Siargao, Philippines

You’ve heard it all before, that some place, somewhere is more spectacular than all the rest… But Siargao truly is, well, a spectacularly different type of paradise. Its warm, electric communities of love-stuck settlers and locals is like no other… A dynamic, global array of people, cultures and cuisines await. Oh, and did I mention how gobsmackingly beautiful every inch of this island is? Jump in, let’s go.

LEFT: Naked Island in all its naked glory RIGHT:  An icon of Filipino island travel – the Filipino tricycle

SWING OVER THE MAASIN RIVER
A stop at the famous bent palm tree swing on the Maasin River on your way to the picturesque Magpupungko Rock Pools, anyone? Located just a short walk down from Maasin Bridge on the Siargao Circumferential Road, this slice of island-style fun is a must-do.

Whilst I, a more cautious twenty-something, sat on the sidelines with sunblock at the ready, my 19-year-old brother swung from a rope swing and plopped himself in the blue water below. Slapping his already reddened skin with some SPF, he was back in the line to do it again. Upon reflection, I should’ve given it a whirl myself, but watching him happily climb to the top of the palm tree and leap, blissfully into the water was joy enough at the time.

GET NAKED ON NAKED ISLAND
(WITHOUT REMOVING YOUR KIT)
You'll need to charter a private boat like we did or join a popular “3 Island Tour” to reach Naked Island. From Siargao, it's roughly a 30-minute ride.

Wind in our hair, we zipped across the cool blues surrounding Siargao and landed with our bums in the naked butter. Naked island, named for its minimalistic, sandy views (and not for any nudist activity… Just a heads up) is a sight unlike the usual palm-tree-coated landscapes of Siargao. My brother, Tyler, and I decided to time ourselves as we galloped around the tiny island, like children. It's funny how, when stripped of the busyness, you tend to take life’s purest joys in like a breath of fresh air. Rolling around in the waves to cool off, it was off to the next island on our hopping tour.

FROM LEFT: The Maasin River where the famous bent palm swing lives; Absorbing the beauty of the mangroves all around on the way to Sugba Lagoon; About to make a splash in Sugba Lagoon

GET YOUR KINILAW FIX AT CEV
Located at Bravo Beach Resort in General Luna, CEV is famous on the island for its vibrant selection of ceviche and kinilaw. Kinilaw is something of a Filipino favourite, the local variant of ceviche which is prepared in authentic Philippines style. Raw, cubed fish is marinated in locally made vinegar, an iconic ingredient in all Filipino cooking. Upon our return home, my dad dreamt up a delicious vegetarian take on Kinilaw. Fresh, delicious paradise in a bite! We highly recommend giving CEV a visit on your next trip to the paradise of Siargao. 

TAKE IN THE VIEW
On your way to Magpupungko Rock Pools, your jeepney driver will stop here for you to take in the views of paradise from the top. Although coconut palms line every dirt road and skirt every inch of Siargao’s white-sand beaches, seeing them like this is unbeatable. Ask your jeepney driver to stop at the famous viewpoint and take in the rows and rows of coconut trees as they show off their collective beauty. Invest in some bamboo straws from the vendors here and bring home your little piece of paradise for environmentally-friendly sipping, and reminisce some more.

After taking in the exquisite view, we set off for Magpupungko Rock Pools. Found on the east coast of Siargao, these natural rock pools appear every day at low tide, a natural phenomenon of note! However, we got things mixed up and arrived at high tide so we couldn’t fully embrace the pools. So, word to the wise, speak to your guide or concierge about the tides beforehand! :-)

TO JUMP INTO SUGBA LAGOON IS TO FEEL PARADISE
I may not have been brave enough to take on the coconut palm swing like my brother but when I heard that we were taking a day tour to Sugba lagoon, I knew that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to jump off the diving platform for a little adrenaline rush of my own. 

Visit the tourist centre at the Del Carmen Pier, a 45-minute drive from General Luna and make your way to this wonderland. Offering activities like snorkelling, kayaking and, of course, diving off a high board into the crystal blues below, this place is what dreams are made of.

 Stop to take in the view of the coconut palm forests on your way to the Magpupungko rock pools

CATCH A RIDE ON A FILIPINO TRICYLE
If the friendly nature of Siargao isn’t immediately apparent, just look for the colourful cheer of the well-loved Filipino tricycles or tuk-tuks (sometimes called rickshaws). They zoot along the main strip, day and night… A constant reminder of this nation’s colourful hospitality. Jump on with other tourists for a quick ride up the road to CEV or Cloud 9 Beach, or take a day tour to see the island's many joys. There’s no better way to experience island life than from the back of one of these beauties, wind in your face and endless adventures ahead.

HANG TEN AT CLOUD 9.
When landing in Siargao, I had no idea that I was about to experience adventure on adventure on adventure. Take a stroll from the main strip onto Cloud 9 Beach, a world-renowned surf spot for professionals and amateurs alike. Speak to one of the friendly locals about getting your surf on (you can’t miss them; they’ll be the guys standing near the rows of colourful boards.) After an hour in the water, I finally stood up on the board, and what an invigorating experience it was! The friendly help of the instructors will make this one of your most memorable and enjoyable moments on the island!

THE MANGROVE FORESTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
With its estimated 360 000 ha of mangrove forests, these majestic earthly creations are something to behold. It's important to note that these gorgeous ecosystems are vulnerable to the battery of climate change, and as paradise-loving humans, we should remain aware of our actions here. Whilst enjoying the boat ride to Sugba Lagoon from the Del Carmen Pier, I couldn’t help but gasp at the beauty surrounding us. If the activities and views at Sugba Lagoon don’t entice you into taking this day trip, I hope that my promise of a beautiful route does.

ISLAND HOP, SKIP, AND JUMP TO DUKA ISLAND.
Dreamy swings dance you across the shallow waters, while hammocks await your restful arrival on the shore. Make a stop at Duka Island, a mystical and peaceful rest point along your island-hopping tour. If you charter a boat, as we did, be sure to ask your guide to bring you here and enjoy a splash about in its gentle waves.

FROM LEFT: Following my surf guide into the waves at Cloud 9 Beach; The menu at CEV restaurant in General Luna showcasing their delicious kinilaw dishes; Splashing about the blue waters of Duka Island with my brother, Tyler Roake.