Siargao Tourist Attractions

As Siargao is a self-proclaimed surfing capital of the Philippines, most tourists come here to get barrelled at Cloud 9. However, this paradise offers infinite possibilities for adventure and relaxation.

Surfing

Still, people come here to surf. While most pro surfers normally camp out in Barangay Catangnan where a surfing spot called Cloud 9 consistently delivers monster swells for those who have a death wish, we checked out Daku Island for its beginner friendly waves.

We've never surfed before but Siargao is the best place to try and learn. An hour of a basic tutorial with surfboard costs PHP500 only. After your first hour is up and you're ready to be on your own, you can rent your own longboard for about PHP400 for the whole day. We have bruises to show from our initial attempts but some of us did manage to stand up for a few seconds. Anyway, if your mind is not really in it, you can still have tons of fun hanging out at the Cloud 9 pier. We spent a good many hours there chilling with the locals and the dogs and just watching all the action around us. It is a really picturesque area so make sure to bring your camera.

Island Hopping

Next, indulge your inner Robinson Crusoe and go island hopping. They usually do three islands for a day, Guyam, Naked, and Daku island. We paid PHP1500 for our boat and it's already good for up to six people.

Our first stop was Naked Island, so named because it has no trees or any form of vegetation. It's almost like a sandbar with pristine blue water all around, perfect for tanning.

In contrast, our second stop at Guyam Island surprised us with palm trees, rock formations and grass. It's your postcard perfect idea of a tropical island and we had a blast snapping selfies and climbing one of the trees, or at least we tried.

Our last stop was at Daku Island and we were more than happy to finally sit down and feast on fresh seafood and fruits.

Mapupungko Pool

We're pretty sure that you have seen a gazillion of Instagram posts about Mapupungko Pool. Head over there during low tide, take a dip in one of the natural holes, and try your mightiest to take a bad photo. Trust us, you can't. The water is clean and refreshing and you can almost imagine a mermaid popping out of nowhere and start singing. No kidding. Admission fee is just PHP50.

Caving

We were hesitant to explore Bucas Grande and Sohoton Caves because it is too expensive for us tightwads but we were glad we decided to go. We shelled out PHP5000 for the boat that can accommodate up to 8 people and after about an hour and a half from General Luna, we were soon busy doing things we never thought possible. We spotted stingless jellyfish and swam with bioluminescent planktons. We went through narrow entrances to access lagoons, climbed up a cave, and cliff dived. The experience overall was unforgettable although unfortunately, so were the fees. Please take note that the boat rental does not include fees such as entrance fee, environmental fee, docking fee, guide fees, and more. Prepare at least PHP1500 more per person.

Nightlife

If you crave some excitement at night, you'll be happy to know that Siargao is far from being a sleepy town that it was years ago. There are parties every night so the first thing you have to do when you get here is asking the locals for what's happening on a given night. Expect full moon parties, night bazaars, open mic nights, and DJs playing everything from hip-hop to tropical house.

And if you are a beach bum...

Siargao is indeed full of surprises. Aside from surfing, it's gearing up to be one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations in the country. If you want solitude and just wanna curl up with a book in a hammock, there are secluded beaches too like Alegria, Pacifico, and Burgos. Suffice it to say, Siargao is heaven on earth.