Sleepless in Siargao

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. When I received an invitaion from a friend of mine to visit the place, I never had second thoughts in doing so.

I hurriedly packed my things within a snap of a finger. I've heard so much about the place and going there is a rare oppurtunity. On our way there, I took time to do some research.

Siargao has earned the monicker as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. And it has lived up to the name. Siargao island is a two-hour travel from Surigao City. It has a land mass of approximately 437 kilometers. Its coastlines are marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. There are neighboring islands and islets with similar landforms. The island's Pacific-facing reefs are situated on the edge of the Philippine Trench, making Siargao an excellent surfing haven, particularly during the southwest "habagat" monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore and where major surfing events are held.

The best known surfing spot for its notorious surf-breaking waves is "Cloud 9". It is loacted in the town of General Luna. This is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte. The term "Cloud 9" came about when all they had for food at that time were Cloud 9 chocolate bars.Siargao was discovered by travelling surfers in the late 1980's, made famous by American photographer John S. Callahan, who published the first major feature on Siargao Island in the US-based SURFER Magazine in March 1993. At that time, surfing was not well-known in the place. Callahan has returned to the island many times since his first visit in 1992, and his efforts to photograph and publish Siargao in books and magazines around the world has put the island in the international map, drawing thousands of surfing tourists, including investors, to Siargao.

There are several other quality waves around Siargao and nearby islands, but Cloud 9 has received more publicity than other areas. It is the only wave area accessible without a boat, leading to overcrowding and the nickname of "Crowd 9" among surfers worldwide, as eager foreign and locally owned accommodations and tourist facilities attempt to profit from the publicity and the annual influx of visitors.

Siargao Island also has the biggest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao on the opposite coastline, especially in the Municipality of Del Carmen. The town is also known for its sea crocodiles. 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.

Activities like Kayaking, island hopping, diving and snorkeling are also very popular. Not to be missed is a full day boat trip to Sohoton Caves & Lagoon. A magical place, overhung with jungle cliffs where you can swim into caves with bats, strange fishes, stalactites and rock oysters, weird corals, pitcher plants, cycads and wild orchids. In front of Patrick's on the Beach are several islands. You should pop across the lagoon to Guyam, the perfect palm-fringed islet, Dako and its white sand beach, coral reefs and friendly villagers, or visit Pansukian ( Naked Island ) a white sand beach with coral all around.

About 45 minutes on Patrick's pump-boat is the pristine island Corregidor with wonderful beaches and lots of shells. The 300 plus islanders are very friendly and are proud that they have protected their exquisite coral reefs full of all types of sea life. This island is well worth a whole day's outing with a picnic on the beach. If you are feeling brave, try rocky jungle Hanoyoy, and see if all the talk about buried treasures and wak-waks (forest spirits) are really true. Beyond Dako are the Islands La Janosa, Mamon and little Antokon, with crystal clear water, coral reefs and white sand, rolling breakers and friendly villagers. Up the coast, just past Pilar, is Magpapungko, and it's natural rock swimming hole. Scoured clean by every tide, it is a great place for a picnic. Beyond, you could go to Pacifico, Burgos or Alegria, all with great beaches and surf breaks. On the west coast of Siargao are Kaob and Poneas Island. These trips are a relaxing and informative way to view the stunning beauty of Siargao and the many surrounding islands.The sights made me sleepless in Siargao.