Surigao del Norte is a mosaic island in the northeastern tip of Mindanao. A province that has managed to preserve its natural marvel through the years.
On the eastern side of the province is Siargao Island, a tropical jewel that hosts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and home of wave surfing, the latest sport and tourist attraction to take the country by storm.
Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila. It has a land mass of approximately 437 kilometers. The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet-Port Pilar with a coastline marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. There are similar neighboring islands and islets with similar landforms. The reefs and points are excellent for picking up any swell that comes along turning into clean, fast waves.
The best known surfing break now with a world reputation of being in the top Surfing Waves in the world, is nick-named “Cloud Nine”. But there are literally scores of breaks down this coast, and everytime a surfing expedition is mounted in the area, more new breaks are being discovered.
Siargao Islands contain the biggest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao. Long stretches of wetlands likewise indicate potentials for commercial seaweed propagation. Siargao Island is greatly influenced by the winds and currents coming uninterrupted from the Pacific Ocean, intensified by the Mindanao current running westward through the Siargao Strait.
Offshore, a classic tropical island lay protected within its surrounding coral reef and the dozen coconut palms dressed in the center circle of the island rustled gently in the morning breeze. Off to the right, well within the massive coastal reef, lay a shining white sand bar some 200 meters long, claimed by a flock of some forty black-headed terns that stood chattering among themselves at the waters edge. The tide of Siargao is diurnal with tidal curves typically present especially on the east coast of the island.
How to Get to Siargao Island
Manila – Surigao City
- Air via Asian Spirit
- Sea by SuperFerry, Sulpicio
- Land by Philtranco Bus
Surigao City – Dapa (entry point Siargao Island)
Sea via Fastcraft Aska and Fortune Jet
Dapa – Gen. Luna (beach & surfing area)
Land by van / motorbike / jeepney
Sayak (siargao airport) – Gen. Luna (beach & surfing area)
About the Author: WayPH
