Dubbed as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” and the “World’s best white sand beaches” Siargao Island has a lot to offer to backpackers. Located approximately 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte, northeastern Mindanao, this tear-drop shaped island has captivated the hearts of travelers because of its relaxed atmosphere and inexpensive accommodations.
Going to Dapa, the main port of Siargao Island, you need to ride on a ferry from Surigao City that leaves at 6am to 12 noon. Transportation is not that scarce since it tricycles and vans are just waiting on the other end. Siargao has numerous resorts and hotel accommodations that can fit on your budget too. Just bear in mind, you might need to reserve first before going overnight.
Siargao hosts annual international surfing cups. It is being held in Surf Cloud 9, a beach resort in Barangay 5, Juan Luna in Siargao. It is a tourist destination for surfer enthusiasts because it is known for its surfing waves that are thick and has hollow tubes, this being known to be the surfing center of the Philippines. Other than being an outstanding surfing spot, Cloud 9 is also a resort and offers amenities for overnight surfers and visitors.
(Images from: http://www.siargaoislands.net/2013/06/the-next-wave.html)
If you are not into surfing, there are a lot of activities that Siargao can offer you. Island hopping is one of the many favorite activities that people visit in this place. Then came the Naked, Guyam, and Daku islands. A motorboat is needed to reach the beautiful Guyam. Naked and Guyam islands are peaceful, white sand islets, while Daku Island is also uninhabited but is a center of fishing for the people in Siargao. You can do this for a full-day or half day. You can also book for an island hopping escapade in Isla Cabana, this actually covers those three spots to have a tourist guide and make your island hopping adventure in smooth sail. Other activities include swimming at the freshwater of Katipunan, kayaking with the mangroves in Del Carmen, and the exciting game fishing in Pilar.
It is a fun and enjoyable place indeed for groups of friends or families. Indeed Siargao will offer you not just a whole load of water activities but also a life with nature in a budget.
1. Wikitravel guides (2010). “Siargao”. http://wikitravel.org/en/Siargao
2. Siargao Islands (2013). “The next wave.” http://www.siargaoislands.net/2013/06/the-next-
wave.html