Siargao
I've heard of Siargao and its waves a few years back, and my Dad, being a great supporter of untouched islands, booked a flight from Manila to Siargao, with a connecting flight from Cebu. Unfortunately, by the time we landed in Cebu, the weather left our flight cancelled. My initial reaction? "Then let's just hop on the next plane to Siargao" The problem? The next flight from Cebu was a week after. Eep! That trip turned into a trip to Bohol instead, which was also very fun. Anyway, back to my trip to the surfing capital of the country. We stayed for only 2 days, and 2 nights - our flight back to Manila was at 7 in the morning, so we weren't able to make the most of the last day. Our itinerary's pretty packed, and was very tiring. I'm not complaining though, the sites in Siargao are to die for! The islands and the destinations aren't as touristy compared to its local counterparts, and a lot of it are (and hopefully it stays that way) in pristine condition.
How to get there:
If you're coming from Manila, Skyjet now flies direct daily. The prices are quite steep though, but they sometimes offer promo sales and they have an ongoing promo where you fly free if it's your birthday. Cebu Pacific flies to Siargao, but with a connecting flight from Cebu. This route is cheaper but it wastes around 5 hours of time. If you're not in a hurry, this might be a better option for you.
From Sayak airport, I suggest you already start your tour to Sugba Lagoon. You can hire a habal-habal (a motorbike with driver) going to the Del Carmen port. From there, you can hire a boat for the entire day to take you to Sugba Lagoon. Rate is around PHP1400-1600, with a maximum of 8 people. Fare is the same regardless if you're traveling solo or in a big group. The boat ride to Sugba Lagoon takes only around 15-20 minutes, but it's like you've travelled into a different world. The water is emerald green and it's the most inviting color! Paddleboards and snorkels are up for rent, as well as tables. There's even a diving board where you can jump from. Water can get pretty deep, so if you're not confident to paddle, you can also rent a lifevest. There's already a fixture by the lagoon, where you can order food and rent tables for a minimal fee (PHP 200). The place can get crowded quickly, so I suggest you get there as early as 7 am if you want great photos, or if you just want to enjoy the serenity of the place. Some people stay here for an entire day, but if you have limited time, best to stay here for 2-3 hours.
Sugba Lagoon
Magpupungko pools
After you dock at Del Carmen, you can head over to Magpupungko pools. It means "to sit", and I don't think you can find a name more apt for it. When it's low tide, pools ranging from around a foot to around 6 feet form. There's one main pool, but there are smaller pools once you walk past it. It's really something to see because it's so unique, and the water is so clear, you can see the floor! Entrance to the site is only PHP 50 - really such a steal! Small carinderias or eateries are also by the beach, so you can grab something to eat here too.
Bucas Grande
Another must-see in Siargao is Bucas Grande. From Pantalan, it takes around 2 hours by boat, but I guarantee you that it is worth it! Bucas or "bukas" means open and "grande" means grand or big in Tagalog, so the name of the name actually means "big opening". The place reminds me of a fiord - from the sea, you go through a small opening, which will take you to countless islets, positioned like a cove. The entire area is around 60 hectares, so it's really like a maze in there!
In Bucas Grande, you'll see the Tohoman Lagoon and the Sohoton Cave. Entrance fee inclusive of guide is P600 per person. It is quite pricey, but very much worth it! The Department of Tourism handles the place, so it is very organized and the site is protected. From the main "office", you'll ride a very small boat (only 3 people can fit) to Tohoman Lagoon, where you'll see lots of non-sting jellyfish. The lagoon is emerald green in color, so it's really remarkable to see jellyfish bouncing their way in the lagoon. Place is also very serene - and picturesque! High season for jellyfish is during the summer (around April - May).
From the lagoon, you'll ride a slightly bigger boat to explore the Bucas Grande islets. Sohoton Cave is also something very unique - you can only pass through during low tide, and it houses some stalactites. You'll also visit 2 more caves, where you need to swim and crawl under, leading to a cathedral-like cave inside.
Another must-do in Siargao:
Of course, any trip to Siargao wouldn't be complete without actually surfing. September is the month for surfing competitions, when the waves are pretty high. Surfing lessons are for PHP 500 an hour. Personally, I found it easier to ride the wives in Siargao, than in La Union. La Union is the surfing capital of Northern Philippines, but I always thought Siargao had the biggest waves. I noticed that the undertow and current aren't that strong in Siargao, but then again, maybe it's just because of the season. I've been to La Union a couple of times already, but it always had such a strong undertow - and the current keeps on changing which makes it really dangerous to swimmers.
Anyway, if you want to surf, you can just walk to the Boardwalk, or ask your resort/hostel to book an instructor for you. During low tide, water can get really shallow, so whenever you jump from your board, make sure to fall as if you're lying down, and not jump. There are lots of rocks.
Here's a sample itinerary, grouped base on how the sites are near to each other
Day 1
Arrival in Sayak Airport
Sugba Lagoon (ideally half a day)
Magpupungko Pools (check low tide schedule here: magicseaweed)
Day 2
Island Hopping (Naked island, Daku island, and Guyam island)
Surf at Cloud 9 (check swells here:magicseaweed)
Day 3
Bucas Grande (Tohoman Lagoon, Sohoton Cave, and Bucan Grande islets)
Surf again
I would have loved to stay and experience more of the food places and the local scene, but I only had limited time, so...
If you have the luxury of time, I suggest you stay longer. I heard that some people stay for months! A lot of foreigners have even chosen to relocate to Siargao, with some of them with their own businesses already. Locals are also friendly and helpful - but most of them don't understand tagalog, and have a hard time conversing in english. But don't worry - people manage. Personally, I find 3 days too short. Siargao is such a hidden gem! The islands are still quite untouched, and I just hope that they maintain the cleanliness and the sustainability of everything. I really hope that people will take care of the place. It's really my pet peeve to see anyone throw their trash anywhere. I mean you don't even have to finish grade school to know where to put your trash! Please do the environment and your fellow human beings a favor and throw your trash where it needs to be. Not only is trash such an eyesore, it's insulting to nature.
If you've been to other spots in the country, I'm sure you'll find Siargao breathtaking. Personally, I find it even more beautiful than Coron, Palawan. It's like a mix of Coron and Gigantes, if you ask me. Better visit the island to see it yourself! :)
For transfers, you can contact:
Transfers: Oliver - 09197871825 or Rogelio 09479342820
For boat rental: Boatman Palong - 090777397283
How to get there:
If you're coming from Manila, Skyjet now flies direct daily. The prices are quite steep though, but they sometimes offer promo sales and they have an ongoing promo where you fly free if it's your birthday. Cebu Pacific flies to Siargao, but with a connecting flight from Cebu. This route is cheaper but it wastes around 5 hours of time. If you're not in a hurry, this might be a better option for you.
From Sayak airport, I suggest you already start your tour to Sugba Lagoon. You can hire a habal-habal (a motorbike with driver) going to the Del Carmen port. From there, you can hire a boat for the entire day to take you to Sugba Lagoon. Rate is around PHP1400-1600, with a maximum of 8 people. Fare is the same regardless if you're traveling solo or in a big group. The boat ride to Sugba Lagoon takes only around 15-20 minutes, but it's like you've travelled into a different world. The water is emerald green and it's the most inviting color! Paddleboards and snorkels are up for rent, as well as tables. There's even a diving board where you can jump from. Water can get pretty deep, so if you're not confident to paddle, you can also rent a lifevest. There's already a fixture by the lagoon, where you can order food and rent tables for a minimal fee (PHP 200). The place can get crowded quickly, so I suggest you get there as early as 7 am if you want great photos, or if you just want to enjoy the serenity of the place. Some people stay here for an entire day, but if you have limited time, best to stay here for 2-3 hours.
Sugba Lagoon
After you dock at Del Carmen, you can head over to Magpupungko pools. It means "to sit", and I don't think you can find a name more apt for it. When it's low tide, pools ranging from around a foot to around 6 feet form. There's one main pool, but there are smaller pools once you walk past it. It's really something to see because it's so unique, and the water is so clear, you can see the floor! Entrance to the site is only PHP 50 - really such a steal! Small carinderias or eateries are also by the beach, so you can grab something to eat here too.
Island Hopping: Naked island, Guyam island, and Daku island
After Magpupungko, if you still have energy, you can take another boat ride for some island hopping. Boat rental is around PHP 1,200 - 1,500 regardless if you're just traveling alone, or with a group of 8. Do note that this doesn't include the docking fee and entrance fees (usually just around PHP 10-50).
The island hopping tour takes you to 3 islands - Naked island, Daku island, and Guyam island. Naked island, just like Camiguin's White island, is a sand bar. Sand quality is very good - it's white but a little bit on the coarse side. Place is fit for swimming but prepared to put a lot of sunscreen - the place has no shade or trees! Daku island is bigger than Naked island and you can even rent a cottage for PHP 200 for an entire day. You can have food cooked here too, or bring your own food and drinks. Water here is beautiful! You can really see the different shades of blue. The current is quite strong, so be careful when swimming and don't leave children unattended. Guyam island is pretty small, but has nicely planted coconut trees. If you have the time, you can easily dedicate a day for island hopping, and it's really such a great place to take photos or just bake under the sun. Islands are also pretty clean, so please help in keeping it that way!
Naked Island
Daku Island
Guyam Island
Bucas Grande
Another must-see in Siargao is Bucas Grande. From Pantalan, it takes around 2 hours by boat, but I guarantee you that it is worth it! Bucas or "bukas" means open and "grande" means grand or big in Tagalog, so the name of the name actually means "big opening". The place reminds me of a fiord - from the sea, you go through a small opening, which will take you to countless islets, positioned like a cove. The entire area is around 60 hectares, so it's really like a maze in there!
In Bucas Grande, you'll see the Tohoman Lagoon and the Sohoton Cave. Entrance fee inclusive of guide is P600 per person. It is quite pricey, but very much worth it! The Department of Tourism handles the place, so it is very organized and the site is protected. From the main "office", you'll ride a very small boat (only 3 people can fit) to Tohoman Lagoon, where you'll see lots of non-sting jellyfish. The lagoon is emerald green in color, so it's really remarkable to see jellyfish bouncing their way in the lagoon. Place is also very serene - and picturesque! High season for jellyfish is during the summer (around April - May).
From the lagoon, you'll ride a slightly bigger boat to explore the Bucas Grande islets. Sohoton Cave is also something very unique - you can only pass through during low tide, and it houses some stalactites. You'll also visit 2 more caves, where you need to swim and crawl under, leading to a cathedral-like cave inside.
You ride a small boat to Tohoman Lagoon
One of the traits of Bucas Grande - emerald green water
Sohoton Cave is only accessible during low tide
Another must-do in Siargao:
Of course, any trip to Siargao wouldn't be complete without actually surfing. September is the month for surfing competitions, when the waves are pretty high. Surfing lessons are for PHP 500 an hour. Personally, I found it easier to ride the wives in Siargao, than in La Union. La Union is the surfing capital of Northern Philippines, but I always thought Siargao had the biggest waves. I noticed that the undertow and current aren't that strong in Siargao, but then again, maybe it's just because of the season. I've been to La Union a couple of times already, but it always had such a strong undertow - and the current keeps on changing which makes it really dangerous to swimmers.
Anyway, if you want to surf, you can just walk to the Boardwalk, or ask your resort/hostel to book an instructor for you. During low tide, water can get really shallow, so whenever you jump from your board, make sure to fall as if you're lying down, and not jump. There are lots of rocks.
Here's a sample itinerary, grouped base on how the sites are near to each other
Day 1
Arrival in Sayak Airport
Sugba Lagoon (ideally half a day)
Magpupungko Pools (check low tide schedule here: magicseaweed)
Day 2
Island Hopping (Naked island, Daku island, and Guyam island)
Surf at Cloud 9 (check swells here:magicseaweed)
Day 3
Bucas Grande (Tohoman Lagoon, Sohoton Cave, and Bucan Grande islets)
Surf again
I would have loved to stay and experience more of the food places and the local scene, but I only had limited time, so...
If you have the luxury of time, I suggest you stay longer. I heard that some people stay for months! A lot of foreigners have even chosen to relocate to Siargao, with some of them with their own businesses already. Locals are also friendly and helpful - but most of them don't understand tagalog, and have a hard time conversing in english. But don't worry - people manage. Personally, I find 3 days too short. Siargao is such a hidden gem! The islands are still quite untouched, and I just hope that they maintain the cleanliness and the sustainability of everything. I really hope that people will take care of the place. It's really my pet peeve to see anyone throw their trash anywhere. I mean you don't even have to finish grade school to know where to put your trash! Please do the environment and your fellow human beings a favor and throw your trash where it needs to be. Not only is trash such an eyesore, it's insulting to nature.
If you've been to other spots in the country, I'm sure you'll find Siargao breathtaking. Personally, I find it even more beautiful than Coron, Palawan. It's like a mix of Coron and Gigantes, if you ask me. Better visit the island to see it yourself! :)
For transfers, you can contact:
Transfers: Oliver - 09197871825 or Rogelio 09479342820
For boat rental: Boatman Palong - 090777397283
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