Siargao Islands

Text and images by Myla Arceno, MCSP - UK Good men are blessings indeed. My good husband, Joseph dragged me along from Cagayan de Oro City to Siargao- bus, car and boat. The Island is still recovering from the effects of Typhoon Odette last year but the nature’s beauty is always there. The nearby Dinagat Island which was also badly affected by Odette was one of my brother’s Medical mission project with his wonderful DOH colleagues. So this trip is special- it’s for you my brother toto Petboy ( RIP), our supposedly trip for next year, Joseph and I did it !

We stayed in General Luna for easy access of island hopping and where the surfing area is. The island hopping is a must when you are in Siargao - you have to see the Naked Island, where it’s literally naked but just a lump of white sand, changing in size and shape, depending if high or low tide, Daku ( big) island and Guyam island ( this island you can hire overnight, so you have the island to yourselves for a very reasonable price.

We had our fresh water boat paddle in Maasin River and a dip in cool water lagoon where the spring water come out from the roots of the trees - amazing indeed.
The people in Siargao are very protective of the environment, passionate about it and proud of this beautiful island . We used drinking straw made of rice and bamboo as no plastics allowed.
You have to take out your footwear when you go inside the shops and in some restaurants too. Dogs and cats are friendly. People and new friends we’ve met seems everywhere in the island - the same barista staff in the morning and we’ve seen them in the bar in the evening too as the establishments are helping out each other if they needed more manpower. Bayanihan in action !

Thank you for the many people and Countries who helped Siargao after typhoon Odette! We’ve got to enjoy it.

Make sure to spend a day to see some of the Inland places- Mangroves reserve , caves and other Lagoons. The famous Rock Island and lagoon was nowhere to be seen because it was high tide. Trip tips: Bring cash (pesos) with you as not all of establishments accept card payments. ATM is Euronet but costly which seasoned travelers will avoid. Island hopping can be booked online or via your resort, usually included with the yummy lunch. You can’t book directly from the boatmen. The tourism office has a fair system of booking the boats and everyone who travelled for the island hopping has to be recorded. You have to pay the boatmen directly; Joseph and I had the boat for ourselves and had a lunch stopover in Daku island.