Siargao Island is a tropical paradise situated in the Surigao Del Norte province of the Philippines. This teardrop-shaped island has grown steadily in popularity over the past couple of years and is often called the country’s surfing capital. Visitors come from all over the Philippines and around the world to experience the first-rate browse, white sand beaches, lovely sunsets, natural rock and cave pools, and smaller sized surrounding islands. There is something here for every type of traveler, whether you are looking for enjoyment or relaxation. Siargao Island is typically accessed through Sayak Airport, which has to do with a 10-minute drive from the municipality of Del Carmen and a 40-minute drive from the main tourist town of General Luna.
Cloud 9 browsing location and boardwalk
The most popular tourist attraction on Siargao Island is the Cloud 9 surfing area in General Luna. It is really among the most well-known browsing spots in the entire Philippines, as the right-breaking reef develops a barrelling wave known for its thick, hollow tubes. A surfing competition sponsored by the government of Surigao Del Norte is held here every year. Cloud 9 is only advised for innovative web surfers, as it breaks on a really shallow reef. It is likewise best to come at mid to high tide, as low tide exposes most of the reef.
Even if you are not an internet user or not quite as much as the skill level it takes to deal with Cloud 9, it is still highly suggested that you come and take a stroll along the boardwalk. Extending far into the sea, the boardwalk results in a three-story viewing platform where you can view the surfers. It is likewise a wonderful location to take photographs of the ocean. The very best time to come is around dawn or sundown.
Siargao Island beaches
The beach at Cloud 9 is an excellent location to catch some rays and relax with a drink, but you can discover a lot more remote and relaxing spots if you’re willing to go out of town. Siargao Island is a reasonably little island that makes it simple to check out the different stretches of sand along its coast. Here are some areas that are worthy of a put on your schedule.
Doot Beach
Just a 13-minute drive east from General Luna, Doot Beach is a simple and very rewarding journey from town. The drive follows a dirt roadway lined with palm trees, which leads right down to the beach. It has a calm and casual environment and does not generally see numerous travelers, so it feels a lot more secluded than other beaches on the island. The beach is dotted with palm trees, and there are numerous terrific areas to go swimming. It is best to come to Doot Beach at high tide.
Secret Beach
With a name like Secret Beach, this is a sandy strip you understand you need to come and experience. It lies about a 20-minute drive from General Luna, previous Doot Beach and prior to the town of Dapa. The scenic drive will take you inland through the mountains and down to the coast again. From the main road, you will need to take a 10-minute walk through a palm tree forest prior to emerging on the lovely beach. There are some right-hand breaks terrific for longboarding here, or you can merely relax in the sand.
Pacifico Beach
A one-hour drive from General Luna, Pacifico Beach is located on the north-eastern side of the island. It is probably the second-best Siargao Island surf area after Cloud 9, with wonderful reef breaks just a fast paddle away from shore and a choice of both right-hand and left-hand waves. If you are concerning surf, then mid to low tide is best. While a great deal of web surfers flock here, the beach normally isn’t extremely crowded, and you’ll easily be able to declare your own spot in the sand.
Alegria Beach
The outermost beach from General Luna but certainly worth the hour and a half journey if you have the time, Alegria Beach is known for its quiet and tranquil environment. The increase takes you through the island’s interior before following the coast the rest of the method. When you get to the beach, you will be impressed by the picture-perfect postcard setting. The sea here is calm, gentle, and ideal for swimming, or you can take a barefoot stroll through the white sand while keeping an eye out over the crystal-clear water.
Magpupungko Rock Pools
Just a 50-minute drive from General Luna, Magpupungko Rock Pools is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Siargao Island. These natural swimming pools are created from water left in a coastal rock formation when the ocean retreats at low tide. The water in the pools is bright blue and incredibly clear, making it a popular area to take a swim and go snorkeling. You’ll have the chance to watch a wide variety of fish and other marine life under the surface area. The water is likewise deep enough to permit cliff jumping off the surrounding rock developments.
Visiting the rock swimming pool needs a little entrance fee of simply 50 pesos. As this is an incredibly popular tourist stop, you can anticipate some crowds, but the swimming pools are large enough to comfortably accommodate many individuals. You can likewise beat much of the crowds if you come previously in the day. Note that the rocks at Magpupungko Rock Pools can be quite sharp, so it is an excellent idea to use aqua shoes or other protective footwear.
Tayangban Cave Swimming Pool
For the very best inland adventure on Siargao Island, head to the Tayangban Cavern Swimming pool near the small village of Pilar. This is among the most unique experiences provided on the island and is a great choice for those looking for some extra excitement. To reach Tayangban Cavern Swimming pool, merely head north about half an hour from General Luna. Once you arrive, you will see a clearly marked entryway indication and a little ticket office. There is an expense of 100 pesos to enter the cave, and it consists of an obligatory guide.
Your guide will take you through a crack in a rock formation leading to Tayangban Cavern Pool and down into the waist-deep water. The cave is dark, however the guide will carry a torch to brighten the beautiful stalactite developments inside. There are also some sections of much deeper water, but ropes and bamboo make the cavern simple to traverse and navigate. The journey through Tayangban Cave Swimming pool takes about 15 minutes, after which you will emerge to a stunning, emerald green cenote with some great spots for cliff leaping. Your guide will tell you where it is safe to land.
Maasin Town palm tree swing
The Instagram-famous bent tree of Maasin Town is simply a quick, 30-minute drive north of General Luna in the direction of Tayangban Cavern Pool and Magpupungko Rock Pools. The tree bends out over a river, and the locals have connected a swing to it that you can jump from into the water listed below. This is an extremely unwinded and picturesque spot where you are most likely to meet a great deal of the friendly residents. It is a distinct and a really rewarding experience.
You will know you have reached the tree once you hit the red bridge at Maasin Village, which you can see the bent tree and the rope swing from. There is a little cost of 20 pesos to utilize the swing, and locals rent out boats for just 150 pesos that you can utilize to paddle up and down the river. If you want to make sure you have the swing all to yourself to take some epic pictures as you swing into the river, attempt to come as early in the early morning as possible.
Dining in General Luna
As Siargao Island has ended up being a more popular traveler spot, its cooking scene has actually grown appropriately to accommodate the tastes and preferences of tourists. The majority of the island’s leading dining areas lie around General Luna You will discover a range of different dining establishments, including cafes, bars, and dining establishments, serving a wide range of both local and international cuisine. Attempt some conventional Filipino meals or opt for dining establishments serving more western fair. The restaurants on Siargao Island are also known for offering a lot of fresh and healthy food options made with local ingredients, along with delicious meals for vegans and vegetarians.
Finest dining establishments in General Luna.
- Bravo Restaurant
- Kermit Browse Resort and Dining Establishment Siargao
- Shaka Café
- Crêpes Siargao Café
- Altrove Siargao
- Miguel’s Taqueria
- CEV: Ceviche & Kinilaw
- Warung Siargao Indonesian Restaurant
- Homemade Taste Dining Establishment Siargao
- Wishyouwerehere Smoked Meat Restaurant
Shopping in General Luna
In addition to supplying a great deal of terrific dining opportunities, General Luna is likewise a wonderful location to shop for souvenirs or for some new clothes and accessories to use during your journeys. There are a great deal of independent merchants on the island selling a variety of clothing, jewelry, swimwear, surf gear, and even skin care products. A number of the retailers on Siargao Island place a high value on sustainability, and so you will easily find reusable items like straws and water bottles that assist to keep litter on the island low. It is a wonderful location to buy handcrafted and natural products too.
Best shops in General Luna
- Fat Lips Surfshop
- Gwapitos Garments Shop
- Gasa Keepsake Store
- Jose’s Surf Store
- Dayo Siargao
- Ripwave
- Hippies Browse Store
- Mamon Browse Store
- Cocosurf
- Swell browse shop and board leasings
Things to do in Siargao Island-Palm tree roadway
Bicycle and bike rentals
Siargao Island is extremely friendly to bicycle and motorbike riders, and the freedom of checking out the island on 2 wheels just can be beat. The island is little enough to pass through in only one day on a bike by following the Siargao Circumferential Road. You will hit a lot of the landmarks and tourist attractions on this list if you select to do so, and the rode itself is extremely picturesque. A bike, on the other hand, will make it easier to get familiarized with the residents and with the regional lifestyle.
Bike leasings on Siargao Island expense from around 400 to 800 pesos a day, depending upon the model you pick. Cheaper rates for weekly rentals are also readily available if you intend on the motorcycle to be your main mode of transport. Leasing a bicycle is considerably less expensive and an exceptional idea if you plan on checking out a smaller area for the day.
Sea of Palms viewpoint
Not too far prior to Maasin Town, when coming from General Luna, you will discover the Sea of Palms, an elevated perspective that looks out over a veritable sea of coconut trees. It’s difficult to miss this perspective when you are headed down Siargao Circumferential Road as it opens prior to you as you happen a bend in the roadway. Countless palm trees spread out before you with deep green hills in the background. The Sea of Palms perspective is a great location to come for either daybreak or sunset. If you have the chance, then try to prepare your day around seeing both!
Taktak Falls
The north end of Siargao Island is quieter than the hectic tourist locations around General Luna, but there is plenty to see here also. In addition to Alegria Beach, the northern pointer of the island is house to two more must-see tourist attractions that make a fantastic outing: Santa Monica Pier and Taktak Falls.
Santa Monica Pier is a roughly hour-and-twenty-minute drive from General Luna. It is likewise simply a half-hour drive from Pacifico Beach. The pier extends far over the ocean water listed below and, as it faces west, it is an amazing place from where to enjoy the sun dip listed below the horizon at night. A brief, 10-minute drive past Santa Monica Pier, you’ll discover Taktak Falls, the only waterfall on Siargao Island. It is a popular area for cliff-jumping, tree-jumping, or for simply taking some great photographs.
Sugba Lagoon field trip
Another highly advised excursion when going to Siargao Island is to Sugba Lagoon. Found on the smaller Kangbangyo Island just west of the primary island, Sugba Lagoon provides an extraordinary adventure. The beautiful turquoise lagoon is surrounded by mountains and can be checked out by canoes, paddleboards, and bamboo rafts. It is also a fantastic spot to go snorkeling, and there is a diving platform. Most importantly, though there will likely be other travelers there, it isn’t typically extremely crowded, and the lagoon is plenty big enough to enjoy your own personal corner of it. A trip to Sugba Lagoon typically costs around 1,500 pesos per person.
Your day will begin with either an hour and a half boat flight from General Luna or an hour boat ride from Del Carmen, depending upon where you selected to depart from. When at the lagoon, you will be required to a big floating pontoon house located right in the middle of it. It’s a good concept to lease a table for 50 pesos so that you can belong to leave your belongings while you head out to explore.
Sohoton Cove excursion
Continue your off-island experiences and lagoon explorations by booking a tour to Sohoton Cove. This popular tourist stop is located on the eastern side of Bucas Grande Island, which lies to the southwest of Siargao Island. Sohoton Cove is house to a sensational lagoon that is teeming with wildlife like fish and birds. It is among the leading activities around Siargao Island for adrenaline seekers, however visitors of all kinds make sure to have a pleasurable experience here.
Sohoton Cove is only accessible at low tide through the Sohoton Cave. The half-submerged cavern is full of shimmering stalagmites and stalactites, making for a magical entranceway to the lagoon beyond. The enclosed lagoon is a maze of blue water swimming pools and limestone rock formations heavily covered in trees. There are a variety of other caves situated throughout the lagoon too, some of which are only accessible by diving down into the water and beneath a rock ledge. Others offer wonderful opportunities for cliff leaping. There is even a jellyfish sanctuary where visitors can delve into the water and swim with these unique creatures. Don’t worry; they are all of the non-stinging variety!
Island-hopping tour
The most popular trip for visitors to Siargao Island is the three-island trip to close-by Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island all in one day. Each island offers something distinct and seeing them one after another is a terrific experience. The order that you visit the islands will depend upon which trip you register with. They are all simply a quick boat trip from General Luna, where your journey will begin. Trips normally consist of pick-up, drop-off, and an offered lunch.
Naked Island
As the name recommends, Naked Island is, well, naked! This little sandbar surrounded by ocean isn’t home to any trees or truly any life at all, making it rather an unique location to go to. You can take a tranquil walk through the white sand and enjoy the privacy of being out in the middle of the ocean before heading into the warm water. If you’re up for a swim, you can swim around the entire island with little effort! Another popular activity at Naked Island is snorkeling. The spit of sand offers easy access to a vibrant reef that has all sorts of colorful fish flitting around.
Daku Island
Just 20 minutes from Naked Island lies one of the most lovely areas you will likely check out during your travels. Daku Island is a genuinely beautiful sight, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and loaded with palms. It is extremely advised that you invest some time exploring the palm forest and even attempt to climb up a few of the trees! This is where numerous tours pick up lunch, and visitors are provided with a cottage on the beach where they can relax for a while. Your stop on Daku Island makes sure to be one of the highlights of your island-hopping trip and your journey as a whole, so make certain you take great deals of photos.
Guyam Island
Guyam Island is another small island that you can easily stroll from one side to the other of in a matter of minutes. It is covered in a thick stand of trees and surrounded by a big, shallow reef. Have fun checking out on foot and make sure you invest some time in the water. It is an essential tropical paradise that inspires you to relax for a minute and delight in some refreshing coconut water. Guyam Island is a location you will never want to leave.
Corregidor Island trip
Corregidor Island, also called Casolian Island, is in some cases consisted of as a fourth island in the popular tour of Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island. If your trip does not include a stop here, then it is a good idea to reserve a trip that does or to sign up for a quick tour just to Corregidor Island itself. It is located off the Coast of Siargao Island and about a 45-minute boat trip from General Luna, past Daku Island.
As soon as you come to Corregidor Island, you will see why it was worth making the trip out. The island is lined with charming beaches and covered in vibrant green palm trees. Tour operators often collaborate with the locals here to provide a newly prepared barbecue meal. After consuming, investing some time on the beach, and snorkeling in the blue water over the vibrant coral reef, consider taking a little walking. The interior of Corregidor Island features rolling grassy hills. Make your method through the palm forest to the top of the highest hill to take in some genuinely incredible views. You’ll be able to see the entire island in addition to its secluded beaches and the sparkling ocean beyond.
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