Exploring Siargao

I don't have an actual bucket list but if ever I have one, Siargao would be in it... and I would have ticked it off by now!

Siargao is said to be the surfing capital of the Philippines. I am no surfer so I cannot really tell if its the best surfing spot in the country. For a non-surfer like me, it's a great place to start learning how to ride with the waves. So it should be on anyone's itinerary when visiting Siargao. Even if you're not planning to be a pro, trying it once is worth the adventure. 

Since I'm not a surfer, I did a research on other activities to do while in Siargao. I found out that you can go island hopping, stand-up paddle boarding, caving, visit Magpupungko Rock Pool, or go to Bucas Grande. 

Our 4 Days and 3 Nights Itinerary in Siargao

Day 1: Cebu-Siargao flight (departure around 11:00 am)

Resort check-in, lunch, rest then 1-hour surfing lesson at around 3:00 pm

Day 2: Strolled along the board walk at Cloud 9 in the morning and went Island Hopping at 11:00 am

Day 3: Travel from Siargao to Bucas Grande (left around 6:30am)

Resort check-in, lunch, then went to Sohoton Cove Tour

Day 4: Travel from Bucas Grande to Hayanggabon port, Surigao before 7:00 am

Hayanggabon port to Surigao City via van
Surigao City - Cebu flight

Siargao

Flying to Siargao in a sunny morning will give you a fantastic view of small islets which I guess are part of Bucas Grande. From the airport, we took a van going to General Luna with travel time of approximately 45 minutes. Siargao gave me an impression of a true island life. Not so crowded, no tall or big commercial establishments or resorts, abundant of palm/coconut trees and other tropical plants and trees.

Surfing Sesh

It was our first time to try surfing so we were taught with the basics only: how to stand up and balance on the board. Doing it with an instructor was easier because they find the perfect wave for us and push/pull us on the board while in the water.lol So lesser paddling effort for us. All we had to concentrate on was practice standing up and balancing while on the board and enjoy riding with the waves.

I'm proud to say that I learned how to do it fast... I guess. I didn't know what to do after the ride so I just jump off. I found out later on through the internet that you can actually just go back lying on the board. It was fun though, and very addicting! We wanted to do it again the next day but our bodies were sore!

Island Hopping

There are three islands to visit in this activity: Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island. The weather was gloomy when we went island hopping but the 3 islands didn't fail to amaze us.

Naked Island. Literally, it is naked. No trees, just a small island full of sand. Its like a sandbar without the main island. It was raining when we got there so we weren't able to enjoy swimming and exploring it. Kinda scary to be in a naked island with the clouds so dark and the rain pouring in. hahah So we just ate our lunch at the boat before going to the next island.

Daku Island. Its the biggest among three that's why its called Daku, which means "big" in Siargaonon dialect. Its where we had fun swimming on the long shoreline because the rain has stopped. There were also small cottages for rent.

Guyam Island. I really find this tiny island so cute! Small and circular but full of tall coconut trees. Looks so tropical and very picturesque!

Bucas Grande

The limestone islets at Bucas Grande are an amazing view while on the boat. It gives you that feeling of serenity and awe while looking at the scenic beauty of nature. The water is also very clear that you can see the corals, fish, and starfish in some areas.  Bucas Grande is not very popular yet compared to the famous tourist spots in the country. That is why we were able to enjoy the serenity of the place and its unspoilt natural beauty. 

There are different tourist spots within the islands of Bucas Grande. There's Sohoton Cove, Stingless Jellyfish Sanctuary, caves, falls, and lagoon. I think it needs a separate blog post so watch out for it (and pray that I'll be able to post about it lol).

For more photos of our Siargao trip, follow @lifetrotting on Instagram and check the hashtag #ExploringSiargao. :)

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TBT: El Nido Island Hopping Tours

El Nido has always been on my bucket list. When Cebu Pacific started to offer a direct flight from Iloilo to Puerto Princesa last 2012, I grabbed the chance. Fortunately, I was able to fit the El Nido tours in our 6-day itinerary in Palawan. I have always thought it was very expensive to go there because it looked so luxurious. I didn't know there are affordable guest houses in El Nido, big thanks to the Internet!

From Puerto Princesa City, we took a bus going to El Nido. The trip was approximately 5 hours including one stop-over for lunch. We arrived at El Nido at around 4PM so we just strolled around after we found a guest house and settled our bags.

Our favorite hangout place near the beach was the Pukka Resto Bar. The bar has live band performing reggae songs that's perfect for a relaxing beach vibe.

El Nido Island Hopping Tours

There are four types of island hopping tours in El Nido and all have standard prices per person. However, I found out through my research online that you may also rent a boat for around 2000-3000 or higher for any of the tours offered. I forgot the exact prices on our 2-day tour but prices are negotiable with the boatmen. Renting a boat is cheaper if you are a group of 5 or more.

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

Small Lagoon

Big Lagoon

Secret Lagoon at Entalula Island

The Tiny Entrance to Secret Lagoon

Simizu Island

7 Commandos Beach

El Nido Island Hopping Tour C

Helicopter Island

Hidden Beach

Talisayen Beach (Near Matinloc Shrine)

Matinloc Shrine

Secret Beach

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El Nido FUN (Video)

November and December of 2012 were busy months for me. There are a lot of adventures that I haven't posted yet. I'm not even finished blogging everything about our Sagada trip in mid November.lol Three weeks after that, we went to Puerto Princesa and El Nido, Palawan. Then there was the Christmas holidays and the unexpected Boracay getaway before the year ended. Phew!

For now, let me share this video that says all about the FUN we had in exploring the different islands in El Nido. It's best to watch it in HD. Enjoy! :)

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Thanks! :)

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Sand Bar Island Beach Resort, Concepcion Iloilo

Western Visayas Paradise Islands (Aside From Boracay)

Boracay is the first thing that comes to mind to most people who want to have an island getaway. Its paradise-like beauty is undeniable. But little did we know, there are more paradise islands in Western Visayas: I've been to Guimaras, Isla Gigantes, and just recently, to Sand Bar Island Beach Resort in Concepcion, Iloilo. These islands also have white sand, fresh air, and beautiful scenery. But unlike Boracay, these islands are unspoiled, not too crowded, and still in its pristine beauty.

Sand Bar Island Beach Resort

This small island, owned by Mr. Sonny Eusala, is located in Concepcion Iloilo. It is a three-hour bus ride from Iloilo City and about thirty-minute boat ride from Concepcion port. Upon arrival, the water was overflowing on the long stretch of sand bar. The sand is still visible though and it was even a more welcoming site for us.

The clear beach water was very inviting for a swim. There is a small boat or a canoe that can be rented at the resort for a fee of PhP100/hour.  During low tide, it's hard to miss the opportunity to stroll around the island. The white sand and the fresh sea breeze are perfect for a lazy stroll. The surrounding nearby islands are a beautiful scenery that makes the place even more beautiful.

Needless to say, Sand Bar Island Beach Resort is really BEAUTIFUL.

The Resort

There are small and big cottages in the island resort where guests can stay overnight. No aircon and fan but you wouldn't really need them. Their shower room and comfort rooms are clean enough. Open cottages are also available for a fee for those who are staying for the day but free for overnight guests.

Guests can bring their own food and cook it in the resort. For overnight stayers, make sure to buy ice for food storage. You can borrow an ice box from them and other cooking materials. There is also a sari-sari store in the resort where you can buy basic necessities like cooking oil, coffee, dish washing liquid etc. But its better to bring your own because they're somehow overpriced.

The resort can provide fresh water and drinking water for the guests. Each container of fresh water costs PhP20 and 5 gallons of drinking water costs PhP100.

Electricity in the island is until 10pm only. There are no sockets as well. They basically provide you with lights only. If you need to charge your cellphone or electronic gadgets, you may do so at the owner's house. After 10pm, you can have a bonfire near the beach. They charge PhP300 for the bonfire setup.

Island Hopping

Island hopping activity at the resort costs PhP2,000 for 16 people with 5 island destinations. I've heard about Agho Island before and we passed by it during the activity. We didn't stop by the island though because the entrance fee of PhP25/person and PhP100 boat parking fee turned us off. The island is much like Sand Bar Island Beach Resort so we decided not to stop by.

Agho Island

Among all the islands we went to in this activity, I must say that Sand Bar Island Beach Resort is the most beautiful. Though it was fun to go island hopping with friends.

The "Sand Bar"

The sand bar is one of the wonders of Nature that I find really fascinating. That long stretch of curved white sand in the middle of clear water is just stress-relieving. It was even more fun to swim and take photos at the sand bar when it is submerged onto the water. It felt like you're in the middle of the sea.

Rates

PhP120    Bus from Iloilo City to Concepcion (vice-versa)
PhP2000  Boat Rental from Concepcion to Sand Bar Island Beach Resort (Roundtrip, up to 20 persons)
PhP25      Environmental Fee
PhP1000  Big Cottage (per night)
PhP800    Small Cottage
PhP2000  Island Hopping Boat Rental (up to 20 persons)

Going to Sand Bar Island Beach Resort is cheaper if you are in a large group. You can already enjoy the place in just 2days and 1night.

Important Note:
Last trip of buses from Concepcion to Iloilo is at 3pm.

Contact Number:
Sonny Eusala - 09068197516

Credits:
Big thanks to Lakas ng Trip for the very helpful travel guide. :)

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