"We travel to seek other states, other lives and other souls and some journeys can only be traveled alone" I first visited my dream island alone in July 2021, this teardrop-shaped island is located at the northeastern coast of Mindanao and known as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines". Tourists come from all over the Philippines and across the world to experience the world-class surf, white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, natural rock and cave pools, and smaller neighboring islands, but my main purpose of traveling alone to Siargao island is for a mental reset from all the stress caused by the pandemic. I badly need a space to breathe, to create and to think, a place to feel, and an island to heal.
How did I get to Siargao? Due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, their Local Government Unit (LGU) has announced a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow before you fully enjoy your stay at the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. Fortunately, Siargao has reopened its doors for domestic tourists from GCQ and MGCQ areas including Cebu as of November 2020, allowing travelers to experience the tropical island. Here's the pre-flight checklist before you decide to travel in Siargao:
• Negative swab-based or saliva-based • RT-PCR test result (taken 48 hours prior to your departure)
• Confirmed roundtrip tickets
• Confirmed accredited accommodation booking for at least 2 nights
• Valid ID
• Surigao del Norte e-Health Pass
• Traze App
For my first day in Siargao, after checking in at a bunk bed hostel, I dive directly to the famous Cloud 9 Surfing Camp in General Luna for a surfing session. The island’s beaches are dotted with multiple surfing spots, perfect for both beginners and professionals. As a beginner in surfing, I can really count on the sick waves of Cloud 9 and the friendly approach of the surfer instructors. They offer a one-on-one surf lesson organized through one of the surf schools start from around 500PHP – 900PHP per hour including board rent. You can also book a local photographer to take a picture of you while you are busy surfing which is perfect for solo traveling!
Aside from alluring sceneries and adventures on the island, Siargaonons are some of the friendliest people around! During my island trip, I asked Belch for a guided activity in Siargao, he's my IG friend who's a local surfer in Siargao. Without any hesitation, he offered me a free tour around the island and even a free surfing lesson! He also introduced me to his local friends. I could say that Siargaonons are extremely friendly to the tourist, their inhabitants welcome visitors with open arms and will go extra mile for you!
On my 2nd day, we headed to the Northern part of Siargao, locals call it "Little Hawaii in Siargao", we rented a motorcycle for 300 pesos/24 hours for a complete tour on the island, during our road trip bound to north, I was speechless! The natural reserves of Siargao are stunning! I visited the Rock Pool of Magpupungko, tried the River Swing in Maasin Bridge, pass by the famous Coconut Road, and experience other amazing attractions. I could really say that Siargao really has a lot more to offer!
During my last day on the island, I spent the whole day surfing at Jacking Horse at General Luna, the surfing camp is perfect for beginners since the waves here are manageable for those trying to balance and get their timing. Before heading to Del Carmen Airport, I visited the secret beach in Dapa to say goodbye to the island. It's unbelievable that my first solo travel was the best decision I've ever made and probably the best trip in my entire existence. There is nothing more freeing and empowering than learning to enjoy your company. It has been a great journey with you Siargao!
You can also visit my Tiktok account @thekobego to check some of my clips during my solo travel in Siargao.