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 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.
Two of my most memorable tours took place on my third and fifth days in Siargao. On my second day, I rented a motorcycle and explored the island with a local guide. Together, we visited some of Siargao's most popular attractions, including the Cloud 9, enjoyed coffee at Shaka Siargao, stopped by Kanaway Snack Bar, crossed the famous Catangnan Bridge, and discovered the serene Secret Beach. Exploring Siargao by motorcycle gave me a true sense of freedom as we cruised along scenic roads lined with towering trees, soaking in the island's laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty.
It was only a half-day tour, so we returned to my accommodation in the afternoon. After a day of exploring, I took some time to rest and turned in early to prepare for the island-hopping adventure scheduled for the next day. I was especially excited because the tour included visits to some of Siargao’s most beautiful destinations: Daku Island, Naked Island, Guyam Island, Secret Island, and Secret Garden. Spending an entire day discovering these tropical gems was one of the highlights of my trip.
Our tour started with cloudy skies but quickly turned into a bright, sunny day. One thing I learned about Siargao is that its weather can be very unpredictable—sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon.
We kicked off our island-hopping tour with snorkeling. Despite the strong waves and currents, I decided to swim because of my love for the water. Staying close to the boat with my lifeguard, I was still able to enjoy the experience. The crystal-clear blue water made it all worth it.
I was traveling solo during this tour since my two colleagues were arriving in Siargao on a different flight. I joined a large group on a big boat, which made the experience fun and lively.
Our first stop was Naked Island. Even though the sun had not fully come out yet, the island was already stunning. While many tourists were enjoying the water, my swim was cut short after I was stung by a bluebottle jellyfish. Thankfully, it wasn't serious, and our guide quickly helped treat the sting.
Our second stop was Daku Island, where we spent more time because this was also our lunch stop. Lunch was far from ordinary—we enjoyed a boodle fight, with a beautiful spread of local dishes and fruits arranged around the word "Siargao."
I especially enjoyed swimming here. Although the waves were strong, the coastline was different from the other islands. The water became deep quite quickly, making it feel as if the waves were pulling you in and carrying you along. It was both thrilling and fun.
Daku Island is home to Barangay Daku, a small island community that offers visitors a glimpse of local life in Siargao. The island gets its name from the Visayan word daku, which means "big," as it is the largest of the three islands included in the popular island-hopping tour from General Luna. Known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, Daku Island is a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the local community. It is also the usual lunch stop for island-hopping tours, with locals offering freshly cooked seafood and other Filipino dishes. For surfing enthusiasts, there is even a surf spot located just around the island.
Our final stop was Guyam Island, where I had what was probably the best mango shake of my life. I think the added coffee shot made all the difference. We spent quite a bit of time there, and despite the number of tourists, it felt peaceful. It was the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a quiet moment—sitting on the powdery white sand, gazing at the crystal-clear water, and watching boats come and go. Sometimes, doing nothing is the best way to appreciate a place.
The island-hopping tour wasn't quite what I had imagined. I wish the weather had been sunnier from the start so I could have spent more time swimming, that there hadn't been jellyfish in the water, and that we had more time to explore each island. But that's the reality of traveling—it doesn't always go according to plan, and sometimes the unexpected becomes part of the experience.
The next day, I didn't have a scheduled tour, which gave me plenty of time to roam around the island by myself. I wandered from one area to another, taking in the laid-back atmosphere and discovering little corners that I might have missed on a guided tour. I also stopped by Kanaway Surf Shop, the surf shop owned by Andi Eigenmann and Philmar Alipayo, where I treated myself to a refreshing shake. By the afternoon, my colleagues had finally arrived, and we met at our accommodation, Tropical Temple Siargao.
That evening, we went out to experience Siargao's nightlife, hopping between a few bars before browsing local shops for souvenirs. One thing that caught my attention was that the fare for local transportation seemed to increase at night. While this may be due to higher demand or nighttime pricing, I found it a bit inconvenient as a visitor and wished the fare structure had been clearer.
I have to admit, something felt a little lacking during our night out. Perhaps it was because this trip took place while the pandemic was still affecting tourism. Not all the bars were open, and those that were operated on limited schedules, so the nightlife felt quieter than I had expected. There were still plenty of friendly people around, and we enjoyed spending time together, but I couldn't help wishing the island had been a little more vibrant after dark.
Later that evening, heavy rain poured down, cutting our night short and sending us back to our accommodation earlier than planned. Looking back, though, it wasn't such a bad thing. We were able to get a good night's rest, which was exactly what we needed before our island tour the following morning.
The next morning marked my second—and sadly, my last—tour in Siargao. While it was the end of my island adventure, it was just the beginning of my colleagues' experience. That day, we were set for the island's famous Land Tour. Just like the previous days of my stay, we woke up to a not-so-sunny morning. The sky was painted in muted shades of white and gray, giving everything a calm, almost melancholic atmosphere.
Our itinerary included some of Siargao's most iconic attractions: Sugba Lagoon, Maasin River, Siargao Mountain View, Secret Beach, Coconut Road, and Magpupungko Rock Pools. Unfortunately, because of the moody weather, we had to skip Magpupungko Rock Pools. On the bright side, the tour came with a buffet lunch, which gave us something delicious to look forward to despite the gloomy skies.
My colleagues and I joined a diverse group of travelers, both locals and foreigners, during our land tour. It wasn't my first time traveling with a mixed group, and it's one of the things I enjoy most about joining guided tours because it gives me the chance to meet people from different backgrounds, personalities, and walks of life. Although we experienced everything from light showers to heavy rain throughout the trip, the cheerful and outgoing spirit of the group made the journey enjoyable, and we still managed to visit almost all the destinations on our itinerary.
At Mountain View, we had fun taking photos and videos with the famous human drones, making the experience even more memorable. One of our stops was Secret Beach, which I ended up visiting for the second time. Looking back, I probably didn't need to include it in my itinerary the first time since it was already part of the land tour. Still, I have no regrets—it was all part of the experience, and returning gave me another chance to appreciate its beauty from a different perspective.
When we arrived at Maasin River, I was immediately struck by how picturesque and calming the place was. Surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear emerald waters, it's easy to see why it's considered one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Siargao. Before it collapsed in February 2023, the river's biggest attraction was its world-famous bent palm tree, also known as the iconic bent coconut tree. Hanging from it was the equally famous Maasin River swing, where visitors—and even local kids—would take turns soaring through the air before splashing into the refreshing waters below. Although the iconic tree is no longer standing, Maasin River continues to captivate visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty.
If there's one word to describe Sugba Lagoon, it would be picturesque. Although I didn't get the chance to swim—I had forgotten to bring my rash guard and swimwear, and the pouring rain made the weather too cold anyway—the lagoon's beauty was still incredibly promising. It was the longest stop on our tour, and every moment there felt worth it. The boat ride to the lagoon was an adventure in itself, making it feel as though we were sailing toward a hidden, mysterious island waiting to be discovered. Breathtaking? Absolutely. We just weren't very lucky with the weather. Somehow, it felt as if the island was inviting us to return someday—to experience its beauty again under clear skies and see it at its very best.
If I remember correctly, Siargao was hit by multiple typhoons over the past few years. It's incredible to see how nature has begun to heal itself. The fluffy, cotton candy-like islands scattered across the middle of the ocean, from small to large, are slowly returning to their beautiful, vibrant appearance.
The last stop of the tour was the famous AFAM Bridge, the popular nickname for the Catangnan–Cabitoonan Bridge. As expected, the place was bustling with both locals and tourists. Some were skateboarding, others were simply soaking in the laid-back atmosphere while admiring the bridge. Many were hopping from one food stall to another, and plenty had gathered along the waterfront, eagerly waiting to witness the island's stunning sunset.
To sum up everything I experienced during my trip to Siargao, I can confidently say that it's a destination worth returning to. I didn't exactly experience the so-called "Siargao Curse" that many travelers talk about—I guess I didn't stay long enough to fully understand its magic. Still, I can say that, like Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Camiguin, and Aklan, Siargao is blessed with breathtaking islands, crystal-clear waters, and beaches that truly feel like paradise. Of course, no destination is perfect. I hope the local government continues to address some of the island's growing challenges, such as its small airport, the high cost of many goods and services, the strong preference for catering to foreign tourists, the effects of gentrification, and the need for even more consistent beach-cleaning efforts. That said, Siargao remains one of the cleanest islands I've visited in the Philippines, and its natural beauty continues to make it an unforgettable place to explore.
And that's a wrap! Thank you so much for reading, and I appreciate your patience while waiting for this blog—I just needed a little extra time to get everything together. Up next is my second trip to Boracay after more than a decade. A lot seems to have changed since my last visit, and I can't wait to share my experience with you. Until then, see you in my next blog post!
"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." - Henry Miller
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