Things I Recommend You Do in Siargao Island

There are motorcycles and tricycles waiting at the port. They usually charge 20php for a ride to nearby places. There are no jeepneys on the island as I observed. We got ourselves a tricycle and headed straight to General Luna where the best surfing spot is located. There are plenty of accommodations available on the island. From budget friendly hostels to luxurious villas. We found ourselves an accommodation fit for our budget. After we settled our things, we then went straight to our first destination to save time.

Here are the things I recommend you must do in Siargao Island:

1. Take a plunge in Magpupungko Tidal Flats

Magpupungko is located in Pilar, Siargao. It is a 45 minutes drive away from General Luna. An entrance fee and a parking fee will be collected by the beach resort where the flat is located. This place should definitely be an itinerary entry when visiting Siargao. Magpupungko boasts deep and clear natural pools. On the far end side, you’ll witness the huge waves as they crash onto the rocks. It is best to go there on low tides, especially during afternoon since the sunset there is also stunning.

2. Surf the waves.

Of course, when you visit Siargao you surely wouldn’t want to miss surfing. That is what we did early morning the following day. Most of the surfing activities are held in Cloud 9 resort. There you’ll find plenty of surfing enthusiasts, professionals or beginners gather and riding the waves. On the resort, there are plenty of surfing instructors and boards for rent. For beginners, they usually rate 500php for a 1-hour beginner lesson, this already includes the board rental. Stoked, we are ready to hit our first wave. Falling from the board is expected for beginners. As you progress and get the feel of the flow of the waves, you’ll finally hit your biggest fall. Fall in love with surfing that is. I did and that is why I got hooked on it. I can’t wait for my next surfing experience.

3. Visit the nearby beautiful islands.

After our surfing session, we went straight for our island hopping activity. Island hopping includes the three nearby islands namely, Naked, Daco, and Guyam. Luckily our tricycle driver already has contacts with local boatmen that take tourists on the islands. He himself arranged the trip for us. We just went straight to General Luna’s public market where we were picked-up by our rented boat and where we bought our foods to be cooked on one of the islands.

Naked Island

Okay, let me get this straight. No, you can’t see naked people on the island unless an exhibitionist would dare to strip naked on a broad daylight. Basically, the island is named so because of its naturally pure white sands and crystal clear waters. The island is naked. No trees, no plants, none at all. Just pure white sand in the middle of the ocean.

Daco Island

In contrast with Naked Island, this island has abundant vegetation. This island is also the largest of the three thus the name Daco -which means “big” in Bisaya dialect. The island also has a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters. Here we rented a cottage and where we had our lunch. It was also here where we stayed the longest among the three islands. There are residents here that’ll offer to cook your brought raw food while you enjoy the waters. They can also get coconuts straight from the trees for you.

Guyam Island

The island is just like a smaller version of Daco island. Just like Daco Island, Guyam Island also has abundant vegetation. The island also flaunts a stretch of white sand beach. Interestingly the other side of the island, facing the Pacific Ocean, is an equally beautiful rocky side of the island.

We went back to the main island late afternoon. Went straight to our place and rested for a while. We talked, enjoyed each other’s company, got drunk and laughed.

This weekend was totally awesome! I can’t wait to surf again.

Itinerary:

• 09:00  ETD Cebu to Surigao
• 10:00  ETA Surigao airport ETD to Surigao port via jeep (10php)
• 11:30   ETD Surigao to Siargao via fast craft (220php + 10php terminal fee)
• 14:00  ETA Siargao port ETD to General Luna via tricycle (50php)
• 15:00  ETA Travellers Pension House (1.5Kphp /night good for 6)
• 15:20  ETD to Magpupungko via tricycle (250php/head whole trip)
• 16:10  ETA Magpupungko Tidal Flats (50php entrance)

Next Day:

• Tricycle to to Cloud 9 via tricycle (9php)
• 1 hour surfing lesson with board rental (500php)
• Island Hopping boat rental (1.8Kphp)
• Daco island boat docking fee (100php per boat)
• Daco island cottage rental (250php)
• Guyam island entrance fee (10php)