In this blog, I will share you the best place (in my opinion) to visit in Siargao Island. Sugba Lagoon.
On my previous blog, I talked about my insights about the laidback lifestyle in the island of Siargao. In my upcoming blogs, including this one, I will share the places I’ve visited and my experiences across the islands of Siargao, along with beautiful photographs and possibly videos. I hope you enjoy them and that they inspire you to visit my country.
Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon is a stunning natural attraction situated in the Municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao Island. It is part of the mangrove reserve of Del Carmen, one of the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Philippines.
If you search about Sugba Lagoon in social media or even Google Maps, you'll see that it is famous for its iconic diving board. I will share to you later because there are more than just that. In fact, I did not know Sugba Lagoon is located in Siargao Island not until I arrived here so I became very excited knowing that I could spend a day to visit this gem in the island.
Getting to Sugba Lagoon
As I mentioned earlier, Sugba Lagoon is located in Del Carmen, about 10 kilometers from Siargao Airport (IAO). Tourists arriving on Siargao Island can easily rent a motorcycle or hire a tuktuk at the airport and take a 20-minute ride to the Port of Sugba Lagoon.
At the port, you’ll find large posters displaying tour packages and QR codes linking to information about the destinations. Each tour package includes a boat ride for up to six passengers, covering several destinations. Sugba Lagoon isn’t the only attraction departing from this port; there are also other stunning spots, such as Kawhagan Sandbar and Sohoton Cove.
As a solo traveler, I had to wait for a group to join so I could share the cost of a boat ride to Sugba Lagoon (Tour A) and avoid paying the full 2,000 pesos to ride alone. However, if you’re wealthy—unlike me—you can certainly enjoy a solo ride.
I Drove for an Hour from General Luna
During my time in Siargao, I stayed in General Luna, as most tourists do. To explore the island, I made sure to have a reliable motorcycle to take me anywhere. It’s a cheaper option than hiring a tuktuk or shared van, and it gave me the freedom to travel wherever I wanted.
On my way to Del Carmen, I passed a beautiful road lined with coconut trees in Barangay Maasin.
Boat Ride to Sugba Lagoon
If I remember correctly, the boat ride took about an hour to reach Sugba Lagoon. The distance is considerable, and the boat had to slow down a few times in shallow waters to avoid damaging the engine.
The boat ride began along a wide river surrounded by mangroves, and one thought kept popping into my mind: "Are there crocodiles here?"
Surprisingly, when we finally entered the lagoon, I saw a community living in stilt houses along the shore at the foot of the hills.
At the Center of Lagoon
At the center of Sugba Lagoon are a couple of huts that accommodate tourists, allowing them to enjoy the pristine waters, vibrant marine life, lush surroundings, and the tranquility of the place.
The Iconic Diving Board
This is the diving board I mentioned at the beginning of this blog. It is located behind the main hut, where tourists take turns jumping into the crystal-clear water.
I really appreciated the tranquility of this place, so instead of jumping, I took a few minutes to sit at the end of the board after taking a few photos with my drone. I felt like the "chill guy." Don't worry, no one was waiting before me to take turn. It was not the peak season when I was here, so wherever I go the places are nearly empty.
Every time I visit a secluded place like this, it feels surreal. I can’t help but wonder how our ancestors traveled and discovered this place. I’ve come a long way from Taiwan, taking a taxi, two airplanes, a motorcycle, and a boat. But how did the first people arrive here? Did they feel happy after discovering such beauty, or was it just a normal day for them, as living back then wasn’t the same as the world we live in today?