GETTING TO SIARGAO
By Air Asia Spirit flies every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from Cebu City to Surigao and vice versa.
Sea Air flies every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday from Cebu City to Siargao Island and vice versa.
Philippine Airlines flies daily from Manila to Butuan city, from where a 2 ½ hour bus ride should take you to Surigao City.
By Land Buses from Pasay City have trips going to Surigao City several times a week via Lipata Ferry Terminal.
Daily trips from Surigao City and Davao City via Butuan City are available regularly.
By Sea Passenger boats direct from Manila and Cebu City are available. Then Cebu City to Surigao City.
map:
http://surigaoislands.com/images/surigaomap.gif http://surigaoislands.com/surigaocity_map.jpg http://surigaoislands.com/pictures/siargao_map.jpg http://surigaoislands.com/pictures/gluna_map.jpgSURIGAO Del NORTE HISTORY Old folks still like to recount how some Visayan fishermen, forced by strong currents in what is now Surigao Strait, sought refuge in one of the hunts somewhere in the province. The locals or Mamanwas thought the fishermen wanted to take the hut by force or “agaw.” This term was given the prefix “suri” thus “suri-agaw” was formed. In time, it was shortened to Surigao.
Still another version recounts that, before the Spaniards came, the original inhabitants were the Mamanwas and Manobos. The Visayans then came and settled on the island with the natives. One of the natives was Saliagao, who lived by the mouth of the river. From his name came “Surigao.”
No matter how Surigao got its name, it is a fact that Surigao del Sur, being a marvel in terms of natural resources
SIGHTSEEING IN SIARGAO, SURIGAO Del NORTESurigao Del Norte is famous for:
Mancono Forests
The unique “mancono” (ironwood) forests of Dinagat Island remain to be one of the watershed’s most productive resources.
Metallic & Non-Metallic Deposits
The province is endowed with an abundance of natural resources, especially metallic and non-metallic deposits. Metallic reserves registered a total of 347,845,684 metric tons of nickeleferous laterite ore, gold, chromite, lode ore, and laterite ore. Non-metallic reserves registered a total of 376,718,867 metric tons of limestone, silica deposits, guano, rock phosphate, sand, and gravel. Nonoc Island has one of the world’s largest deposits of nickel while Dinagat Island has major reserves of chromate.
Excellent Fishing Area
The province’s seawaters, covering 12,540 square miles, are abundant with different species of fish. Game fishing and spear-fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the bountiful seas along the tuna route. Over 23 different species are caught the whole year round. Marlin, tuna, lapu-lapu, molluscs, crabs, even squids, stingrays, and octopuses can be bought fresh and cheap from the fish vendors and fisherfolk.
Mangrove Forests
Mangrove is the major theme in the coastal areas of the province. The saltwater-loving trees form interminable marine forests covering an area of 17,473 hectares along the coasts of the mainland and the islands of Siargao and Dinagat.
Marine Ecosystems
The province boasts a variety of marine ecosystems such as lush seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are relatively healthy and intact, supporting a rich diversity of marine flora and fauna.
Mamanwa Tribe
The province is home to one of the country’s ethnic tribes, the Mamanwas. Surigao City’s Bonok-bonok Festival depicts the merrymaking of these native folks and their gratitude to their pagan gods for a bountiful harvest and good health.
Other Water Activities
For adventurous divers, the coasts of the province offer interesting dive sites while the islands of Sagisi and Corregidor are excellent for snorkeling activities.
Caving
The province has a number of caves and tunnels in its islands. Some, like the Suhoton Cove at Bucas Grande Island, are half-submerged in water most of the time and could be accessed only during low tides. A guano cave is situated in a mountain at Libjo, within which is a lagoon that remains unexplored. Steep climbs are expected on the way to the cave.
Siargao Sea Kayaking
While there are few rental craft on the island, Siargao has superb sea kayaking opportunities – on the east side, facing the Philippine Trench, the deep blue sea runs straight up against a perfect tropical coast, offering unparalleled wave-running. On the other side of the island, one of the country’s largest expanses of virgin mangrove swamp provides an entirely different kind of exploration. This centuries-old ecosystem is a rich breeding ground for marine life, including the salt-water crocodile, and is an adventure no kayaker will want to miss.
ADVENTURES IN SURIGAO Del NORTE
Things to Do and see in Surigao Del Norte
Man-Made Mini-Dam Park (San Jose)
A cluster of seven dams of graduated elevations carved out of cliffs with stones perfectly laid and fitted by human hands. It is a whole mountain side transformed into a man-made structure exquisitely landscaped with a variety of plants and trees.
Surigaonon Heritage Mini-Museum (Surigao City)
A collection of ancient archaeological diggings like burial coffin jars and antique Chinese kitchen wares are showcased in the mini-museum. Some of these artifacts were unearthed in Panhatungan, Placer.
Maharlika Training Center (Lipata, Surigao City)
One of the best convention and training centres in the city, offering the best accommodation and facilities. It provides a magnificent view of the Surigao Strait and some of the islands in the city.
Natural General Luna Beach
A 27-kilometer stretch of bewitching sugar-fine white beaches, stunningly sapphire seas, and natural coral barriers that keep the inlet waters placid make this area a perfect destination for surfers and sun worshippers.
Del Carmen Swamps
A sanctuary of the large species of salt water crocodiles. One can take a closer look into the tall marine jungle of mangroves and other endemic swamp creatures. A boat ride along the narrow passageway is a thrilling experience.
Magpupungko Rock Formation (Pilar)
Surrounded by limestone and granite sculptures facing the Pacific Ocean, its pockmarked limestone floor reveals pools of assorted shapes and sizes resembling basins, barrels, tubs, and ponds during low tide.
Lake Bababu (Basilisa)
A mountain lake nestled in vast walls of granite. A steep descent to the lake adds thrill to avid adventurers and offers fine views to numerous small caves in great abandon.
Biyabid Waterfalls (Sison)
Cool mountain water cascades in this magnificent multi-tiered waterfalls amid a lush vegetation.
Alingkakajaw Island (Claver)
With no rock formations like its neighboring islets, it stands out like a green and white jewel on a pristine blue sea. This little gem is located just off mainland Mindanao.
Festivals Siargao International Human Body Boarding Challenge. (October 7-20; General Luna, Siargao Island)
A new water sports event in the country participated by top international body boarders. This is a world series event organized by the International Bodyboarders Association.
Battle of Surigao Strait (October 25)
The greatest naval battle in Philippine history between the allied forces and the Japanese Imperial Army was staged in Surigao Strait during World War II. The commemoration of this event stretches from Surigao City to Loreto where the American troops landed on that significant day in 1944.
PBMA National Conference (May)
A month-long conference and pilgrimage of members of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association to the seat of their organization in the municipality of San Jose. Fairs, exhibits, and various competitions are usually held during this annual gathering.
Lawigan Festival (May 15; Loreto)
Carrera Habagat (June 8-12; Siargao Island)
The toughest four-day adventure race and the biggest in the Philippines. It involves trekking and trail running, kayaking, mountain biking, swimming, rappelling, orienting, land navigation, and special skills
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GENERAL LUNA is just a small town at the edge of the world. It is safe, clean and friendly, the laid-back kind of place where you could stop by for two or three days and not want to leave for a year. It is undeveloped and unspoiled, and that's the charm of it.
BOAT TRIPS. Not to be missed is a full-day boat trip to Sohoton Lagoon. A magical place, overhung by jungle cliffs where you can swim into caves with bats, strange fishes, stalactites and rock oysters, weird corals, pitcher plants, cycads, and wild orchids. Take a flashing and go during mid-day when the tide is low. The only entrance to the lagoon is a natural cave tunnel, hanging with stalactites and with strong currents. The cost is around 500 pesos per person, but it is well worth it. Around GL, you should pop across the lagoon to Guyam, the perfect palm-fringed islet, Dako and its white sand beach, coral reefs and friendly villagers. Or visit Pansukian (Naked Island) a white sand with spit with corals all around. A day tirp to all three should cost around 600 pesos. If you are feeling brave or foolhardy, try rocky, jungled Hanoyoy, and see if all the talk about buried treasures and wak-waks (forest spirits) are really true.
SOLO TRIP. You could rent a motorcycle in GL, for about 600 pesos/day, and get around the island yourself. There are few road signs, so take a compass. Otherwise, you could get around by the regular jeepneys, but they tend to arrive and depart at strange times.
DIVING AND SNORKELING. There's plenty to see (fish, corals, sea snakes,etc. ) but no big sharks snorkeling on the reefs aorund Guyan and Daku (you c anjust drift with the current along the drop-off). Around Pansukian, the coral reefs are great, (even better at night time ) and you can explore reefs in front of Tuason Point (but please, not under the break itself), and in La Janosa and Mamon. A huge underwater cave with four to five separate entrances was recently discovered under the first rock islands i front of Tuason, and the Blue Cathedral just off Caridad, north of Pilar. Underwater visibility and topography are outstanding
FISHING. The sailfish and blue marlin seaon - when the big fish (sailfish up to 40 kg. marlin up to 200 kg) cruise the deep water only a mile or two out of GL - really hums form March to early May. But you could fish for coral trout, large sappers and other reef fish anytime, or get a local fisherman to take you out to the Payao, a floating fish attractor about five miles beyond Guyam, and troll for bolis (skipjack) or barilis (yellow fin tuna). You can catch tanguigue (spanish mackerel), huge Pacific tuna, and morang (dolphinfish). In the lagoon, you can get bayo (Long Toms) - they're fun tocatch but a little too bony to eat
SAILING. GL lagoon must be one of the safest, easiet, and most pleasurable places to sail anywhere in the world. See if you can persuade Pirate Pete or Visayan Andrew to take you for a fast sail and a few beers around the lagoon. You could try renting a paddle barota (15 minutes to Guyam if you ever get the hang of it.)
SWIMMING. Well, perhaps swimming in GL at low tide isn't the greatest, but try it at high tide or at down or dusk, when the water is freshest, or at night when the moon is out and the water is phosphorescent. You can get to Guyam in abouty half-an-hour if you are fit. Dako has the nearest very good beach for swimming at any tide. The swimming at Mamon is like being a virgin olive in a very dry martini.
CAVING. There is a huge cave at Consuelo, with stalactites, stalagmites rock crystals, piles of bat guano, a million bats, and even a huge python, but you'll have to be fit to get there. There's another at Malinao, on the way Union.
JUNGLES. Siargao is one of the few islands in the Philippines where tarsiers (small lemurs or bush babies, extinct almost anywhere else) are still common. See monitor lizards six feet long, hornbills, parrots, yellow and black lorikeets, kingfishers, and other birds nobody yet knows the names of.
MOUNTAINS BIKING. Ask the PUB for a mountain bike rental, and try some cross-country biking. There is an International Mountain Bike Competition held in March every year, but to tell the truth, it's more like surfing than biking at that time of year, in the wet season.
SITTING AROUND. Probably the most popular active sport in GL, it's remarkable relaxing, restorative, and healthful. Watch the fishermen at dawn, the clouds and the waves in the day, or the moon at the night. It's up to you if you jsut sit and think, or just sit.
SHOPPING. At Maridyl's, on the main street, you can get general supplies, fruits, vegetables, snack, etc. Rosita's probably has the best medicines. Marcha's stocks hardware, bamboo hats, stationery,and all sorts. There are many sari-sari stores scattered through the town, which sell odds and sods, fresh fruits in season, tuba (coconut wine), etc. and there are bakeries opposite the church and beside Rosita's which do hamburger rolls and fresh sweet breads.
FOOD, DRINK, NIGHTLIFE. At Maridyl's or Lalay's in the main street, you can get cheap beer, Filipino food, and take in the street scene or another action video.. Ruth has great chicken and pork barbercue, just between the two. Out at Cloud 9, you could try San Miguel's beach bar and restaurant, or 5 Lyns cafe in Catangnan,. The Green Room or Jungle Reef and maybe Venerias Karaoke/Disco. In the evening, after nine, try the Melvinbo Disco, for sweaty group-bopping, or Seven-Eleven Karaoke/Restaurant . The restaurant isn't up to much, but the singers are great and you could even try a song yourself, in town. They are a bit primitive but good fun. Opposite Seven Eleven is El Nino Loco, a bit of an up-market bar.
GETTING TO KNOW PEOPLE. GL people ar very friendly and hospitable, if sometimes a little shy. smile and you'll get a radiant smile back. The girls are very beautiful and very charming, but well-behaved. There is no hooker scene in GL, an nobody wants one. Fishermen often picnic by the beach or on Guyam, and may invite you for shot of Tanduay rhum, Kulafu medicinal wine, tuba or pa-oroi (strong nipa wine). Beware, they are more intoxicating than they semm. Try kinilaw, fresh fish steeped in vinegar, lemon juice, ginger, and onions - refreshing and delicious. They might offer you, dog stew, which is worthy trying (once), litson (roast pig) or kambing (roast goat), worth trying anytime. Get a lad to climb a tree for fresh butong, coconut juice straight from the nut. Try halo-halo, a great refresher with ice, condensed milk, fruit, and all sorts of other stuff. Poot-poot, featured as a delicious dish in all the guide books, is actually a tiny fish, salted, rotted down, and fermented, exlusive to GL, and in great demand throughout the Philippines, but perhaps not quite to your taste.
SURFING Siargao Island is reputed as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. It hosts international surfing events yearly. Its waves combine the best quality features of the top-rated waves of Hawaii’s fabled “pipeline” and the top-billed waves of Indonesia. Its huge, powerful rollers have been ranked among the top five breaks in the world, including the “Cloud Nine” which is considered one of the world’s top surfing waves.
SURFING HISTORY Surfing started in Siargao Island sometime in June 1980. Two young men were in search of a perfect wave. They surfed in that area now known as the "Jacking Horse", near what is now "Cloud 9". Word spread around in the surfing world that there is a secret place in Siargao Island which has a good surf. Intermittently, surfers came and among them was a man who introduced himself as " Max Walker". He surfed the area in what is now "Cloud Nine". He seemed to be a troubled man and this was proven when he died fasting right in the area. "Max Walker" turned out to be the legendary man who founded several surfing camps in southeast Asia, like, Nias and G-Land in Indonesia, his name is John Michael Boyum.
Then in 1992 the world famous surfing photographer John Callahan together with legendary people in the surfing world like, Kevin Davidson, Hogn Slater and Taylor Knox took pictures riding the big surf in " Cloud Nine". Said pictures landed in the surfing magazines in all languages all over the world and - the ball started rolling.
Cloud Nine became so famous that the trickle of surfers became a mass of surfers coming from all corners of the glove. So, in 1995 the local government of General Luna, together with some of the expatriates from Australia organized the first surfing competition dubbed as the "Siargao Surfing Classic"; with the local government shouldering almost all expenses, including the prizes. The event was fairly successful and caught the attention of the world, paving the way for the first "Siargao Surfing Cup in 1996. This year and the years thereafter, the Siargao Surfing Cup will become a regular event in the Island of Siargao and this will surely project the island to the center stage of world surfing and tourism.
SURFING IN GENERAL LUNA, SIARGAO ISLANDSurigao del Norte is a mosaic island in the northeastern tip of Mindanao. A province that has managed to preserve its natural marvel through the years.
On the eastern side of the province is Siargao Island, a tropical jewel that hosts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and home of wave surfing, the latest sport and tourist attraction to take the country by storm.
Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila. It has a land mass of approximately 437 kilometers. The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet-Port Pilar with a coastline marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. There are similar neighboring islands and islets with similar landforms. The reefs and points are excellent for picking up any swell that comes along turning into clean, fast waves.
The best known surfing break now with a world reputation of being in the top Surfing Waves in the world, is nick-named "Cloud Nine". But there are literally scores of breaks down this coast, and everytime a surfing expedition is mounted in the area, more new breaks are being discovered.
SURFING BREAKSSiargao is the biggest island in the group east of Surigao. Dapa is the main town where boats come from Surigao. Tourists usually ead to the smaller town of General Luna on the south-east coast. Between Dapa and General Luna is Union, a village with lovely beaches, small bay and outlying islands. It is at the western end bay and is connected to Dapa by and 8 km road.
Siargao is a haven away from the hassle and bustle of the city. The islands are lined with miles of white sands, clear waters and fringed with palm trees. It is also offers enchanting caves, magnificent rock formations, mountain lakes and vast tract of mangroves.
It is said that Siargao was disclosed as a destination by foreign surfers and scuba divers. It is an exotic paradise which captures the vivid colors of nature in all its grandeur . all islets are suitable for swimming, snorkeling , scuba diving , sailing, game fishing and sub bathing.
Climate
March to June are the best months for island hopping, beach combing, spelunking while August to October are best for surfing and other waters sports activities.
Surfing Surigao
Siargao boasts of surf waves comparable in power and quality to the waves of Hawaii. The unspoiled tear drop island called Siargao is the Shangri-La of adventures and nature lovers. It is the Surfing Capital of the Philippines and is now one of the world’s great frontiers for surf exploration.
PACIFICO (Burgos) – Long, slow breaking perfection high or low tide handles up to 10ft., 400m waves. A fine dish for those who don’t like their waves too hot.
CARIDAD (Pilar) – Short, fast left with a super-shallow end bowl. You can only surf it when the tide is high.
NEIL’S SPOT (Pilar) – A well-shaped right hand break at the base of a small island near the town of Pilar. Protected from big swell and northeast winds so the waves are usually 40% smaller than the outer reef breaks like Cloud 9. A good alternative when the outer swells are huge and scary.
PILAR – This is a series of lefts in-front of the town’s wharf, but it needs huge swell on the reef before it starts working.
AT GENERAL LUNA ISLAND ROCK ISLAND – Another excellent right hand break. The swell wraps around the base of a small rock island about 1.5 kms offshore. It hallows and bowls over into a superb high speed sections that will sometimes deliver 200m rides. Excellent high performance wave that can hold swells up to a double overhead and at its best at 2 or 3 meters.
CLOUD NINE – A worlds class right hand break that offers machine-like barreling perfection. It works on any swell when there’s southwest winds but works at its best from 2 to 3m. the wave is big, thisk peak that rises abruptly, hallows out and breaks heavily in just 2m of water.
PANSIQUION REEF – Open ocean right hand break just 20 minutes by banca south of General Luna. This reef needs a swell of 2m or more and is not as intense as most waves in the area.
LA JANOSA ISLAND – There are some fun lefts in front of La Janosa barrio and some power left on the east coast.
ANTOKON ISLAND – A perfect left wraps 180 around tiny Antokon island. Large swells is needed before it breaks cleanly. There is also a right hand break opposite Antokon Island.
DACO – Nias style right hander only, woth checking if swell is too big everywhere else.
