Surprisingly I have a tan after spending 5 days in Siargao. My friends and I were blessed with gray weather, colds and fever yet we all had one of the most unforgettable week of our lives.
Siargao is not a hang out island like Boracay. It is made for those who have a great sense of adventure and is willing to come home with bandages on their feet . The more bandages you have the merrier you have been.
To get to Cloud 9, the premier surfing spot of the island, I had to be on an overnight ferry ride from Cebu to Surigao City in Surigao Del Norte though Cokaliong Shipping Lines. The ticket cost me almost 600 Pesos. We left at 7:30 PM which got me to Surigao City at 5:45 AM the next morning, just in time to catch the first fast craft (outrigger boat) to Dapa. Dapa is the gateway of Siargao Island. We left for Dapa at 6:00 AM which required me to move as fast as Nancy Navalta from the Main Port to the pier where Britphil was picking up passengers for it's first trip of the day. It was a 2 hour trip which cost me 150 Pesos. Once in Dapa I took a tricycle to Cloud 9 with 3 other passengers costing me another 100 Pesos. It took us a good 20-25 mins to get there. Before 9 AM I was checking in at Cloud 9 Resort and met up with my friends from manila who made the reservation for me. Getting there is not very complicated. If I was a millionaire's mistress I would have taken SEA air's 1 hour and 45 mins flight from Cebu to Siargao which would've taken off the cumbersome overnight ferry ride and boat transfer. Since I was on a budget trip I had to endure all trouble and made sure that I make the most out of this trip, which I did.
Siargao is known for it's surf; it's NOT for the faint-hearted. The waves are definitely not for beginners. My scars are badges of honor. I survived Siargao! For those who are willing to learn how to surf in the ruthless waters of cloud 9 make sure you stay away from where the seasoned surfers go. I suggest that you learn surfing in Quicksilver. That's the break to the left of Cloud 9. Luckily, Cloud 9 was kinder during my entire stay so I was able to ride a few waves.
Siargao popped my surfing cherry. The mermaid in me have always wanted to try the sport. I have to say my interest saved me. I searched for how-to video's on line before I even purchased my ferry ticket.
It is advisable that you hire someone to teach you. However, don't expect to be taught the way they show it one TV. Siargao's School of Surfing believes in the virtue of learning by doing. I was baptised by the surf of Rock Island. A 10 min. boat ride from Cloud 9. Misled by the videos I watched prior to the trip, I thought Ali, my instructor, would teach me on the beach, like the way they teach beginners in the rest of the world. Once our boat was anchored, Ali asked me to paddle to the 7 foot wave, which I did. He waited for the waves to get close enough, as the waves approached he pushed my board and yelled for me to stand. Had I not seen any video, I would have died before I was even able to get both of my feet on the board. Luckily I was able to stand on my 2nd attempt.
My friend Mch got her souvenir bruise while conquering Rock Island so we decided to stay close to cloud 9. We did for the rest of the week except for one afternoon when we went to Daku Island. Sadly there was no surf that afternoon. Having told that the island has coral reef I decided to bring my snorkeling set. It was gorgeous. Divers: be advised that there is no dive shop on the island, do not end up bringing your entire gear for nothing. Believe me, it happened to me.
Food is not hard to find. Siargao has affordable chow. You won't feel compelled to look for food outside of the resort your staying in but for travellers who are really on a budget I suggest Surfer's Food and the turo-turo next to it. The turo-turo is also the same spot where you could rent boards. Word of advise, be there early unless you want to surf with a board that deserves the flat iron instead of the waves. Board can be rented for P500/day. I paid Ali P250/hour for his services. The key is to learn quickly so you won't end up spending all your money for someone to push your board.
My entire week in Siargao was one of my best vacations. Now I am into surfing and is constantly praying for a surf spot in Cebu. I learned how to surf in a week despite having fever for 3 days. I recommend it to anyone who has a good sense of balance and an even greater sense of adventure.
Now let's play pictionary.
Boards Galore!
On my way to my first wipe-out.
There was a competition that week. I was not in it.
This was dinner.
Have you ridden a habal-habal? This is how you will look like aboard one. Maximum 6 passengers including the driver in one motorcycle. Obviously some of us need to lose weight.
My Siargao Crew: RJ, Mch & Alan.
Spot the fencitor in this photo.
Surf Betty and Me! My board is definitely not butch.
Ali and me, I was so wet coz we were surrounded by surfer hotties. Hot buns baby!
Alan and me looking so "touristy".
Either I was sleepy or drunk. I know I was sad coz I was leaving the island.
This is my new motto:
I guess I should leave you with a taste of Cloud 9.So what are you waiting for? See you in the assembly line. ;)
