Siargao Island: A Tropical Paradise for Surfers and Travellers

Siargao Island is a teardrop-shaped island located in the northeastern coast of Mindanao, Philippines. It is known as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” due to its world-class surfing spots, such as Cloud 9. However, Siargao Island has much more to offer than just surfing. It is also a popular destination for travelers looking for a relaxing beach vacation, with its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush palm trees.

History

Siargao Island is inhabited by the Surigaonon people, who have lived on the island for centuries. The island’s name is derived from the Visayan word for a type of mangrove tree that is found abundantly on the island.

In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors arrived on Siargao Island and claimed it for Spain. The Spanish ruled over the island for over 300 years, during which time they introduced Christianity and built several churches and other structures.

In the late 19th century, the United States acquired the Philippines from Spain. Under American rule, Siargao Island began to develop as a tourist destination. However, it was not until the 1990s that the island gained international recognition as a surfing destination.

Things to do

Surfing is of course the most popular activity on Siargao Island. However, there are many other things to do on the island, including:

Swimming and sunbathing: Siargao Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. Popular beaches include General Luna Beach, Pacifico Beach, and Alegria Beach.
Island hopping: There are several smaller islands located off the coast of Siargao Island. Popular islands to visit include Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island.
Cave exploring: There are several caves located on Siargao Island. Popular caves to visit include Magpupungko Rock Pool, Tayangban Cave Pool, and Sugba Lagoon.
Rock climbing: There are several rock climbing spots located on Siargao Island. Popular spots include Magpupungko Rock Pool and General Luna Beach.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Siargao Island’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Popular spots to rent kayaks and paddleboards include General Luna Beach and Pacifico Beach.

Places to stay

Siargao Island has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Popular places to stay include:

Kermit Surf Resort: Kermit Surf Resort is a popular choice for surfers, as it is located right next to Cloud 9. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including dorm beds, private rooms, and bungalows.
Kalinaw Surf Resort: Kalinaw Surf Resort is another popular choice for surfers. It is located on Pacifico Beach, which is home to several world-class surfing spots. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including dorm beds, private rooms, and villas.
Nay Palad Hideaway: Nay Palad Hideaway is a luxury resort located on Alegria Beach. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including villas and private cottages.

Popular tourist attractions

Some of the most popular tourist attractions on Siargao Island include:

Cloud 9: Cloud 9 is a world-class surfing spot located on General Luna Beach. The wave is known for its barreling right-handers and is a popular spot for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Magpupungko Rock Pool: Magpupungko Rock Pool is a natural pool that is formed at low tide. The pool is surrounded by limestone rocks and is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Tayangban Cave Pool: Tayangban Cave Pool is another natural pool that is formed at low tide. The pool is located inside a cave and is surrounded by lush vegetation.
Sugba Lagoon: Sugba Lagoon is a saltwater lagoon that is located on the island of Naked Island. The lagoon is known for its turquoise waters and is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Getting to Siargao Island

The best way to get to Siargao Island is by plane. There is a direct flight from Manila to Siargao Island Airport (IAO). The flight takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Once you arrive at Siargao Island Airport, you can take a tricycle or van to your hotel or resort. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes.