Surfing in July @ Siargao, #philippines

Siargao's Sugba Island

My country, the #philippines, is a tropical country spread over 7000 islands.
I only managed to visit a few.
On top of the list is #siargao, the country's surfing capital.

Local and foreign visitors usually flock #siargao during summer
(from late March until early June).
I was rather occupied with tons of work last summer,
which is why, I, along with a few friends, decided to book a visit by mid-July,
just right after all the summer parties and surfing competitions ended.

Perks of going off-season: A calm and peaceful airport

It was ideal.
More than getting my party groove on,
all I really wanted was just a peaceful break from the demands of work.
#siargao did not disappoint
and our timing was perfect!

Unlike Boracay and Panglao , Bohol (two other party islands that I visited a year back)
Siargao is exceptional since it only promotes local brands: NO 7/11, NO McDonalds, NO Malls!

#siargao goes local

Famous #Siargao Shaka Healthy Shakes

Still @ Shaka

This is admirable considering the influx of foreign and local visitors all year round.
When I asked a local, she told me that it's Siargao's way of preserving
local industries and ensuring that Siargao's brand is unique. Amen to that!

But at a price: A rather costly local french patisserie

Siargao offers instead a wide variety of gourmet and world-class brands
in accommodations, food, and leisure.
Foreign investors usually invest on these brands,
which is why goods and services are usually priced based on foreign visitors spending.
Meals in local restaurants are priced at 200-300 pesos.
I usually spend just 50 pesos per meal on regular days.
This means nothing is cheap in Siargao for a Pinoy like me.

A Pricey Stop: Kermit's Siargao

Also Costly but worthy: Bravo Resto

What wasn't costly, however,
and what turned out to be the highlight of my visit,
was our island-hopping tour.
At 2000 pesos (shared among 4 people), we get to enjoy a day's tour to the islets surrounding Siargao.

Day 1 Island Hopping: Off to Sugba Island

Day 2 Island Hopping: To Virgin Islands

It was such a refresher, a breath of fresh air for me.
I get to interact with the locals and eat fresh seafood and coconut.

Siargao's sugba island was extraordinarily naturesque:
a small islet lodged in the middle of a grand lake enclave.
Other islets had virgin shores and fresh seafood.
Throughout the tour, I just snorkelled, ate, and sun bathed!
It was a perfect day!

Food by the sea

Lastly, a visitor of Siargao should go Surfing.
What else would the name "surfing capital of the philippines" mean if you don't surf there?
But I was an exception!
Surfing would cost me 600 pesos ( I was already running out of budget)
and I was not really looking forward to some sort of adrenaline rush during this break.
As I said, I only wanted rest.

Siargao's Cloud Nine: where surfing happens

"I just watched"- this still haunts me!

But this, apparently, I regret doing: I should have surfed!
It was fun and exciting, I was told.
This is reason enough to return
And that I will!

See you soonest in Siargao!

too cozy =)

_kristian