2 Nights in Siargao, The Quick Escape

Siargao is gaining popularity as one of the most favoured destinations in the Philippines.  Last February me and my best friend Teddy Manuel managed to squeeze a quick escape within our busy schedule to celebrate his birthday.  It only permitted us 3 Days and 2 Nights.

To maximise the trip, we  solicited the help of a tour guide to plan our itinerary and hired @metro.siargao for our photos.

Day 1 

12:00 pm                    Sayak Airport

12:30 pm                    ETA Del Carmen Tourist Center (Lunch at Nearby Resto)

Straight from the airport, we were met by our guide Jake Encarnacion, including our van for the transfer.  From the airport, we went to the Del Carmen Tourist Center for a quick lunch.  Afterwards, our guide arranged our boat and fees for Sugba Lagoon.  We changed to our swimming clothes and proceeded after.

1:30 pm                      ETD Sugba Lagoon

Sugba Lagoon, is 30 minutes boat ride away from Del Carmen, passing by the protected Mangrove Forest.  The lagoon is surrounded by limestone karst similar to that of El Nido and Coron of Palawan.

2:30 pm                      ETA Sugba Lagoon

A man made 2 story structure is created for activities catering to visitors.  Tables are available for lounging and snacks. Kayak, Bamboo Raft and paddle board rentals are also available.  What makes the area popular is the makeshift diving board that sets you plunging to clear waters approximately 15 feet high.

4:00 pm                      ETD Back to Del Carmen

5:00 pm                      ETA Tourism Office

Before going to our accommodation in Gen. Luna, we made a stop on the Coconut Plantation Deck 

to appreciate the expansive farm.

5:30 pm                      ETD Going to Gen Luna

6:30 pm                      ETA Gen Luna (Isla Cabana)

We arrived at Isla Cabana earlier than scheduled because we did not spent too much time at Sugba Lagoon.  We were able to check out the views and amenities of our resort.  Isla  Cabana is among the top beach side resort, conveniently located within the town center of Gen. Luna.  Just outside the reception you will find rows of themed restaurants and souvenir shops and the bars are just walking distance.

7:30 pm                      Dinner (Isla Cusina)

For dinner, we opted for Isla Cusina, owned and operated by the same resort we're staying!  They serve a mix of local and international dishes.

9:00 pm                      Free Time Bar Hopping Explore

Since, its our first night, we tried to sample the night life in the Island.  In Siargao, they follow a schedule on which bars to go to depending on the days.  This allows bar owners to share on the tourist arrivals. Our guide accompanied us to Bravo, and allowed us to taste Enkanto, the beer.  Just hop on to any tricycle and ask where the happening for the night is held.

Day 2 (Monday Feb 17)

6:00am                       Wake Up Call

7:00am                       Breakfast

The next day, we had breakfast at the resort's beach side restaurant.  Since it was a bit gloomy, we asked that our Island hopping be moved in the afternoon when the weather improves and  just use the time to take a dip in the pool and swim at the beach fronting the property.

Our photographer arrived around noon and were off after having lunch.

1:00 pm                      ETD for Island Hopping Private ( 3 Islands Daku, Guyam, Naked)

Our guide asked us to meet him at the Boulevard Market, the jump off to the boats that will take us to three islands.

1:30 am                      ETA Naked Island

Naked Island is a sand bar, with little to no vegetation, hence the name.  It is completely submerged during the monsoon seasons, but we were fortunate to see how two opposing waves crash on its shore.

2:00 pm                     ETA Daku Island

The next island we visited is Daku, translated as big, being the biggest of the three.  There are a few Instagram nook at the resort that operate in the island, but we just opted to try out the swing and less frequented spots.

Photo by: @metro.siargao

Photo by : @metro.siargao

2:30 pm                      ETD Going to Guyam Island

The last island we visited was Guyam, translated as small, being the smaller of the two inhabited island.  It was here that we got to taste the Spider Shell.  A local delicacy enjoyed by the island dwellers.

3:00 pm                      ETA Guyam Island

Photo by: @metro.siargao

4:00 pm                      ETA General Luna Boulevard

4:30 pm                      ETA Cloud Nine for Sunset Shoot

The most iconic attraction in Siargao would be the boardwalk and wooden tower of Cloud 9.  Its mainly used by surfers and enthusiasts to reach the waves conveniently from the shore.

Photo by: @metro.siargao

Seated is our Photographer Wendell Good of @metro.siargao, Our guide Jake Encarnacion and Puti, Me and Teddy

5:30 pm                      ETD Going Back to Hotel

7:00 pm                      Dinner ( Mama's Grill)

After the long day, we made a stop to Mama's Grill for dinner.  Here, you pre order your meats on skewers by the counter and wait until they're grilled to perfection.  This would be the more reasonable restaurants and is popular both to locals and tourists.

8:00 pm                      Free Time 

After dinner, we went back to the resort and resisted the temptation to go out.

On our last day, we had breakfast at the beach side restaurant of Isla Cabana again and just prepared our things for check out.  We were suppose to go to Mapupungko Rock Formation, but decided to just sleep longer in time for Check Out.  We availed of the hotel transfer to airport instead of the private van.  Before our service arrive, we went for a walk along the main road to look for a place to have a  light lunch.

We were drawn by the cozy decor of Kook Cafe, and enjoyed their set meal of shakes and sandwiches.

After lunch, we went back to the hotel and just waited for our ride to the airport.

We hoped we had more time exploring Siargao, but that just gives us a reason to come back.

Contact @jakeencarnacion12 for tours and surf lessons.