Happy New Year everyone! How was your holidays? I hope you had a good one.
For today, I'll be sharing a few photos and anecdotes from my solo trips to Siargao.
Curious as I was, I ventured yet again into another solo travel.
As it turned out, my trip last August 2017 to Siargao will forever be one of my most memorable solo trips. It was so memorable that I went back last July 2018.
It's all true about what they say about this magic of an island and I hope it stays this way. It's a tiny island but packed with so much personality. The natural sceneries are a source of pride to call Philippines my motherland.
Currently, Siargao is fast becoming a famous tourist destination. There's a wealth of information and guides out there. But here are a few photos and suggestions if you'd like to see and read:
It's all true about what they say about this magic of an island and I hope it stays this way. It's a tiny island but packed with so much personality. The natural sceneries are a source of pride to call Philippines my motherland.
Currently, Siargao is fast becoming a famous tourist destination. There's a wealth of information and guides out there. But here are a few photos and suggestions if you'd like to see and read:
On where to stay: I stayed at Paglaom Hostel. It was, hands down, the best choice I made. Because of its humble and homey vibe, it attracts wonderful and humble souls as well. Best part: one of the cheapest options on the island!
On surfing: As we all might know, Siargao is famous for its waves and reef. If you're on the island, might as well try surfing. You might end up not loving it (quite tiring to paddle, must be patient to wait for the waves, you might feel you'll drown when you're wiped-out, etc.) but a must-try for sure!
I personally love it although I am bad at it (kook here!). Nothing compares to that adrenaline rush you feel when you are finally able to stand up on your board and just enjoy the ride.
I personally love it although I am bad at it (kook here!). Nothing compares to that adrenaline rush you feel when you are finally able to stand up on your board and just enjoy the ride.
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On where to eat: I've been told there's a lot of new restaurants sprouting all over Siargao at such a fast rate. The list of choices are ever-growing. But here are the ones I've tried personally: for breakfast try Shaka (a little pricey but hey, healthy), Aventino's (try the two-layered thin crust pizza) or Altrove, Harana for lunch or brunch, Bravo for afternoon cocktails (order their famous Pomada) and Kermit for dinner (pricey but worth it!).
Most hostels have a common kitchen so you can also try going to the market and make your own meals. Or you can try eating at local eateries for lunch and breakfast and then splurge a little for a fancy dinner. Personally, I always enjoy the family dinners at Paglaom Hostel. Any one may cook or prepare something to share for everyone. Nothing beats homemade meals!
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On things to do: On both times I was at Siargao, I spent 5-6 days. The pace on the island could be so slow. There's plenty of time to: sleep in the hammock, watch a movie (there's an island movie theater), wander on your own at the beach (Tuason Point is a favorite), read a book or simply engage in conversation with your hostel mates.
You can also:
. . You can also:
- Run a marathon (yep, there's a Siargao International Marathon, you can check here).
- Bike around (I got injured trying to learn how to ride a motorbike, so I settled with bicycle instead).
- Touch a sea urchin and have a photo with it.
- Discover the secret cave in Magpupungko (which we did!)
- Volunteer at a recycling studio.
What made Siargao special were the people I had the pleasure to cross paths with. It did not feel like solo travel at all. They were strangers at first, then turned into island family. I do not want to sound cheesy or over-romantic because after all the vacation time, you will return to your daily grind. But those encounters, although brief, were somehow meaningful on its own.
It was humbling to connect with other people from different countries/cities, exchange conversations and share experiences with them. Makes me think that we are all different but same.
Traveling is always a joyous human experience. <3
Have you been to Siargao? How was your experience? Did you travel solo or with a group?
I'd love to hear!
Traveling is always a joyous human experience. <3
Have you been to Siargao? How was your experience? Did you travel solo or with a group?
I'd love to hear!
