If you are looking for a perfect place for soul searching, reflection, or simply, a quick getaway from the busy life in the metro, the Caleruega Church in Nasugbu, Batangas should be on top of your list.
Over the years, the Caleruega Church has become a wedding venue of choice, given its picturesque surrounding. However, people flock into this place not only to attend weddings and masses but also to see the beauty that this modest church possesses. Apart from being a popular wedding venue, it is also a retreat sanctuary; a peaceful and serene one.
Here are some of the exciting spots inside the compound of Caleruega Church:
The Transfiguration Chapel
The main attraction inside the compound, the quaint chapel perched at the peak can only fit 150 people at a time. From this point, one can see a beautiful view of Mt. Batulao and the countryside.
The Hanging Bridge
Perhaps, one of the most IG-worthy spots inside Caleruega, the Hanging Bridge leads to the Tent Chapel of Transfiguration, which is, actually, at the farthest end of the entire property.
The Viewing Decks
Are you tired from walking around? Stay and take a rest from the viewing decks and see the stunning sight of the sun setting between the peaks of Mt. Batulao.
Koi Pond and Walkways
Just by walking around the compound, you will be able to pass by other ‘IG-worthy’ spots inside the Caleruega Church compound, just like the Koi Pond.
How to get to Caleruega Church
If you are coming from Manila, you can take a bus bound for Nasugbu. Advice the conductor that you are going to Caleruega so the driver can drop you off at Hillcrest Golf Course – the jump-off point to the Church. From there, tricycles are available to take you to the compound.
If riding a private car, you can either take South Luzon Expressway or Aguinaldo Highway to get to Caleruega. Both routes will take you to the ‘Welcome to the Nasugbu’ arch. Drive past the arch until you reach KC Hillcrest Golf Course.
Nestled inside a busy metropolis—a refreshing breather from the hustle and bustle of the city. Intramuros has been an important place in the Philippine history; the seat of power during the Spanish era. Until now, evidence of the Spanish conquest is still evident in every brick and stone that made up the entire Walled City.
To say that Intramuros is such as interesting place is an understatement. On the surface, there is the wall still standing, just like the other Spanish structure that has withstood the test of time. But one has to really enter Intramuros to really see its soul and the history of the Filipino written within its veins.
There are plenty of interesting places within Intramuros. Depending on a person’s preference, there are various museums, churches, and historical places within the Walled City.
Churches
San Agustin Church
Built in 1587, the church is now considered to be as the oldest building in Manila having survived World War II.
Manila Cathedral
Originally a parish church, the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was built in 1571. It has suffered damages from earthquake before suffering from the World War II.
The newest museum in town, the Museo de Intramuros was officially opened last May 2, 2019. It houses the period art collections of the Intramuros Administration which includes ecclesiastical art, furniture, vestments, textiles, and other artifacts.
NCCA Gallery
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts houses temporary exhibits that runs for a month or so. This museum is open daily and admission is free of charge.
Casa Manila
A museum which was originally a fully-furnished house, the Casa Mnaiala shows the typical Filipino life during the colonial period. Every corner of the museum is Instagram-worthy, though, picture taking is not allowed.
San Agustin Museum
Housing several art pieces, the museum also features a gallery of recreated pharmacy pots from a 16th century drug store where the friars get their medicines. It is also the home of the Library of San Agustin Convent filled with thousands of books from 1522 onwards. However, the library is closed-off with glass and one can only stare at this marvelous book collection.
Newly Restored San Agustin Church Museum Intramuros, San Agustin Church (Manila) Immaculate Conception Parish Church of San Agustin and Shrine of Our Lady of Consolacion y Correa: Judgefloro [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
Historical sites and fortresses
Fort Santiago
The Fort Santiago has several points of interest inside so it is recommended to at least reserve a day to really explore the place. It is the oldest Spanish stone fortresses in the country. This is also where you can find the Rizal Shrine and the Rizaliana Furniture Exhibit.
Baluarte de San Diego
Climbing the stairs and looking at the circular structure of Baluarte de San Diego will take you back in time and will give the legit Spanish-era feels. It’s a nice chilling spot in Intramuros.
Palacio del Gobernador
It used to be the residence of the Spanish Governor-General. Currently, the structure is still a seat for public office as it houses several government agencies.
Coron is among the Philippines’ most beautiful islands that have captivated the world’s attention. Its pristine white beaches, aquamarine lakes, and limestone hills have been attracting tourists to this side of the world.
Coron belongs to the magnificent Calamianes or Calamian Group of Islands located in North Palawan. It is the region’s central tourism hub and the usual jump-off point going to the other destinations in the area.
Locally, Coron is called as ‘Calis.’ The entire island and the surrounding fishing areas are the ancestral domains of the Tagbanua, the indigenous tribe which also happens to be the ancestors of the oldest people in the Philippines.
On the surface, Coron Island has high rocky formations made from Permian limestones which date back to the Jurassic period. There are 11 lakes in the islands which are uninhabited despite frequent visitors, preserving the clarity of the water.
Another interesting fact about Coron Island is that it used to be a site for sea battles during World War 2. As such, shipwrecks abound in the area, attracting divers and tourists alike.
How to get to Coron?
There are two ways to reach the island—by riding an airplane or by riding a ferry.
Plane travel will bring you to Busuanga Airport which is less than an hour away from Coron town proper. There are several flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark going to Busuanga Airport. If coming from outside the Philippines, you may need to book a flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Clark International Airport, or Mactan Cebu International Airport and from there, take another trip going to Busuanga Airport. Travel time usually takes an hour to an hour and a half.
From Busuanga Airport, there are vans or shuttle vehicles that will bring you to your hotel for around 30 to 40 minutes.
There is also an option to travel by sea, for those who do not mind long travel time and would love a little sea adventure. You may want to visit Puerto Princesa, another precious tourist destination in Palawan, first and from there, take a ferry that will take you to Coron Island. The ship leaves at midnight and arrives on the island at 3:00 p.m. on the following day.
If you are coming from El Nido, another one of the Palawan gems, you may take a fast craft going to Coron Islands. Travel time is four hours.
How to get around Coron Island?
Tricycles are available in downtown Coron to take you places. Motorcycles are also available for rent.
What is there do in Coron?
Island hopping is one of the most popular tourist activities in Coron. If you are interested, several travel agencies offer Coron Island tour which may be customized for a private tour, depending on your preference. There are also joiner tours which have different sets of destinations. So, what is the best tour in Coron?
Tara Lets Anywhere listed the following sets of island hopping joiner tours:
Coron Island Tour (A)
Las Islas de Coral
CYC Beach
Atwayan/Sunset Beach
Quin Reef,
Green Lagoon
Kayangan Lake
Coron Island Tour (B)
Barracuda Lake
Smith Beach
Skeleton Wreck
Reef Garden
Twin Lagoon
Island Escapade (C)
Bulog Dos Island
Banana Island
Malcapuya Island
Reefs and Wrecks (D)
East Tangat
Pass Island
Coral Garden
Lusong Gunboat
Coron Island Ultimate Tour
Siete Pecados
Kayangan Lake
Twin Lagoon
Smith Beach
Skeleton Wreck
Las Islas de Coral
CYC Beach
Prices for joiners tours usually cover lunch, entrance, and miscellaneous fees. Though there are tour packages that already include accommodations and tours, it is recommended for a solo traveler or those who travel in pair to get separate accommodation and tours. It is way more affordable as compared to an all-in package.
What is there to do in Coron aside from island hopping?
If island hopping is not your thing, Coron has a lot of other activities in store that will keep you coming back. Take note that all these activities cannot be done in just 2-3 days of staying on the island. You will probably need a week or so to enjoy what Coron Island has to offer truly.
1. Trek to Tapyas
A 10- to 15-minute hike to the highest viewpoint on the island will give you a beautiful view of the island. It will take you around 740 steps to get to the summit, but a great look at the top rewards the hard work. You will also get to see a Hollywood-style ‘CORON’ standing on a hill below a giant cross which gets lighted at night.
2. Enjoy a dip at Maquinit Hot Springs
After tiring yourself out from the various activities on the island, you need to soothe those aching muscles and recharge yourself for another round of island adventure. Take a tricycle from Coron town and go to Maquinit Hot Spring. The ride will only take 20 minutes. It is best to enjoy the spring oasis during sunset as the sky is beautiful blushing in deep pinks and purples.
3. Take a picture with the Kayangan Lake at the background
Take that Instagram-worthy picture with the cleanest lake in the Philippines—the Kayangan Lake. To get the best spot, you may need to climb to a high cliff where the trees frame the view of the lake, with an island at the center. If you are lucky, you might be able to capture boats sailing the clear, blue water of the lake.
4. Explore the shipwrecks
What makes Coron a unique tourist destination is the wreck diving spots on the island. The channel running between the islands of Busuanga and Culion hosts an impressive array of Japanese shipwrecks found as shallow as 10-30 feet or as deep as 60-80 feet.
5. Go on a gastronomic adventure
If you are not the adventurous type but on a continuing search for the palate satisfaction, then you should be off to a food trip, and Coron also has something for you. Please do not underestimate this small town, as it has a wide selection of restaurant serving international cuisine. You might also want to check out the Glittering Fireflies Night Tour which will take you to the largest mangrove forest in Coron town and serves buffet dinner, at the same time.
6. Bike your way around Coron town proper
There are mountain bikes available for rent in Coron, aside from the motorcycles, if you want to explore land-based attractions on the island. You may also ride your way going to Maquinit Hot Springs or go to the public market, souvenir shops, and other exciting places.
7. Go on a safari adventure in Calauit
Calauit Island is uninhabited, but its Safari Park is home to different exotic animals. Located on a small island at the tip of Busuanga Island, giraffes and zebras can freely roam around this island and graze on its green grass.
8. Explore Culion Island
Once known as the world’s largest leper colony, Culion Island is home to the La Inmaculada Concepcion Church built on the 17th century. It is also the location of the Culion Museum and Archive and the remains of Fort Culion. Though the island has been isolated for over a century, the World Health Organization declared the island leprosy-free in 2006.
This list is not, in any way, exhaustive as there are a lot more activities that you can do while in Coron. To fully enjoy what Palawan, the Philippines’ last frontier, has to offer, one probably needs to spend a month exploring the natural beauty of this island, especially that of Coron.
Through the years and through the throngs of local and foreign tourists coming in for an adventure, the mountain town of Sagada was able to preserve its rich indigenous culture and traditions.
Located almost 5,000 feet high between the mountain ranges of Cordillera and Ilocos, this town is home to Kankanaeys, one of the six ethnolinguistic groups of Igorot from the Cordillera Administrative Region. Even in the old times, the Spanish influence was not able to change Sagada and its people.
It is not hard to fall in love with this place. Its lush, green surrounding, pine-scented cool mountain air, and scenic surroundings will make you forget about other concerns bothering you once you set foot in this place.
Sagada is a small town and people going for long walks are a familiar sight. Who wouldn’t love waking up to tranquil, cool, mornings covered by shrouded mist.
Sagada is not your usual Philippine tourist destination, as the country is known to the world for its tropical beaches like Boracay, ultimate surfing destination like Siargao, and white, powdery sandbars like that of Kalanggaman Island. This only goes to show that the Philippines is tourism haven rich with natural wonders. The mountain-town is a cradle of age-old culture and tradition unique to its people.
The people of Sagada thrive on agriculture but the continuous boom in tourism has led a number of residents and property-owners to rework their homes into inns, hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
How do I get from Manila to Sagada?
Sagada is not the easiest place to go to as one will have to pass zigzag mountain roads.
Most tourists going to Sagada would usually make Metro Manila as their main point of travel. From the country’s capital, there are several bus terminals that caters to people going to Sagada.
There are no nearby airports in Sagada and the only way to get there is through land travel.
Coda Lines is a bus company that offers direct trips from Manila to Sagada and vice versa. The bus terminal is located in Cubao, Quezon City
However, if you are planning to make a side trip before proceeding to Sagada, there are other options, as well. You may take a bus from Manila to Baguio and one of the bus companies that offers this trip is Victory Liner, which has terminals in Cubao, Pasay, and Caloocan City.
How do I get from Baguio to Sagada?
Once in Baguio, you have to proceed to Dangwa Station to catch a GL Trans bus that will bring you to Sagada. These buses are just the basic ones with no air-conditioning. The travel time from Baguio to Sagada is almost as long as the travel time from Manila to Baguio.
Meanwhile, Banaue has a lot of scenic spots of its own so you might want to drop by here first, before making your way to Sagada. Take a bus from Manila to Banaue. The terminals of the bus companies that offers trips to Banaue are usually found in Sampaloc, Manila.
Once you are in Banaue, you have three options to go to Sagada. First, is by taking a van to Bontoc and then riding a jeep going to Sagada. The second option is to take a van that will take you directly to Sagada. Or, if you are coming in group, you can hire an entire jeep that will take you straight to Sagada.
If you are coming from Vigan, Ilocos Sur, you can take a bus that is bound for Manila. Inform the conductor that you intend to go Sagada so the bus will drop you off at Bitalag UV Express van terminal. From there, you will have to take a passenger van going to Cervantes. Once there, you have to transfer to another van going to Bontoc.
In Bontoc, you have to take another van that will take you to Sagada
The months of November to February is the best time to visit Sagada, as the weather is cool and dry. Expect a large crowd if you intend to visit in December or during the months of March and April.
Furthermore, the months of May to July are the warmest months in Sagada and there is a possibility of rain, as the rainy season in the Philippines starts on June to October. During this season, there are threats of landslides and you might not be able to enjoy some of the activities, especially that Sumaguing Cave can have high water levels when it rains in Sagada.
Sumaguing Cave
How many hours does it take to reach Sagada?
Normally, a trip from Manila to Sagada would take around 11 to 13 hours, depending on the route that you would like to take. Do prepare yourself for a bumpy ride and long, stretch of bus rides. The journey is rewarding, though, as you get to be treated to fine sceneries along the way.
What should I bring to Sagada adventure?
Sagada is a backpackers’ paradise. Having said so, it means that you would have to bring along more supplies than you would normally bring in a regular trip.
First off, you need a sturdy and roomy backpack. Exploring Sagada meant a lot of walking, trekking, and hiking. You would save energy if you do not have a lot of things on your hands. But don’t bring a very large one—just the right size that would fit all your travel essentials.
Also bring a small backpack, a drawstring bag, or a knapsack, as you will need a smaller bag to put your essentials such as your camera, mobile phone, water bottle, some towels, and food as you embark on your Sagada adventure.
Remember to wear a trustworthy footwear—preferably, a trekking sandal. This will keep your feet safe and protected while you are doing all the walking, the hiking, and the trekking. Though it is ok to wear a rubber shoes, you have to remember that there will be wet areas that you need to pass through and you wouldn’t want to get your rubber shoes wet.
Just bring enough clothes. There will never be an ultra-glamorous to attend to, anyway. You only need a few pieces of upper, lower, and undergarments. You may wash those that you have worn during the day and wear it again on the next days. Nobody will notice or, even, care if you are wearing the same shirt in a row because you will be wearing sweater all along.
Important items to bring are those clothes made from water-repellant materials or those rash guards because they get dry easily.
There are no fancy hotels in Sagada, only inns and small hotels. Do not expect them to provide you with toiletries so just bring your own towels, soap, shampoo, conditioners, alcohol, insect repellant, sunblock or sunscreen, tissues, or wet wipes. You can also buy these supplies from the stores around the area and support the local economy.
Bring a sarong, as well, if you have one. This accessory is so efficient that you can use it as blanket, head and body cover, and a towel.
Stock up on cash as almost all establishments in Sagada only accepts cash. There is an ATM in the town but it is hard to depend on it, especially that it might ran out of cash or go offline.
You may also want to bring a small travel pillow for that long bus rides.
What are the activities to do in Sagada?
The Facebook Page of Sagada Tourism shared this list of things to do in Sagada, together with the corresponding fees and the duration of each activities. Prices indicated in the list may change without prior notice so it is best to inquire directly on their page to make sure.
Once you set foot in Sagada, the first that you need to do is to register at the Tourism Office. It is also here where tours shall be booked. Please remember not to go to Sumaguing Cave without a guide and without registering first to the Tourism Office.
Last word of caution; the curfew time at Sagada is at 10:00 PM. Most establishments closed down at 9:30 PM. Do not go anywhere far from your hotel or accommodation as the night gets deeper, as there are no streetlights in Sagada. If you will be joining a tour to Kiltepan Peak to watch the sunrise, a van will pick you up at 4:30 AM.
Finally, please take your litters with you and refrain from using single use plastics. Let us all do our share in preserving the beauty of all the naturals wonders and tourist destinations in our country. After all, this is our country and we should take care of it.
The island of Boracay is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Philippines. Apart from its beaches with fine sand, the island also known for its nightlife. Though swimming at the beach is not allowed at night, there is still the presence of the thick crowd of people starting at sundown. It’s as if the island never sleeps.
Catering to this packed crowd of local and foreign tourist are different commercial establishments, offering the best of the island. However, as commerce and tourism boomed in the island, the island slowly deteriorated. An article from Inquirer.net stated that Boracay used to produce 70 tonnes of rubbish per day, also too the weak sewerage system and disposal systems.
Before the island gets destroyed, the Philippine government decided to shut it off from local and foreign tourist and rehabilitate it for six months starting April 2018. Nobody was allowed to enter the island, except its residents. Establishments inside the island also took this time to reconstruct and improve their structures and waste disposal systems.
The results of the rehabilitation were indeed, remarkable. When the island opened up to receive tourists again, things were never the same. Boracay has become a family-friendly beach destination—a far cry from its previous reputation as the ultimate party place.
The water has returned to its previous pristine, bright blue, state. The shoreline is still green, not because of algae, but because of the thick palm trees lining the beach. Only the sound of the lapping waves can be heard at night, and no more blaring party sounds from the speakers.
So, what’s new in Boracay after the makeover?
Though it is not the party goers’ paradise as it used to be, Boracay island is a tourist paradise, offering activities that guests can enjoy and, at the same time, environment-friendly. They are still exciting and exhilarating, guaranteed to make your visit to the island, ultimately, memorable.
The local government has also imposed stricter rules when it comes to tourists’ entries and activities. Only 19,000 tourists are allowed to stay on the island, at any given time, and only 6,405 tourists are allowed to enter the island per day. Furthermore, tourists need to have a hotel reservation before they can be allowed to enter Boracay.
Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, as well as dining and parties are not allowed on the beach and the beachfront. Parties are still permitted in Boracay, though, it must be held inside an establishment.
Sandcastles are regulated, fire dancing with kerosene lamps is not allowed, and casinos are banned.
How to get to Boracay islands?
One can travel to Boracay by plane, by ship, or by bus.
There are two airports of entry if you want to get to Boracay. Caticlan Airport is relatively closer to the island, but the fare is higher. From the airport, take a tricycle that will take you to Caticlan Jetty. Hop on a boat heading to Boracay’s Cagban Port. Once there, there are vans and motorcycles that you can ride to get to your hotel or resort.
Kalibo International Airport may be your option if you would like to take a glimpse of other places in Aklan besides Boracay. This option is cheaper but is longer and will require extra patience on your part. However, if you are all right with a one-and-a-half-hour bus ride, then you may take this option.
From the airport, there will be taxis and vans that can take you to Caticlan Jetty. You may want to check out if you can have a travel arrangement with your hotel or resort or you may prefer to book a reservation with those offering this service.
There are also ferries from Manila going to Caticlan or Dumaguit, near Kalibo. Travel time is 17 hours, however.
Air-conditioned buses also pass Caticlan from Batangas going to Cagayan de Oro.
When is the best time to visit Boracay?
The months of July-December are usually rainy. If you visit Boracay on these months, there will be fewer activities to do at the beach but there will be lesser number of tourist and the cost of accommodation, tours, and even fare might be lower, as well.
It is usually a dry season in the Philippines during the months of January to June. There are many tourists on the island during these times.
The country celebrates the holiday season on the months of December to April, and it is during these months when prices of accommodation, tours, and travel fares are at their highest.
Things to do in Boracay
There are still plenty of exciting activities to do in Boracay despite the implementation of specific strict rules. Tourists can always go Paraw sailing, kite surfing, island hopping, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Guests also enjoy other activities such as horseback riding, ATV adventure, walking along the beach, and watching the sunrise and sunset.
You may also try helicopter beach tour, mermaid lessons, riding a banana boat, and stand up paddling.
How about food in Boracay?
From all these activities, you would surely go hungry. There is a fascinating food culture thriving in Boracay, and you should not miss that. If you are craving for a particular type of cuisine, you will surely find a restaurant that specializes in such. The island boasts of international gastronomic experience with its food spots offering Mexican, Hawaiian, American, Japanese, Korean, and Italian cuisine, among others.
The website, MyBoracayGuide, listed every restaurant on the island which you may find in this link
Places to visit in Boracay
Maximize your island experience by visiting the nearby beaches. The main Boracay attraction, the White Beach, may get crowded at times but fret not as there are equally beautiful beaches around the area.
Puka Beach
Found in the northern part of Boracay, boats dock here during lunchtime, so it does get busy during this time. There are bars and restaurants in the area, as well as a market that offers affordable meals. The Carabao Island, another great spot in Boracay, is visible from the Puka Beach.
Bulabog Beach
This is the best spot for watching the sunrise. It is windy on this beach, so water sports usually are done in this area. If you want to spend a quiet time alone in Bulabog Beach, you will have that chance during sunset, as the view is best seen at the White Beach and people go there at that time.
Diniwid Beach
There are only several resorts in Diniwid Beach so this is also a perfect spot if you do not like the crowded beach. Only a few boats go to this beach so you will enjoy the sun, the sea, and the sand by yourself if you visit Diniwid Beach.
Ilig-Iligan Beach
Another less frequented beach which is only 1.5 kilometers away from the Puka Beach. It has quiet, blue water that is perfect for snorkeling.
Tambisaan Beach
Another excellent spot for snorkeling, the Tambisaan Beach is 30 minutes away from Cagban Port. However, it will only take around 10 minutes if coming from Cagban, riding a motorcycle.
Things to remember when in Boracay
There are ATM on the island located around D’Mall, Budget Mart, and along the main road. However, they only refilled with cash once a day so if one machine runs out with money, it will not be available until the next day.
Different establishments accept credit card, though, but make sure that the restaurant, hotel, or just any places that you are getting in to do so.
Foreign currency can be converted into Philippine peso, and there are establishments around offering such service. Be informed, though, that exchange rate may vary, from one place to another.
Souvenir shops abound in the area, and you will surely find an item to bring home to your loved ones.
For a small island, a day or two is not enough to enjoy to the fullest what Siargao has to offer. Moreover, even after staying for more than a week, tourists who have set foot on this island are left craving for more. It’s like one can never get enough of the charm of this place, and it will call you back to its shore, no matter where you are in this world.
Situated 800 kilometers southeast of the Manila, Philippines, Siargao is a small island covering a stretch of 437 kilometers. It forms part of Surigao del Norte, located at the Northeastern coast of Mindanao. Siargao is composed of 48 islands and islets and divided into nine municipalities of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen. Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro.
Shaped like a teardrop, Siargao island lies close to the deepest point of the Philippine Trench.
Known as the ‘Surfing Capital of the Philippines,’ Siargao has excellent surfing conditions that create the best waves that attract surfers from all over the world. It is also on this island that the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao can be found. Hiding beneath the clear waters is a massive coral and rock reef and a white sand bar. Above water, the island is covered with palm trees.
Siargao enjoys attention from world for having the best waves for surfing; there are also other things that can be done on the island that does involve waves.
Though it is among the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, for its local people, Siargao is still their modest and straightforward hometown. The Poor Traveler notes the striking contrast between the ways of the wide-eyed tourists exploring the islands with that of the simple, uncomplicated lifestyle of its local people.
If you are that person seeking for a break in the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, you will find a perfect place here in Siargao where you can enjoy perfect white beaches, alluring lagoons, and its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Time passes by oh so quickly, as one can spend a day lying on the beach and watch the sunrise in the morning until it sets down for a nightcap.
Getting into the island used to be difficult but as Siargao gains popularity, it is now easier to reach this southern island-paradise. Roads are also improved; thus, traveling inside the island is far more convenient and efficient.
One can reach Siargao by riding an airplane or a ferry.
Hop on an airplane that will bring you to Sayak Airport in Barangay Del Carmen, Siargao from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila or the Clark International Airport in Pampanga. The plane ride will take about two hours. There are also direct flights to Siargao from Cebu and Davao.
From the airport, you may ride a tricycle to go to General Luna, the part of Siargao where most accommodations are located.
If you are coming from Surigao City, you may take a four-hour ferry ride to Dapa Port in Siargao. From the port, it will take 30 minutes to reach General Luna by tricycle.
If you are visiting Cebu City before making your way into Siargao, you need to take an overnight ferry ride to Surigao City. Once there, you may take a fast craft that will take you to Siargao.
The waves are strong in Siargao all year-round, so if you are visiting the islands for its world-renowned waves, you will not worry about missing the best days for surfing. However, the ‘Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, a surfing competition recognized by World Surf League Pro, usually takes place during the months of September and October. You may take note of this schedule and adjust your travel dates according to your preferences.
If you want to witness the competition and loves an energetic crowd, these months might be the best time for you to come over. However, if you wish to the sea for yourself, you better avoid these months.
However, if you would like to try other non-surfing activities in Siargao, then the best time for you to travel to the island is between the months of March to November.
What are the best places to visit in Siargao?
If you are here to surf, the best places that you may want to check out are the surf breaks spots. No matter how experienced you are when it comes to surfing, there is a surf break for you.
Cloud 9 is the most famous surf break on Siargao. According to Siargao.surf, it is a perfect barreling right-hand reef break. Though it is a relatively short wave, it barrels nearly the whole way but breaks on a very shallow reef, thus, it is only recommended for advanced surfers only.
However, fret not, if you a beginner in surfing, Siargao has a place for you. The Jacking Horse has the most beginner-friendly wave on the island. However, the area can get crowded because of several people taking surf lessons. Guyan, or the Secret Beach, is also an excellent spot for beginners for its small rolling waves.
Surfsiargao.com listed down and categorized other surf spots in the island, according to the level of surfer’s experience.
Beginner-Intermediate:
Daku
Intermediate:
Salvacion
Bumee
Cemetary
Intermediate-Advanced:
Stimpy’s
Tuason
Upper Intermediate-Advanced:
Rock Island
Advanced:
Quicksilver
Pacifico
Cloud 9 Surfing Area, General Luna, Philippines: Photo by Joel Vodell on Unsplash
Please note that this is just a guide. It is still best to ask the locals for the best spot for you during the time of your visit to the island.
If you are not into surfing, you may go island hopping instead. Organized packaged tours will take you to Guyam, Daku, Naked Island, Sugba Lagoon, Kawhagan Sand Bar, Pamomoan Beach. Other tours also include Sohoton Natural Park in their itinerary. Do note, however, that prices for these tours vary depending on the places you prefer to visit.
Other beautiful spots in Siargao includes Magupungko Beach, Taktak Falls, Alegria Beach, Santa Monica Port, Maasin Bridge, Tojoman Lagoon or the Jellyfish Sanctuary, and Malinao Beach, among others.
On the other hand, if you are in for a gastronomic adventure, the General Luna area abounds with restaurants, cafés, bars, eateries, and carinderias. You will surely find what your taste buds are craving for.
Be ready as the sun sets on the horizon, as the Siargao nightlife starts to come alive. Party with other travelers and taste Siargao’s very own draft beer, the General Luna Pale Ale.
Other important stuff about visiting Siargao
You may rent a tricycle or a van to go around the island. For the more adventurous types, renting a habal-habal or a motorcycle is a must. If you are the active type, riding a bicycle will take you places around Siargao.
Though there are plenty of places to eat, some of them are only open during meal hours. So, if you want to taste the Siargao cuisine, take your meals on time.
You can also read many travel guides so you can plan your Siargao trip well. However, nothing beats asking for recommendations from the locals, as they knew the ins and outs of their hometown. They are very gentle and friendly people. Surely, you will learn a thing or two by speaking to them.
The internet is accessible in Siargao, though it might be weak at times. There are ATM around the island, but it is still best to have some cash with you before hitting the island. Some hotels accept credit card, however.
Everything you need to know before traveling to Siargao Islands.
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