Surigao offers more than Siargao, known as the surfing capital of the Philippines with its famous Cloud 9 wave. This vibrant place has something for everyone, even if you're not into surfing like me.
Here's a recap of our exhilarating 7-day escapade in Surigao.
A mere 30-minute drive from the city lies the captivating pebble beach. In all my travels, I've encountered only one other pebble beach (Batanes being the first), making this a must-see destination.
While it might not be the ideal spot for leisurely strolls or runs, it proves to be a perfect setting to unwind and witness the stunning sunset, preferably with an ice-cold beer in hand. You can conveniently purchase beers from the stores along the beach, and cottages are available for rent at P 200.00 each (or feel free to haggle for a better price).
Bucas Grande proves to be an enchanting discovery, a true hidden treasure within the region.
The two-hour boat ride from the Port of Dapa was an adventure. The waves, similar to those in Siargao, brought both excitement and a bit of nervousness at first. But as the ride got smoother, the beautiful coral formations came into view, indicating our arrival in this paradise.
Upon reaching Bucas Grande, tourists are required to register at a visitor center. In our case, a group of four (accompanied by friends Pao, Mimay, and Third) paid Php 1,400.00.
After completing the registration process and donning our life vests and hard hats, we switched bancas and ventured deep into what seemed like a maze of emerald wonders.
A small cave, Sohoton Cave, served as our gateway or entry point into this breathtaking exploration.
On Day 4, we embarked on a tour of some of the islets visible from our resort in General Luna.
Our initial destination was Suyangan Island, an hour-long boat ride away. The journey felt prolonged, amplified by the intimidating waves that, at times, turned our banca into more of a surfboard.
Amidst our gasps, our boatmen skillfully trolled and managed to catch a liplipan for us. Later on, our friend Pao triumphantly reeled in a sizable barracuda.
Some local boys were playing at the beach, singing "Kay Binay, gaganda ang buhay."
Our banca briefly left us to visit nearby fishing villages, ensuring we could add grilled fish to our lunch and dinner. In the meantime, we spent the next hour indulging in our packed lunch, writing in the sands, and capturing memories with photos.
Our next destination was Naked Islands. The intense heat limited our time on this stunning island, characterized by a dome of white sand, hence the name "Naked."
Following Naked, we visited Daku and Guyam, both boasting white sand beaches and cottages available for rent. Our lunch was enjoyed at Guyam Island. Since the caretaker was absent at the time, we were fortunate to obtain our small cottage (even if it meant sharing it with numerous ants) for free.
We couldn't bid farewell to Siargao without witnessing the famed Cloud 9.
Opting to extend our stay for an extra day, we craved a relaxed break after three adrenaline-filled days, allowing us the time to explore what surfers from around the world had been raving about.
Before heading to Cloud 9, we took a stroll through the center of General Luna, where we unexpectedly found ourselves under a sudden rain shower. Pao quirkily commented that it was our island's way of blessing us.
Relying on a rented tricycle from General Luna to reach Cloud 9, we spent some time watching local surfers showcase their skills.
Jade Star Lounge
Our home for five days in Siargao was Jade Star Lounge. Situated in General Luna, it's an ideal spot for non-surfers, boasting a beautiful white sand beach. The owner, Anita Quintas, fondly known as Tiya Nita, is not only a gracious host but also an excellent cook.
Tiya Nita took care of everything during our stay, organizing our tours and meals like a motherly figure.
Our air-conditioned room, clean and accommodating, was priced at only Php 1,500.00 per night, suitable for five to six persons.
Seafood!
For a pescatarian like me, Surigao is a culinary Shangri-La, offering not only breathtaking sights but also delectable seafood. The servings are generous and fresh, making this place a game fishing heaven.
Punta Bilar Dive Site
Following our Siargao escapade, we went to Punta Bilar, just a short drive from the city, for an introductory dive. The dive center, operated by the Surigao Dive Club (thanks to Mr. Jake Miranda!), is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the Punta Bilar Coral Reef.
Regrettably, we didn't have our underwater camera to capture the site's beauty.
Sto. Nino de Bad-asay
As a devotee of Sto. Nino, I felt blessed to conclude our Surigao adventure with a visit to the shrine of the miraculous Sto. Nino de Bad-asay. Situated in Barangay Serna, the shrine marked a spiritual conclusion to our memorable journey.
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