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. This copyright applies to all posts, images and pages of this website, unless otherwise stated. Plan out your itinerary with this ultimate list of the best things to do in Siargao. Magkuku-ob Cave, on the other hand, has a reasonably high cliff at around 5 meters where you and your friends can go on a spontaneous group adventure. Siargao Island is a tropical paradise located in the Surigao del Norte province of the Philippines. The travel time from the port to the lagoon is approximately one hour. The Poor Traveler is managed by WanderGeneration, Inc.Email us: yoshke@thepoortraveler.net. The drive up takes you through the islands interior before following the coast the rest of the way. What are the best outdoor activities in Siargao Island? Here are your options: From Del Carmen port, register at the local port authority and charter a boat or wait for other passengers to fill up the boat. First, Siargao perennially has water shortages. Photos by Vitalis Villas/Balesin Island Club IMPORTANT:The properties featured in this article may have COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. 3,818.62. A number of water activities and watching people trying to jump off the diving board is pure entertainment. A relaxing side-trip here, the only waterfalls on the island,can also help you psych-up for your surfing lessons later. Each year, professional surfers from around the world compete against each other on the barreling right-hand wave. The tree bends out over a river, and the locals have attached a swing to it that you can jump from into the water below. We visited the main town of General Luna when we were in Siargao. In addition to Alegria Beach, the northern tip of the island is home to two more must-see attractions that make a great day trip: Santa Monica Pier and Taktak Falls. Although it is not yet as famous as other dive spots in the Philippines, there are still places in Siargao where you can dive. Check our article onPhilippines travel requi Find the best surfing spots in Siargao and see what other activities the island has to offer. It is also a fantastic spot to go snorkeling, and there is a diving platform as well. The most iconic "landmark" of Sugba lagoon is the wooden diving board rigged from coco lumber. Santa Monica Pier is a roughly hour-and-twenty-minute drive from General Luna. While here, you can jump into the emerald-colored water from an eight-meter cliff. Try to visit the place early in the morning so you can have the place to yourself. Thirty minutes away from General Luna is the magnificent views overlooking the unbelievably beautiful scene of an endless sea of palm trees. Cloud 9 is also the most highly commercialized area in Siargao and is a popular surfing escapadein Siargao. When the sun goes down, the nightlife starts to kick in. The competition is officially recognized by the World Surf League Pro. It is probably the second-best Siargao Island surf spot after Cloud 9, with fantastic reef breaks just a quick paddle away from shore and a choice of both right-hand and left-hand waves. If youre on a group tour, lunch is usually served as part of the package. Joining an island-hopping escapadein Siargao should be on top of your list. You can follow the dirt path on the right side of the bridge, and it will lead you to the bent coconut tree. A visit to this enchanting lagoon indeed wouldn't be complete without jumping from its famed diving board. Experience the ultimate island life in Palawan, the Last Frontier of the Philippines. As the name suggests, Naked Island is, well, naked! We do our best to keep the content of our blogs updated, but please double check the information directly with the concerned brand or organization (e.g. Any traveling soul hungry for adventures, experiences, and places to discover will find fulfillment in this unassuming and straightforward island. Kawili Resort 5. Underwater, Siargao offers just as much beauty underneath the waves. The Visayas Island group is located in the central area of the Philippine archipelago. With a name like Secret Beach, this is a sandy strip you know you have to come and experience. Shaka Cafe in Siargao is the go-to place for instagrammable healthy food choices such as fruit bowls and cold-pressed juices. Spread all over the islands are charming seaside towns adjacent to picturesque beaches where one can quench their thirst for a beach fix. HI admin can you advise renting a motorcycle on the Island. Photos by Gallery by Chele (left) and Lore Manila (right) If you want to experience the local culture in the Philippines, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in it is to try different kinds of f Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around, 20 Most Beautiful Sandbars in the Philippines: White Sand, Longest, Vanishing, 15 Best Tropical Bali-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol, 10 Best Treehouse Resorts in the Philippines for a Scenic Getaway at Mountains, Beaches & Rivers, 11 Best Santorini-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Vigan, Top 18 Tourist Spots in Siargao Island: Surfing, Beaches, Islands, Lagoons, Top 10 Marinduque Tourist Spots: Beaches, Islands, Caves, Nature Parks, Must-Try Tasting Menu in Manila & Nearby: Degustation Restaurants, Siargao travel guide for COVID-19 travel requirements, See our popular Siargao Vacation Packages, See our popular Siargao Island Hopping Tours, Siargao package deals with hotel and airfare. The, I worked in Singapore for 5 years as ground stewardess at a premium airline lounge and taught yoga on the side. Beginners surfing lesson starts at P1000 for two hours. Just a 13-minute drive east from General Luna, Doot Beach is an easy and very worthwhile trip from town. The exhilarating experience will be one for the books! Another well-known tourist destination on the island of Siargao is the Magpupungko Rock Pools, which affords revelers the chance to take a dip in the crystal clear waters when you get there at the right time. It is suitable for both beginners and intermediates and can include tailored Yoga classes to better condition the body for movement. Join a group tour or charter your own boat to Bucas Grande. 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 Cloud 9 is only recommended for advanced surfers, as it breaks on a very shallow reef. I have been backpacking, rock climbing, bouldering, and surfing around the Philippines with that principle since I was in college. Shaka is also a very vegan-friendly joint. Don't be afraid to get lost under the coconut palms as you roam around the island. To reach Tayangban Cave Pool, simply head north about half an hour from General Luna. Truly, Shaka is the perfect place to get your smoothie bowls to fix throughout the day. The surf line is well offshore and you can walk in the shallows between the surf and the beach. Since its free labor, I just rely on the volunteers availability and donors donations. 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. The surf school program is fun, structured, professional and safe. Which is perhaps why it is also called the Secret Beach. No doubt, it's a paradise blessed with beauty from Mother Nature wherever you go. We stayed in a resort nearby where the beach was 50 meters away. Instead, guides will bring you to the lagoon on a small dinghy where you can watch the jellyfish merrily swimming around your boat. It is ideal to go here during sunrise to get a jaw-dropping view of the sunrise-kissed mountains. This surfing paradise is in the southeast corner of Siargao, in the town of General Luna. Despite a disappointing first look and an overcrowded entrance, the rock pools were wide and varied. All Rights Reserved. The jumping-off point is the town of Del Carmen, which is about a two-hour drive from General Luna. Swim in the sparkling waters of Naked Island, lounge in the shallows, and can work up a beautiful tan. Don't miss the chance to jump off here, and make sure to take a picture like everyone else! The ride to Magpupungko takes only around 45 minutes from General Luna, but you can rent a van to take you there if you travel as a group. Sohoton Cove National Park's unbelievable beauty will leave you speechless. 10. Extending far into the sea, the boardwalk leads to a three-story viewing platform where you can watch the surfers. Smiling ladies with a small box will greet you and cheerfully let you know theres a fee once you set foot on the island. 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. Your day will begin with either an hour and a half boat ride from General Luna or an hour boat ride from Del Carmen, depending on where you chose to depart from. Photos by Vitalis Villas/Balesin Island Club IMPORTANT:The properties featured in this article may have COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. 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! The drive will take you about 45 minutes from General Luna. It is located within the vicinity of Cloud 9, close enough for you to still watch the master surfers carving up the waves. Explore the Magpupungko Beach if you want to feel some sand beneath your feet or do cliff-jumping but be extra careful because the rocks are sharp; it would be better to wear protective footwear or aqua shoes. The spit of sand provides easy access to a colorful reef that has all sorts of colorful fish flitting around. Activity 1: Construct a planning and management measure chart by It has pristine white beaches and islands, breathtaking lagoons, and lush green coconut trees lined up on the roads. Guyam Island is a place you will never want to leave. Chill in the Cool Waters of Taktak Falls, 17. Recommendation: Siargao should continue to promote sustainable tourism practices, such as encouraging visitors to use eco-friendly products and services, and to reduce their carbon footprint. Siargao is blanketed in thick coconut forests. The Instagram-famous bent tree of Maasin Village is just a quick, 30-minute drive north of General Luna in the direction of Tayangban Cave Pool and Magpupungko Rock Pools. 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. You can call ahead for a reservation, especially if you're with a big group. An hour away from the surfing haven of General Luna, it situates at the end of a snaking road fringed with Intagrammable palm trees. This tour is perfect for those wanting to spend some quiet time deep in the countryside of Siargao. Cottage rental: P250. There are also private properties along the beach. The fact that this strip of beach is typically deserted, only makes it an even more ideal place to learn how to surf. Siargao has been making waves through headlines and increasing tourist arrivals. The food choices cater to both locals and foreign visitors. Mountaineers, which taught me the Leave No Trace Principle. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey great post and very informative. However, you are only going slow through the town so it is okay. The most popular attraction on Siargao Island is the Cloud 9 surfing area in General Luna. Romantic Beach Villas 8. 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. You just have to be ready with the mosquitos at night when you go out on the Island. There are a lot of independent retailers on the island selling a variety of clothing, jewelry, swimwear, surf gear, and even skincare products. Discover all the adventures you can experience in the Philippines. Corregidor Island's seascape is just as picturesque as its landscape. In addition to providing a lot of great dining opportunities, General Luna is also a fantastic place to go shopping for souvenirs or for some new clothing and accessories to wear during your travels. You need to know how to swim and should be comfortable taking risks. If you're planning for an island getaway soon, then let Siargao Island fulfill all your holiday checklist. THE 10 BEST Outdoor Activities in Siargao Island - Tripadvisor Part of the Sohoton National Park, Sohoton Cove is located in Bucas Grande Island. If youre solo or you dont want to plan anything, you can join a group tour instead! This tide-dependent pool has been one of the go-to non-surfing spots and is often combined with caves and beaches on a day tripin Siargao. - makes for one hell of a great photo opportunity. 1. Watch the stunning waves touch the shore in all its glory. Tell us about what led you to do your work. Swing in Maasins Bent Coconut Tree Rope, 18. Here are some of the things you can see and do while on the island. Note: Always check the tide schedule as it changes daily. But you can always take lots of photos. Aside from the swing, you can also rent a small boat from the locals, so you can paddle around Maasin River and appreciate the raw beauty of the area. As the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is home to more than 15 surfing breaks. It is a unique and very worthwhile experience. It is an underwater wonder with a 20-meter wide hole that features caverns at the north and east side. SMART MOVE. Snowstorms lessen drought in Utah | News, Sports, Jobs - Daily Herald how to get around, and the best things to see and do there in this article. Corregidor Island is right next to Siargao Island- a 45-minute boat ride from General Luna. There are nearby spots for surfing in Siargaohere that are excellent for beginners to intermediate levels. As Siargao Island has become a more popular tourist spot, its culinary scene has grown accordingly to accommodate the tastes and preferences of tourists. The cave pools, also known as the Kantoloi Twin Cenotes, go as deep as over 100 meters. If you need more help planning your trip, check out our SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE! I dont want to destroy my playground. As a new day dawns, three boys playing in the port of Dapa skim along the water's edge on makeshift wooden surfboards. 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. Find volunteer opportunities on: JustServe.org. It gives me hope. When I went back to Siargao for a visit, I met my current partner, James, and he offered me a job at, Be responsible tourists when visiting Siargao and responsible local residents by joining beach clean-ups, refusing single-use plastic, not littering, and opting for a plant-based diet. From vagabonding to the islands beautiful neighboring islands to exploring the island's many natural attractions like lush mangroves, rockpools to beautiful lagoons. Their smoothie bowls are a great way to cool off after a hot day on the beaches of Siargao. 6 talking about this. If you befriend them well, they might take you there. Sohoton Cove National Park has secluded gems that will fascinate and surprise you. See all tours. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. It is undoubtedly a destination for the adventurous and is a part of this Siargao day tour. Paddle board through Siargao's lush mangroves or through islands's protected inner reef and enjoy the many stunning views of the island. 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. Take a boat to Siargao's many neightboring islands, Guyam, Daku and Naked Island are a great place to spend the day, whilst you have a picnic with friends. Guyam Island is a small island distinctly appearing with a patch of small forest on the middle. Photos byTreehouse de Valentine/Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa IMPORTANT:The properties featured in this article may have COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. The waves are perfect for surfing all year round, but the best time is from as early as July to as late as January. Why Siargao was rated best island in Asia for 2019 I will never know Another beach, another island. Siargao, The Philippines - The Escapist 2019 - Magazine - Monocle Its Blue Lagoon is often compared to some of the lagoons in El Nido, Palawan. Tours typically include pick-up, drop-off, and a provided lunch. Describing it already sounds fantastic but wait untilyou experience the actual tour. This is one of the most unique experiences offered on the island and is a great choice for those seeking some extra excitement. 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. Discover why Tagaytay is a favorite weekend destination for local travelers, especially those from the capital Manila.