Philippines: Siargao, surf and fun...and more fun

Coron, 11º59'55''N 120º12'10''E

Llegar a Siargao ( una isla al norte de Mindanao) fue una odisea que repetiré tan pronto como pueda. Horas de espera, 3h sentada en el pasillo de un bus para llegar a Cebu, 14 horas en un barco en literas con el viento de cara (no es necesario contar el resto)...4 horas esperando en Surigao y otro barco de 3 horas a Siargao y 30 minutos en moto (habal habal) con la mochila a cuestas (hay vuelos directos desde Cebu pero no habia disponibilidad, cuesta encontrarlos). Tras unas 27h viajando llegue a Paglaom, mi hostel por los proximos 5 dias.

Mi experiencia en Siargao se reduce a surf, fiesta, lluvia, moto, charcos, musica, karaoke, chocomuchos, pan de coco, diversión...todo rodeada de la mejor compañia. En el hostel la atmosfera hace que se creen grupos y siempre habia algo que hacer: yoga nada mas llegar, cena comun donde intente hacer tortilla, excursiones, jam sessions con españoles dejando el liston muuuy alto, Jungle night (tattoo), surf en Secret spot, rock pools...No tengo duda de que volvere, me ha quedado mucho por hacer, y mucho de lo que tenia pensado, pero no importa, estos dias han sido de los mejores de mi viaje! Gracias, Amanda, Linn, Erin, a los dos Erics, Magda, Michael, Sam, Phillip, Amber, Selena, Jo, Sunny...See you soon!

To get to Siargao ( an Island to the north of Mindanao) was an authentic odisey that I will repeat as soon as I have the chance. Waiting hours, 3 hours sitting on the bus aisle to get to Cebu, 14 hours in a bunk bed in a boat with the wind on my face (and that was the best of it), 4 hours waiting for another boat in Surigao and 3 hours ride to Siargao and 30 minutes in a motorbike with my backpack on (there are flights straight from Cebu but normally they are fully booked). After some 27 hours traveling I got to Paglaom hostel, my place for the next 5 days.

I can describe my stay in Siargao as, surf, party, rain, motorbike rides, puddles, music, karaoke, chocomucho, pan de coco, fun and more fun and all surrounded by the best people. The hostel atmosphere helps you to meet lots of fellow travelers and there is always a great plan ahead: yoga the minute I arrived, common diner where I tried to cook tortilla de patata, day trips, jam sessions with spanish guys with unbeliebable voices, jungle night  (tattoo), surf lessons at secret spot, rock pools...and many other things I had planned but didn't have time to do, so I know I'll be coming back. Those were one of the best days of my trip!

Thanks Amanda, Linn, Erin, both Erics, Magda, Michael, Sam, Phillip, Amber, Selena, Jo, Sunny....See you soon!

Tips:

Try to book in advance a flight from Cebu to Siargao. 

If not possible, Try to book a flight from Manila or Cebu to Surigao. Boats from Surigao to Siargao leave at 11.30 and 12, keep it in kind if you want to avoid having to spend the night in Surigao. On the way back there are boats at 5.30 and 10.30am. Prices are 220+ 10php (terminal fee).

Take a habal habal (moto taxi) to General Luna, home of the famous surf spot Cloud9, it will cost around 250php.

Paglaom hostel, 300php, shared room. Probably one of the best hostels I've ever stayed. Here is no hot water, you'll feel wet all the time (at least in rainy season), but it has an unbeatable vibe. You will meet people from minute 1 and have different plans all the time. The owners are the sweetest, and Amanda, that is work ing there will always try to help with everything you need. They have a nice kitchen so you can cook if you miss it! Board rental 350php/day; surf lesson 350php/h. 5 minutes motorbike ride to Cloud9. 30' to Secret Spot (begginers).

Jing's place, rent a surf board, have a meal or stay here.

Kermit's, it is a Guest house with an italian restaurant, great pizza and Apparently great Accomodation.

Mamá's, come here for diner: bbq, cheap and fun.

Buddha's, good burgers and live music.

Ocean 101, Accomodation and Restaurant in front of the beach. Nice sunset. While I was there one of the Guest was giving yoga lesons for free.

Fat lips, little surf shop. As weird as it might look, it was imposible to find a bikini (normal price) in the whole area!

Try pan de coco, 5php each.

Go to the boat pier and rent a boat to go to Daku and Naked Islands (i did not do it, because of the weather).

We visited Sugba lagoon in a day trip. I would have liked to go to Sohoton Cave, will have to be next time.

Remember that at the AirPort you will have to pay 100php( another fee).