Understanding Siargao Island
Siargao is an island within the Philippines that lies off the northeast coast of Mindanao. It’s a part of Surigao del Norte province and contains 9 municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Normal Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro. Smaller islands are situated round the primary one.
Once you come to Siargao for the primary time, it’s simple to really feel confused by how totally different the vacationers are from the locals. The vacationers are typically adventurers who get enthusiastic about waves and browsing, whereas the locals are extra easy individuals who hold to themselves. For instance, I’m a vacationer and Jojo is a neighborhood.
Previous to the mid-2010s, Isla Mujeres was a reasonably protected browsing location, with waves that had been solely often seen. Within the browsing world, information of the island’s spectacular waves exploded round this time. Right now, browsing is kind of fashionable on the island. That is very true in Normal Luna, the place magnificent surf could be discovered.
The place to remain in Siargao
You’ve gotten countless choices for locations to remain whereas on Siargao Island. The island is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot that welcomes guests of all funds ranges. Regardless of how a lot cash you’re prepared to spend, there may be an lodging that may fit your wants.
Normal Luna, situated close to many fashionable points of interest equivalent to Cloud 9 and Quicksilver browsing camps, Mama’s Grill, and the Normal Luna public market, is the right place to remain in the event you’re searching for a mixture of enjoyable and rest in your trip.
High Siargao Resorts and Inns
La Luna Island Resort was our dwelling for a current trip, and we liked it! The rooms had been well-sized with snug beds, Good for us because it was near many nice locations to eat.
Find out how to get to Siargao Island
By Air
Sayak Airport is the island’s tiny but practical airport, situated in Jesselton. Air journey to Siargao is essentially the most handy possibility.
By Ferry
You can too journey to Siargao on a Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) ferry. These ferries go away from and return to Surigao Metropolis. The principle seaport on the island is situated in Dapa. Boat and ferry charges differ, between PHP 200-300.
Issues to do in Siargao
Siargao Land Tour
The principle island could also be explored, and its jagged edges and vibrant vistas will amaze you. Listed here are the standard stops on a land tour.
- The Magpupungko Rock Swimming pools are situated within the province of Iligan. Throughout low tide, the retreating shore exposes rock formations and pure baths, which can be utilized for some enjoyable swimming. It’s an all-natural infinity pool, to say the least. Entrance price: P50.
- The Sugba Lagoon is a shocking turquoise physique of water, flanked by a two-story docking space. It’s good for swimming, paddling, canoeing, and snorkelling; and there’s loads of tools obtainable to hire onsite. Plus, in the event you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a diving platform you need to use free of charge! Entrance price: P50.
- Coconut Mountain is an exquisite place to go to. Siargao is carpeted with rows and rows of coconut palms. Exploring the island turns into extra pleasurable due to the soothing pure magnificence and photogenic areas alongside the route.
- Maasin River. There’s a picturesque river, significantly the realm with the bent coconut tree hanging over the water. There’s a rope hooked up to the tree the place you’ll be able to swing and dive into the river from. The water is about 6 ft deep. Entrance price: P20.
3 Islands Tour
The three islands closest to Normal Luna are Guyam Island, Daku Island, and Bare Island. If you wish to go on a non-public yacht constitution, you’ll be able to both guide a personalised journey or take part in a gaggle tour. For those who’re a part of a gaggle, the wharf is the place you’ll be able to rent your personal boat for P1,500 to P2,000 per boat. This doesn’t embrace lunch, although. Recent seafood could also be discovered on Daku Island (which the locals might cook dinner for you), but when cash is tight, convey your personal meals as a substitute. It doesn’t cowl the next charges for getting into and anchoring on the islands:
- Guyam Island: P30 per head
- Daku Island: P100 per boat
- Bare Island: freed from cost.
For those who would quite not problem with preparations or need to meet new individuals, we advocate becoming a member of a gaggle tour.
Sohoton Cove (Bucas Grande Island)
Sohoton Cove is situated on Bucas Grande Islands, an intricate community of spectacular karst hills and islands which might be dwelling to stunning lagoons, seashores, and even caves. In some lagoons, stingless jellyfish could also be seen floating within the water, which vacationers can swim with and work together with if the timing is right.
Jellyfish season begins in March and lasts till August.Sohoton Cove is situated in Socorro, Surigao del Norte and although a bit faraway from Siargao, it’s nonetheless simple to get to in case you have the time or cash. Boat excursions from Siargao value P3000, however some boatmen mix it with the three Islands Tour to make one massive tour of all of the islands for round P4000. The easiest way to economize on this journey can be discovering different vacationers prepared to separate the price with you.
Browsing!
Siargao’s prime attraction is, definitely, browsing (as our teacher tells us whereas we journey the rails). The island options stunning waves which have made it well-known worldwide–such because the “Cloud 9” swell. These waves are discovered on Normal Luna coast and one of the best locations to catch them are at Cloud 9 and Quicksilver browsing camps.
These camps hire out surfboards and supply lessons for newbies and intermediates alike. A 2-hour newbie class prices PHP 1000 which permits you loads of time to good your expertise…or take about 2 dozen epic wipeouts!
Cloud 9 Boardwalk
The Cloud 9 seashore can also be dwelling to the Boardwalk and Tower, which has change into a landmark within the space. Made out of wooden, this three-story construction affords company an unbeatable view of not solely the Cloud 9 seashore but additionally the waves and Pacific Ocean past it. There’s a PHP 50 entrance price required.
Right here’s a tip:If you wish to watch an exquisite dawn, be sure you get to the tower earlier than daybreak.
Secret Spot
The “Secret Spot” or “Secret Place” is a well-liked title for Siargao. It isn’t as hidden as its title implies. Moderately than being a tightly guarded secret, it’s an space that seldom attracts consideration compared to the opposite Siargao points of interest.
Nonetheless, make no mistake: this vacation spot have to be in your checklist in the event you go to Siargao. There are two sides to it: Doot Seaside, which is a tranquil beachfront with effective, semi-white sand, and the mangrove forest, the place it’s possible you’ll rent out a small paddle boat to discover the floating vegetation. It’s situated roughly half an hour by automobile from Normal Luna Metropolis correct and off the crushed monitor.
When is one of the best time to go to Siargao?
Siargao Island has a dry and moist season, with the months between March and November being comparatively dry and the rest of the yr being wet. For those who’re solely visiting Siargao for browsing, these intervals don’t matter. 12 months-round, the waves are highly effective. The dry season, nevertheless, from March to November is especially interesting since varied occasions happen throughout these seasons, notably the Siargao Cloud 9 Browsing Cup.
Keep in mind that the majority guests have the identical mindset, and also you’ll understand why Siargao might change into extra packed than common in these months.
Is Siargao secure?
Though Siargao is secure, vacationers needs to be cautious when swimming within the open water. The world has a seasonal jellyfish inhabitants, so it’s at all times finest to ask round earlier than taking a dip!
Don’t fear about security. When on the boat, use life vests. When out, keep away from leaving digital units plugged in. On seashores and rocky shores, put on aqua sneakers. These little precautions might go a good distance towards making certain that you just get pleasure from each minute of your journey to paradise.
