Beyond A Surfer's Paradise...Siargao

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Once again, it was Lenten season, time to recharge physically, emotionally and spiritually. Since we need a serene place to reflect and relax as well, we decided to spend our vacation somewhere in an island. Camiguin is off the list, and so with Dakak (it's not an island anyway). Then finally, decided to try the Surfing capital of the Philippines. Just thinking about the long trip, it made my mind exhausted but we were too excited to reach the surfer's paradise. We take an aircon Bachelor bus at the Cagayan de Oro Agora Integrated bus terminal around 5p.m., with fare of Php367 all the way to Butuan City for almost 5 hours. Reaching Butuan at 10p.m. we take our late dinner on a nearby eatery while waiting for scheduled bus trip to Surigao City at 1a.m. After almost 3 hours of waiting the non-aircon bus finally departed for Surigao City past midnight with Php167 fare. We arrived in Surigao bus terminal around 4a.m. and immidiately ride a public utility cab that will take us to the city's port. But to our dismay, the scheduled trip at 6a.m is through a motorboat docked on the nearby boulevard. So we take a tricycle ride to reach an hour before the trip because if we can't make it on the first trip the next scheduled trip is on 12noon through a "ro-ro". There are only two trips to Siargao in a day, first through a motorboat at 6a.m scheduled departure with Php250 fare and the next one is through "Ro-Ro" of Montenegro Shipping Lines at 12noon scheduled departure with Php244 fare. If you want a speedy trip for 3 hours but can handle pressure due to gigantic waves then take the motorboat. But if you're not in a hurry and want a safe sailing then take the "ro-ro".
We reached Dapa wharf at 9 a.m., and our contact motorbike driver Lino (09995771245) fetch us just right in time, we paid him P250 pesos. Then we headed to General Luna a.k.a GL where we had our reservations on the newest resort of the island, Palm Paradise (formerly Island Dream Resort) owned by a Filipina and Italian couple.
After 45 minutes of motorbike ride from Dapa, we reached the resort exhausted and restless but the warm welcome of their friendly staffs and the relaxing ambiance of the resort made us felt rejuvenated. Feeling the soothing air breeze and hearing the rushing waves really makes me feel relaxed. Our beach front room was spacious with comfortable sun bed, patio set and an elegant dining set on the terrace facing the beach was more than worth of its introductory rate of Php2,400 per night, with a complimentary breakfast for two.
After a few minutes of relaxation, refreshments drinks and a refreshing shower, we take a delightful lunch at Maridyl's Fastfood along GL road, with their affordable meals, a fried slice of blue marlin for only Php25 (unbelievable isn't it?). Then we headed to Magpupungko Beach, it took us almost an hour of motorbike ride for Php700 round trip. Passing through hills, rice fields, villages and forest. More than 20 kilometers from General Luna, the amazing beach was located in Barangay Pilar. Upon reaching the place, all the sacrifices are worth it. It was a breathtaking scenery, not just an ordinary beach. Pure powdery white sands filled all over the place with oversize rock formations scattered everywhere. The lagoon with a clear blue green water would be nice for swimming as we saw folks enjoyed wandering around it, but we decided not to take a dip since the water is gradually rising for high tides. Best time to have a nice view on the rock formations and lagoon swimming during low tides between 12pm to 2pm with Php10 per head entrance fee. You need to bring an insect repellent gel to protect yourself from mosquito bites. After an hour of enjoying tranquility and watching rushing waves on the shore, we headed back to General Luna. Then proceed to Pansukian Resort (I forget its new name) and mangrooves. Unfortunately, it was under renovation due to new management but their friendly staffs allowed us to take a tour on their boardwalk alongside were mangrooves and their artfully designed resort. It seems were on Phuket Thailand because of the architectural design of their villas and garden decorations as well. The pool facing the beach would be a relaxing place to reminiscence and reflect.
On the way back to Palm Paradise, we dropped by at Ronaldo's for our early dinner, they served affordable meals like grilled fish, barbecues and more. We went back to the resort with a full stomach, almost tempted to sleep upon seeing the comfortable bed but decided to stay on the terrace to chill out. You can really have time to enjoy the place at night time since the resort don't have television sets on their rooms. If you easily get bored on serene places then you need to bring along your notebook, iPad or anything that can entertain you. But for me I enjoyed he tranquility of the place, fresh air and throttling waves, so away from the stressful urban scene.
Need to wake up early for the next destinations but it was a disappointment to see rain down pour outside the window. The weather is not good for island hopping because of strong wind but we prayed to have a nice weather later in the day. As we instruct the resort staff that we will have an early breakfast at 6a.m, they were on time to serve it with a smile. We had a delicious longganisa, sunnyside up egg, fresh mango sliced and a fresh mango puree. At least a good meal to start the day. We decided to get back to sleep since the weather is not pretty doing well and send Lino a message to fetch us at 10a.m and our contact boatman Lito (09073103333) to move our island hopping schedule at 11a.m. At least extending our sound sleep for almost 3 hours was very relaxing. After a cold shower and preparations, Lino was just right on time to fetch us at the resort. Gladly it wasn't raining at all the sun is up, an answered prayer, God really gave us an opportunity to see some of his beautiful creations. We went first at the famous Cloud 9, just a few distance away from the resort. I was wondering how it was called Cloud 9, the only Cloud 9 I knew is my favorite chewy chocolates. Surfing instructors are all over the place, they were locals whose source of income is to teach surfing enthusiast. One can rent a surfing board for only Php100 per hour. Well, I am interested to try it but still need to save more guts for now. Seeing those throttling waves scared me away, but according to locals, best waves for surfers is on September, were the waves formed number 9 as the place was called Cloud 9. Mmmm...I don't think I can handle it.
Then we went to Maridyl's again to take our early lunch before heading for island hopping. Lito, the friendly boatman cheerfully waiting for us at the Boulevard. Sailing towards our first stop in Naked Island, he told us many things about Siargao. For about 15 minutes we reached Naked Island, seeing a familiar scenery. Yes can be compared to the White Island in Camiguin, nothing except white sandbar, can even stay there for an overnight camping. Next stop is Daku Island, unlike Naked there are residents on the island, entrance fee of Php20 per person. There are even many people went there for picnic. A must try fresh buko for only Php30 each is very irresistible, thirst quencher. Beach is ideal for swimming as many people are enjoying the clear water. Last stop is the beautiful Guyam Island, a small island with trees and cottages. Nice place to enjoy serenity and sunset for only Php10 per person entrance fee. We stay there longer to enjoy the panoramic scenery and wait for a high tide to make it easier for the motorboat. After almost 4 hours of island hopping, we headed back to the boulevard bringing the enjoyment. It was indeed a fun experience worth the Php1,200 tour fee for Lito.
Back to Palm Paradise before 3p.m., we take a short break for reflection to pay respect on reminiscing the time of death of our dear Jesus. Just about sunset when we decided to take a dip on the resort's 8 feet deep swimming pool. Contented of dipping because its too deep to wander around swimming. We had requested the staff to avail our complimentary breakfast for the following day on dinner, because we will be leaving at 4a.m., then we ordered a 2pc. lobster at P350 pesos. After a refreshing dip on the pool, our dinner was served right in time. I really love their fresh Mango puree! After few conversations we get to bed early to wake up as early as 4a.m. The 'ro-ro' will depart in Siargao at 6a.m., we dont have any right to be late or else will take the next schedule at 4p.m..
To sum it all, Siargao is indeed a paradise not only for surfing enthusiast but for people like me who truly appreciates the gift of nature, enjoying tranquility and a sweet escape from an urban life. I was thinking Puerto Princesa was the best place to live but so far Siargao changed my mind. Definitely, I will be looking forward to visit again the hidden paradise of Mindanao.

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Photos

Magpupungko
at Pilar, Siargao

rock formation
'pungko' means sitting

rock pool
Magpupungko rock pool

low tide
low tide between 12pm to 2pm

Pansukian
Pansukian Mangrooves

Villa
Pansukian Villas

Siargao Boulevard
boardwalk at the Boulevard