Around Siargao Island

Siargao Island

January is low season on Surigao Island because there is very little surf. In August through Sept there  are big waves and the place gets packed.

Cloud 9 pier. Siargao Island can be a real value during the low season. Many of the resorts are nearly empty and will offer a big discount.

Here is a quick look around the island. It was roughly a 140 kilometer ride by motorbike – departing from General Luna, to Pilar, San Isidro, Burgos, Sta Monica, San Benito, Del Carmen, Dapa and back.

New surfers are practicing on these waves near Dapa. (Paradise)

Dapa is the main seaport for arrivals for Surigao City. Passage on the Montenegro ferry is 144 pesos ( shipping a motorbike costs 720 pesos plus 65 peso PPA fee). It leaves at 6am.

BritFil ferry is another option. I don’t know the fare but it can’t be too high. I took Montenegro because I don’t care for salt water spray splashing over my bike. That bike has been on so many ferry trips that the corrosion is really becoming a problem.

Port of Dapa

Cebu Pacific has daily flights from Cebu.

Manila-Cebu-Siargao one way is less than 3000 pesos.

Welcome to Siargao

This beach is just a few kilometers from the port. The waves are small but the season has not yet arrived.

People are still having a good time out there! Siargao is sweet even during the slow times.

The owner of Ronaldo’s gave me a super rate of 300 pesos per nite. It’s not on the beach but this was the best place for the money that I have yet found in the Philippines.

I am not a surfer and found this to be a beautiful island to chill – even in the off season. Take note – the prices will be much higher during the peak season and places like Ronaldo’s are fully booked in advance.

The road is a bit bumpy but generally in good repair.

Pilar

The east road follows the coast from Pilar to Burgos – the villages are rustic and the scenery is stunning in some places.

Siargao is really a sweet mellow uncrowded island.

There are at least 3 surf resorts on the east coast but they are not open during the low season.

Purok Talisay

Coconut Trees

Look at the erosion along the base of coconut these trees. Coastal erosion is evident on the beaches all the way around the island. It is interesting to me and I wonder if it has something to do with global warming (ice shelf melting  and all that).

This is a subtle warning from “dp” to use great care if you are planning to buy land in Surigao or anywhere else in the Philippines. Land ownership disputes and erosion and outright fraud are rampant – trust me!

TakTak Waterfalls

Beautiful country. It rains a lot but the temp runs between 22 and 29 degrees C.

Siargao

Del Carmen on the west coast also has ferry service.

Back to Dapa and then to General Luna – less than 150 kilometers.

Cloud 9

Sweet!

Siargao Island