Monday, December 24, 2018

Siargao, Philippines

SIARGAO: Sizzle in Coconut Paradise


Things to do in Siargao

From food, surf sites, tourist spots and adrenaline-pumping parties til the break of dawn, Siargao has a lot to offer. This island indeed gave that Asian feels being surrounded by vast coconut trees plantations strectching up to the white sand beaches and blue waters. Just perfect for your IGs.

Aside from the main-stream surfing, what can you do to Siargao? Let time take control, and relax on how blessed you are to experience Siargao.





1. Cliff Jumping in Magpungko Rock Pools

Get you feet wet and soak it in the famous Magpungko Rock Pools. You can dip in, your choice or try to jump from tall rocks. There are coves and cliffs perfect for jumping shots. The path is rugged though, and bringing a good pair of slippers is the best weapon. Just make sure you go there as early as 7 in the morning or earlier to catch up the low tide. if you'll be coming from the town proper (General Luna), the ride will be around 1 hour.


2. Top shot of coconut trees plantation

On your way to Magpungko Rock Pools (30-minute ride from General Luna), stop and take snaps of the thousand-acres coconut trees plantation. On your way, pull-over at the elevated road to get the perfect bird's eye view of the coconut trees below. Perfect lighting is on early morning or sunset. 



3. Spelunking in Tayangban Cave Pools

This has been an unexpected itinerary, the moment we entered the cave, the cold water made a thrilling sensation. Crossing the cave in darkness was even surprising. We had a single flashlight for a group of 7 people. Don't fret, the cave is safe with a tourist guide with us. You'll have to reach out from one bamboo pole to another while floating in the cold water. Look up and you'll see lots of bats taking a day's rest. Try not to create sounds to avoid disturbing it. This was one of the highlights of the trip and very recommendable.



4. Sunset and surfer watching from Cloud 9 Pier

A time-stopper, this place is one of the places you'll get to view the slow setting of the sun. Silhouttes of surfers and jagged rocks make it more dramatic. Time lapsing from this view is also recommended. 







5. Island hopping on Guyam, Daku and Naked Islands

A short trip from General Luna, island hopping in these islands can be made. Guyam is the nearest island from General Luna. The island, teardrop in shape, has a small stretch of powdery-white sand and dotted with coconut palms. The island is so small that one can cross from edge to edge for 50 steps. 

Daku Island, as the local term for "large", is the biggest island among the three. Having the turquoise waters, lush coconut trees and cream white sand, each visitor is enticed to swim in the waters or get lazied on the shore. Snorkeling and kayaking are also available. The good part is eating seafood on the shore. Ask for grilled fish or squid offered at an affordable price.

Naked Islad is a sand bar facing the Pacific. The term got it from having bare features with a small number of grasses on the island. You can enjoy swimming and snorkelling on this island.




6. Close encounter with jelly fish in Sohoton Cove, cliff jumping and spelunking



A dedicated one-day itinerary is alloted for this stunning trip. It was a long trip, with huge waves along the way, but with a filled heart at the end of the day. Lunch is usually bought by the visitors and is requested to be prepared at site. Upon arrival, visitors are to pay for the registration fees. The visitors will then be transferred to smaller boats to explore around the cove. Another boat is dedicated for getting to the jelly fish sanctuary.

Located in Bucas Grande Island, Sohoton cove is a large interconnected waterways. At low tide, accessibility to the cove is at ease. For not to get lost, tourist guides makes us of the famous horshoe as a marker.

The cove is also a sanctuary of hundreds of fruits bats taking a rest for a day. You can see them, in large numbers, hanging from trees covered with their wings.

One of the things to explore in the cove is the Hagukan Underwater Cave. This became famous for the greenish glow it projects inside the dark cave. The cave got its name from the local word "Haguk" means snore. This is the sound created inside the cave as the tide recedes from the roof.

A thrilling experience is then offered by Magkukuob Cave. The experience starts with spelungking inside the cave and ends with a heart-stopping cliff jump, which is around 25ft. the cave is adorned by the crystal reflections coming from the stalactites and stalagmites. 

The next boat trip would bring you to the jellyfish sanctuary. In here, 20-minutes is provided for each visitor to swim with the jellyfish. Swimming with the jelly fish creates a magical feeling underwater.

7. Drink fruit shake near Patrick's

I have to insert this in because this is really special. A real fruitshake, at a very cheap price. The serving is rich, the taste is real while your pocket is smiling. Get it at only 50pesos ($1.00).



***************************

Travel date was on August 18 - 22, 2018
This article is brought to you by this crew for kikoplusmanila.blogspot.com.


Follow us on IG:

kiko_manila
kim_machine
emmanmartinez
mrkjsnhrrr
itsbisente_
naasonvelasco
penguintheexplorer