TOP THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO

WHY GO NOW?

THE MONSOON SEASON starts sometime in June, bringing rain to most parts of the Philippines except Siargao. Sun worshippers can still pretty much enjoy Siargao’s powder white beaches and rock pools and explore mangroves, swamps and inland forests, waterfalls, and nearby islands, without rain dampening the day. For surfers, the best time to go is between September to November for the perfect Cloud 9 peak, the surf spot that put Siargao on the world map. The Siargao International Surfing Cup which attracts competitors from all over the world is usually held sometime September-October.

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TOUCHDOWN

There are several direct flights from Manila and Cebu to Sayak Airport in Siargao. Visit www.kayak.com.ph for competitive prices. From the airport, it’s a 45-minute drive to General Luna where majority of the tourist areas are. Outside the airport there are vans, shared with other passengers, that could take you to General Luna for about Php300–Php500 or US$6-9. If you’d like privacy, multi-cabs are available at the airport for Php1,500. It takes about an hour to get to most resorts in General Luna from Sayak.

Get Your Bearings

The island of Siargao is about 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. The only airport in the area is in Sayak in Del Carmen. From the airport, you’d probably head to General Luna and the east coast where most resorts and beaches are located.

The island’s east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet, Port Pilar, with a coastline marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. There are neighboring islands and islets with similar landforms.

Siargao’s famous Cloud 9 waves

The island’s Pacific-facing reefs are on the edge of the Philippine Trench, and deep offshore waters result in swells of significant power. This gives Siargao excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore.

Siargao's famous Cloud 9

How To Best Enjoy Siargao

The best way to get around the island is by renting a motorcycle, which is about Php300–500 a day. There are also tricycles and the habal-habal, Siargao’s version of a taxi, in this case a motorbike custom-fit to accommodate usually up to two passengers comfortably or up to three or four at a push (hence the name habalhabal which is a Visayan term for bodies close together).

Our insider guide, blogger and photographer Jackson Groves, spent a month in Siargao exploring the island and its attractions. “While the island is known as a surfing hotspot,” Groves said, “there are so many things to do in Siargao that don’t involve the waves.”

Insider guide Jackson Groves

HERE’S GROVE’S ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST

ENJOY THE BEST SIARGAO SURF SPOTS

This list of things to do in Siargao has to begin with the surf, it is after all the surfing capital of the Philippines. Siargao hosts the ‘Cloud 9 Surfing Cup’ sometime SeptemberOctober, an official WSL Pro event. It also boasts waves almost all yearround, similar to surfing hotspots like Oahu, Hawaii. The Cloud 9 boardwalk and viewing area has become one of the most popular Siargao tourist spots.

The beauty of surfing in Siargao is that there is a surf break for all levels. Personally, I suck at surfing so I hit up the beginner waves at Jacking Horse. I did enjoy watching the seasoned surfers tearing up the bigger waves out at Cloud 9. Its waves can barrel the whole way and is not only one of the best waves in the Philippines but is ranked in the top ten waves of the world.

Island Hop

If the waves aren’t rolling in nicely at the beach breaks you can pay US$4-5 to ride a boat out to an island break less than an hour from Siargao and surf the afternoon away in the middle of the ocean.

Guyam Island

WAVE HELLO: Siargao’s popular surf breaks

CLOUD 9: This is the most famous surf break in Siargao and has some nice barrels. We spent many mornings watching the experts carve it up from the three-story hut that sits out over the water. This wave has single handedly made Siargao the surfing capital of the Philippines.

JACKING HORSE: The most accessible beginner wave on the island. A great spot for learning how to catch a wave but often crowded with surf lessons and it has a strong tide. Lots of paddling if you aren’t a gun. Some of the local longboarders tear it up here.

STIMPYS: A consistent left-hander, which is a great place for shortboarders to have a little fun.

PACIFICO: Although it’s a long drive (up to an hour) from General Luna, at Pacifico, you will find some of the biggest surf in Siargao.

ROCK ISLAND: Take the boat out for a fast-moving right-hander. Best for experienced surfers.

GUYAM (Secret Beach): Head on past the trespassing signs and enjoy small rolling waves, great for beginners. It’s about 30 minutes from General Luna.

For Jackson Groves' complete list, read the latest InFlight Traveller issue. https://issuu.com/home/published/inflight_trvlr_issue_27