Monday, October 26, 2015

SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte | Meet Cloud 9 And Yield To Its "Come-ons"


New place.
First encounter.
Two chances:
Either you meet yourself or be completely lost.



SIARGAO ISLAND |  Surigao del Norte

Siargao Island, elegantly floats in the province of Surigao, faces the Pacific Ocean and Philippine Deep, was first to be uncovered by a Spanish sailor named Bernardo de la Torreon in 1954 . The island, a sun-drenched beauty, oozing with character yet meek, is barricaded by rich forest and infinite sea of azure waters. Many people, combined tourists and locals, visit it either for surfing or just to get to experience a tremendous amount of escapade or both.
It is accessible via domestic flights from Manila and Cebu, but can also be reached via land and sea routes from connecting provinces – Tacloban, Cebu and Davao. The island, where efforts are being implemented to maintain its pine-carpeted forest, is blessed too with abundant oceanic wildlife. The climate, although falls on the tropical side during summer and just after the first few months of February, is classified as Type II; evident rainfalls are expected between the months of November up until the last week of January.

The sustainable livelihood on the island is particularly focused on fishing; adoption of organic farming is also celebrated, while many opportunities arise because of tourism. Several locals offer themselves as guides for city tours and island hopping, while majority of men work either as a boatman or motorcycle (habal-habal) driver. The island, in general, clothed in simplicity, not really extravagant, has tons of wonders to surprise anyone who dares to take a peek.



HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO


BY AIR

From Manila via Siargao

The easiest, most convenient and perhaps the priciest way on how to get to Siargao.
  1. Fly any domestic plane bound for Siargao; travel time is about an hour; fare depends on the availability and season.
  2. Once Siargao airport is reached, take a habal-habal or  an SUV to help you get to your desired accommodation. Travel time is 20 minutes; fare is approximately Php 250-300.

From Manila via Surigao
  1. Fly any domestic plane bound for Surigao; travel time is about an hour; fare depends on the availability and season.
  2. Once Surigao airport is reached, rent a habal-habal going to Lipata Port.
  3. From Lipata Port, ride a barge boat bound for Dapa Port Siargao; travel time is approximately 2 ½ hours; fare is Php 250.
  4. Once Siargao port is reached, take a habal-habal to help you get tour desired accommodation. A habal-habal ride from the port to General Luna costs Php 200.

From Manila via Tacloban

If you have enough time and wish to visit the neighboring towns, taking the Tacloban route isn’t that bad.
  1. Fly any domestic plane bound for Tacloban; travel time is about an hour; fare depends on the availability and season.
  2. Several SUV ‘s and motorcycle drivers would offer a private ride for Php 200-400 bound for the PUB terminal; you may grab the offer or choose the cheaper version – PUJ’s, which are dropping and loading passengers to and from the airport, offer a direct access bound for the terminal at Php 8 only.
  3. Ride a bus bound for Surigao; Philtranco offers trips at a scheduled time for PhP 330; plus Php 200 inclusive of an hour of sea journey  via ferry boat (San Ricardo Port - Surigao). The bus ride alone takes about 3 ½ hours.
  4. Once Surigao is reached, rent a habal-habal going to  Lipata Port; travel time is just 15 minutes; fare is about Php100.
  5. From Lipata Port, ride a barge boat bound for Dapa Port Siargao; travel time is approximately 2 ½ hours; fare is Php 250.
  6. Once Siargao port is reached, take a habal-habal to help you get tour desired accommodation. A habal-habal ride from the port to General Luna costs Php 200.

BY LAND

From Butuan
  1. Ride a bus bound for Surigao; travel time takes 2 hours; fare is around Php 200.
  2. Once Surigao is reached, rent a habal-habal going to  Lipata Port; travel time is just 15 minutes; fare is about Php100.
  3. From Lipata Port, ride a barge boat bound for Dapa Port Siargao; travel time is approximately 2 ½ hours; fare is Php 250.
  4. Once Siargao port is reached, take a habal-habal to help you get tour desired accommodation. A habal-habal ride from the port to General Luna costs Php 200.

From  Manila/QC


Philtranco Bus Company, situated in Pasay, offers trips bound for Tacloban, Surigao up to Davao. This is one great alternative route if you do not mind long hours of travel and would love to get a glimpse of several provinces as you traverse across the long trail of land and sea.
  1. Ride a bus bound for Davao; travel time takes approximately a day and a half; fare is approximately Php 1800.
  2. Get off in Surigao City and ride a habal-habal bound for Lipata Port ; travel time from takes 15  minutes; fare depends on your haggling skill but it is almost always a little less than a Php 100.
  3. From Lipata Port, ride a barge boat bound for Dapa Port Siargao; travel time is approximately 2 ½ hours; fare is Php 250.
  4. Once Siargao port is reached, take a habal-habal to help you get tour desired accommodation. A habal-habal ride from the port to General Luna costs Php 200.


Lipata Port at 5AM

San Ricardo Port to Lipata Port (Surigao)
4AM, 10AM OR 1PM, 4PM, 8PM

Lipata Port (Surigao) to San Ricardo Port
2AM, 8AM, 2PM, 6PM

Lipata Port to Dapa Port
6AM, 10:45AM and at noon.

Dapa Port (Siargao) to Lipata Port (Surigao)
9AM, 10 AM, 11AM, 11:30 AM and at noon.



STAY | Affordable Hostels


The availability of first class accommodation in Siargao Island is limited, but numerous affordable hostels and Inn’s cater the needs of the visitors. An average type of lodge; inclusive of a private toilet and bath, A/C room, either a twin bed or king-sized bed, usually costs at around Php 2500-3000. Transient houses and big rooms, normally charged at Php 3000 up, are suggested if you are travelling as groups. Solo travelers should not worry, for “Backpacker’s Inn’s and Hostels” are excessively scattered in the area.

PAGLAOM HOSTEL | General Luna, Surigao del Norte



Paglaom Hostel, a serene hideaway, offers visitors a special island experience. The affordability and its accessibility to the nearby restaurants, make it as one of the trendiest spots in Siargao. It is not beach-front, but you might find the isolation rewarding as it will save you from the overloaded Cloud 9. The hostel has brilliantly set up a cool semi-camp site in the island, providing interaction and fosters camaraderie amongst people of all walks of life. It is far from being glamorous, but you'd be delighted once you realized how people are flocked together in a crib, to do the the simplest yet the most awesome things in the world: to meet and greet, to cook together, to share stories and to amass priceless memories.

Mess Hall


Common Areas: Lockers, Shared T&B, Double Bed Bunks


Basic facilities are provided, which consists of: 4 toilet and bath, 2 sink/ wash areas, personal lockers, 2 huge open sleeping areas (double decks set-up), a mess hall that serves as "tambayan", a common kitchen and a small lawn where you could play around or do yoga. These, at Php 250/ night, are all yours if you get lucky enough to get an available slot during your visit. You may want to book early through their website just to secure your occupancy upon arrival. Cloud 9, reachable via habal-habal at Php 20, is just approximately 10 minutes away from the hostel.
Website: Paglaom Hostel


KERMIT SURF RESORT SIARGAO | Purok 5, General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines, General Luna, 8417



Kermit Surf  & Dive EcoCamp, one of the most famous hostels in General Luna, provides almost everything that you need in the island. Rooms are meticulously designed with different layouts, providing basic necessities and their rates vary accordingly. 

One of the bungalow rooms at Kermit


Price per night starts at Php 450/pax, shared room for 4;  Php 890 for single occupancy; A/C rooms range from Php 1250 – Php 2750 (breakfast included). 

Kermit Restaurant

The hostel has a restaurant that feeds the gastronomic delights of in-house and non-in-house guests.  Many positive reviews and testimonials of satisfied people on their restaurant come in stacks on the web. One morning, during a usual stroll, I myself too became engrossed in their breakfast that I forgot I needed to chase sunshine. I was able to try at least one of their entrees – Kermit Surfer Breakfast – which includes:  an omelet (with minced ham and tomatoes), toasted bread of the day, a glass of watermelon shake and a cup of of ginger tea, for only Php 200. Hefty serving for an affordable price, of course I’d say yes!
** Surf lessons and island hopping package are arranged upon request, but merging to other groups is suggested if you are travelling solo.
Website: Kermit Siargao


PATRICK'S ON THE BEACH | General Luna, Siargao Island


Stargazing is always a good idea

Patrick's On The Beach Resort, a beach front beauty, is enclosed with tropical trees and thick garden. It is advantageously positioned just across several restaurants from the main road and just about 10 minutes away from Cloud 9. It provides options for guests to enjoy water activities - kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or snorkeling - as the shore is just in the close distance. Accommodation starts from Php 1700 to 3700, with options of a fan or A/C room and single or shared occupancy.


EXPERIENCE | CLOUD 9



Cloud 9, sited in General Luna, is the most famous surfed waves in the country, thus bragging the title as "The Surfing Capital Of The Philippines". It serves as a stadium for national and international competitions that are being held annually. Enthusiasts take their own pace on their surfboard decks during sunset, waiting for the perfect chance to dance and plunge into ocean; while show-goers watch  in awe as they do a beer toss from the balcony.



ALON | Parang feelings lang.
Minsan kalmado.
Tapos, walang pasintabi,
bigla na lang naghuhurumintado.
Parang gago.
Calm down and calm onnnn.
A big girl, with big curls, needs big waves.
Oh, hi handsome!
Walk the road less traveled.


EXPLORE | Island Hopping



Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island, can be visited using a small motor boat, are all aligned in close proximity. The entire tour would only take about 3-4 hours; rate starts at Php 1500, but can go as low as Php1200, depending on your haggling skill!
Bucas Grande, reachable by using a large motor or pump boat, normally costs at Php 4500 - Php 5000 (some agencies would even quote Php 10000, inclusive of lunch and other side trips). This can be divided though if you will be doing the hopping with groups.



NAKED ISLAND



T H E N U D I S T | Naked Island, uninhabited, believed by many to posses nothing but just a small ground, which emerged from the Earth's surface, hence the name. While almost everyone see it as plain nude, I look at it differently. For I see an islet that is beautifully sprung amidst the surge of saltwater, bounded by seagull's squeals, carefully secluded apart from everything so it could own the cosmic sky, patterned from rarity and simplicity. It does not boast. Neither it is owned nor kept. It does not ask for attention. It is secured without a trace of pretension. It sits quietly, embracing its exclusivity, welcomes drifters, leaving them a sense of wonder just before they decide to leave. It is nakedly beautiful, just as it should be.





DAKU ISLAND


White sandy shore of Daku Island

JACKPOT | Minsan yosi.
Minsan yung pakiramdam ko,
sa piling mo.


GUYAM ISLAND


tropical cap amidst the sea

TOO YOUNG OR TOO OLD |
10 years old.
Knows his shit.
I'm ashamed.
When asked what he wanted to do when he grows up,without batting an eye, he answered, "Just swimming and have my own boat."


BUKO |
Walang Starbucks sa isla, o kahit na anong magarbong coffee shop.
Pero napakaraming puno ng buko, pwede kang pumitas o magpapitas.
Astig panoorin si manong umakyat sa tuktok ng puno, napakabilis.
Aakalain mo, may lahing Tarzan.
Bibiyakin niya yung buko sa harap mo, live to.
Tapos iaabot sayo pagkatapos niya lagyan ng maliit na butas para mainom mo.
Wag ka hihingi ng straw kasi walang ganun doon.
Just plain buko at excellent service ni manong, siguradong tanggal ang uhaw mo.

Sunset in Guyam Island
A heart does not need to be perfect.
It just has to be real


BUCAS GRANDE | Sohoton Cove and Stingless Jellyfish Sanctuary



Jellyfish Sanctuary

JELLYFISH | 
Parang love - 
Iba't-iba ang klase.
May nakakasakit
pero meron din namang hindi.
Madalas takot tayo na ma-sting.
Pero hindi mo naman malalaman kung hindi mo susubukan.



DISCOVER | Night Life


GRILL And CHILL | Purok III, Poblacion, General Luna, Siargao Island 





Great music, mixed of acoustic and  reggae, can be found in this bar. This is the ultimate pad to spend your friday or saturday night on the island. You can just sit in a corner, get a drink and be consumed in pure euphoria. Affordable drinks and pica are sold as you enjoy the live performances of locals on stage. Talented people, showcasing their innate gifts through music and arts, are invited on a regular basis to perform. Guests are also given a chance to join the performers or be the performer on stage!



Emann doing the clouds.


NINE BAR | Purok III, Poblacion, General Luna, Siargao Island




Nine Bar, a cozy place to get a cool kind of booze, provides guests an array of choices - from cocktails to several types of hard liquor. Happy hour happens on a regular basis when drinks are offered at an extremely low price tag of Php 20! (beat that). True liquors can be a bit expensive, but if you are on an island, it would be extra cool if you try their local prepped drinks. The music tend to be a little too loud for conversation, but it's an ideal place for casual gatherings. Occasionally, live performances of musicians are invited to grace the place. 



Interesting quotes of the night

The bar is just sited along the main road of Poblacion. Catchy signage, a manifestation of the artistic vibe of the restaurant's owner, is doodled every night and placed  at the front entrance.



TATTOO JUNGLE | Poblacion, General Luna, Siargao Island




J U N G L E | noun; tangled mass of tropical vegetation; a confusing or complex mixture of things.
Tattoo Jungle, located in the heart of General Luna with Paglaom Hostel, Kermit and Fat Lips as your key indications, is a place where locals, nomads, tourists, travelers and hoboes meet to pump up their island experience.During friday night, just before midnight, all guests from different bars in the island come together to sustain the feels. Most get intoxicated, others are there just to watch, waiting for a perfect time to hunt, while almost everyone else partake on the unfolding of ecstasy.
Insanely terrific.

SIARGAO'S ART | Sabali Art House



Siargao Island houses several outstanding talented folks. Some are native on the island, a few are tourists, while drifters from across the universe outnumbered them. Ultimately, these people, from different origins, collided in order to leave their dreams and start to live for real. Sabali Art House, sited just along the main road of Poblacion in Purok III, is operated and owned by an ingenious man named Manu. Art relics, sold at acceptable price, are overtly handcrafted using the available raw materials on the island. The art house, is also a shelter for many individuals who share the same principles of amity, respect and openness.  It serves as haven, where talents in many forms are merged. The Sabali Gang, consists of writers, singers, composers, musicians, tattoo artist, and whiz in any form, holds gigs at different bars in Siargao, Surigao, Cebu, and Davao.

Dreads, baby, dreads.
Darts, anyone?
Created by Dawn.
JayR, Dawn and Manu
Salamat man sa napakainit na pagtanggap :)



SAVOUR THE MOMENT | From Sunup To Sundown

For a child's heart knows exactly how to seize the moment that we adults often take for granted.

Huwag ka lang basta dumilat, gumising ka.
No.
Leave dreams and live on.
Good-feel-badass freak.
One picture, projected by a few of the hundred hues of Siargao during sunset.
What a rare sighting.

DAGAT | Palagi na ang dagat ang nagbabalik sa aking kalugaran, kung saan ito ay nagpapaalala na ako ay mumunting nilalang lamang. Gayun pa man, siya rin naman tunay na puwersang nagbibigay kaluluwa sa aking tinig, upang ito ay maging mas malakas, buo at malayo sa pagiging mangmang.


CONVERGE | Diverse But United
The universe is just so wide, all-inclusive of the ugliest things and pretensions that you can ever imagine; is also the same exact place where the most beautiful transformations and mystic forces happen right before your eyes. While many people would view traveling as a luxury, I see it as a way of life. It expands my perspective and leads me to the discovery of myself in the same way that I get to discover others. Strangers, from different parts of the globe,  traverse a thousand miles to find a similar soul or with the permission of the celestial, they meet themselves - enchanting!


MORE | Salita na bigla mo na lamang nasasambit kapag pakiramdam mo na ika'y nabitin.

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