Non Surfers Ultimate Guide to Siargao
3:07:00 PM
Yey! Cheers to my very first blog entry! I've been eyeing Siargao for quite a while, and luckily, Cebu Pacific had a promo. I've been there last March, and stayed for 3 days. Since then, I couldn't wait to share what the paradise has to offer.
Siargao is well-known as a surfer’s destination, but ironically, I haven't been able to surf (Boo hoo!). For Non surfers and more of a beach bum like me, Good news! Siargao is not only about riding waves and the perfect swell. The island offers a lot of pristine white beaches, bizarre rock formations, enchanting lagoons, caves, and so much more...
THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO:
- GO ISLAND HOPPING.
We woke up early for a quick tour to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island. There's no need to bring food, for these three spectacular islands are just off the shores of Siargao. You can return to your hotel just in time for lunch, or if you get hungry, have someone cook for you at Daku Island.
COST: Most locals offer P1200-P1500 for a full day boat rental, however we are able to rent a private boat for only P1000. Also take note that Daku and Guyam has an entrance fee that will cost you P15.
2. MAGPUPUNGKO POOL
After island hopping, we went straight to Magpupungko which is about an hour ride from General Luna. It is best to go there during low tide, usually late in the afternoon. As the water level goes down, the reef and the rock edges of the pool become visible, defining natural pools with crystal clear water, great for swimming and diving.
Initially, our plan was to have a lunch near our hotel. However, our driver, Kuya Glen is already waiting for us. We just bought crabs along the way and have it cooked at Magpupungko instead. Yum!
3. BUCAS GRANDE
We are about to skip Bucas Grande due to time constraints and steep price. Good thing, our driver, told as that we could join another couple and share on the boat. Yey!
Travel time is 3 hours worth of bumpy ride. Once you get there it's all worth it. The water is incredibly clear in shades of blue and green. You will be transferred on a small paddle boat going to Totojoman lake, more known as the jellyfish lagoon. This is home to millions of stingless jellyfish that is more abundant every mating season around June.
You will then ride a motor boat going to Sohoton Cave, which is a shorter version of Palawan's subterranean river. Here you will see Hagukan Cave wherein you have to swim and duck dive to reach a small opening to the cave. You can also visit Makukuob Cave. Once you're inside the only way out is to jump of the cliff!
Cost: P4000/ 4pax boat rental. P425+/ head on entrance fee, boat rental, helmet. We bought food before boarding and have it cooked in Bucas Grande. Cooking fee is a bit expensive, I suggest that you bring cooked meals to save.
4. FOOD TRIP
5. BEACH BUMMING
There's nothing more relaxing than going to beach and lying on the sand. For once, forget those whitening products you invested in. Get a tan and enjoy the sun. Siargao's beaches is just breathtaking.
You can also walk with the ones you love at Cloud 9.
WHERE TO STAY:
One of the biggest expenses while traveling is the accommodation, however, there's a lot of decent places in Siargao that can fit your budget. As for our stay, we booked at Kawili Resort which costs only P1000 per night. |
| © Kawili Beach Resort Siargao |
HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO:
The cheapest option is to book separate trips from Manila to Cebu, then Cebu to Siargao. There are no direct flights from Manila to Siargao, thus you'll have a layover on Cebu. This will cost you around P10k roundtrip (costs the same as a Batanes roudtrip ticket!). The key is to check promo fares regularly . I bought ours for only P1,050 (MLA-CEB roundtrip) and P1300 (CEB- IAO; SUG- CEB) winner!I booked a Surigao to Cebu return ticket instead of a direct Siargao to Cebu because we originally planned to go to Enchanted River and Tinuy-an falls. Due to time constraints, we didn't push through. Take note that you have to take a 2 hr ferry ride from Siargao to Surigao that costs P265/ head.
Below is the breakdown of our total expenses. If you want to save, you can cut down on the food expenses. As you can see we have spent so much on food. Haha. You can also opt for a habal habal airport transport instead of a van. This can save you P300.
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