Siargao is known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines because of its famous world class surfing break called Cloud Nine. Aside from Cloud 9, there are numerous surfing breaks in and around Siargao because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Marianas trench and the shallow waters of the islands.
Flickr Photos by Miguel Navaza
On top of the fabulous surf spots, Siargao’s remoteness, natural beauty, unspoiled beaches and a distinct idyllic charm captivates its visitors. Even for non-surfers, there is a ton of things to see, do and discover. One can go kayaking around the island’s vast natural mangrove forest, go diving or island hopping in the lagoon and nearby islands which have natural white sand and crystal clear blue waters.
How to Get There
PAL Express has a direct flights from Manila (NAIA Terminal 3) to Surigao City (capital of Surigao del Norte) via PAL Express. Cebu Pacific Air or Philippine Airlines offer routes that fly first to either Cebu City or Butuan City before taking another flight to Surigao City. You’ll then need to take a pumpboat/ferry from Surigao City to Siargao. This pumpboat trip takes around two hours to reach your destination.
Flickr Photo by Paolo Manalac
Accomodation
There’s only a few accommodations available in Siargao. Most of them are pension houses and hostels targeted for the backpacker/surfer crowd. They are, however, comfortable enough and provide a range of services.
Some of the more popular ones are
- Patrick’s on the Beach or Patrick’s on Cloud 9. It is one of the more established resorts in the area. You can choose from air-conditioned rooms to tents on the beach.
- Traveller’s Pension House. As a pension house, it has basic amenities. You can choose between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms.
- Kalinaw Resort. It is Siargao’s newest and relatively modern resort with individual cottages with simple furnishing but is really comfortable.
- Pansukian Tropical Resort. This is first upscale resort in Siargao with all the luxury and first-world amenities you’ll expect to find in an upscale resort.
What to do in Siargao
Siargao is popular with its Cloud 9 waves so it’s just fitting the most of your stay here will be better spent surfing. Additionally, it is also recommended to explore the island and its environs. Most resorts will gladly recommend places to see and things to do. Popular among the sights to see are Cloud 9, Sohoton Cove and mangrove swamps while the most popular activity beyond surfing is fishing.
Flickr Photos by Kringkat_ii
Prime Spots for Surfing
Tuason Point: Located three kilometers north of the municipality of General Luna and is where the world-famous Cloud 9 is located. It is an exposed reef break that has reasonably consistent surf. Offshore winds blow from the west. Most of the surf comes fis in the form of windswells and the best wave direction is from the northeast. A left hand reef. Best around high tide when the tide is rising. It very rarely gets crowded here. Surfing here means negotiating dangerous rips so this is for experienced surfers only.
North of Cloud 9
<ul<
GL and South
It is always a highlight of one’s holiday in Siargao. It can only be reached via a boat ride to Daku Island. Daku is an island to the east of General Luna and has a fun right hander that breaks during large swells. The wave breaks on the protected side of the island so it is usually small and great for beginners. Pansukian Reef is a fickle but hollow right hander; another for experienced surfers only. Further south are the islands of La Janoza and Mamon. These islands are beautiful. There are numerous waves in this area with the pick of the bunch being at Mabuntok Reef, which is to the left on Mamon. This wave will cater to all levels and is situated by one of the most pleasant and picturesque beaches in the region.
Siargao Travel Tips
The best time to visit Siargao is between July and November when waves can reach from 10-15 feet high.
Flickr Photo by cia b
Siargao Travel Tips
- Swimwear/beachwear, of course!
- Rubber Surfing Boots – you’ll need to walk in some rocky reefs to get to the waves
- First Aid Kit – as always but you’ll need it here more
- Lots and lots of sunblock and sunscreen
- You must have a Smart or Talk and Text mobile phone because it’s the only mobile connectivity in this island. Not sure if Globe or Sun has arrived there yet.
- Waterproof Camera. The island is beautiful and has a lot of large bodies of water. Better protect those pictures so you can post them in FaceBook and Flickr and have bragging rights!
- CASH!!! No ATM/Credit Cards in Siargao island
Happy Surfing!!!!!
No related posts.
