3 minute read
Siargao: Perfect waves and a few little secrets
The best time to go to Siargao is now. September to November serve up the perfect Cloud 9 peak, one of the world's top 10 waves.
And if you're not big into surfing, it still is paradise, home to stunning powder white-sand beaches, stuff holiday brochures and Instagram posts are made of.
September starts all the buzz, when world-class surfers descend on the island. The Siargao International Surfing Cup which attracts competitors from all over the world is usually held sometime September-October. (Follow @officialUPSA on Facebook or visit www. worldsurfleague.com).
The island of Siargao is about 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. The island’s Pacific-facing reefs are on the edge of the Philippine Trench, and deep offshore waters result in swells of significant power, particularly during the southwest monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore. There are surf breaks for all levels. From the airport, head to General Luna where the beaches are. Beginners take to Jacking Horse, while the seasoned ones enjoy Cloud 9, ranked as one of the top 10 waves in the world.
WHERE ELSE TO GO TO ENJOY SIARGAO
Our insider guide, blogger and photographer Jackson Groves (@Jackson.Groves), spent a month in Siargao exploring the island and its attractions. “While the island is known as a surfing hotspot,” Groves said, “there are so many things to do in Siargao that don’t involve the waves.”
"MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOLS is easily my favorite tourist spot in Siargao. Just a 45-minute moped drive from the main tourist area of General Luna, the rock pools are exposed at low tide and are an awesome spot for hours of exploring and cliff jumping. This is an epic little area, with coves, caves, and cliff jumping spots aplenty. Make sure you check the tides in advance, so that you don’t arrive during high tide.
"SUGBA LAGOON is also one of the most popular places to go in Siargao. It’s a short day trip from General Luna to a spectacular lagoon surrounded by epic mountains. Rent a big wood raft, get on SUP boards, dive, swim and relaxing in the café."
SIARGAO ISLAND HOPPING: GUYAM, DAKU AND NAKED ISLANDS
For virgin white-sand beaches and stunning sandbars to spend the day on, take a boat from General Luna for stops at Guyam Island, Daku Island, and Naked Island.
For more on the top things to do in Siargao, click on https://issuu.com/dorniermedia/docs/inflight_trvlr_issue_27?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ
Insider tips and photos by Jackson Groves, @Jackson.Groves
