UNTOUCHED ISLAND BEAUTY
Complete with perfect surfing conditions, rock climbing to cliff diving adventures, breathtaking rock pools, and warm locals, SIARGAO proves why making the big move from the city to this untouched and isolated island is a no-brainer.
Only a two to three-hour flight away from Manila, Siargao is the perfect escape from the congestion and stress of the city. A weekend trip here is really all it takes to grasp how different this island is compared to the other famous beaches in the Philippines, like Boracay and Palawan. It’s hard to say what it is exactly, but there is truly something special and charming about this island and how it makes you feel like you never want to leave.
Perhaps, this feeling comes from the combination of the island’s slow and relaxed pace with its welcoming people. Or maybe, it’s because the island is still so simple as it has not been filled with skyscrapers, fast-food chains, and popular hotels. Or possibly, it’s because it is as if the island had just been discovered, as if the island were completely unaffected by the world around it. Whatever it is, Siargao seemed to work in perfect harmony in its own little bubble, and I am so blessed to have experienced it for what it is now, which is simply pure and raw beauty.
Because I share this love for Siargao with thousands of other locals and tourists, the island is still kept as clean and pristine as it was first found. To prevent the island from becoming too commercialized, the number of tourists is actually closely monitored by limiting the number of flights entering and exiting. Despite this, there still seems to be way more foreigners (mostly Europeans) than locals in the area, but as days flew by, their great respect for the local culture and surroundings made it seem like they were locals too.
CATCHING SIARGAO ISLAND’S FEVER
I traveled to Siargao for the first time from January 15th to 18th, as my first trip of the decade, for a mini college reunion with my best friends. We stayed in a little hotel in the center of town. So, we simply walked our way to find food or souvenirs and took quick tricycle rides to either catch waves in Cloud 9 or just have Shaka’s acai bowls by the beach.
Our itinerary for this 3-day trip consisted of island hopping to Sohoton Cove, taking surf lessons in Cloud 9, taking a land tour to Magpupungko’s rock pools, and bar hopping every night. In the end, it came out to be a perfect itinerary for a short trip so don’t hesitate to copy this schedule. We were able to cover and explore the majority of Siargao’s best features, while also being able to relax and take our sweet time.
But before hopping on that flight, take note of a few simple reminders. Since there is a great number of foreigners in Siargao, prices can often be pretty hefty compared to those of Manila. On
that note, remember to bring a good amount of cash since most stalls do not accept credit cards, but resorts and hotels still do of course.
SOHOTON COVE
I highly suggest reserving one day for island hopping to Sohoton Cove like we did, since it takes almost two hours by boat to go back and forth. Don’t let that travel time discourage you though, because the trip was definitely worth every second, especially for adrenaline junkies like ourselves. According to one of my friends who has been to Siargao before, Sohoton Cove is a way better option than the more famous spot known as Sugba Lagoon. Tourists frequent this lagoon more often only because it’s a closer boat ride from the main town. But, by only traveling one hour more back and forth, you can get a better island hopping experience in Sohoton Cove.
After that two-hour boat ride, you arrive at a hut standing in the middle of the sea where you and a partner transfer to an even smaller boat, which you two can paddle to the center of the cove. At the center, you can hop off the paddle boat to swim and snorkel with not only their fish but also their famous stingless jellyfish. And yes, I tested it out myself so don’t be afraid to hold them.
Next, you and a group get to travel again on a small boat for about an hour to reach the caves. Now, this part is something my friends and I have never experienced before. Basically, you hop off your boat, then trust your tour guide with your life as he pushes you underwater for eight full seconds in order to enter the cave. Then inside, you’ll find that the intimidating entrance was well
worth it as the cave’s dark atmosphere is brightened up by naturally glistening green rocks coming from underneath the water.
Finally, our last stop in Sohoton Cove ended with a bang, as we rock climbed up to a cliff and flung our bodies down deep into the water. Since that was my very first time cliff diving, I was nervous and excited as I was rock climbing my way up. My nerves were calmed down as the tour guide literally guided me every step of the way, as he showed me which rocks to step on and how to properly jump off. In the end, I felt that I could pretty much do it all again and again. So, if it isn’t obvious yet, I highly recommend this tour. Others even claim that their favorite part about Siargao isn’t Siargao, but it’s Sohoton Cove.
MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOLS
On our last full day, we decided to both snorkel in Magpupungko’s rock pools and surf in Cloud 9, which I strongly believe are the two main activities that one cannot skip when in Siargao. If you don’t have the luxury of time, I suggest that these two things should be your topmost priorities. Anyways, you don’t need a boat ride to visit any of these places so they will be very accessible to you.
It took about an hour via tricycle to get to the Magpupungko rock pools from the main town. On our way over to this beach, we passed by endless rows of coconut trees, which made our little road trip a scenic one. We even hopped off the tricycle to get a photo on Siargao’s famous palm-lined road. After an hour, I arrived at Magpupungko and had the initial impression that it might be an ordinary rocky beach. But, as I trudged my way over, I was pleasantly surprised to see a unique view of consecutive natural rock pools with crystal blue waters. Tourists who come here usually enjoy cliff diving into the pools, snorkeling to see the corals and fish, or simply just savoring the view.
SURFING ON CLOUD 9
Right before visiting Magpupungko, we hired local surfing instructors in the morning for one hour in Cloud 9 for 500 pesos. Let me start by saying that I am not that good of a swimmer. In fact, I’m that kid in swimming class that stands out, not because of talent but rather the lack of. So, just imagine my surprise when I continuously stood and glided on my surfboard on the very first day I tried to.
One reason that helped me learn faster than I expected is my surf instructor who is only 19 years old but has been constantly surfing since the age of 6. He told me that he is now ranked as the top 9th surfer in the junior league. Moreover, he shared that his 3 older siblings all grew up learning to become competitive surfers as well. It just amazed me how all these locals, young or old, can treat surfing not only as a hobby but as a lifestyle as well. It only goes to show how Siargao really is the surfing capital of the Philippines.
The other reason is that Siargao’s waves are friendly for all types of surfers—beginners, intermediates, and experts. Hence, people from all over the world fly to Cloud 9 to watch or join internationally renowned surfing competitions every year. Honestly, I now understand why all these people would make the long journey to surf on these very waves. I am not exaggerating when I say that surfing here is one of the best experiences I’ve had in my entire life so far. To glide on a beautiful body of water with the backdrop of a sea of coconut trees is truly something else. It only leaves you begging to come back for more. In fact, my friends and I are already planning a trip back within the same year. Yes, it’s that addicting! So, whenever you do plan a trip to Siargao, do send me an invite and let’s go catch some waves.