I came to Siargao often- at least once in a month, not just because I am required to visit and do monitoring on our unit offices in this group of islands covered by Surigao del Norte. Siargao Islands not only completes my whole month's usual itinerary and work accomplishment, my frequent visits have beautiful and interesting stories to tell. "Kaya nakaka-excite magpabalik-balik!" The most memorable was the first time via RORO ship- “ramdam ang alon kahit malaki ang barko!Pa-welcome ba?”
But the first time was also the most unforgettable hindi lang dahil sa mahiwagang alon ng Siargao:) I was welcomed by awe-inspiring nature and simply beautiful environment and people. My rural development-related works became easy and light as I am breathing the freshest air while in the Island, my working environment is surrounded by GREEN, BLUE, and WHITE... Green tall trees, blue-clear sea, and pristine white-sand beaches! Riding in five- seater habal-habal is acceptable and exciting – I am always keyed up to know what to see along the highway of Pacifico and General Luna.
But the first time was also the most unforgettable hindi lang dahil sa mahiwagang alon ng Siargao:) I was welcomed by awe-inspiring nature and simply beautiful environment and people. My rural development-related works became easy and light as I am breathing the freshest air while in the Island, my working environment is surrounded by GREEN, BLUE, and WHITE... Green tall trees, blue-clear sea, and pristine white-sand beaches! Riding in five- seater habal-habal is acceptable and exciting – I am always keyed up to know what to see along the highway of Pacifico and General Luna.
My six months frequent visits are not enough to explore all the infamous and interesting places in this amazing island. I've never been to Magpupungko Beach (no. 1 in my bucket list) and see its fame MagpupungkoRock formations and naturally-crafted pool of turquoise sea water. Actually, nadaanan ko na pero walang oras dahil papasok pa, wrong timing - I'm doing program members' visit:) Kelan kaya...
Anyway, let's talk about my recent Island hopping hanggat hindi ko pa nararating ang Magpupungko. These three paradise islands shares equal fame- walang itulak-kabigin!
Anyway, let's talk about my recent Island hopping hanggat hindi ko pa nararating ang Magpupungko. These three paradise islands shares equal fame- walang itulak-kabigin!
Guyam|The First Island |
Island hopping in General Luna was planned months ago and I am not expecting something new since “naikot ko na nga ang buong Siargao Island. I joined the staffs’ outing just to jam and meet area’s new faces- tipong team building ba. Besides I have been already took photographs of these 3 Islands while in the boulevard area of General Luna. Yes I am aware of islands’ white sand beaches- tanaw na tanaw nga sa boulevard area. And what’s new? "Dami ko na napuntahan sa Visayas na ganyang Island pareho lang". But my expectation was totally WRONG! All I can say, Siargao never failed to amuse and surprise me with something new and extraordinaire beauty!
Guyam Island is our first destination| Its size is equal to four basketball courts. Surrounded by powdery, white-sand beach, coconut trees and a single cottage is located in the middle. The Island is privately owned, there is an entrance fee of 25 pesos per person. |
Guyam Island| literally powdery sands |
Daco/Daku| The Second Island |
more that 5 feet file of powdery white sand |
Jump shot! |
Naked/Pansukian| The Third Island |
In the Naked| For me this is the most interesting island among the three. Called naked as it looks "hubad or walang saplot" because there are no trees in the island only few bushes/grasses. |
5:30 pm at Naked Island |
Sunset View while leaving Naked Island |
HOW TO GET THERE
Airphil Express and Cebu pacific flies directly from Manila to Surigao City daily.
From Surigao City. Passenger Boats leaves Surigao Boulevard Port as early as 6:00 am(fare 250 pesos) ; Angel’s Fastcraft at 11:30pm (fare:250pesos plus 10pesos terminal fee) in Surigao Main Port; and Montenegro RORO vessel at 12:00 noon (fare: 144pesos plus terminal fee) in Surigao Main Port.
****ALL ARE BOUND TO DAPA PORT OF SIARGAO ISLAND.
There is also one passenger boat from Surigao Port going to the town of Del Carmen (other entry point to Siargao Island) which also leave early in the morning from Surigao Boulevard Port.
Cebu Pacific directly flies from Cebu to Siargao and if your from Manila take Manila-Cebu-Siargao connecting flight. Visit CebuPac's website www.cebupacificair.com for further details.
Habal-Habal(motorcycles for hire) and tricycles are the common inland transportation in the Island. From Siargao Airport(by plane)/ Dapa Port (by passenger boat/RORO/fastcraft) you can hire Habal-Habal or Tricycle that will bring you to town proper of General Luna. Go to the boulevard area or pantalan, motorized boats are on standby. Hiring a motorized boat ranges from 1000-1500 pesos. Don't hesitate to ask for "tawad" :) locals are accommodating!
Don't forget to bring baon/packed foods and water, there are no store in the three islands. And most of all check and charge your camera's battery, hindi nauubos ang subjet!
Latitude. 9.7386111°, Longitude. 126.1636111°
Latitude. 9.7386111°, Longitude. 126.1636111°
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