It is the time of the year when families and friends plan getaways to escape the city stress. And since it is summer, all destinations are pointing to where the sea and the beaches are. And the journey begins when everyone packs their bags, all excited to get the nourishment that everyone seeks – the Vitamin SEA.
You all agree to go south and feel the need to ride the waves. Perfect! The best place awaits you there. You take the plane, plus hours of land travel and now you’re boarding the boat.
The rushing wind blows from your face to the tips of your hair. It is warm yet inviting – almost taking away your being. But before you let go of your senses, you look down into the water. It is clear, that you can almost see the bottom despite the ripples from the machine of the boat. Then you touch it and feel the coldness that calms your soul – an exact opposite of the warmth of the tropical wind. It is a contrast that one will surely love. And as you alight from the boat and see a swarm of beach-lovers with boards all aiming for the waves, that’s when you knew that you are in paradise – you are in Siargao.
Doorstep to Northern Mindanao
Siargao is a teardrop shaped island at the eastern tip of the Northern Mindanao and a part of Surigao del Norte province. It is widely open to the strong current of the Pacific Ocean, making the waves stronger and suitable for surfing activity.
An Enchanting Gift from Mother Nature
As you fly across the Siargao air, you can already spot the beautiful islands with perfect white beaches, sand bars, and turquoise waters. And as you set foot on the main island, you will find exotic wildlife, waterfalls, large mangrove reserve and even virgin forest. Things get more exciting as you touch-base with its white shores. There are bizarre rock formations, hidden caves, and enchanting lagoons all sculpted by Mother Nature for hundreds of years. Also, don’t forget the breathtaking, diverse marine wildlife beneath its waters.
Day Time Island-hopping
If you happened to check into some of the finest resorts and hotels, you’ll be covered as most of them organize day trips to these three small islands:
- Naked Island: Just to be clear, there are no naked people on the island. And it’s not really an island, but a 200-meter long sand bank surrounded by clear waters and blindingly white sand. The view is spectacular, that an hour stay in the island is not enough to take pictures of the surreal sea and shoreline.
- Daku Island: Another stunning island embellished with countless coconut palm trees. The beach is gorgeous with its powdery white sand. As a matter fact, there is a small fishing community of 300 residents living on the island. If you love the idea of an overnight stay, there are simple huts at the beachfront. Just brace yourself, for this island has no electricity.
- Guyam Island: A little piece of paradise in its own right. The island is uninhabited but looks a lot like one of those tiny islands in Maldives. Once you set foot on this island, get your camera ready and take the best selfies to make your friends jealous.
Cloud 9, the Surfing Center
Siargao’s Cloud 9 is located in General Luna, at the northeastern tip of Siargao, and is accessible via Tourism road. It has a reputation for thick, hollow, tube-like surfing waves that draws the attention of not just the local but also the foreign surfers. This right-breaking reef wave is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte to promote the surfing tourism of the area.