Late last year, I watched as devastating news of the Bagyong Odette badly affecting Siargao flooded my social media. The island's icons like Sugba Lagoon's plank and wooden house, and the boardwalk at Cloud 9 were all gone. Resorts, restaurants, and homes were destroyed.
8 months since this calamity, I got an invite to return to this beautiful and well-loved beach destination in the Philippines to cover Cebu Pacific Air's collaboration with Waves For Water to provide water filters to communities with limited access to drinking water. I am also glad to see for myself how the island has recovered, little by little, from Bagyong Odette. I was so excited to make new memories in Siargao.
Heading Back To Siargao
Went back to Siargao via Cebu Pacific Air again. They currently fly to Siargao from Manila 11x weekly, and from Cebu twice daily. The airline continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its network while it implements a multi-layered approach to safety to encourage everyjuan to fly once more. Visit www.cebupacificair.com to learn more about their latest offerings, safety protocols, and travel reminders.
As for Siargao, there were no RT-PCR or antigen tests requirements anymore (as of August 2022). We went to NAIA Terminal 4 around 2 hours before our boarding time, making sure we've already checked-in online. Make sure to bring your valid ID and a screenshot of your ticket or boarding pass. I still have with me my vaccination card, in case, but they did not look for it nadin.
Flight from MNL to IAO took around 2.5 hours. When we arrived at the Sayak Airport (IAO), a van driver holding up our names welcomed us (back) to this beautiful island.
Snaps from Siargao Airport on our way home. We also took a Cebpac flight:
Nanalo ako sa Bring Me hehe, they asked us to show a selfie with a dog (which is wallpaper ko na!)
Where We Stayed
Our group stayed for 3 nights at the Daluyong Beach Resort, around 50 minutes away from the airport.
Location is pretty chill and quiet, not much walking distance restaurants and other establishments but there's a small sari-sari store across the street where my friend bought sachets of shampoo and toothpaste (medyo kulang the provided toiletries so bring nalang or buy).
The highlight of the resort is definitely the swimming pool. Super nice and inviting, plus our rooms are just across it so we went on night swimming! Price per room via Agoda is around Php 5000+ for 2 persons, inclusive of breakfast. I've also read in reviews that you can use their paddle board for free at their private beach! Sayang di ko na to naavail, maybe next time!!
There's also a restaurant in the resort where we had our free breakfast (ala carte). We also had some of our meals there, and they serve Japanese food like ramen and tamago.
Things To Do in Siargao
With only 2 full days in Siargao, here are some of the sites we were able to visit. These are the must-sees when in the island, but hopefully I get to see alternative locations and try other food on my next visits!
- Sugba Lagoon - paddle board, crystal kayak, or jump from the plank!
- Magpupungko Tidal Wave Pool - Best to go in the morning para low tide and less people!
- Island Hopping - Daku, Naked, Guyam
- Cloud Nine - surfing, boardwalk, Shaka
- Eat at classic Siargao restos Kermit Siargao and Shaka
Anagon's Notes:
- Some tourists rent motorbikes to go around the island at more affordable price. As for me na hindi marunong mag motor lol, there are also tricycles which cost Php 30 / ride. Meanwhile for this trip, our group rented a van.
- I also noticed na ang daming "random tattoo" services in the island. For Php 500, you draw a random design (mostly minimalist). Will you dare try this? A friend did and got a butterfly tatt!
- I realized that food in Siargao can be a bit expensive, around Php 350 and up ang budget per meal sa mga main restos. Something to take note of when you're planning your trip.
- There's a new Tiktok craze we spotted in Siargao which is the "Human Drone"-- kuyas offering their photo and video services in most of the tourist spots in the island! Nakakaaliw din naman to avail this, you get your beautiful photos and videos, and support the locals too!
Waves For Water
On our first full day, we visited Caub Island in Del Carmen, Siargao. We were with Cebu Pacific Air, Waves for Water Philippines, Mayor Alfredo M. Cor.o II, and local government representatives. The goal is to provide clean water access through the implementation of filtration systems and a rainwater catchment tank to increase drinking water capacity.
We watched the demo and informative talk with the community. We also listened to stories of survival and bayanihan, and how Siargao was able to pick themselves up after Bagyong Odette. Sobrang nakakaiyak, and also very inspiring.
Thank you again, Siargao!
It was a short trip, but I really enjoyed rekindling old friendships, and meeting new ones too! We had a blast getting to know Siargao again by visiting its iconic sites, and also panay tawa lang din kasi our group so it was all fun and good vibes while in the island. Almost everyone was also into Kpop and traveling, so stories were overflowing. With a beautiful backdrop of turquoise blue waters and lush green mountains, thank you again Siargao for the new memories!
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