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 includes 9 municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Normal Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro. Smaller islands are positioned round the primary one.
Whenever 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 usually 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 an area.
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. As we speak, browsing is kind of common on the island. That is very true in Normal Luna, the place magnificent surf might be discovered.
The place to remain in Siargao
You could have countless choices for locations to remain whereas on Siargao Island. The island is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot that welcomes guests of all price range ranges. Irrespective of how a lot cash you’re prepared to spend, there may be an lodging that can fit your wants.
Normal Luna, positioned close to many common sights similar to Cloud 9 and Quicksilver browsing camps, Mama’s Grill, and the Normal Luna public market, is the right place to remain if you happen to’re on the lookout for a mixture of enjoyable and leisure in your trip.
High Siargao Resorts and Inns
La Luna Island Resort was our dwelling for a current trip, and we cherished it! The rooms had been well-sized with snug beds, Excellent for us because it was near many nice locations to eat.
Tips on how to get to Siargao Island
By Air
Sayak Airport is the island’s tiny but purposeful airport, positioned in Jesselton. Air journey to Siargao is probably the most handy choice.
By Ferry
You may as well journey to Siargao on a Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) ferry. These ferries depart from and return to Surigao Metropolis. The primary seaport on the island is positioned in Dapa. Boat and ferry charges fluctuate, between PHP 200-300.
Issues to do in Siargao
Siargao Land Tour
The primary 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 positioned 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 surprising turquoise physique of water, flanked by a two-story docking space. It’s excellent for swimming, paddling, canoeing, and snorkelling; and there’s loads of tools out there to lease onsite. Plus, if you happen to’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a diving platform you should utilize without cost! Entrance price: P50.
- Coconut Mountain is a phenomenal place to go to. Siargao is carpeted with rows and rows of coconut palms. Exploring the island turns into extra pleasurable because of the soothing pure magnificence and photogenic places 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 connected to the tree the place you may 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 may both guide a personalised journey or take part in a gaggle tour. When you’re a part of a gaggle, the wharf is the place you may rent your individual 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 could prepare dinner for you), but when cash is tight, carry your individual meals as an alternative. It doesn’t cowl the next charges for coming into and anchoring on the islands:
- Guyam Island: P30 per head
- Daku Island: P100 per boat
- Bare Island: freed from cost.
When you would moderately not problem with preparations or wish to meet new individuals, we suggest becoming a member of a gaggle tour.
Sohoton Cove (Bucas Grande Island)
Sohoton Cove is positioned on Bucas Grande Islands, an intricate community of spectacular karst hills and islands which are 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 appropriate.
Jellyfish season begins in March and lasts till August.Sohoton Cove is positioned in Socorro, Surigao del Norte and although a bit faraway from Siargao, it’s nonetheless simple to get to when 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 giant tour of all of the islands for round P4000. One of the best ways to economize on this journey can be discovering different vacationers prepared to separate the price with you.
Browsing!
Siargao’s prime attraction is, indubitably, 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 the most effective locations to catch them are at Cloud 9 and Quicksilver browsing camps.
These camps lease out surfboards and supply lessons for newcomers and intermediates alike. A 2-hour newbie class prices PHP 1000 which permits you loads of time to excellent your expertise…or take about 2 dozen epic wipeouts!
Cloud 9 Boardwalk
The Cloud 9 seashore can be dwelling to the Boardwalk and Tower, which has turn into a landmark within the space. Made out of wooden, this three-story construction provides 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 a phenomenal dawn, be sure to 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. Reasonably than being a tightly guarded secret, it’s an space that seldom attracts consideration compared to the opposite Siargao sights.
Nevertheless, make no mistake: this vacation spot have to be in your record if you happen to go to Siargao. There are two sides to it: Doot Seashore, which is a tranquil beachfront with high-quality, semi-white sand, and the mangrove forest, the place you might rent out a small paddle boat to discover the floating vegetation. It’s positioned roughly half an hour by automobile from Normal Luna Metropolis correct and off the overwhelmed observe.
When is the most effective 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 12 months being wet. When you’re solely visiting Siargao for browsing, these intervals don’t matter. 12 months-round, the waves are highly effective. The dry season, nonetheless, from March to November is especially interesting since varied occasions happen throughout these seasons, notably the Siargao Cloud 9 Browsing Cup.
Take into consideration that almost all guests have the identical mindset, and also you’ll understand why Siargao could turn into extra packed than common in these months.
Is Siargao protected?
Though Siargao is protected, vacationers ought to be cautious when swimming within the open water. The realm has a seasonal jellyfish inhabitants, so it’s all the time greatest 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 footwear. These little precautions could go a good distance towards making certain that you simply get pleasure from each minute of your journey to paradise.
