A one-hour drive from General Luna, Pacifico Beach is located on the north-eastern side of the island. Quality Surfing Lessons in Siargao Island, Jellyfish sanctuary and Sohoton cove Full-Day Tour, Sugba Lagoon Tour and Magpupungko Rock Pools, Siargao Sohoton + Club Tara + Tiktikan Lagoon, 3 Islands, Secret beach and Coral Garden Full-Day Tour, Siargao Sugba Lagoon + Kauhagan Island + Pamomo-an Island, Siargao Trio Island Hopping (Shared Tour), Siargao 3 Island hopping + Corregidor Island. Be sure to sample their best-sellers, which are the Bom Dia, Cloud 9 Kook, and Green. The 15-meter high waterfall cascades into a basin whirlpooling with crystal-clear waters ideal for a therapeutic dip. However, that is no longer permitted today, and visitors are not allowed to swim in that lagoon. Palafox disclosed that their firm has recently secured the . The Visayas Island group is located in the central area of the Philippine archipelago. Plan out your itinerary with this ultimate list of the best things to do in Siargao. It may be scorching hot in the noonday sun, but youre bound to enjoy the excellent contrast between the perfect white sand and blue sky. The booming tourism industry has a positive effect on the economy and livelihood of the people by opening business and job opportunities, but it also has a negative impact. Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve Explore pristine mangrove forest and visit the salt water crocodile project. Sohoton Cove National Park has secluded gems that will fascinate and surprise you. It gets too crowded at times. Take a boat to Siargao's many neightboring islands, Guyam, Daku and Naked Island are a great place to spend the day, whilst you have a picnic with friends. One of the highlights here is jumping off the diving platform into the clear turquoise (sometimes emerald) waters. Reef Beach Resort 9. Pacifico Beach is the sweetest escape you can have far away from the crowded tourist spots of General Luna. The top diving spot in Siargao, however, is the blue Cathedral. While here, you can jump into the emerald-colored water from an eight-meter cliff. The competition is officially recognized by the World Surf League Pro. The island is surrounded by glistening blue waters and colorful coral reefs, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. These natural pools are created from water left behind in a coastal rock formation when the ocean retreats at low tide. Being an outdoor adventurer and surfer also molded me to become environmentally conscious. Movement started. It is ideal to go here during sunrise to get a jaw-dropping view of the sunrise-kissed mountains. This is a very relaxed and picturesque spot where you are likely to meet a lot of the friendly locals. Let the seawater wash do its magic and wash away any worries. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Naked Island is a sandbar that is the usual stop on the way back to the main island. There is a cost of 100 pesos to enter the cave, and it includes a mandatory guide. Don't miss the chance to jump off here, and make sure to take a picture like everyone else! This paradise is better on the low tide. The, I worked in Singapore for 5 years as ground stewardess at a premium airline lounge and taught yoga on the side. There are also Siargao tour packages with airfare from Manila available on an online travel agency like Guide to the Philippines. It is also more accessible now more than ever, welcoming about 12 flights daily from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Siargao's close-knit community is determined to do development differently. Photos by The Forest Camp Resort/Nay Palad Hideaway IMPORTANT:Theresorts featured in this article may have COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. Cottage rental: P300 Daku Island is the largest of the three islands and is a whole barangay in itself. The resort offers yoga classes twice a day. Locals that we met very friendly. The classes are tailored towards both beginners and seasoned yogis, depending on the composition of the class. Just rent a boat from Cloud 9, and you will be able to get to this underwater cathedral. The Blue Cathedral can be found on the wall of Cloud 9's rock entry. (If youre on a group tour, this is already included in the package.). Any of these may not be reproduced on another blog/website without the author's expressed written consent. Even before reaching your destination, the ride itself is already an attraction. If youre on a group tour, lunch is usually served as part of the package. Instead, there is only a dirt path through a coconut forest. Great Salt Lake has risen a foot . Though it's a small island, it's packed with awide variety of activities and attractions to enjoy along with itslaidback island vibe. Local surfers though know more of several secret spots. You also dont need to worry about the other fees because these are part of what you paid for. Away from the busy crowd of General Luna, the Northern part of Siargao is where you'll find the secluded and almost untouched Alegria Beach. From General Luna, you have to get to the town of Del Carmen port. While a lot of surfers flock here, the beach usually isnt very crowded, and youll easily be able to claim your own spot in the sand. With a name like Secret Beach, this is a sandy strip you know you have to come and experience. Extending far into the sea, the boardwalk leads to a three-story viewing platform where you can watch the surfers. there is a nearby restaurant where you can have your early morning coffee. Part of the Sohoton National Park, Sohoton Cove is located in Bucas Grande Island. Find volunteer opportunities on: JustServe.org. Your guide will tell you where it is safe to land. Have lunch here on your island tour of siargao. This blog is designed and arranged by Happtone.com. Named because it is as bare as an unclothed body, Naked Islandthe tour's first stopis a picture of oasis characterized by a powdery and blinding white sandbar surrounded by blue waters. Pool closed due to land ownership dispute. Siargao hosts the 'Cloud 9 Surfing Cup' each September, an official WSL Pro event. There is a hidden blue lagoon down the Maasin River. A morning or an afternoon dip heredepending on low-tide conditions of the seasonis a guaranteed time well-spent, so make sure to include a Magpupungko rock pools tour in your Siargao travel itinerary. Movement. Truly, Shaka is the perfect place to get your smoothie bowls to fix throughout the day. Taktak Falls tour. You can also watch the seasoned surfers dance with the roaring waves from the three-story view deck at the end of the boardwalk. If youre not sure what island youre in, the large letters spelling GUYAM might be a nice indicator. Your day will begin with either an hour and a half boat ride from General Luna or an hour boat ride from Del Carmen, depending on where you chose to depart from. Youve probably seen photos of the bent coconut tree sticking out over the river. It offers technical surf breaks for advanced surfers and is perfect for people who want to veer away from the crowded Cloud 9. There are no trees or shrubs on Naked Island to give you shade. Being the only waterfall in Siargao and considering its proximity to both Pacifico Beach and Alegria Beach, including Taktak Falls in your itinerary, should be worth it. Learn about its top destinations. It is also a fantastic spot to go snorkeling, and there is a diving platform as well. Heading to the northern portion of the island, you will arrive at a very conspicuous red bridge. There is even a jellyfish sanctuary where visitors can jump into the water and swim with these unique creatures. BALER TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS + List of Accredited Beach Resorts & Hotels, BORACAY TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS + How to Visit, CEBU PROVINCE Travel Requirements & DOT-Accredited Hotels & Resorts, LAIYA BEACH BATANGAS Travel Requirements + DOT-Accredited Resorts, LA UNION TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS for TOURISTS, PUERTO GALERA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS + List of DOT-Accredited Resorts & Hotels, PANGASINAN TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS + List of Open Tourist Spots, ZAMBALES TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS + Visita Step-by-Step Guide, How to Get a VACCINE CERTIFICATE Online (Step-by-Step Guide for Filipinos), How to Schedule a KOREAN VISA APPLICATION Appointment (Korean Embassy Manila), 2023 Bangkok Travel Guide with Sample Itinerary, 2023 Jakarta Travel Guide with Sample Itinerary. What are the top attractions to visit in Siargao Island? In the northern part of Siargao specifically in the town of Santa Monica, a short hike will bring you to a jungle sanctuary concealed by towering trees and thick forest shrubs. Find the best surfing spots in Siargao and see whatother activities the island has to offer. Aside from surfing, you can swim in warm blue water of Pacifico Beach or witness the stunning Siargao sunset by its shores. Kawili Resort 5. Magpupungko Rock Pools's charm islikened to sunsets and sunrises because itonly appears at a given time of the day: during low-tide. They can also tag SEAM in their social media posts @s.e.a.movement and use the hashtag. per adult (price varies by group size) Quality Surfing Lessons in Siargao Island. It is a wonderful place to shop for handcrafted and all-natural products as well. If your tour does not include a stop here, then it is a good idea to book a tour that does or to sign up for a quick tour just to Corregidor Island itself. Here are some of the things you can see and do while on the island. You can make a lot of memories in Alegria Beach. On the way to attractions like Pacifico Beach, Magpupungko Rock Pool, and Tayangbang Cave Pool, you'll drive by a picturesque road lined with elegant and tall coconut trees. The water in the pools is bright blue and incredibly clear, making it a popular spot to take a swim and go snorkeling. As of this writing, a growing community of yoga, health and meditation enthusiasts where one can indulge in a meditative spiritual journey on the island, is taking shape. The locals are super nice and friendly. Each has its unique feature, so the experience wont seem redundant. Surfing and skating with the big and small groms (kids who surf). Photos byTreehouse de Valentine/Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa IMPORTANT:The properties featured in this article may have COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. It is a popular spot for cliff-jumping, tree-jumping, or for just taking some nice photographs. If you are coming to surf, then mid to low tide is best. Warm safe. Entrance fee: P30 per person. Climb up on the tree, grab the rope, take the epic swing, let go and plunge into the calm waters of Massin river. The spit of sand provides easy access to a colorful reef that has all sorts of colorful fish flitting around. Fringed by towering trees, the cool but swimmable Maasin River is highlighted by a slanting lone palm tree that appears to be crossing over the river. They can also tag SEAM in their social media posts @s.e.a.movement and use the hashtag #jointhemovement so we can keep widening our network and reach. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device. Cloud 9 is Siargao's most popular surfing spot. We are excited to team up with nonprofit, faith, and government organizations nationwide to share volunteer needs and opportunities to serve. The negatives are actually also good. This tour is perfect for those wanting to spend some quiet time deep in the countryside of Siargao. The MPA also includes a no-take zone, which prohibits fishing and other activities that could damage the coral reefs. Aside from its seclusion and beautiful scenery, another charm of Secret Beach is its beginner-friendly surfing waves. They are all just a quick boat ride from General Luna, where your trip will begin. Take advantage of the seclusion to commune with nature, feel the powdery white sand on your feet, and take tons of photographs without worrying about photobombers. EIN for organizations is sometimes also referred to as taxpayer identification number (TIN) or FEIN or simply IRS Number. Continue your off-island adventures and lagoon explorations by booking a tour to Sohoton Cove. If you like beers, you might want to try Siargaos very own draft beer General Luna Pale Ale. The best part is when I see the kids learning what is taught to them, and seeing more and more people supporting the cause. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified 49 establishments, which allegedly violated environmental laws, in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. You can call ahead for a reservation, especially if you're with a big group. Best enjoyed during the low tide, Magpupungko Rock Pools is another attraction you shouldn't leave out of your Siargao day tour. Even better, take out your camera and take photographs of the palm tree-lined street against a pastel blue sky. If you dont know how to ride the waves, there are numerous surf lessons offered at the surf break sites. Riding on a motorcycle through palm trees and coming up on this gorgeous surfing beach will make you feel like you're in a road-trip movie. That particular shot of a strip flanked by coconut trees is a strong contender for the title of most photographed (or Instagrammable) spot in Siargao. It is an experience that will guarantee heightened adrenaline, maximum thrills and satisfy everyones appetite for adventure. We strive to be fully sustainable by opting for eco-friendly fabric like organic cotton and rashguard materials made from recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste in our collection of surf apparels. Their smoothie bowls are a great way to cool off after a hot day on the beaches of Siargao. You can explore the main island and see the wonders it keeps in its jagged corners and lush landscapes. You can rent a car or motorbike. It is best to come to Doot Beach at high tide. The ideal surfing season usually starts in the latter part of August and lasts till Decemberbut generally, surfing can be experienced on the island all year long. Romantic Beach Villas 8. Sugba Lagoon offers visitors a stunning 4,000-hectare turquoise swimming spot isolated from the hustle and bustle of General Luna. A huge part of why only a few travelers visit Alegria Beach is that it is approximately an hour's drive from General Luna. Your guide or a local would gladly climb up a tree and break open a coconut for you for a small fee. After you milk the Zen-ambiance of the place, flex your adventurous spirit by jumping into the water from an adjacent cliff. Most prominent among the three famous islands in Siargao, Daku Island, is also the most breathtaking one. The pier extends far over the ocean water below and, as it faces west, it is an amazing place from where to watch the sun dip below the horizon in the evening. A lot of nice huts to stay cool from the sun. This humble eatery has a very casual street vibe, so don't expect a posh set-up. The other two islands are Daku Island and Guyam Island, which along with Naked Island, make up the highly-recommended island hopping tour in Siargao. Thousands of palm trees spread out before you with deep green hills in the background. Be responsible tourists when visiting Siargao and responsible local residents by joining beach clean-ups, refusing single-use plastic, not littering, and opting for a plant-based diet. Photos by Vitalis Villas/Balesin Island Club IMPORTANT:The properties featured in this article may have COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. They can also buy SEAM merchandise to help us raise funds for operations and projects. You will find a range of different eateries, including cafes, bars, and restaurants, serving a wide variety of both local and international cuisine. Renting a bicycle is considerably cheaper and an excellent idea if you plan on exploring a smaller area for the day. 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO #1 Enjoy the best Siargao Surf spots! Its a good idea to rent a table for 50 pesos so that you can have a place to leave your belongings while you head out to explore. Swing in Maasins Bent Coconut Tree Rope, 18. You can take a serene stroll through the white sand and enjoy the seclusion of being out in the middle of the ocean before heading into the warm water. Since its free labor, I just rely on the volunteers availability and donors donations. It gives me hope. Aside from its world-class swells, Cloud 9 attracts crowds as it is easily accessible and has a beautiful, picturesque boardwalk. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Siargao Island. Don't be fooled by its size though, Guyam Island may be small, but you'll soon find yourself charmed by its azure waters, powdery sand, and reefs. Read the full terms here: Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, CONTACT US You can pass by this spot on your way to the Northern part of Siargao, where Alegria Beach is. The most popular tour for visitors to Siargao Island is the three-island tour to nearby Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island all in one day. Photos by Vitalis Villas/Balesin Island Club IMPORTANT:The properties featured in this article may have COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. You can go 2 hours before the low tide to avoid the crowds. 12 Best Resorts in Siargao Island Philippines: Beachfront, General Luna, For Groups, Family-Friendly By Jessa Tek-Ing Verified Expert Jump to chapter 12. Aside from surfing, one of the most photographed and iconic Siargao experience is the curved coconut rope swing in Maasin River. Located on the smaller Kangbangyo Island just west of the main island, Sugba Lagoon offers an unforgettable adventure. Three-Island Tour Naked Island Daku Island Guyam Island Siargao Land Tour Magpupungko Rock Pools Maasin River Coconut Mountain View Sugba Lagoon Sohoton Cove (Bucas Grande Islands) Surfing Cloud 9 Boardwalk and View Deck Burgos Coconut Road Food trip! The sea here is calm, gentle, and suitable for swimming, or you can take a barefoot stroll through the white sand while looking out over the crystal-clear water. They also serve sumptuous all-day breakfast and specialty coffee. Siargao is cited as one of the best islands in the world, but this popular surfing mecca still has a long way to go. Seeing a community literally living on garbage made me wonder how it reached to that stage and how it could be prevented.. Agoda is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel & related services, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel & related services, Things to Do in Siargao Island, Philippines | Top Activities & Attractions, Search hotels & accommodations in Siargao Island, Kermit Surf Resort and Restaurant Siargao. Mama's Grill offers a wide selection of grilled seafood, pork belly, pork chops, chicken legs, local sausages, and vegetables dripping in sweet and spicy sauce. I have been backpacking, rock climbing, bouldering, and surfing around the Philippines with that principle since I was in college. If you befriend them well, they might take you there. Both jobs are making me very busy, checking emails, leading the team, planning and executing projects. Boat Tour Rates: P3000 P3500 (Sohoton Cove Tour Only, good for 5 pax); P4000 (Sohoton + Three-Island Tour, good for 5 pax), Other Fees: P500 (smaller boat to Sohoton Cove) P50 (entrance fee); P50 (environmental fee); P350 (tour guide); P100 (docking fee per boat). Another challenge to to keep volunteers and sustain projects. Spread all over the islands are charming seaside towns adjacent to picturesque beaches where one can quench their thirst for a beach fix. To cope with this, we hired an executive assistant and interns (BS Environmental Science graduates) who are helping me with my SEAM projects. The rock pools only appear at certain times, particularly when the tide is low. The Instagram-famous bent tree of Maasin Village is just a quick, 30-minute drive north of General Luna in the direction of Tayangban Cave Pool and Magpupungko Rock Pools. Other popular surf spots include; Quicksilver which is considered as the little brother of Cloud 9, Jacking Horse, Cemetery Pesangan Right, Dako Surf Break, Pacifico Beach, Tuason Left, Tuason Right, Stimpies and Rock Island. It can be a long ride but savor the moment. Guiwan Beach is one of Siargao's best-kept secrets. And should you visit at the right season, you will be able to encounter the stingless jellyfish at Sohoton Cove. This palm-covered oasis is so small that you can walk to the other side of the island in about 50 steps. Nice small village between Magpupungko Lagoons and Rock Formations and Pacifico surfing beaches. When the sun goes down, the nightlife starts to kick in. Taste the Best Barbecue at Mamas Grill, 12. Siargao Kite Surfing You can bring your own food to eat here too. Go Canyoneering in Tayangban Cave Pool, 14. You forgot to add the Siargao wake park, it was so much fun! Shaka Cafe is most famous for its signature smoothie bowls that are as vibrant as Siargao Island itself. People who live here locals and foreigners alike are living their life stories in this paradise. If you're hungry from all the active water activities in Sugba Lagoon, there's a cafe in the vicinity. The water is also deep enough to allow for cliff jumping off the surrounding rock formations. About 1 hour from gen. Luna. Mama's Best is truly the best place to go if you want authentic and affordable Filipino barbecue grill experience. Visiting the rock pool requires a small entrance fee of just 50 pesos. Another great palm attraction in Siargao is the viewpoint. Feel free to bring your food, or better yet, buy fresh seafood in the main island of Siargao and have locals cook them for you at Daku Island. Siargao Environmental Awareness (SEA) Movement is our local community's efforts in taking care of our seas. It lies about a 20-minute drive from General Luna, past Doot Beach and just before the town of Dapa. Aside from Naked Island, there's Guyam Island. #SeatizenSunday: Marja Abad, Siargao Environmental Awareness Movement, Siargao has been making waves through headlines and increasing tourist arrivals. Daku Island is a truly gorgeous sight, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and full of palms. If you follow a lot of travel Instagram accounts, you've probably seen a photo or two of this infamous swing all over your feed. From September 25 to 28, Globe held Siargao Sustainability Week, where they launched several initiatives as part of their collaboration with DOT. This tide-dependent pool has been one of the go-to non-surfing spots and is often combined with caves and beaches on a day tripin Siargao. Alegria Beach's tranquil vibe, fine white sand, salty sea breeze, and crystal clear water is sure to refresh any weary traveler. That's Guyam Island. You need to know how to swim and should be comfortable taking risks. Sculpted by the waves of the Pacific Ocean for thousands of years, this wonder of a place exposes itself with a window of time that can last a couple of hours or more, therefore giving visitors ample time to frolic and enjoy its calming cool waters. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. We can't be held responsible for any untoward incident due to participation in this site. The cave is dark, but the guide will carry a torch to illuminate the beautiful stalactite formations inside. AirSWIFT Now Flies to ROMBLON! Underwater, Siargao offers just as much beauty underneath the waves. The island is also encircled by a healthy coral reef ecosystem making it an ideal snorkeling and scuba diving spot. Taktak Falls is 15-meters high; its water softy cascades down a rocky cliff into a small blue-green basin. Have lunch here on your island tour of siargao. Your comment is now queued for moderation! Describing it already sounds fantastic but wait untilyou experience the actual tour. Top Outdoor Activities in Siargao Island, Philippines Outdoor Activities in Siargao Island Enter dates Filters Outdoor Activities Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Outdoor Activities Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Boat Tours Also known among the locals as Casolian Island, Corregidor Island dishes a double dose of great outdoor fun: swimming and hiking. It is one of the most extreme of the Siargao tourist spots, and it is also not as well known among tourists. Your stop on Daku Island is sure to be one of the highlights of your island-hopping tour and your trip as a whole, so make sure you take lots of pictures. Recommendation: Siargao should continue to promote sustainable tourism practices, such as encouraging visitors to use eco-friendly products and services, and to reduce their carbon footprint. Siargao Island is usually accessed through Sayak Airport, which is about a 10-minute drive from the municipality of Del Carmen and a 40-minute drive from the main tourist town of General Luna. Water is crystal clear. Or you can simply walk-in. Photos by The Forest Camp Resort/Nay Palad Hideaway IMPORTANT:Theresorts featured in this article may have COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. The employer identification number (EIN) for Aptive Environmental, Llc is 475551416. A Siargao trip won't be complete without exploring the miniature island paradise dotted around it. The 3-storey wooden hut that sits on the reef overlooking the wave is an epic spot and one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset. There are so many epic things to do in Siargao including white sand beaches, world-class surf breaks, unique cave pools, palm tree rope swings, island hopping, and much more! I really hope that one day, SEAM will be self-sustaining and be able to pay a good wage to its staff who can work full-time for the organization. Surfing isn't only the only exciting activity you can do in the Surfing Capital.