TRAVEL TALK

When the desire to get away from it all strikes, and you happen to love aquamarine water, perfect beaches, lush forests and great surf, Siargao Island in the Philippines is the place to go. Siargao is in the Philippines Sea about 800 km southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. It is easy to get to by air and, once there, feel the layers of work worry and life in general just peel away. The surf here is phenomenal with breaks for everyone from beginners to World Surf League pros who just love the Cloud 9 break and in fact compete here every year. Away from the waves, visit Magpupungko rock pools, swim, SUP or paddle at the pristine and ridiculously scenic Sugba Lagoon (pictured here), cave dive at Tayangban Cave Pool, visit TakTak Falls, swim or snorkel at Tiktikan Lagoon or go island hopping to Guyam, Daku and Naked islands. Guyam Island, pictured on our front cover, is a place Robinson Crusoe would have been happy living on. Swim, snorkel, surf on this tiny slice of paradise that you can walk around in 15 minutes and, for a real treat, there are huts under the coconut palms to stay in. Siargao is a hidden gem, one of many in the Philippines – plan a visit before the world discovers it. tourism.gov.ph