A Quick Preview on My First Time at the Best Island in the Philippines - Siargao!

If asked regarding their most favorite place in the Philippines, many would answer Palawan because of the pristine white beaches, and superb rock formations of El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa, some would answer Boracay because of its fine white sands, crystal clear waters, various water activities to choose from, luxurious resorts and hotels, and its amazing night life. But if I will answer that question, without thinking twice, I will answer Siargao because of only one reason - it is where I found home, a place that I will always come back to. I really love this place so much that I almost don't want to share it on this blog to preserve my "home" and keep it as my own private place.

My way to finding this home was quite accidental. Me and my friends' original itinerary was going to Cebu as our main destination, while Dumaguete, Siquijor, and Bohol were supposed to be the side trips on our February 21, 2017 to March 1, 2017 trip. That trip was almost fully settled as we already had an itinerary for that trip until things turned around when the only commercial plane going to Siargao that time, which was Cebu Pacific, had a super sale which made us rearrange our itinerary and made Siargao our main destination for that trip making Cebu our only side trip that time.

Accommodation

We stayed at Wave Cave, A Surfer's Lodge which was booked through Airbnb. Erwan Huesaff has a review on Airbnb for this place which was one of our deciding factor to choose it. This place has 6 rooms on the ground floor which can be shared by 2 persons per room which is perfect for a big group not exceeding 12 persons. Each room has its own bath and toilet and is fully air-conditioned. On its second level, there is a kitchen which was the reason why we wasn't able to try most of the restaurants on the island. You can also enjoy your own private bar on its second level while playing billiards, or darts. While all of the things you need in a house is available on Wave Cave, all of the things you need on the island is very accessible on where the Wave Cave was located as it was just 10 minutes away from Cloud 9 via motorbike, 5 minutes away from the wet market, and few steps away from the nearest convenience store. You can also ask Tatay Manuel, the caretaker of Wave Cave, anything you need on the island such as boat for island hopping, motorbike to rent, surfing instructors, and more, he will be glad to assist you.

Boardwalk at Cloud 9

Day 1 - Arrival, Cloud 9 Viewing

On the morning of February 23, we arrived at Siargao, and the first thing that we did was to take a rest since we were very tired due to our Canyoneering and Kawasan Falls adventure the day before we went to Siargao. Upon waking up, we asked Tatay Manuel to help us find motorbikes. A motorbike costs P500.00 per day, but we asked the owner if he can give it to us for P350.00 per day if we will rent it for five days, and he agreed. Those motorbikes were what we used to go to a restaurant for our lunch, and Cloud 9's boardwalk where we spent the rest of the day just enjoying the cool sea breeze and calming view of the waves

Surfing at Secret Spot

Day 2 - Surfing

Our first surfing at Siargao occured at Secret Spot. Secret Spot's waves are smaller compared to Cloud 9's wave, but a lot better than Jacking Horse's waves. You may contact Kuya Ben (0950 179 1472) when you need an instructor for surfing. He can also accommodate big groups as he knows a lot of surfing instructors in the island. Kuya Ben was the one who arranged our surfing needs while we were on Siargao, he fetched us from our accommodation, and even arranged the location where we surfed.

The Other Side of Magpupungko

Day 3 - Magpupungko

On our third day on the island we asked Tatay Manuel regarding the time of the low tide at Magpupungko, he told us that low tide will be at the afternoon. However, since we always sleep late while we were on Siargao because of partying every night, we always woke up late in the afternoon while we were there. Because of that, we weren't able to catch the low tide when we went to Magpupungko. Good thing, we were still allowed to enjoy the beach and entrance fee wasn't collected anymore since the tide was already high back then, and the main attraction of Magpupungko cannot be enjoyed that time.

Tip: Always ask the locals on the time of low tide on Magpupungko before going there. Magpupungko is around an hour away from General Luna via motorbike.

Jellyfish Sanctuary at Bucas Grande

Day 4 - Bucas Grande, 3 Islands Tour

We woke up early on our 4th day on the island for our Bucas Grande, and 3 Islands tour. We went first to the Wet Market of General Luna to buy some fresh caught fish for our lunch which was cooked at Bucas Grande. Going to Bucas Grande from General Luna may took around 3 hours, but it was totally worth it. You can go to different lagoons, Sohoton Caves, Jellyfish Sanctuary, and even do cliff jumps in there. We were lucky enough that we were also able to see a school of fish in there which looked like a sardine run from our boat.

Afterwards, we proceed to our 3 Islands tour. We went first at Naked Island where there was nothing, just the island itself in the middle of nowhere, it was absolutely naked, but there were Starfishes when we went there. We then proceed to Daku Island afterwards. Daku Island, came from the word 'daku' which means large as it is the largest among the 3 islands. It was really large that we were not able to see the whole island when we went there, and there were residents living on the island. There are cottages on the island to rent from near the docking area of the boats. There is also a volleyball court near the cottages, and you can rent a ball at a minimal fee. There is a pinkish color on the sands of this islands too. The sun was almost setting when we decided to leave this island that is why we weren't able to go to the third island which is Guyam Island.

Kuya Johnvie was our boat contact for our Bucas Grande, and 3 Islands adventure. You may contact him at 0930 266 0324.

Magpupungko Tidal Flats and Lagoon

Day 5 - Magpupungko, Surfing at Jacking Horse

We went back to Magpupungko on our 5th day on the island, and that time, we made sure that we will be able to see the tidal flats and lagoons of Magpupungko. That's why when we went there, the tide wasn't at it's lowest level yet, and we were able to see how it went to its lowest level, and create natural pools on its rock formations.

Since we were early on that day, we were able to do another surf ride on the afternoon of that day. That time, we tested the waves of Jacking Horse. Jacking Horse was the beginner area of Cloud 9 as it is located just beside Cloud 9, but it have smaller swells.

Band Playing on Siargao

Party

Your Siargao trip wouldn't be complete without going to atleast one of the party in the island. There is a party every night on the island, just ask the locals or the habal-habal drivers where the party is.

Day 6 - Departure

On the morning of February 28, we left Siargao to be back at Cebu and continue our adventure there. I was filled with mixed emotions on that morning. I was happy that I was able to visit this wonderful island, but there was a sad feeling that time knowing that I will be leaving this island indefinitely or without knowing when can I be back again. Even though we already had five days on this island, I have a feeling that my stay on this island wasn't enough because in just five days, I found a home, a home that I will be longing for a long time on that moment. But one thing is for sure, I will always come home.

Final Words

Today, going to Siargao became a lot easier since there are now three commercial airlines going to Siargao - Cebu Pacific, Skyjet, and Philippine Airlines. There were also a lot of seat sale nowadays going to Siargao. Because of that, going to Siargao became a lot easier than the time when we went there. Hence, many tourists, responsible and irresponsible to the environment, were able to visit Siargao. Because of that, there were a lot wastes there that were not properly disposed as seen in social medias, and even shown on the movie 'Siargao'. When I want there last year, Siargao was very serene with its clean surroundings, and minimal travellers. I am hoping to see the same old Siargao that I saw when I went last year on my trip back to this place this year.