a really good surfing site, but not that consistent compare to those in General Luna’s; however, some still prefer surfing here as there is not much queue. There are about six resorts, and backpackers can put up a tent as well.

Taktak Falls

Enough of saltwater and freshwater this time. Taktak Falls is the only waterfall in Siargao Island, so make the most of it; have fun dipping!

a beautiful view of the Siargao Island from Ocean 101 Cloud 9 Beach Resort

Hill climbing

Enjoy admiring sunsets and landscapes with this activity; there’s a hill in Del Carmen if you want to.

Having fresh coconuts

It has already been mentioned in this post that some beaches make this possible, but we’re repeating it, don’t forget to eat fresh coconuts.
Sleep under the stars, get that tent ready! – How an adventure it will be to sleep with Mother Nature?

Sunrise and sunsets

You can enjoy sunrise and sunsets in most parts of the country, but having this in Siargao Island might give you a new experience and nostalgic feeling.

Eat Pizza at Kermit’s and Mexican foods at Kokai’s

What’s with traveling if you will not try eating at their most famous restaurants? This is one place recommended by people who have visited the island.

Coffee time at Café Loca

Coffee lover, anyone? This place is a good place to sip coffee while you are on Siargao Island.

Overall, Siargao is one place you shouldn’t miss. Skip the over-rated summer destinations and enjoy the serene atmosphere the island has to offer.

Club Tara Beach Resort

LIST OF RESORTS, HOTELS

You can book a room in your next visit to the island by clicking on the link (name of resorts) listed below. This list includes budget resorts and homestays. Almost all of these resorts offer discounts.