Siargao's Paradise Beaches and Cloud 9

Like everyone else, I first thought that Siargao is only the conyo version of Surigao. ^_^
Good thing I was enlightened that Siargao Island is really a part of the province Surigao Del Norte.

So what's to see in the island of Siargao?

the paradise beaches in Dako, Naked, and Guyam Islands

the world-class surfing spot in Cloud 9

and the stingless jellyfish in Bucas Grande
this alone already convinced me to go!

I asked my kaladkarin travel blogger friend Donnie to join me and explore his very first Mindanao destination. Since the direct flights to Siargao from Manila is super expensive, and Surigao flights are very rare on sale, we booked Manila-Butuan flights instead. This means a 1.5-hour plane ride to Butuan, a 3-hour bus ride to Surigao City, a 2-hour boat ride to Dapa, and a 40-min habal-habal ride to General Luna. Joy ride!

finally reaching Siargao
the luxury of being jobless, we have all the time to travel ♥

Upon arriving in General Luna, we immediately started our island hopping activity. The 3 most famous and nearest islands are the target. The standard rate is P1,500 for the boat rental.


Naked Island
Called so because the island is bare. No trees and nipa huts are found in Naked Island. This pristine island is composed of fine white sands and some rocks. Isolated and untouched beauty it is.

approaching the naked island

paradise beach #1 in Siargao

donnie and I enjoying the island all by ourselves

we're so tempted to swim but there isn't a place to change clothes

the blogger in action

Dako Island
This beach made me confused, it's so beautiful that I surely had to re-arrange my rankings for the best beaches in the Philippines.

crystal clear water
so you sailed away.. sume-senti! ^_^

fine and white sand

paradise beach #2 in Siargao

Donnie and I were both so delighted that we immediately changed to our swim outfits. But first, pictorial of course. There are no other tourists but us!

coconut trees = instant coconut juice

my much wanted shaded area

every color, every hue..

We didn't bother to have our lunch as we're more excited to dip into the water.

Dako Island, one of the finest beaches I've been to

patong-patong na sunburn, and i dont care!

and Im wearing this swimsuit again, yay!
i need to exercise, bochog pa din ng tiyan ko. ^_^

This beach currently ranks 4th in my top beaches list. I will create a separate blog entry for that, soon!


Guyam Island
The favorite island for overnight trips. Many locals say this is their favorite. As for Donnie and I, our hearts still belong to Dako Island.

crystal clear water of Guyam Island

huts and open-cottages are available for the overnight stay

paradise beach #3 in Siargao

We had our lunch here and soaked again into the water.
This island hopping activity in Siargao made me more overwhelmed how beautiful the Philippines is. Agree?


Cloud 9
Donnie and I transferred to Cloud 9, the world class surfing spot in the Philippines. We saw more foreigners in this area more than Pinoy tourists. Places like these make me feel proud that tourists all over the world hassle themselves just to reach this little place. Cloud 9 must be really good. And indeed, it was.

almost sunset time

the famous boardwalk at Cloud 9

We were kinda surprised that spectators need to walk in this boardwalk to watch the surfers do some tricks. Ang layo! Here in Luzon surfing spots, the waves, swell, and break points are just some meters away from the shore. Oh well, the newbie in me was just surprised.

the boardwalk and the viewing area

the 9-shaped waves are the playground of these dare devil surfers

Since it was already dark, Donnie and I decided to take our surfing lessons on the next morning. For that night, we stayed at Point 303, one of the cheap yet decent accommodations in Cloud 9 area. The spacious fan room with ensuite bathroom costs us P750. Not bad. For sure there are other cheaper accommodations around, pero tinatamad na kami maghanap ng iba. Toinks!

the morning after, surfing time!

Surfing lessons costs P500/hour, inclusive of the boat rental. It's a bit pricier compared to the lessons in Baler and La Union. With all due respect, I like it more how the surf teachers in Luzon give instructions to newbies.

the rocky shore
the seabed is full of stones as well. ang sakit sa katawan pag hulog sa board.

Despite these, we can't leave Siargao without trying to surf. So here goes.

Donnie's first time ever to surf, woohoo!

And as expected, he got to stand up on his very first try.

donnie: "ito na ba yung tinatawag nilang surfing?"

After he got tired, it's now my turn. Kaloka si kuya instructor, basta ka nalang itutulak ng walang warning man lang. Hehe

surfing in Siargao
super zoom lens needed to take a good shot

Since there are designated surfing areas for newbies and pros, I didn't really feel the waves that form the shape 9. The spot for newbies are not challenging at all. Boring siya. And I hate the rocks in the sea bed. Ang sakit sa paa. With all due respect, I liked Baler more. I struggled for my life everytime I surf. Haha


Overall, it was overwhelming to finally reach Siargao and see the paradise beaches and surf in the world famous Cloud 9. Thanks to Nathalie of My Wandering Soles for assisting us all throughout. See you in Manila, i-tour kita sa 168 Mall and Tutuban. ^_^

up next: Bucas Grande and the stingless jellyfish lake