Siargao Island- Surigao del Norte- Where to go? Where to stay? Where to eat?
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Back when I was still a novice traveler, I always dream of visiting the best places in our beautiful country. One of which is the world class island of Siargao in the province of Surigao Del Norte. I was piled with other great destinations in my entire blogging career, schedules became tighter as years passed, and it came to a point that I almost forgot how badly I wanted to visit the Island. Most of us, if not all, came to a point that the passion we ideally built in our small perfect world is not always where life lead us. A fork stuck in a road.
Early this year, urged by my ever impulsive travel buddies, I booked a ticket to this island paradise. Sometimes we all need that extra push to make things possible, to be reminded that it's worth the time. Holding off our daily corporate duties won't make the world stop, it's ok to take a time-off even just for couple of days, just don't forget to give your boss a fancy little habhapresent when you get back (wink).
So going back to my first ever Siargao trip. The weather started really gloomy then worse, we were all crossing fingers hoping that the cloud will cast off, at least on the day of our island hopping tour. I only had four days in Siargao and I felt that I needed to maximize everything within that limited days we had. We didn't waste our time, we booked our stay in General Luna (via airbnb) so even when the weather was not working in our favor we still managed to enjoy and had the best out of it. Our island hopping activity was scheduled on our third and fourth day, so we had two days to explore the island on our own. One of the best hacks you can do in Siargao is to rent a motorbike for 24hrs, I would recommend this especially if you're a couple and has limited budget, for only P350/24hrs you can go anywhere you want within the island, just make sure to take extra precautions in driving.
WHERE TO EAT IN GENERAL LUNA?
As part of our DIY motorcycle adventure, we tried Siargao's best restaurants that you will find just along the highway. There's a lot to choose from, honestly but it wasn't easy, you know when you have too many options and you couldn't decide which to pick since everything seem equally good? Well, welcome to Siargao. It is indeed a place with blended cultures that reflects even to its food options.
Habhab Siargao Cafe
This is my favorite amongst all the restaurants I tried. Habhab is an underrated cafe restaurant in General Luna. I liked that the owner was really hands-on to the business and giving-out ideas what to try on their menu, she was very approachable, too.
Habhab is both budget friendly and quality food serving. I would recommend their choco peanut banana waffle, I think if we extended our stay in the Island I'd probably go there and order the waffle (like I can eat that everyday). Another must try is their sisig, barbecue and Cebu Chorizo. Two thumbs up for Habab.
Shaka
Situated in General Luna, Shaka is just couple of steps away from cloud 9. This cafe gained its popularity through their healthy fruit shakes and instagrammable food preparations. Though, I wouldn't say that Shaka is for everyone. I honestly didn't enjoy their best seller fruitshakes, I didn't enjoy because it's too healthy for me, it's not the typical fruit shakes (not like Jonah's) I expected it to be. If you're a vegan or maybe a true health conscious then you're on the right place. Also, it's a bit pricey.
Mama's Grill
This is one of the most popular restaurants in the island. We stayed in Bulan Villas just right across Mama's Grill. We could prove its prominence by just seeing the influx of their customers queuing to get a seat whenever we drive pass their resto, but that's just it. It's just overrated. Prior to the Siargao trip, we listed all the must tries and the must visit places/where to eat, Mama's Grill was included on our long list, along with other well-known food establishments like Shaka and Kermits. Mama's Grill was known to be a budget friendly restaurant but with this recent trip I would think otherwise. Actually the price was ok but not as cheap as I expected, though. I don't like the that it's too crowded, that's something we cannot control I know but on that case I'd probably look for a restaurant somewhere nearby, I just tried it out of curiousity. If you're willing to wait at least 15-20mins just to get a seat not to mention the waiting time for the food and if you're ok with buzzing sound of people chatting then go for it.
Siargao Boulevard
This is a long stretch of local diners/Carinderia haven in General Luna. At first, I was hesitant to try the small diners here until I slowly felt comfortable. Here we ordered the typical Filipino food like grilled tuna, liempo, barbecue, etc. This is also a good place to get drunk (in a much cheaper cost). If you're conscious of your budget and prefers a more local ambiance their Siargao Boulevard is the place you're looking for. Food ranges from 100-200 pesos (It could be cheaper) depending on your food preference.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SIARGAO
Cloud 9
If you're staying in General Luna I believe this the most accessible destination to visit, via tricycle or private motorbike it's only a ten minute drive (or less). Famous by its stilt boardwalk, Cloud 9 is always associated with the island, it is like Siargao is Cloud 9 and Cloud 9 is Siargao, and there's no way you will miss this place if you are to visit the island, IMPOSSIBLE. Boasting with massive waves, this place is a popular surfing playground, here is where the best surfers around the world gather to brisk on the speedy tides then from 5pm onwards people gather on the beach side to witness the stunning sunset of the island, you may catch tourists setting up their cameras for timelapse video or just simply taking photos of the spectacular view. Also, when you go to cloud 9. I URGE YOU TO TRY THEIR ICE CANDY, they sell it on the ticketing booth. It's a typical soft mango ice candy but it's really refreshing for only 10 pesos.
Corregidor Island
This is the first island I had ever visited in Surigao del Norte, it was around 45mins-1hr boat ride from General Luna. The island brags a fine glistening white sand, it's not too crowded, yet basic amenities were available. Here we stayed the longest, since it was the first destination on our itinerary we didn't hustle and rush the activities. After an hour of photo ops (our guide signaled that we had to proceed to our next activity) we headed to the mountain view, atop of the island. It was a 30-45min trek, it was a quick minor hike but I would still suggest to wear something comfortable, put a sun screen and bring a bottle of water.
Kawhagan Island
I was wrong for Corregidor Island being the first Island I visited in Surigao Del Norte, it's in fact the Kawhagan Island, Corregidor was the first island on our second day of island tour, I dont want to alter that part (laughs) I would let that error stay here. From Siargao's jump off point it took us less than more than 30 minutes to reach the island. Kawhagan Island showcases a white sand beach with prominent stretch of sand bar. Unluckily, the sun was a bit shy to give us picture perfect shots of this little paradise but it was still fun. I didn't swim but I enjoyed looking at its clear water. There's one good thing that I was thankful for when the sun didn't show up, I couldn't imagine how damaging it was to our our skin if it wasn't a gloomy day. I had fun, nevertheless.
Sugba Lagoon
20 minute boat ride from Corregidor Island we reached Sugba Lagoon, another most visited place in Siargao. Sugba Lagoon boast an enthralling clear water, this is also known for its three meter diving board (this activity is safe). Aside from the three meter jump spot, you can simply take a plunge and swim to its pristine water, or rent a kayak to paddle around the lagoon.
Magpupungko Rock Pool
I've been eyeing this place for a long time now. 2013 when I first saw pictures on the internet boasting natural basin pools and magnificent rock forms. Its name derived from the word Pungko (in their local dialect) means to sit or to squad, coz there's this area in Magpupungko where two huge rocks sits on each other (see the photo below). You will best enjoy Magpupungko when it's low tide. By the way before we headed to the cave pool, we had our lunch on the beach side, the restaurants here offer wide variety of seafood and meat dishes.
Guyam Island
Is another popular Island in Siargao. The vibe of the island is quite close to Cloud 9, they have restaurants where you can order food and drinks, chill at the swing, sit on the bin bags designated by one of the restaurants and enjoy the melting view of the sunset while holding an ice cold beer. We didn't spend much time here but we were able to finish one bottle of beer for each of us, it was a fleeting visit but we had so much fun especially when we formed human letters for JPH (Jeepsetters Ph), and took a drone video.
Coconut Plantation Top View
Is a popular area for tourists, over-viewing the magnificent view of coconut trees I bet you wouldn’t dare count. I don’t know which barangay these trees stand but it’s sure a well known spot you must see if you visit siargao.
Coconut Street
By far the landmark I look forward of seeing when we were just preparing for the trip, I see tons of photos of the coconut street online. It's starting to become the new face of Siargao next to Cloud 9. While this place is an epitome of how picturesque Siargao Island is, a perfect vacation can instantaneously turn into a dire tragic situation. I'm talking about the motorcycle accident we all witnessed along the coconut street. Our group was at the side of the road letting another group of tourist to take photos when all of sudden the accident happened, a person from their group run to the center without checking the fast approaching motor vehicle, it happened so fast that all our excitements melted into tears. Two men from the motor bike (without helmets) slid fast and hit head first while the tourist was thrown to the side walk. The crash was fatal, we saw the driver unconscious, his head covered with blood while his son hysterically crying (also covered with blood) wobbling his father’s body to gain consciousness. At this point, we couldn't stand watching them, it's an agonizing scene to watch. We all decided to leave. As we drove past them, the scene was poignantly playing in slow motion, the guy crying hysterically and covered with blood. It stings my heart whenever that memory pays me a visit.
So, PLEASE be extra cautious especially here in Coconut Street, we felt lucky that all of us were safe and none of us had a slight of involvement for the accident, coz if we were there taking photos somehow we would also feel guilty, lucky we were not. Also, for those who drive motor bikes, please slow down when you see tourists on the area, decelerating your speed won't hurt and certainly won't cause you trouble, and wear a helmet for safety.
WHERE TO STAY
La Luna Island Resort
Siargao can be a bit expensive especially for a place to stay, but if you readily look for a cheap yet a decent place to spend your vacation here in the island you will surely get a perfect fit. One of the places we booked for our stay was La Luna, a care free styled homestay that offers a perfect location for its guests with quiet ambiance and exclusivity. What I liked about La Luna is the spacious rooms that could accommodate 4-6 guests, and most importantly it’s clean. The pilows, bed sheet and blankets were clean. Big thanks to Mark Roa of GotMarked Tours for introducing this homestay. We had a relaxing stay in La Luna.
Bulan Villas
Is a contemporary hotel villa with a dreamy Balinese ambiance, its modern structural design speak an undeniably luxurious leisure accommodation. As expected, all that we wanted for a decent hotel stay were provided. The private pool, I must say was the highlight of every visitor who seeks value and experience, its irresistible charm is definitely a feast for the eyes. I also like to commend the staff and also the owner for being friendly and approachable during our entire stay. It wasn’t a sponsored stay so you can take my words for it. Also a reminder for those who plan to book in Bulan, always book your stay ahead of time, we booked our room a month prior to our trip just to secure the weekend vacancies.
OUR ITINERARY
DAY 1
5am Flight to Butuan
(I won’t suggest a connecting trip from Butuan to Siargao, one lesson I learned from this trip)
7am Arrived at Butuan Airport. Traveled 3hrs to Surigao port (Dapa Port).
10 30 Brunch at Dapa Port
11:30 Dapa Port to Siargao Island
2:30 arrived at Siargao Island
4pm Merienda (super late lunch)
5pm onwards, free time
6pm dinner at the boulevard
7pm drinking sesh
DAY 2
Due to gloomy weather and light rain we decided to tour the island by ourselves.
7am we rented a motorbike, P300 for 24hrs
8am Photo sesh with friends
10am we drove to Malinao beach (unfortunately, it’s lowtide)
12nn Headed back to Bulan Villa to freshen up
1pm Lunch at Shaka
2pm Photo sesh at Cloud 9. We also watched surfers enjoying the tides.
4pm we headed back to Bulan Villa. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool area of Bulan.
6pm Dinner
7pm onwards, drinking sesh at the boulevard
(Pretty much a laid back day, no hectic island hopping sched yet)
Day 3
7am meet up for our island hopping tour
8am we drop by at the coconut plantation top view
9am at the port, gateway to our first island destination
10am Kawhagan Island
11am Sugba Lagoon
1pm Lunch At Magpupungko
2:30pm Explored Magpupungko
4:30pm headed back to General Luna
7pm Dinner/Free time
Day 4
7am meet up for Island hopping
8am Corregidor Island/explored the island/swimming/trekking
12nn Lunch
1pm Tri-Island (Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island).
4pm headed back to General Luna
5pm Chill at Cloud 9/sunset viewing
7pm Dinner
Day 5
11am Flight back to Manila
END OF SIARGAO TOUR
Again, I’d like to thank all the people that made this trip extra special. Of course to my jeepsetters Family and other members of our group, it was one for the book guys. This is certainly one of the best trips I had. Also to GOTMARKED TOURS for allowing to see the sublime beauty of Siargao Island, I highly recommend Gotmarked Tours when visiting Siargao Island when one wants a hassle free island hopping experience. See the best island in the world.
For booking and other inquiries please see the details below:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/gotmarkedtours/
Email: gotmarkedtours@gmail.com
Website: www.gotmarked.com
THANKS AGAIN SIARGAO! I MISS YOU ALREADY BUT SURE TO SEE YOU SOON!
All the expenses on the articles posted were covered and shouldered by Lagaw Eats unless otherwise stated. The opinions and reviews for collaboration features were honest and no bias based on his experience.
Island hopping tour and La Luna Island Resort stay were sponsored by Gotmarked Tours. Feedback and honest reviews were based on Lagaw Travelogue’s experience.
https://lagaweats.blogspot.com/2019/12/acqua-private-residences-via-airbnb.html
https://lagaweats.blogspot.com/2019/10/stay-n-save-oslob-and-and-itinerary-in.html
https://www.thequeensescape.com/2019/08/siargao-island-travel-guide-with-sample.html
https://www.byaherosibes.com/2019/08/bulan-villas-siargao.html
https://thejerny.com/travel/siargao-travel-guide-naked-island-daku-island-guyam-island/
Wow, Ganda dito. Namiss ko ang siargao pati si rad hahaha chos
ReplyDeleteHahaha I knew it.
DeleteWow! I always wanted to go here. I just can't squeeze in my hectic schedule yet but someday, I surely will.
ReplyDeleteYeeeeees please! Siargao is a must :)
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