Step onto a relaxed island covered by a mangrove canopy and enclosed by a ring of beautiful white sand and a striking azure sea in Siargao.
Checking out hot tourist destinations, such as Manila, Cebu, and Boracay, in the Philippines is a must for any holidaymaker. But those who step off the beaten path to discover something out of the ordinary will not be disappointed.
One prime example of the depth of options available to visitors of the Philippines is the island of Siargao. Found southeast of Tacloban, the tear-drop-shaped island is covered completely by a mangrove canopy, enclosed by a ring of beautiful white sand, and lapped by the striking azure of the Philippine Sea.
Swell Idea
Its waters first brought attention to Siargao Island in the 80s when adventurous surfers sought undiscovered, wave-filled coastlines to escape the crowded surf scene in Bali. Siargao Island features a right-breaking reef — now known as Cloud 9 due to its consistently high-quality waves — that has kept the surfers coming back ever since.
Throughout the 80s, the island’s popularity grew until it became almost a pilgrimage for board riders and adventure travelers alike. Before long, the rest of the world began to take notice of the island, too, thanks to the natural beauty of the jungles, divine lagoons, and quiet coves and beaches.
Since then, the island’s reputation as a Southeast Asian paradise has blossomed and evolved. The network of value-for-money, surfer-friendly accommodations has been replaced by some of the finest hotels in the region. And tourists will love the exciting range of bars, restaurants and attractions in the thriving towns of General Luna and Catangan.
If you follow your nose further afield from the busy population centers, you will find less touristy spots to astound your senses and ignite your imagination.
Island Hopping
Siargao Island is also a wonderful base for exploring the neighboring beaches of Guyam Island, Daku Island, and Naked Island.
Hopping between the three islands reveals the delicate beauty of tiny Guyam, the very picture of a Crusoe-esque castaway island, and Daku, where you can opt for sunbathing on the beach, trekking into the jungle, or adrenaline-pumping watersports.
Naked Island, however, is even more unique. Devoid of rocks, trees, and wildlife, the small island is nothing but white sand; making it easy to see how the place got its name. The islet has also become a popular backdrop for Instagrammers, who take inspiration from the island’s name and pose for photos au natural.
Siargao Island is one of the most inviting in the region. Once you step foot on its shores to absorb its relaxed atmosphere and drink in its unending vistas, you’ll know why it’s becoming one of the top destinations in the Philippines, and you won’t want to be anywhere else.
WEBSITE: PHILIPPINES.TRAVEL
Article sponsored by Philippines Tourism.
Hero Image Credit: Oneinchpunch/CanvaAll photos courtesy of Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.