The magnificent beauty of Siargao Island
If you’re wondering about Siargao Philippines, you just need to know the place.
Siargao, a tear-drop shape island sitting in the Philippine sea which is 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao Del Norte. First recorded sighting by Europeans of Siargao Island was by Spanish navigator Bernardo de la Torre on board of the carrack San Juan de Letrán in 1543, when attempting to return from Sarangani to New Spain. It was charted as Isla de las Palmas (Palm Island in Spanish). The Island contains the Largest Mangrove Forest reserve in Mindanao. Siargao Island is greatly influenced by the winds and currents coming uninterrupted from the Pacific Ocean, intensified by the Mindanao current running westward through the Siargao Strait.
The island lies protected within its surrounding coral reef with dozens of coconut palms dressed in the center circle of the island. Off to the right, well within the massive coastal reef, lies a shining white sandbar, (Pansukian, or Naked island) some 200 meters long. The tide of Siargao is diurnal with tidal curves typically present, especially on the east coast of the island. It is one of the well-known surfing waves on the Philippines, with a reputation for thick, hollow tubes is “Cloud 9”.
There are a lot of things you can do in Siargao aside from surfing and diving in Cloud 9.
One of the things you can enjoy is the view in the Cloud 9 pier every sunset. You will experience the amazing fiery colors of the skies in the cloud as the sun kisses the ocean.
You can go a do cliff diving in the Magpungko Rock Pools. Just a 45-minute moped drive from the main tourist area of General Luna. During low tide, the rock pools are exposed and such a good spot to do the cliff jumping for hours. The water is such a blue crystal clear. The area has its little coves, cliffs, and caves which are perfect for adventurers that want some adrenaline rush.
If you want to get away from a too much-crowded place Sugba Lagoon would be perfect for you. This place is like a piece of paradise, a sanctuary to which you can enjoy going drive in as well. The lagoon is one of the most popular places to visit in Siargao. You can do diving, rent big wood rafts, and relax in the café.
One of the highlights is the Tagyangban Cave pools for many adventures throughout Siargao. The water was mostly chest height, so you could walk through in most sections if you prefer. Bats fly around you until you finally emerge to the open cave pool where you can cliff jump from seven meters.
The Coconut Palm Forest is a picture-perfect view for every road rides you will have in Siargao. It’s halfway to Magpupungko and you will know when you have arrived. Witnessing both sunrise and sunset in the palm forest is such a nice scenic view, you can get some light rays shooting through the palms!
Since Siargao has the largest mangrove forest in the Philippines you might want to visit the Secret Mangrove Wharf. The wharf extends out towards the mangroves which are the focal piece of the view along with the perfectly still water. A small town in the northeast of Siargao you will unknowingly pass one of the best sunset spots on the island before you reach Del Carmen. You can ride a boat to explore the entire mangrove wharf, and the views get more beautiful as well during the sunset.
Tak Tak Waterfall in Santa Monica is a day adventure in the north part of the island. It is the only waterfall Siargao have. The drive is 1.5 hours but worth it. Cliff jumping, tree jumping, and exploration to the top of the falls were the highlights of the adventure.
For Island hopping adventures you have Guyam, Daku, and the Naked island.
Guyam – a small island covered with palm trees.
Daku island is a little bit bigger than Guyam Island. This island is a good place for both tour, swim, and lunch. There are small huts in the beach line for chilling in the shade while enjoying the seafood banquet.
Naked Island is a small sand bar which has a few bits of grass that are growing on it. It’s perfect for hanging out with friends while taking a good aerial picture.
There are a lot of restaurants and hotels that you can book during your stay. A week exploration of the entire Siargao would not be enough to get to its entire beauty. For travels with a cheap budget, you can look for tour packages online.