Siargao Island

 Siargao Island is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated in the province of Surigao del Norte. It contains the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao. With a worldwide reputation for thick, hollow tubes called "Cloud 9", this right-breaking reef wave is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte. Siargao is well known as "The Surfing Capital of the Philippines" with a reputation among surfers within the Philippines and the International scene.


My Siargao Trip was the most special & best trip I had in the year 2012. Three days of loving the sun, taking multiple attempts of surfing in the waves, riding the motorbike with my special someone while touring the island, falling asleep on the pristine beach sand, sniffing the cold ocean breeze at night & so much more!

Getting ready to surf

View from my window

Beautiful spot to chill & relax

Hand painted map of Siargao Island

The Philippine National Animal (Carabao)

Foot massage

Wherever you go in the Philippines, you can find various designs & styles of Tricyles. Aside from renting a motorbike, this is the only mode of public transportation in Siargao Island. Hop on! 

I can't wait to ride in this thing that's twice my height

Heading towards the Cloud 9

Chillax (Chill & Relax)

 Sumptous Dinner

FAST FACTS

Location:             Southeast Tip of Mindanao
Region:             CARAGA, Siargao Island
Land Area:             62, 796 hectares
Climate:             Wet & Dry Season
Political Subdivision: 9 Municipalities
Economy:            Agri- Aqua/ Eco- Tourism/ Sports Tourism/ Fishing



TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

General Luna Beach
Cloud 9, Surfing Area, General Luna
Guyam & Daku Islets, General Luna
Sohoton Cave, Socorro
Magpupungko Rock Formation, Pilar
Brgy. Jaboy, Game Fishing Area, Pilar
Taktak Falls, Sta. Monica
Sugba Cove, Del Carmen
Mangrove Forest, Del Carmen


DIVE SITES:

Ø  Blue Cathedral (Gen.Luna)

Ø  Punta Bilar (Surigao City)

Ø  Nonoc Wharf (Surigao City)

Ø  Club Tara Dive Site (Socorro)

Ø  Corregidor (Dapa)

INVESTMENT AREAS

1.     AQUA MARINE

a.     Seaweed

b.    Lobster & Grouper

2.    ECO- TOURISM

3.    ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCTS

a.     Integrated Coconut Processing

b.    Nipa Rhum/ Vinegar

c.     Banana

d.    Peanuts

4.    FURNITURE

a.     Drift Wood

b.    Antique wood

c.     Surf Board

5.    AGRICULTURE

a.     Copra Farming

HOW TO GET THERE

BY AIR: Cebu Pacific flies every Monday & Friday at 10:40 am from Cebu & returning from Siargao (Sayak Airport) at 11:50 am & vice versa.

BY SEA: Passenger Boats & Roro are available daily at 6:00 am & 12:00 noon via PPA Port for Roro & Boats at Boulevard Port.


Passenger boats from Cebu City to Surigao are likewise available daily, except Sundays.


CONTACTS

PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Provincial Capitol, Surigao City
Tel.Nos. (086) 826- 7778 Telefax (086) 826- 0462

PROVINCIAL TOURISM AND CULTURE OFFICE
Provincial Capitol, Surigao City
Tel.nos. (086) 232- 6962 loc 410; +639088963975
Email address: surigaodelnortetourism@yahoo.com
Website: www.surigaodelnorte.com
               www.gamefishing.com
               www.amazingsiargao.com

HOW I GOT THERE:

Davao> Since buses bound for Butuan City travel after sunrise,  I decided to take a van ride instead bound for Ampayong (travels even at dawn; Fare: Php 250.00)  > Another van ride from Ampayong to Surigao City  (Fare: Php130.00) > Surigao City to Siargao > Port to Siargao Island > Fast Craft to Siargao Island (Fare: Php250.00 + Terminal Fee: Php10.00 ; approximately 1 hr. cruise) > Motorcycle ride to the famous “Cloud 9”, General Luna (where the International Surfing Competition takes place).

HOW I GOT BACK:

Boat from Siargao Island to Surigao City (Php250.00) > Bus ride from Surigao City to Butuan City  (Php250.00) > another bus ride from Butuan City to Davao City

Time spent in traveling by land: approximately 10hrs.  + 1hr. travel by boat to Siargao Island

Tips:

> One of the cheapest way to explore the island is by renting a motorbike. Rental rates ranges from Php 500 to 700 / day (depends on your arrangement). Private boat rental is also an option but would require limited views, longer travel time &  higher cost. Boat rental is best for diving trips & island hopping.

> Siargao Trip is best enjoyed when you try surfing in the waves of its beaches.

> Surfing lessons rate :

Inclusive of Surf board rental & lessons: Php 500.00 (half day) ; Php 1,000.00 (whole day)