Destination highlights
The Siargao region, in the Philippine archipelago, began to become known in the 80s, when a group of surfers came across its best known wave, the Cloud 9. There are several direct flights from Cebu from the company Cebu Pacific Air to the small airport of Siargao. There are also direct flights from SkyJet and Cebu Pacific from Manila. There are other options, such as flying to neighboring Surigao and from there take a boat to Siargao. There are several a day but it is best to arrive as early as possible to take the first boat in the morning.
Several shipping companies make the trip to Surigao from some points of the Philippines but the most convenient is usually the one from Cebu. The Siargao airport is quite far from the General Luna or Cloud 9 area. The trip usually lasts about 40 minutes. There are vans at the exit of the terminal that provide services to the tourist or make the journey with a trycicle. You can also take the option to move around the island with trycicles or habal-habal, which are motorbikes with driver, the island’s road is in perfect conditions to move comfortably.
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Travel tips
Siargao is a surfing paradise where boards, yoga, culture, music and nature are mixed. There, tourists are attracted mainly by the famous wave Cloud 9, especially between July and November, resulting in a peaceful coexistence between foreigners and locals in General Luna, the most developed area in the area. This teardrop-shaped island located in the southwest of the Philippines was discovered in the 16th century by the Spanish navigator Bernardo de la Torre, and in the 20th century, specifically in the 80s, by the surfing guild, who discovered and made famous its potential and its appropriate waves for the practice of this activity.
For those who want to start in this sport is a good place, as it offers good prices and many local instructors who will teach those interested with commitment and joy.In 1992, he gained fame when the first international surfing championship took place in its waters. Since then, Siargao has been a place of pilgrimage for lovers of this sport, who find in the Pacific ideal places to surf and much more. A calm sea that bathes the best beaches of the Philippines, the clearest and cleanest waters, the whitest sand and the most beautiful palm trees of the archipelago and, above all, in the most complete solitude, away from the masses of other places like Boracay or Alona Beach.
The golden Joy sand fringes, Pilar or Burgos are complemented by that of the neighboring islands to Siargao. To travel Siargao by motorcycle is to want to stay forever in it. Go to the natural pools of Magpupungko, a natural formation that has made these precious reservoirs a unique turquoise color. It is important that the visitor is aware that they must be visited at low tide. There is a small beach only usable when the tide is very high. Traveling to these pools is a good excuse to enjoy the roads that flow between infinite palm groves, mangroves, small rivers and villages of people who greet with great love those who have the joy of visiting this paradise. After becoming known internationally, a Filipino film called Siargao has made all Filipinos and natives of other latitudes want to know it.
Lodging requests exceed the offer, which makes it convenient to book a hotel several months in advance to ensure this extraordinary experience. Even so, the charm of Siargao has not been lost and there is an island for a long time. Although there are many more businesses in the most tourist area, there are places not very visited in the north, specifically the beaches of Malinao or Union; however, if the tourist wants to disconnect altogether, the neighboring white sand islands are a must and allow that exquisite pleasure to relax, swim and toast in the sun. It is recommended to visit Guyam, a paradisiac island that is traveled in five minutes walking; of Daku, which is ideal for eating, bathing and playing volleyball; and Naked Island, where you will enjoy a tongue of desert sand in the middle of the sea, perfect for snorkeling and watching the sunset.
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The most extensive mangroves in the Philippines are located in the municipality of El Carmen, a forest of 4,200 hectares where native species are intermingled, some of which are endangered by marine flora and fauna. You can take a paddle surf tour along the rivers or sail on local wooden boats until you reach the spectacular Sugba Lagoon, an immense aquamarine lagoon. The General Luna municipality is the most important center of the island because it is located very close to the most frequented surf areas, but if the traveler needs to withdraw money or visit a pharmacy, he will have to travel about 30 minutes to Dapa, which is the most important port municipality of the area.
This region hides many charms, such as the general market, where you can buy fresh fish and have it cooked on the Boulevard; the church of the Immaculate Conception and some villages hidden among palm groves. An example of the latter is Pang Pang and Catangnan, where local people live in nipa wooden houses, a type of palm tree, in a very quiet environment. Gastronomy in General Luna is very special, with restaurants of all kinds of styles and prices that offer different cooking classes: sushi, Italian, Indonesian and Mexican Spanish cuisine like the best tacos and burritos. In addition, delicious grilled meat and fish, island coffee and fruit bowls.
Hotel recommendations
In relation to the hotel offer, Siargao is characterized by having an adequate infrastructure of international prestige. The following hotels are worth mentioning: Reef Beach Resort, Sailfishbay Surf and Big Game Fishing Lodge, Eddie’s Beach Resort Siargao, Patrick’s on the Beach, Malinao View Beach Resort, JazZeal Holiday Villas and Pacifico River House.
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