When we went to have a beach vacation at Siargao, it was indeed a relaxing vacation. If you are coming to surf, then mid to low tide is best. Learn about its top destinations. Island Hopping: Naked Island, Daku Island & Guyam Island. You can make a lot of memories in Alegria Beach. Cloud 9 Siargao originally gained popularity due to the surf but it has become a mainstream tourist attraction for people who aren't surfers. 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. This surfing paradise is in the southeast corner of Siargao, in the town of General Luna. If you need more excitement after caving, cliff-jumping will provide it. Siargao also has excellent hiking spots to offer. Being the only waterfall in Siargao and considering its proximity to both Pacifico Beach and Alegria Beach, including Taktak Falls in your itinerary, should be worth it. Just be sure to ask them where the safe spots are to make the jump. The town of General Luna has the most number of commercial establishments on the island resorts, restaurants, cafs, and bars. This is a special experience in Sohoton which i never expect. The food choices cater to both locals and foreign visitors. It is ideal to go here during sunrise to get a jaw-dropping view of the sunrise-kissed mountains. per adult (price varies by group size) Quality Surfing Lessons in Siargao Island. Heres our list of recommended activities and tourist spots to add to your SIARGAO ITINERARY. Siargaos seascape has to be the islands best feature. Don't miss the chance to jump off here, and make sure to take a picture like everyone else! Your guide or a local would gladly climb up a tree and break open a coconut for you for a small fee. Just a 13-minute drive east from General Luna, Doot Beach is an easy and very worthwhile trip from town. Cloud 9 is one of the popular surf breaks in General Luna, but if you are not that into balancing yourself on a surfboard and be wiped out several times, you can just relax and chill strolling down the iconic long boardwalk. You will be able to see the iconic tree from the bridge. Are you planning that island getaway to Siargao Island soon? Caves like Hagukan Cave and Magkuku-ob Cave will also offer you exciting experiences. Guyam Island is another tiny island that you can easily walk from one side to the other of in a matter of minutes. Smart supports Siargao Island's bid to protect the environment Getting There: From Siargao, the jumping-off point to Bucas Grande Islands is Dapa port. Plan out your itinerary with this ultimate list of the best things to do in Siargao. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN SIARGO ISLAND TODAY. It is highly recommended that you spend some time exploring the palm forest and even try to climb some of the trees! A visit to this enchanting lagoon indeed wouldn't be complete without jumping from its famed diving board. There are so many epic things to do in Siargao including white sand beaches, world-class surf breaks, unique cave pools, palm tree rope swings, island hopping, and much more! There are some right-hand breaks great for longboarding here, or you can simply relax in the sand. Despite its popularity in the global surfing scene, Siargaohas a lot more to offer. Going here is fun and I personally enjoy our experience here. Thirty minutes away from General Luna is the magnificent views overlooking the unbelievably beautiful scene of an endless sea of palm trees. Although Cloud 9 waves are more suitable for advanced surfers, beginners and non-surfers still love to go here to watch the pros at work. For the touristy towns of General Luna, Del Carmen, and Soccoro, measures are being taken to lessen the impact of rising tourism-related activities on the island. You start by entering a dark cave and wading through chest-deep water. A beach tour in Siargao will take you to several of its must-see beaches such as Pacifico Beach. There are a lot of independent retailers on the island selling a variety of clothing, jewelry, swimwear, surf gear, and even skincare products. 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. Another highly recommended day trip when visiting Siargao Island is to Sugba Lagoon. Not a real snorkeling or swimming area. Locals that we met very friendly. You can take a serene stroll through the white sand and enjoy the seclusion of being out in the middle of the ocean before heading into the warm water. One such activity is island hopping; Daku Island is the biggest in the trio which includes Guyam and Naked Islands. They can also buy SEAM merchandise to help us raise funds for operations and projects. If you happen to be in Siargao around the time of the surfing . Long winding roads lined up with verdant palm tree forests will lead you to Pacifico Beach. 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. The negatives are actually also good. 18 EPIC Things To Do In Siargao [Philippines] In 2023 Siargao, The Philippines - The Escapist 2019 - Magazine - Monocle Visit at the right time, and you will surely see crystal blue waters and that cliff jumping experience you've been dreaming. If you're not sure about it, just watch the local kids how they do it. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE? Even before reaching your destination, the ride itself is already an attraction. If you're a first-timerin Siargao who wants to make the most of your stay in this popular surfing destination in the Philippines, it is highly recommended to check out these spectacular spots and tours to experience for yourself why it has becomea beloved travel destination in the world. Secret Beach has knee and shoulder high swells that are the perfect place for beginners to start. 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. Surrounded by limestone hills, Sugba boasts a 87 hectar area and maintains one of the largest mangrove forests in the Philippines. Top Things to Do in Siargao Island - Tripadvisor The half-submerged cave is full of shimmering stalagmites and stalactites, making for a magical entryway to the lagoon beyond. You can stake out your piece of land (or water) and chill out in perfect isolation. But today, Siargao enjoys being the rockstar tourist destination in the country. Tucked away in the north-eastern coastline of Siargao, it is approximately a 1-hour drive away from the center. EIN for organizations is sometimes also referred to as taxpayer identification number (TIN) or FEIN or simply IRS Number. It is also just a half-hour drive from Pacifico Beach. Thousands of palm trees spread out before you with deep green hills in the background. Photos by Vitalis Villas/Balesin Island Club IMPORTANT:The properties featured in this article may have COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. It gets too crowded at times. Your guide will tell you where it is safe to land. More interestingly, Secret Beach can be surfed all year round thanks to its location; it faces South and is a bit protected from the wind. These are Cebu, Bohol, Masbate, Negros, Samar, and Panay. For more information about this campaign, visit www.juaneffect.com. Thanks to its majestic landscape of rolling hills dotted with palm trees (likened to Batanes), white sandy shores, and glistening surrounding turquoise waters, it's a perfect tour to enjoy a secluded beach bumming experience, achieve tan-colored skin, and bond with friends while devouring a sumptuous picnic meal under the sun. Read the full terms here: Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, CONTACT US One of the islets you shouldn't miss out on is anescapade in Naked Island. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you might want to check out Corregidor Island, also known as Casolian Island. Maasin in Pilar, Siargao, the bent coconut tree is around 30 minutes away from General Luna. From General Luna, you have to get to the town of Del Carmen port. There are also private properties along the beach. #SeatizenSunday: Marja Abad, Siargao Environmental Awareness Movement, Siargao has been making waves through headlines and increasing tourist arrivals. Don't hesitate to pull over and admire the sight. Here are some of the things you can see and do while on the island. If you are a newbie surfer, this is also the best place to learn as seasoned surfers double as instructors. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. The water is about 6-foot deep. Each has its unique feature, so the experience wont seem redundant. It can be a long ride but savor the moment. When I went back to Siargao for a visit, I met my current partner, James, and he offered me a job at Kudo Surf. Once you arrive, you will see a clearly marked entrance sign and a small ticket office. Siargao is blanketed in thick coconut forests. 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. There are also hammocks and swings if you want to want to rest, read a book, or take a quick nap as you hear the sound of waves crashing on the rocks by the shore. Its all labor of love that I try to squeeze in my busy schedule. 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. These natural pools are created from water left behind in a coastal rock formation when the ocean retreats at low tide. You can follow the dirt path on the right side of the bridge, and it will lead you to the bent coconut tree. 12 Best Resorts in Siargao Island Philippines: Beachfront, General Luna, For Groups, Family-Friendly By Jessa Tek-Ing Verified Expert Jump to chapter 12. The waves can become gnarly from September to November. You can also hike to the top of Corregidor Island to marvel at the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and nearby islands. Shaka Cafe in Siargao is the go-to place for instagrammable healthy food choices such as fruit bowls and cold-pressed juices. Either way, the long drive will be worth it. There are also some sections of deeper water, but ropes and bamboo make the cave easy to traverse and navigate. Movement by just believing in my vision, supporting my projects and reminding me that its going to work. 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. This was without doubt the number one top thing to do in Siargao, for me. Once you arrive at the beach, you will be amazed by the picture-perfect postcard setting. They are all just a quick boat ride from General Luna, where your trip will begin. Sohoton Cove National Park has secluded gems that will fascinate and surprise you. The locals are super nice and friendly. how to get around, and the best things to see and do there in this article. The interior of Corregidor Island features rolling grassy hills. Here are 18 activities waiting for you the dream tropical and surfing destination that is Siargao. Indeed, the less touristy Secret Beach can promise you a relaxing day at the beach. There are so many projects in line, and I feel a bit sad I cant give as much time as I want to because of my busy work at Kudo Surf. It is undoubtedly a destination for the adventurous and is a part of this Siargao day tour. I'd go as far to say this was one of my favourite island hopping tours and experiences in all of the Philippines. Magpupungko Rock Pools's charm islikened to sunsets and sunrises because itonly appears at a given time of the day: during low-tide. Home to the famous Cloud 9 and other beginner-friendly surf beaches tucked in some of the hidden spots all over the island, Siargao is on every surfer's dream destination. 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON SIARGAO, PHILIPPINES - Journey Era The most popular attraction on Siargao Island is the Cloud 9 surfing area in General Luna. 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. Once you reach the red Maasin Bridge, you know you're near. Sohoton Cove National Park's unbelievable beauty will leave you speechless. Others offer fantastic opportunities for cliff jumping. PDF ENVIRONMENTAL CRACKDOWN CONTINUES: DENR issues notices to 49 Have fun exploring on foot and make sure you spend some time in the water as well. The Blue Cathedral can be found on the wall of Cloud 9's rock entry. Thats your landmark for the bent coconut tree. AirSWIFT Now Flies to ROMBLON! Guyam Island is a small island distinctly appearing with a patch of small forest on the middle. 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. At frontline of S.E.A Movement is Marja Abad, who traces her environmentalism from her elementary and high school education in Miriam College. It's a short day trip from General Luna and is typically combined with other tourist spots in a Siargao all-in package tour. The ideal surfing season usually starts in the latter part of August and lasts till Decemberbut generally, surfing can be experienced on the island all year long. The last quarter of the year is the busiest surfing season; surfers and tourists from all over the world seek to experience the best swells. There is also the Siargao Blue resort lounge, great music and drinks. Other than mimicking Tarzan and Jane, most visitors spend a cozy morning here paddling up and down the river by boat. They also serve sumptuous all-day breakfast and specialty coffee. About 1 hour from gen. Luna. Some of the businesses are taking the initiative to do their part in preserving the environment like using metal straws instead of plastic ones. One of the leading causes of global warming is cow fart. Romantic Beach Villas 8. The island is literally naked and bare so its the perfect spot to get away from it all. The accommodation is nice and is air-conditioned, you can choose what cottage you will get because they have a cottage for small family and bigger family that could accommodate up to 15 pax. You will pass by local eateries before you reach the beach and rock pools. per adult (price varies by group size) Quality Surfing Lessons in Siargao Island. Your stop on Daku Island is sure to be one of the highlights of your island-hopping tour and your trip as a whole, so make sure you take lots of pictures. There are also Siargao tour packages with airfare from Manila available on an online travel agency like Guide to the Philippines. Aside from just surfing. 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. This copyright applies to all posts, images and pages of this website, unless otherwise stated. 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 ITINERARY: 13 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit You can spot stalactites formations as you explore the inner cave. 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. BALER TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS + List of Accredited Beach Resorts & Hotels, BORACAY TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS + How to Visit, CEBU PROVINCE Travel Requirements & DOT-Accredited Hotels & Resorts, LAIYA BEACH BATANGAS Travel Requirements + DOT-Accredited Resorts, LA UNION TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS for TOURISTS, PUERTO GALERA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS + List of DOT-Accredited Resorts & Hotels, PANGASINAN TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS + List of Open Tourist Spots, ZAMBALES TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS + Visita Step-by-Step Guide, How to Get a VACCINE CERTIFICATE Online (Step-by-Step Guide for Filipinos), How to Schedule a KOREAN VISA APPLICATION Appointment (Korean Embassy Manila), 2023 Bangkok Travel Guide with Sample Itinerary, 2023 Jakarta Travel Guide with Sample Itinerary. The location is a 45-minute drive from General Luna. Away from the busy crowd of General Luna, the Northern part of Siargao is where you'll find the secluded and almost untouched Alegria Beach. Even if you don't plan to surf, Secret Beach is still an excellent getaway. Besides helping the local economy by purchasing things and availing of services, you can also help to preserve the natural resources of the destination for the future generation. Ltd. All Rights Reserved Daku Island, Siargao: Important Travel Tips Spread all over the islands are charming seaside towns adjacent to picturesque beaches where one can quench their thirst for a beach fix. These pools are located in Pilar and are the area's primary tourist draw. We strive to be fully sustainable by opting for eco-friendly fabric like organic cotton and rashguard materials made from recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste in our collection of surf apparels. After 15 minutes, the cave opens up to the sunlight. Siargao History Viento Del Mar Siargao Surrounded by fine greens of trees and other shrubberies, the calm waters in Sugba Lagoon instantly projects a charming secluded setting. Magpupungko Rock Pools are exposed during low tide and submerged at high tide. DENR: 49 Siargao establishments found violating environmental laws Santa Monica Pier is a roughly hour-and-twenty-minute drive from General Luna. As Siargao Island has become a more popular tourist spot, its culinary scene has grown accordingly to accommodate the tastes and preferences of tourists. SEA movement is an environmental NGO based in General Luna. The Sea of Palms viewpoint is a great place to come for either sunrise or sunset. You can also watch the seasoned surfers dance with the roaring waves from the three-story view deck at the end of the boardwalk. Most of the islands top dining spots are located in and around General Luna. there is a nearby restaurant where you can have your early morning coffee. Paddle board through Siargao's lush mangroves or through islands's protected inner reef and enjoy the many stunning views of the island. There's a cliff-jumping spot at the other end a seven-meter cliff that leads you to 18-feet deep water. A huge part of why only a few travelers visit Alegria Beach is that it is approximately an hour's drive from General Luna. There is even a jellyfish sanctuary where visitors can jump into the water and swim with these unique creatures. If you're the adventurous type, you can try cliff-jumping with the local kids. When the sun goes down, the nightlife starts to kick in. They can also tag SEAM in their social media posts @s.e.a.movement and use the hashtag. To reach Tayangban Cave Pool, simply head north about half an hour from General Luna. For diving enthusiasts planning to visit Siargao, be sure to include the island diving spots in your itinerary. What are the top attractions to visit in Siargao Island? Among the most recommended dive spots are the Seeco Reef Coral formation near Naked Island (good for certified open water divers at 11 meters) and the Daku Coral Beach Staghorn Reef at 9 meters. 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. Tour operators often coordinate with the locals here to provide a freshly cooked barbecue meal. If you feel like ramping up your adventures in Siargao, then you must experience the Tayangban Cave Pool tour. Nothing beats a tropical seafood feast while looking out over the sparkling cerulean waters of Daku Island. A beautiful island with only a few isla.ders who just fish and grow there own food. Aptly translated from its Philippine-Spanish name as "largemouth", the island of Bucas Grande situates on the other part of Siargao in the municipality of Socorro. People who live here locals and foreigners alike are living their life stories in this paradise. A fascinating coral reef ecosystem can be viewed while snorkeling near the island. 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. Bats are flying around, which may or may not be responsible for the weird echoes you hear! 7. from. However, you are only going slow through the town so it is okay. The most popular of which is the world-renowned Cloud 9where even the Red Hot Chili Peppers' frontman Anthony Kiedis once surfed. The water in the pools is bright blue and incredibly clear, making it a popular spot to take a swim and go snorkeling. But you can always take lots of photos. If you're planning for an island getaway soon, then let Siargao Island fulfill all your holiday checklist. Once at the lagoon, you will be taken to a large floating pontoon house located right in the middle of it. Siargao Island Villas 6. If things go well, the livelihood project and SEAM the brand can power this growing group and continue making environmental projects on the island. Seven large islands belong to the Visayan Islands. These are some of the reasons why you must add Siargao tours toyour bucket list. The beach is dotted with palm trees, and there are many great spots to go swimming. Most Philippine tour packages in Siargao range from 3 to 5 days, complete with flights, accommodations, and free Siargao private tours or shared tours. Each year, professional surfers from around the world compete against each other on the barreling right-hand wave. Siargao's close-knit community is determined to do development differently. White Banana Beach Club 11. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified 49 establishments, which allegedly violated environmental laws, in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. more. This renowned tourist stop is located on the eastern side of Bucas Grande Island, which lies to the southwest of Siargao Island. It may be scorching hot in the noonday sun, but youre bound to enjoy the excellent contrast between the perfect white sand and blue sky. Points of Interest & Landmarks Lookouts, Bring your own food and take your rubbish back with you to keep it pristine. A Siargao trip won't be complete without exploring the miniature island paradise dotted around it. EIN 47-5551416 - Aptive Environmental, Llc, Provo, Utah After eating, spending some time on the beach, and snorkeling in the blue water over the colorful coral reef, consider taking a small hike. Beginners surfing lesson starts at P1000 for two hours. Siargao island has many other activites and attractions to offer. 14. The island is small enough to traverse in only one day on a motorcycle by following the Siargao Circumferential Road. Guyam Island is a place you will never want to leave. Siargao Island is usually accessed through Sayak Airport, which is about a 10-minute drive from the municipality of Del Carmen and a 40-minute drive from the main tourist town of General Luna. Avery romantic place for couples. Fringed by towering trees, the cool but swimmable Maasin River is highlighted by a slanting lone palm tree that appears to be crossing over the river. Sculpted by the waves of the Pacific Ocean for thousands of years, this wonder of a place exposes itself with a window of time that can last a couple of hours or more, therefore giving visitors ample time to frolic and enjoy its calming cool waters. Entrance fee: P100 per boat Visiting the rock pool requires a small entrance fee of just 50 pesos. Very few tourists venture here, but those who do are rewarded generously by this serene patch of tropical paradise. It is best to come to Doot Beach at high tide. 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO #1 Enjoy the best Siargao Surf spots! Siargao is cited as one of the best islands in the world, but this popular surfing mecca still has a long way to go. It has pristine white beaches and islands, breathtaking lagoons, and lush green coconut trees lined up on the roads. It is also more accessible now more than ever, welcoming about 12 flights daily from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Driving through these quiet palm-lined streets is one of the experiences that you'll surely miss once you get back to the city. A delightful lunch consisting of a feast of the freshest seafood often caps a morning tour here. This tour is perfect for those wanting to spend some quiet time deep in the countryside of Siargao. Most group tours also include a stop at Sugba Lagoon, which is located on another island so a boat transfer is added. There are cottages around the waterfalls where you can lounge in and listen to the flowing water. Smart supports Siargao Island's bid to protect the environment. Shaka Cafe is most famous for its signature smoothie bowls that are as vibrant as Siargao Island itself. 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. Youll be able to see the whole island along with its secluded beaches and the shimmering ocean beyond. Have lunch here on your island tour of siargao. A lot of nice huts to stay cool from the sun. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. CLOUD 9 SIARGAO - The Ultimate Guide (2022) | Jonny Melon Extending far into the sea, the boardwalk leads to a three-story viewing platform where you can watch the surfers. Above the water, Siargao enchants tourists with its palm-fringed white sand beaches and islets. Named because it is as bare as an unclothed body, Naked Islandthe tour's first stopis a picture of oasis characterized by a powdery and blinding white sandbar surrounded by blue waters. She's also a mountaineer, production designer, and cineaste. Learn about its top destinations. Siargao is a motorcycle- and bicycle-friendly island. It is covered in a thick stand of trees and surrounded by a big, shallow reef. It is my place to go to shed close to the beach and have nice ocean cold breeze and have a cold drink.