Para, para, paradise!! Lovely morning, y’all! How’s everyone doing? It’s already May, and so much has been happening lately, office dramas, rotational brownouts, mood swings, the rainy season creeping in, rising inflation, bits of great news, and heartbreaking headlines caused by corrupt politicians. But through it all, you and I still have to keep moving forward, keep showing up, and keep choosing life every single day. That’s probably why little escapes and quiet moments away from the noise feel extra special these days.
Today, we’re diving into a new blog post, and I have a question for you: if you were given the chance to escape today — even just for a little while — away from all the responsibilities and stress of the world, where would you go? Would you finally visit the place you’ve been dreaming about for so long? Or would you rather wander off to somewhere random, with no plans at all?
More than two years ago, I found myself asking this question: now that I finally had a few days to escape the stress of urban life, where should I go? Luckily, I had a CEB Super Pass, which allowed me to book a very affordable round-trip flight.
The first destination that immediately came to mind was Siargao — a place I had been hearing so many positive things about and constantly seeing featured online. So I thought, why not finally give it a shot?
At first, I planned to travel solo. But my colleagues — who are also passionate travel lovers and had joined me on my previous trips — decided to come along as well.
While finishing this blog, I remembered something I saw online that suddenly felt like it belonged here. It was a quote from Daniel Arsham, an artist I’ve recently started following on Instagram: “The longer you wait to take that chance, the shorter the future will be when you arrive.”
And I agree with that completely. When there’s a real urge to do something, there’s rarely a perfect schedule or a moment where you suddenly feel fully ready. Sometimes you just have to begin unprepared and trust yourself enough to take the risk. You only discover whether something will work or fail once you actually step into it. Because if you keep waiting for the “right time,” there’s always the possibility that the opportunity won’t return—or that you’ll only get to experience a smaller version of the life you could’ve had if you started earlier.
Local actresses like Andi Eigenmann and Nadine Lustre, who have embraced the slow and laid-back lifestyle of Siargao with their loved ones, were among the reasons that inspired me to finally visit the island. From its world-famous surfing spots, turquoise waters, and powdery white sand beaches to its cozy cafés, unique restaurants, welcoming locals, and the much-talked-about “Siargao Curse,” the island seemed to have a charm that drew people in.
At the time, only a few months had passed since my father’s death, and I was still trying to process everything that had happened. After going through so much emotionally, I felt that my mind and body needed a place where I could slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature again.
After my solo trip to Vietnam and back to Manila, traveling to Siargao became another important step in my journey toward becoming more comfortable with flying and traveling on my own. Even though my colleagues would meet me at the destination, the experience still felt deeply personal — a chance to become more independent, step outside my comfort zone, and learn to appreciate life with greater humility.
Still, despite my excitement, I also had a few hesitations before traveling to Siargao. Compared to other local destinations, flights to and from Manila were noticeably more expensive, and even the cost of living on the island — from food to accommodations — was known to be quite pricey. Thankfully, I was able to purchase a Super Pass from Cebu Pacific, which helped me book my flights at a much lower price. Looking back, it really felt like a lucky break, especially now that airfare costs seem to keep soaring alongside rising fuel prices.
Now that I’ve shared the personal reasons that brought me to Siargao, let’s talk more about the island itself — its geography, culture, and the little things you should know before visiting. I also want to share a few helpful FYIs and travel tips that might come in handy if you’re planning your own trip someday because honestly, why not?
Out of all the islands I’ve visited so far, Siargao easily became one of my absolute favorites. Pardon me if some of the information I’ll mention may already be common knowledge online, but I still wanted to include them here as part of my personal experience and reflections while visiting the island.
Known for its distinctive teardrop shape, Siargao Island covers approximately 437 square kilometers and is surrounded by stunning coastlines filled with reefs, scenic points, and white sandy beaches.
Located in the northeastern part of Mindanao under the province of Surigao del Norte, the island is composed of nine municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Isidro, San Benito, Santa Monica, and Socorro. Travelers can reach the island by air or sea, with flights arriving daily at Sayak Airport in Del Carmen and ferry services operating from Surigao City to Dapa Port, as well as routes from Claver to Socorro.
Siargao Island is a breathtaking destination in the Philippines known for its unique teardrop shape and wide variety of tourist attractions. The island has become especially popular among surfers because of Cloud 9, one of the country’s most famous surfing spots, recognized for its powerful and exciting waves that attract visitors from around the world. Beyond surfing, Siargao offers a relaxing tropical atmosphere, beautiful white-sand beaches, and a vibrant local culture that make it appealing to different kinds of travelers.
Aside from its surfing scene, the island is also a haven for adventure and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy island hopping, cave exploration, and hiking trips to scenic locations such as Taktak Falls. The crystal-clear waters of Sugba Lagoon are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, while snorkeling and diving activities allow tourists to discover colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. With its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, Siargao continues to attract backpackers, eco-tourists, and travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Since flights to Siargao and back to Manila tend to be more expensive than those to many other destinations in the Philippines, not to mention the added costs of food, tours and accommodation, I decided to make the most of the trip. Although I managed to book my flights during a promo sale, I still wanted to stay longer to justify the expense. I spent six days on the island in February, a month that, in hindsight, may not have been the ideal time to visit. It was still the Amihan season (The Northeast Monsoon season), bringing cooler temperatures, stronger winds, and occasional cloudy weather. If I were to return, I would probably plan my trip in March or April when sunnier days are more likely.
When it comes to finding accommodations, Agoda is usually my go-to platform. This isn't sponsored—I simply find it one of the easiest ways to discover legitimate hotels and stays that fit my budget and preferences. While searching for a place to stay in Siargao, I came across Tropical Temple Siargao, a property I had already seen several times on TikTok and Instagram. Its facade immediately caught my attention. Surrounded by lush greenery and designed with a laid-back island aesthetic, it looked like a tropical paradise straight out of a travel magazine.
At that time, I was becoming more comfortable with solo travel and wanted to try staying in a capsule-style accommodation. I was looking for something affordable without sacrificing comfort and style. Fortunately, Tropical Temple Siargao offered exactly that—a budget-friendly option with a unique and welcoming atmosphere. It seemed like the perfect choice for my stay, so I decided to give it a try.
I remember arriving at the small yet adorable Siargao Airport one afternoon. Even before landing, I was already captivated by the view below. Looking out from the aircraft, I saw what may have been the most breathtaking bird's-eye view of my entire travel experience—vast expanses of vibrant green farmland, clusters of trees, and what looked like rice fields painting the island in shades of emerald.
From the airport, I hopped on a public van that took me straight to my accommodation. After checking in, I took a moment to settle into my capsule bed and familiarize myself with the hostel's amenities, including the shared shower room and a locker where I could safely store my luggage and shoes. Once everything was in place, I headed outside for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood. I wandered from one street to another, getting a feel for my surroundings and locating the essentials nearby—a drugstore, a few local eateries, and a laundry shop that would come in handy during my stay.
That evening, I decided to have dinner at my accommodation, Tropical Temple. While the prices were a bit higher than what I would normally spend, I figured it was worth trying for the experience. The meal was enjoyable, and the convenience of dining just steps away from my capsule made it even better.
One thing I appreciated about staying there was how easy it was to arrange local tours. The accommodation had partnerships with several tour operators, making it convenient for guests to book activities directly through the front desk. After speaking with the staff, I booked two popular tours: an island-hopping tour for ₱1,500 per person (about US$27) and a land tour for ₱1,800 per person (about US$32). For a first-time visitor eager to explore Siargao, it felt like a great way to experience the island's natural beauty and attractions.
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