Wow, Siargao!

I was again given the privilege to visit another province - Surigao!

The public beach in Surigao

Surigao is pleasant. Sadly, I didn't have a full day to enjoy it... just a couple of hours only since we had to work.

Road going to the Pier

And when in Surigao, it is a must to visit Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines.

Siargao is about 2 1/2-3 hours away from Surigao City via a motor vessel.  Fare is P210 pesos, plus P15.00 terminal fee.  Tricycle to the surfing area costs around P200 for the entire tricycle. The ride from the port to the accommodations was roughly an hour  of scenic, winding road.

The port is very clean! The ship is also clean! There's tv in every cabin, or whatever they call it. There was a promo at that time- it was on the deck- for about P175 or 190. It was not airconditioned and there was no tv, but you see close up where the ship is going and you can feel the wind on your hair and the amazing scent of the sea. I would have chosen that, but I had my colleagues with me, and I didn't want to burden them since they may not be the outdoorsy type.

There's a canteen inside the ship! 

Enjoying my cup noodles (bought from the canteen)
before the ship left the port

Inside the cabin

We went island hopping for P1500- three persons already.  It was the resort which contacted the boatman. I heard that P1500 could have a maximum of eight persons already. So if there were more of us, we could have paid less for each person. We only visited three islands: Guyam, Daku and Naked island.

Our boat approaches the island 

Naked island- named for its, err, nakedness-
just a few greens, and sand

I wish the island hopping was longer and there were more islands to visit, but I think that's the only route since the other islands are farther. Besides, we started our island hopping at around four, so we just rushed through it. I wish I had more time to savor the place, enjoy the moment, take more pictures and swim with the fishes, but the sun was setting already so we had to hurry since the boat did not have any lights.

Peace from the naked island!

the setting sun at Daku island

We stayed at Jadestar Lodge. Room costs P1500 (for the three of us) without breakfast. We each had our own queen sized bed/foam. Mine was a foam because I slept on the floor - my choice.

The sand was white and powdery -close to Boracay's sand, which, for me, is another bit of heaven.  Our room was in front of the beach. It was sad because we weren't able to enjoy the beachfront because there were a lot of sea grass. According to the owner, at this time of the year, the current washes the sea grass to their shore.

The next day, we went to Cloud Nine, the surfing spot in Siargao. Habal-habal was P100 for the three of us.

Crazy ride with Cris and Erick

Cloud Nine was really nice. The surfing area is much better than Baler.

Welcome to Cloud Nine

Going to the surf area

Where surfers enter the shore

Clear waters

View from the deck

Too bad we had to leave right away so I didn't get to enjoy Cloud Nine's view. Worse, I didn't get a chance to surf. Boo!

If this weren't so far, I would bring my family here.  Booohooo. Maybe someday... who knows?