Because there isnt much here, not even trees, the activities are limited. Dive into the worlds of classical art, modern . One of the must visit in Siargao. In college, Marja studied BS Social Work, where shed go to a day care center in Payatas to teach teachers a Read-Aloud-Program for children. Not a real snorkeling or swimming area. Siargao has put a lot of money into their infrastructure and the roads around the island are great although in General Luna they are bumpy and dirt. You can also mingle and share stories with the friendly locals as they are very accommodating in suggesting other activities worth trying while in Siargao. There is a hidden blue lagoon down the Maasin River. I have been backpacking, rock climbing, bouldering, and surfing around the Philippines with that principle since I was in college. It is actually one of the most well-known surfing spots in the entire Philippines, as the right-breaking reef creates a barrelling wave known for its thick, hollow tubes. The Blue Cathedral can be found on the wall of Cloud 9's rock entry. The resort offers yoga classes twice a day. You can rent a car or motorbike. Also, the good thing about Siargao is that it covers all degrees of expertise, so whether you are a newbie or an expert, theres a surf break that is right for you. Cloud 9's famous boardwalk is a great spot to snap some photos. One of the islets you shouldn't miss out on is anescapade in Naked Island. Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve Explore pristine mangrove forest and visit the salt water crocodile project. As mentioned earlier, there are several idyllic islets off the coast of Siargao that you should experience. We visited the main town of General Luna when we were in Siargao. It comes as no surprise since Siargao has several pristine islets that are every beach lover's dream. Siargao has been making waves through headlines and increasing tourist arrivals. About 1 hour from gen. Luna. Once you arrive, you will see a clearly marked entrance sign and a small ticket office. You can also wait for the sunrise here as surfers catch the early morning swells and/or savor the moment as you think of nothing else but the beautiful spectacle that is sunset. We brought wine glasses and bottles of ros which we sipped while watching the beautiful sunset by the shore. Only a 15-minute drive from General Luna, this hidden gem can maintain its seclusion because there is no concrete road that leads up to it. A one-hour drive from General Luna, Pacifico Beach is located on the north-eastern side of the island. The Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines said that relocation is not the best and only solution for residents of coastal areas in Siargao after the Department of Environment and. Her natural ability to explain surf basics, theories, and technicals make it easier for someone like me who loves to surf and only gets 3 to 4 surf breaks a year. Here are some of the things you can see and do while on the island. The furthest beach from General Luna but definitely worth the hour and a half trip if you have the time, Alegria Beach is known for its quiet and tranquil environment. Aside from surfing, one of the most photographed and iconic Siargao experience is the curved coconut rope swing in Maasin River. It is an underwater wonder with a 20-meter wide hole that features caverns at the north and east side. You can stake out your piece of land (or water) and chill out in perfect isolation. While a lot of surfers flock here, the beach usually isnt very crowded, and youll easily be able to claim your own spot in the sand. I do not recommend if the pool is still closed. For more information about this campaign, visit www.juaneffect.com. Please be extra careful especially if you are just new to surfing. Cloud 9 is Siargao's most popular surfing spot. Theres a two-layer docking area or rest area where you can also rent a table for P50. Discover all the adventures you can experience in the Philippines. Surfing isn't only the only exciting activity you can do in the Surfing Capital. Island Activites Aside from just surfing. The order that you visit the islands will depend on which tour you sign up with. The beach at Cloud 9 is a great place to catch some rays and relax with a drink, but you can find even more secluded and tranquil spots if youre willing to head out of town. Daku Island, the next island stop, is the biggest of the three and like Naked Island, it has fine white sands and turquoise waters but with swaying coconut trees perfect for finding a shade to lie on and enjoy the cool breeze from the sea. Sugba Lagoon offers visitors a stunning 4,000-hectare turquoise swimming spot isolated from the hustle and bustle of General Luna. Once you reach the red Maasin Bridge, you know you're near. Being in nature strengthens my bond with the environment. The best part is that Cloud 9 has great waves all year round. A beach tour in Siargao will take you to several of its must-see beaches such as Pacifico Beach. With the popularity comes several threats to its natural environment, evident in the increasing volume of litter. Any of these may not be reproduced on another blog/website without the author's expressed written consent. I have been coming to the island since 2006 and Ive seen the drastic changes. The other two islands are Daku Island and Guyam Island, which along with Naked Island, make up the highly-recommended island hopping tour in Siargao. The half-submerged cave is full of shimmering stalagmites and stalactites, making for a magical entryway to the lagoon beyond. As of this writing, a growing community of yoga, health and meditation enthusiasts where one can indulge in a meditative spiritual journey on the island, is taking shape. It is also a fantastic spot to go snorkeling, and there is a diving platform as well. This long strip of beach has cottages and coconut trees, a perfect stop to have lunch after a morning of hopping from island to island. There are some right-hand breaks great for longboarding here, or you can simply relax in the sand. A huge part of why only a few travelers visit Alegria Beach is that it is approximately an hour's drive from General Luna. It won't be a complete experience unless you enjoy a refreshing buko drink by the shores of Guyam Island. It is ideal to go here during sunrise to get a jaw-dropping view of the sunrise-kissed mountains. Movement by just believing in my vision, supporting my projects and reminding me that its going to work. Make a short stop on the side of the road to appreciate the lush coco paradise that seems endless as it sprawls across the island! Surrounded by limestone hills, Sugba boasts a 87 hectar area and maintains one of the largest mangrove forests in the Philippines. Don't leave the place without jumping into the waters from the wooden platform built beside the pontoon houses they say in Sugba Lagoon, one must take a dive of faith into the "perfectly splendid" turquoise waters of the lagoon to complete a memorable experience. Cloud 9 Siargao originally gained popularity due to the surf but it has become a mainstream tourist attraction for people who aren't surfers. the breeze is quite nice. Youll have the opportunity to watch a wide variety of fish and other marine life under the surface. This Island truly is a hidden paradise. The top diving spot in Siargao, however, is the blue Cathedral. The masterplan will strive to strike a balance among people, the environment and economy, while seeking to align both public and private sector-led projects to Siargao's longterm development goals, said Karmi Palafox, senior urban planning consultant for Palafox Associates. The Philippines sits roughly 900 miles above the equator and is situated near the Pacific Rim, giving it year-long summer weather that is punctuated by monsoon rains and frequent typhoons. The Philippines is a nature lovers haven with its countless breathtaking beaches, beautiful countryside attractions, and incredible diving spots scattered across the 7,000+ islands in the country. Entrance fee: P100 per boat Aside from the fruit smoothie bowls, they offer a wide selection of filling fruit shakes and other vegan snacks. It gives me hope. Known as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines,"the island boasts some of the most influential surf breaks in the world. All applicable laws apply and will be enforced. The place offers a variety of activities such as dive-board jumping, kayaking, board paddling, and of course, swimming. A number of water activities and watching people trying to jump off the diving board is pure entertainment. Daku Island is the largest of the three islands and is a whole barangay in itself. If youre one, be prepared to find yourself in awe by the vivid formations and the beauty of all the tropical fish swarming the Blue Cathedral. Also prices and details on rental requirements, TERMS OF USE & Hagukan Cave is a luminescent cave with blue waters. The town of General Luna has the most number of commercial establishments on the island resorts, restaurants, cafs, and bars. Part of the Sohoton National Park, Sohoton Cove is located in Bucas Grande Island. Are you planning that island getaway to Siargao Island soon? Yearning for adventure, the locals tied a rope over it and the result is a perfect spot to master that Tarzan swing before diving into the clear waters of the river. Highlighted by a cave mouth leading to a dark chamber inhabited by bats, one must wade deep, canyoneering style, into an inner pool for 15 minutes before seeing daylight again and emerging into an open basin enclosed by rock formations and tree vines. But you can always take lots of photos. This tour is perfect for those wanting to spend some quiet time deep in the countryside of Siargao. Photos by The Forest Camp Resort/Nay Palad Hideaway IMPORTANT:Theresorts featured in this article may have COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. Magpupungko Rock Pools's charm islikened to sunsets and sunrises because itonly appears at a given time of the day: during low-tide. What are the top attractions to visit in Siargao Island? Cloud 9 is only recommended for advanced surfers, as it breaks on a very shallow reef. From vagabonding to the islands beautiful neighboring islands to exploring the island's many natural attractions like lush mangroves, rockpools to beautiful lagoons. Eventually, they will be the one running the org as they gain more experience and confidence. Cloud 9 is famous for its barreling right-hand waves and thick hollow tubes that can make every advanced surfer's heart skip a beat. There are cottages around the waterfalls where you can lounge in and listen to the flowing water. There are a variety of other caves located throughout the lagoon as well, some of which are only accessible by diving down into the water and underneath a rock ledge. Make sure you have a license and wear a helmet even if no one else is doing it. You can follow the dirt path on the right side of the bridge, and it will lead you to the bent coconut tree. Once you're there, don't let the opportunity to feel like Tarzan pass. They also serve sumptuous all-day breakfast and specialty coffee. Taktak Falls tour. Check out our article on the best beachfront resorts in Siargao and explore Siargao tours and activities now to experience this paradise like no other! Even better, take out your camera and take photographs of the palm tree-lined street against a pastel blue sky. In the northern part of Siargao specifically in the town of Santa Monica, a short hike will bring you to a jungle sanctuary concealed by towering trees and thick forest shrubs. Your guide or a local would gladly climb up a tree and break open a coconut for you for a small fee. This time there is nothing on the island,no trees, no shade and plenty of sand. No wonder that this teardrop-shaped island is widely regarded as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Dont worry; they are all of the non-stinging variety! The lengthy shore of Pacifico dishes a peaceful vibe with swells that can grow to surfer-friendly breaks. When it comes to holding its own when pitted against the other popular islands in the world, Siargao more than stands out on its own by the merits of its endless charms and bounteous wonderful natural landscape. If youre up for a swim, you can swim around the entire island with little effort! By coming here coinciding when the ocean levels are at its lowest, you will be rewarded with a jaw-dropping image of crystalline waters forming a natural pool edged by the enthralling shapes of the Magpupungko's rock formation. If you want to make sure you have the swing all to yourself to take some epic pictures as you swing into the river, try to come as early in the morning as possible. Instead, guides will bring you to the lagoon on a small dinghy where you can watch the jellyfish merrily swimming around your boat. Not too far before Maasin Village, when coming from General Luna, you will find the Sea of Palms, an elevated viewpoint that looks out over a veritable sea of coconut trees. It is best to allot one whole day for an island-hopping tour that will take you to Siargao's so-called the big three: Daku, Naked, and Guyam. The warm and friendly locals inhabiting the island are on a mission to preserve the magic of Siargao's natural beauty. If you follow a lot of travel Instagram accounts, you've probably seen a photo or two of this infamous swing all over your feed. The travel time from the port to the lagoon is approximately one hour. Maasin River is a 30-minute drive from General Luna. The competition is officially recognized by the World Surf League Pro. The island has a limited supply of freshwaterlocal springs dry up during the summer months, while groundwater sources are now experiencing saltwater intrusion. When the sun goes down, the nightlife starts to kick in. Tour operators often coordinate with the locals here to provide a freshly cooked barbecue meal. The Philippines sits roughly 900 miles above the equator and is situated near the Pacific Rim, giving it year-long summer weather that is punctuated by monsoon rains and frequent typhoons. A tour here will also take you deep into the coconut trees for some additional ogling at beautiful nature and of course, more instagrammable photographs. How to Get There: You can join a group tour, hire a habal-habal or rent a motorcycle and drive to Pilar. This surfing paradise is in the southeast corner of Siargao, in the town of General Luna. You can go 2 hours before the low tide to avoid the crowds. The, I worked in Singapore for 5 years as ground stewardess at a premium airline lounge and taught yoga on the side. There are lots of hidden beach areas, go out there and explore! The surf school program is fun, structured, professional and safe. No doubt, it's a paradise blessed with beauty from Mother Nature wherever you go. Siargao has been making waves through headlines and increasing tourist arrivals. The food choices cater to both locals and foreign visitors. Each island offers something unique and seeing them one after another is a wonderful experience. What I really wanted in the beginning was just a public library for kids to go to and develop a love for reading and learning. Another highly recommended day trip when visiting Siargao Island is to Sugba Lagoon. 6 talking about this. It's along the Maasin Enchanted River in Brgy. The best part is when I see the kids learning what is taught to them, and seeing more and more people supporting the cause. The exhilarating experience will be one for the books! Youve probably seen photos of the bent coconut tree sticking out over the river. Airline companies are making an effort too like Cebu Pacifics initiative, the Juan Effect sustainable tourism campaign, encouraging everyJuan to do his or her part no matter how small that act is. Picture a tiny tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean as a grove of luscious palm trees circled by beautiful white sand and a lovely array of rock formations. Don't miss the chance to jump off here, and make sure to take a picture like everyone else! It has two distinct sides: one side is rocky with strong currents, while the sandy side is more serene. Once at the lagoon, you will be taken to a large floating pontoon house located right in the middle of it. Just be mindful that there are nearby reefs, so look for parts where the water is deep enough for you to swim in without stepping on sharp rocks. They can also buy SEAM merchandise to help us raise funds for operations and projects. 12 Best Resorts in Siargao Island Philippines: Beachfront, General Luna, For Groups, Family-Friendly By Jessa Tek-Ing Verified Expert Jump to chapter 12. Getting There: From Siargao, the jumping-off point to Bucas Grande Islands is Dapa port. It lies about a 20-minute drive from General Luna, past Doot Beach and just before the town of Dapa. A bicycle, on the other hand, will make it easier to get acquainted with the locals and with the local way of life. Sohoton Cove National Park has secluded gems that will fascinate and surprise you. The spit of sand provides easy access to a colorful reef that has all sorts of colorful fish flitting around. Despite its popularity in the global surfing scene, Siargaohas a lot more to offer. ACTIVITIES : ISLAND HOPPING : Guyam Island, Daku Island & Naked Island; SURFING : Cloud 9, Quicksilver, Tuazon Point, Jacking Horse, Daku Break; POOL JUMPING AT . The water in the pools is bright blue and incredibly clear, making it a popular spot to take a swim and go snorkeling. It is best to come to Doot Beach at high tide. Even if you are not a surfer or not quite up to the skill level it takes to tackle Cloud 9, it is still highly recommended that you come and take a stroll along the boardwalk. But the most convenient is to join a group tour. Despite a disappointing first look and an overcrowded entrance, the rock pools were wide and varied. Cloud 9 tours are popular as it'sthe favorite venue to showcase the talents of local and international surfers during the annual International Surfing competition, which usually held in late September or early October. Explore the Enchanting Sohoton Cove National Park, 6. As soon as you arrive at Corregidor Island, you will see why it was worth making the trip out. The negatives are actually also good. Surfing and skating with the big and small groms (kids who surf). With its swells that make the surfers adrenaline pumping and feet itching, Siargao has been luring both local and international wave riders to its rolling shores. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Paddle board through Siargao's lush mangroves or through islands's protected inner reef and enjoy the many stunning views of the island. The most evident is the amount of trash littered on the street and the beach, which would end up in the landfill or the ocean. To fuel my wanderlust, I moved to Davao after UP Diliman days and worked as a river rafting guide and photographer. Taktak Falls is 15-meters high; its water softy cascades down a rocky cliff into a small blue-green basin. from. Naked Island tours feature one of the three islands you can see from the shores of General Luna. Easy to reach via a 45-minute sea journey aboard an outrigger boat, this is one island in Siargao that you must include in your travel itinerary. 10. Siargao Island Hopping 2 Day Trips from $58.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Quality Surfing Lessons in Siargao Island 7 from $45.00 per adult Jellyfish sanctuary and Sohoton cove Full-Day Tour Full-day Tours from $85.00 per adult Sugba Lagoon Tour and Magpupungko Rock Pools Full-day Tours from $60.00 per adult "What sets Siargao apart is there are a lot of business owners who are environmentally conscious," says Ponio-Quadelli. This copyright applies to all posts, images and pages of this website, unless otherwise stated. Other beaches you can visit during the tour includes Union Beach, Malinao Beach, Doot Beach and a couple of secret and not-yet-touristy beach destinations. This renowned tourist stop is located on the eastern side of Bucas Grande Island, which lies to the southwest of Siargao Island. Since its free labor, I just rely on the volunteers availability and donors donations. A lot of nice huts to stay cool from the sun. We brought our snorkeling gear and were impressed by the structures and the variety of fishes for such a difficult environment (needle fish, parrot fish, eels, anemone fish, etc.). If youre craving for some fresh seafood and mouth-watering barbecue, look no further than the crowd favorite, Mama's Grill. Discover why Tagaytay is a favorite weekend destination for local travelers, especially those from the capital Manila. More Activities. If youre on a group tour, lunch is usually served as part of the package. Guyam Island is a place you will never want to leave. Tourists were initially allowed to swim with the gelatinous creatures of the lagoon as the jellyfish were harmless. Instead, there is only a dirt path through a coconut forest. Located in the town of Soccoro in Surigao del Norte, Bucas Grande is a separate group of islands from Siargao. Enjoy your barbecue with a generous serving of rice and an ice-cold beer to have that full Siargao Island experience. Siargao isn't only for avid surfers, it is also for beach lovers who have no qualms of getting baked and achieving golden skin under the sun. Sohoton Cove is home to a stunning lagoon that is teeming with wildlife like fish and birds. Sugba Lagoon is a gem tucked away in the quiet town of Del Carmen in Siargao. Have lunch here on your island tour of siargao. If you're craving for a quiet beach in Siargao that you can have all to yourself, then head to Alegria Beach.