Last April 15, 2017, I went to the wonderful island of Siargao because I was asked to work as the head stage designer for the Sumemr Music Festival held there. There were a lot of Artists, DJs and the party was amazing. But my greatest regrets upon going there was that I was never able to touch the waters of its pristine beaches. I was so into my work that I forgot to actually enjoy.
My friends and I decided to come to Siargao last week, and this time around with my college friends. We did a lot of new things on the island. And Siargao, as a tourist destination, has rebranded itself. A year ago, Siargao Island had this laidback and backpacker feel. Most of its shores were covered with towering coconut trees. Now, fancy hotels eat up a good amount of space. Restaurants, from gourmet French to Mexican, are everywhere too!
this is me. I always take a photo of myself with this pose in every beach that I go to. It's kind of a tradition, and it's fun :)
I decided to make separate posts about my experience there and the "how to get there part". But anyway, you’re not here for my notes for a lengthy travel narrative. And if not for the traffic, I won’t spend ten effing hours writing this!
Best time to visit
Even for a non-surfer, the most recommended time to enjoy Siargao is during the last quarter of the year covering the rainy season in the island. In particular, September is the month of their famed surfing competitions which practically bring the entire local and visiting community together. While the prices usually go up during this period, it is also when the island is most alive and worth visiting.
What’s more, it will be a treat for those who decide to stay in the towns of General Luna and Pilar, precisely because their yearly local festivals or fiestas are held during the months of September and October. It’s one of the best ways to get in touch with the local people. Check exact festival dates here
How to get there
Direct routes:
Cebu-Siargao Direct Flights: Cebu Pacific Airlines is the only courier that flies every day to Siargao. Be warned though, CebuPac is notorious for its flight delays and cancellations.
Manila-Siargao Direct Flights: Yes, there are now direct flights from Manila to Siargao. Skyjet launched this service last February! According to Tobias (haven’t tried the service), landing was constantly bumpy. He booked his Siargao-Manila-Coron flights through Skyjet.
Alternative routes:
If time isn’t so much of an issue, you may also choose to take a couple of other flights going to Siargao.
Via Cebu
The first option is by taking a flight to Cebu where you can take your connection via one of the daily one-hour flights to Sayak Airport. There is also an available sea transport between Cebu and Siargao that takes around 12 hours for around ₱800, which goes from Mondays thru Saturdays.
Via Surigao
Another option is to make your way to Surigao City by land from an accessible point in mainland Mindanao including Butuan, Cagayan de Oro and Davao. From the terminal, take a habal-habal or jeepney ride to Pantalan Uno or Pier 1. The ferry ride from there to Dapa Pier in Siargao takes about two to three hours for an average price of ₱250, with the earliest departure time at 5.30am and the latest at 12pm. Some of the more notable ferry companies you may choose from are MV LQP, M/V DCL, Dapa Express, Fortune Angel, Britphil and Roro Montenegro.
Getting around the island
Aside from vans, which are usually offered from the airport by higher end resorts in the island, you can enjoy some of the most scenic rides to get around either by habal-habal (motorcycle) or by bicycle.
Starting from the cheapest, you can flag down habal-habal drivers along the roads for ₱20 one-way, (but it can go up to ₱50 for rides around midnight. If you want to get a better hold of your time, you can go right ahead and rent your own bicycle for a daily rate of ₱250. But for the fastest and most recommended mode (and naturally the most expensive upfront), motorbikes can be rented for a week at ₱350 per day and ₱400-450 for less than a week.
Things to do in Siargao
1. Escape to Sugba Lagoon
Think of the calm waters in Coron. Sugba Lagoon reminds me of Coron’s turquoise calm sea. Lovely place to SUP!
Sugba Lagoon Travel Guide:
Hotels can always organize it, but if you want it cheaper, you can always go to Del Carmen’s marine protection office (about an hour away from Cloud 9 area) and share a boat with other visitors. Boat costs Php1600 and it is good for up to six people. Entrance fee is Php100/head.
Pack lunch with you. There is a wet market near the office. So we bought a big fish and have it grilled and paid about Php150.00 for it. We also bought some cooked vegetables and rice from the nearby carenderia (a family-owned food stall.) In the lagoon, SUP boards’ rent starts at Php200 for an hour, and Php500 for the entire day.
The boat ride from del Carmen to Sugba Lagoon takes about 40-50 minutes depending on the waves condition.
2. Laze Away in Kawhagan Island
After some huge lunch, SUP adventures, and making splashes after splashes in Sugba Lagoon, the boatmen suggested that we should go to Kawhagan Island, of course for an additional charge of Php400. So Alex (a Filipino nurse working and living in New York), Tobias, and I said yes.
It was a beautiful island, and we tasted some of the best coconuts fresh from the tree! No kidding!
3. Hop Guyam, Naked, and Daku Islands
Notes from my first trip: Together with two Fil-Am brothers I met at the resort where I stayed, we decided to hop the islets fronting General Luna. Our country is graced or cursed—depending on whom you ask—with too many islands. Naked, Guyam, Daku are just three of the many similar-looking islands in the country. They are beautiful, touristy. So despite their expected postcard perfect atmosphere, why do we still visit them? Perhaps because we hope to find something different or see an epiphany of sorts. We visit these similar-looking islands because, really, no experience is ever the same.
Island Hopping Rates in Siargao:
For an island hopping (Daku, Naked, and Guyam), boat tour costs Php1300.00 for two people. It costs Php1500.00 for up to six people. Lunch is not included, and the jump-off point is in GL. If you want it easy, you can always head to Kermit Resort, they organize island hopping trips for Php750 (USD17)/head or with Smiling Pig for Php650/head. Inclusive of lunch.
4. Go for Bucas Grande and the Sohoton Caves Boat Trip
This remains unticked off in my bucketlist! You should include this on your trip. From my friends’ recounting, it is one of most beautiful travel experiences they ever had. Tojoman Lagoon is where you can see the stingless jellyfish. Swimming with these fragile creatures are not permitted anymore. Hagukan Cave is where you can experience swimming with bioluminescent planktons! And practice your cliffjumping skills in Magkukuob Cave.
Bucas Grande and Sohoton Caves Island Hopping Rate:
This is the reason I did not make it to this place! During my past three trips, I traveled solo, and I could not find anyone to travel with. The boat tour to Bucas Grande and Sohoton Caves costs Php5000.00, but it is good for 8 people.
That is it for now guys. I will post another one about the real Siargao experience I had there. I hope you enjoyed this post and found it informative. :)
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