Siargao’s Cloud 9 reopens
After month-long closure
GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte – The country’s surfing mecca, the famous “Cloud 9” here is now back in operation on Monday, after a month-long temporary closure.
The surf breaks at “Cloud 9” that made it to the global surfing spotlight since the first staging of the Siargao World Surfing Cup in September 1994, was temporary closed on March 31 for the rehabilitation and repair of the board walk and establishment of an incident command post (ICP).
ICP is manned by rescue and medical teams and lifeguards from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC).
“Our main objective in the rehabilitation and repair of the board walk of Could 9 is the safety of our surfers, including tourists, guests and visitors,” said Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol F. Matugas, during the re-opening of the boardwalk of “Cloud 9” on Sunday.
However, some new safety measures have been put into effect starting yesterday for the welfare of surfers and other visitors.
The number of tourists and guests visiting the “Cloud 9” tower will now be limited to 150 persons, while the first and second cottages will be kept to just 50 persons every hour.
The first platform/tower will be the station for the Siargao Island Surfing Association Professional Surfers where tourists can register and be briefed for surfing lessons and hire their surfing certified and registered instructors.
Regular operating hours of “Cloud 9” will also be limited from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for special events and activities.
All tourists and guests who wish to enter the boardwalk going to “Cloud 9” tower and viewing deck shall pay the conservation and admission fee in the amount of R50 per head. This fee will go to the maintenance of the board walk and other structures in the “Cloud 9”, local government unit officials here said.
Vendors and drinks, sleeping and smoking will also be strictly prohibited within the “Cloud 9” area.
Throwing of garbage will also not be allowed, and children below 10 years of age should now be be accompanied by parents or an adult.
Recreational swimming will no longer be permitted in “Cloud 9,” except for surfing-related activities.
Meanwhile, aside from the currently imposed environment preservation and protection and sewerage/garbage system by the LGU’s, new traffic rules will also be strictly enforced in the island as the huge influx of tourists continued after the temporary closure of Boracay last April 26.