WOW, SIARGAO

 

This video is the highlight of my travel to Siargao Island summarized in 3 minutes. It is a hidden paradise, Siargao is situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao Del Norte, northeastern in Mindanao, and well known as the “surfing capital of the Philippines”

UNFORGETABLE SIARGAO

My travel to Siargao brought me into another level of excitement in expecting to experience again the wonder of travelling the beautiful places around the tropical country into reality.  When I arrived in Siargao and true enough, Siargao did not fail me to give the most relaxing feeling of an unspoiled island vibes to my senses.  Siargao easily captured my heart with its simplicity yet astounding sceneries.  While on a van passing through the long and smooth road going to its town proper, seeing the green mountains surround, the simple houses and few locals walking on the street-side made my first impression light and attached.  The natural landscape of its flora and fauna where the greeneries are abundant and the crystal clear water are shinning is simply picturesque undeniable.  The surrounding is clean and last but not the list, the friendly people are readily approachable to their guests, be it locales or foreigners.

 

As guest, Siargao has so many options to offer in both land and water.  Island hopping is always popular and favorite.  First stop was the Secret Island, an island that shows up depend on the tide, makes it called secret when not seen.  Next Naked Island, it is a bare small island with no habitats which why it was called naked.  I like Naked Island because of its very friendly look, no clutter of anything that ruins its beauty.  It has fine white sand and nice sand bar that is visibly during low tide.  And for those keen aficionados to document the beauty of the place, I think Naked Island is perfect for drone shot where it can capture the pure white sands, the clear blue and green water surrounds and the whole island itself.  Next were the Guyam Island and the Daku Island where both can welcome large number of guests, offer cottages, foods and drinks, and host picture perfect instagramable spots.  The famous boodle-fight lunch served with lots of sea foods and fruits perfectly made each one full and done.  Seeing foreigners who are not familiar with our foods, cuisines, and may even not accustomed how we eat using our bare hands, but these strangers who got along with the design of boodle fight was my take away of the day.

 

The next day was basically land tour leading to both water and land.  Secret Beach was definitely very beautiful, unspoiled, serene and relaxing.  Wherever you look, anywhere you go, every spot was simply naturally perfect.  Then Maasin Enchanted River was next.  The green and tranquil water with a waiting bamboo raft, and a ready wooden diving board for those who want to jump made the river inviting.  To continue the tour was the Coconut Mountain View, an epic viewpoint overlooking thousands of coconut trees, where the human drone was known to many.  Half way on the island day tour, we were docked on a port to ride in a pump boat for the next itinerary.  The boatman/tour guide traveled us passing through Maasin Mangrove to witness how they protect the sea and how they serve to the ecosystem.  The travel was all the way to Sugba Lagoon, a spot perfect for snorkeling and an improvised diving board is ready for the fearless divers.  And finally, Magpupungko Rock Pool is another spot for diving but it is more children-friendly spot.

 

While in Siargao, going to famous Cloud-9 is a must to do but unfortunately I had to miss due to time constraint.  It is coined Cloud-9 because of the big waves that look like number 9, a fact that will not become popular for great surfers.   The foods are good and at night, there is life to chill in some designated places.  All in all, my travel to Siargao is very touching in the sense that I felt so touched with how its natural looks, calmness, cleanliness, and its white sands captured my heart.

 

Going to Siargao from Manila can be by land and by air but for convenience, by plane is the best option.  Manila is 762 km distance from Siargao, 2 hours direct flight travel by plane, and another 45 minutes land travel from Sayak Airport to General Luna, the center of Siargao.