By: Sareena Mae Talisay, ITS Traveler's Notebook
07 JUNE 2024 0700H
The natural beauty of an unspoiled one and casual island ambiance makes Siargao Island one of its kind. More than offering world-class waves to everyone who surfs this country’s topmost surfing capital it can be called a place of interest. In fact, visitors of Siargao can explore its enchanting landscapes and diverse cultural heritage ranging from stunning coral reefs to clear blue lagoons.
I have provided some tourist spots that will help you unravel the hidden treasures of Siargao – from calm beaches with palm trees to thrilling surfing breaks. Whether for exploration or relaxation or just a feel of island life, Siargao is an extraordinary get away from your mundane existence.
Here's some of my recommendation for you not to miss when visiting Siargao:
1. Naked Island
The island where no plant life can grow. It can be seen that there are no plants thriving here even where it is controlled because sand is the only known material comprising this place. It looked so bare because none of the usual shrubs were placed here.
As to the title Naked Island it is influenced by the fact that the island is located in a solidified lava with little vegetation. It is all that you can see the white sand. Swimming is allowed and recommended as you can snorkel or you can just walk around the Island. One of the islands that you can visit when doing this tri island hopping here in General luna, Siargao. The best time to visit this popular location is during the summer months from March up to May because the heat is not very strong and the rain is not very frequent meaning you can walk on the white sand of the island.
Customs officials demand a small fee each boat that anchors at Naked Island. This fee is paid to a person who oversees the care for the island and its needs. Should you planning to go Naked Island, it is better to visit Siargao through Island-hopping tours where Naked Island is included in the optional stops.
2. Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is considered as the most popular site for surfing as it defines the surfing culture of the town. Cloud 9 is for reputed playground for its large round tubes and extremely fast moving right point break waves that breaks over a reef. Recommended for only the expert and lightweight surfers, the Cloud 9 wave has been Fresno described as a death ride that breaks in shallow sharp coral.
Surfing in Cloud 9 is one of the most extraordinary and beautifully beautiful ever be experienced A surf helmet is needed for head protection, and more or less severe fall if a rider is a beginner.
The right time to surf is during September and March and it is advisable to set out sea during the early morning. Tourists could hustle to Cloud Nine through hiring a motor bike or, a tricycle from the town of General Luna. You may also opt to ride a habal-habal, though the cost is more expensive than renting an own motorcycle.
3. Magpupungko Rock Pools
There’s a chill atmosphere at the beach, and it’s a good time to relax after an adventurous experience at the rock pools and cliff diving spots.
These are the three things the Magpupungko attraction gets its popularity from. The beautiful white sand beach, the gorgeous and amusing tidal rock pools, and the stunning rock formation that give Magpupungko its unique character. Cause apart from a perfect beach; Magpupungko is most famous for its tidal rock pools.
During low tide, the Magpupungko Rock Pools are accessible via a trail of rocks through the water. It is advisable to wear high-friction footwear for walking over those mossy, slippery rocks. After that, you’ll arrive in a vast area with angel-deep waters, with the rock pools nestling playfully surrounded by huge rocks.
To get to Magpupungko Rock Pools from General Luna you will need to drive your moped for 45 minutes or you can visit as part of a tour or with a rental van.
4. Guyam Island
Guyam Island is situated in a cluster of islands that falls in the province of Surigao ranked as the surfing capital of the Philippines. This island is located few kilometers off the shore of the General Luna town and there is a favorite tourist destination, among the three that are popular throughout Siargao; other being the Naked Island and the Daku Island.
This Island is actually a private property and there are individuals who oversee the restrictions regarding the number of visitors as well as charging the required fees. Its only recently became an island just like the Naked Island nearby and at present, there are no houses or cottages for rent. People can only take shelter under palm trees that grow in the area and nowhere else.
It also takes a maximum of twenty-one minutes for a traveler to move from one part of this island to the other through a car ride or even walking. Just as to picnic or a family day they are very open with beach activities. Visitors will also find it nice to surf around the island, the waves here, moreover, suffice the surf boards.
Traveling to Guyam Island requires the assistance of a tour company, which will help in arranging the tour. A much better way is to go with the help of a guided tour that is known as the newest trend in tourist services. Apart from the few sites described here, there are still other sites found around Guyam Island.
5. Mamon Island
Mamon Island has white sandy beaches, clear blue sea and palm trees swaying in the wind, this is a place for tourism yet to be developed. Whether you prefer in water activities such as snorkeling or just a sun-bathing by the beach, or if you just want a serene and quiet to getaway to, Mamon Island could just be the place for you. Mamon island is one of the most off-beat and secluded tourist destinations located near the shore of Siargao, Philippines.
It provides untouched sand and pebbles, clear sea and rich underwater world.
On Mamon Island tourists can swim, scuba dive, and sunbathe.
Living in the environment of cultural background, tasting local food especially seafood is unforgettable. Siargao is about a one hour boat ride if you get a boat from General Luna and there are boats available which are the traditional wooden outrigger boats.
When you visit Siargao make sure you drink a lot of water, protect your skin from the sun, and beware of riptides whenever one is swimming or surfing. Lastly, do not litter and respect wildlife and natural habitats by not going off the marked trails.
Welcome to Siargao Island of rebirth and colorful surprises! Take a second to take a tour guide to the top tourist attractions that will leave you wanting more. Don’t wait start your travelling now! (Reporting by Sareena Mae Talisay IT’S Travelers Notebook).
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