Advertising 
Khanh Phan
Surpassing legendary islands like Bali or the Maldives, Siargao in the Philippines was once voted the most beautiful island in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveler (USA). Siargao captured my heart at first sight.
The weather here is most pleasant from March to October. Shaped like a shimmering drop of water in the ocean, and covering an area of about 437 km2, this gem of an island lies in the southeastern Philippines, approximately 805 km from the capital Manila. It has a population of about 200,000 people. Seemingly isolated from the world, Siargao retains its pristine natural beauty.
Flying at moderate height over the ocean, I was enchanted by the small islands that emerged through the white clouds over the emerald sea. Painted with the soft strokes of sea breezes and clouds, Siargao appeared with its long winding coastline. Smooth flat white sandy beaches were highlighted by dense coconut forests and lush mangroves.
Landing at Sayak Airport, I was impressed by the pure, clean air – a rarity in crowded cities. The road from the airport to my homestay was cool and green, with rows of trees arching over each other like loving arms embracing the sunlit road. The joyful sun danced through their leaves, following the cheerful melody of the trees rustling in the wind.
Fun in the sun
Renowned as the Philippines’ “Surfing Capital”, from August to October each year, Siargao draws surfers from all over the world. Famous spots like Cloud 9, Rock Island, and Daku Reef attract crowds eager to ride the thick, hollow waves. Even if you’ve never surfed before, local instructors make it easy to start. In Siargao, children learn to surf early, playfully balancing on the waves. Older youths often serve as instructors, their sun-kissed skin, bright smiles, and toned bodies symbolizing their joy in the sport. After just 15 minutes of instruction on how to catch a wave and stand on the board, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy when I rode my first wave, an accomplishment I hadn’t thought possible. My muscles relaxed, and I grew more confident with each wave, feeling a sense of freedom and self-mastery in the face of these “challenging waves”.
Siargao isn’t only famous for surfing. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of other activities like kiteboarding, paddleboarding, cliff jumping, and diving to explore the area’s coral reefs or swim through underwater caves at high tide. Near Siargao lies a cluster of stunning smaller islands. It takes around 2 hours by motorboat to reach this archipelago, a popular boat tour destination from Siargao.
I visited Naked Island, surrounded by a thin layer of fine sand, emerald waters, and colorful coral reefs. On Guyam Island, huts stand over the sea. Here, I ordered a mango coffee smoothie, sat on the stone steps, and enjoyed the vast and exhilarating nature. Corregidor Island is an ideal spot to camp overnight. Be sure to climb to a hilltop and gaze out at the sea to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
A favorite activity around Siargao is snorkeling. All you need are fins for easier swimming, a snorkel, and goggles to see clearly. The waters in this region are so crystal clear that it’s easy to admire vibrant ocean life, merely 2 meters below the surface.
An hour’s boat ride away from Siargao, in Sohoton Cave National Park on Bucas Grande Island, multicolored coral reefs dance in the sunlight, surrounded by playful schools of fish. The light piercing through the water creates sparkling rays, transforming the sea into a vast, shimmering stage.
Eat, sleep, and rest
One special thing about Siargao is the absence of plastic bags. Locals and businesses use paper bags, contributing to the preservation of the island’s pristine beaches and clean streets.
The island boasts many local eateries, offering a variety of grilled dishes. For about VND 600,000 – VND 800,000 (around 400 Pesos) per day, you can enjoy grilled specialties and local delicacies with plain rice. Siargao is renowned for its large tuna, squid, and other seafood. Tourists will also find other Asian restaurants serving Thai, Chinese, or Indian dishes with unique sauces. These dining spots and cafes are situated along the coastal road, allowing guests to enjoy their food and drinks while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
The island is dotted with many picturesque guesthouses and homestays. After an exhausting day of fun, I returned to my homestay, nestled amidst lush coconut groves. Opening the window to let in the fresh, cool breeze, I closed my eyes to listen to the night’s breath. The chirping of insects mingled with the whispering wind, which sang the song of the sea.
Siargao is the perfect place to rest, relax, and recharge, drawing positive energy from the turquoise waves.
