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Beyond the waves: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary to Siargao
"Biyahe ni Drew" airs every Friday, 8:00 PM, on GMA News TV. For more information, follow the show on Facebook and Twitter. For updates on your favorite documentaries, follow also the official Facebook page of GMA Public Affairs.
Surf's up! "Biyahe ni Drew" is celebrating its second anniversary for the whole month of March and our first destination is the "surfing mecca" of the Philippines!
Siargao continues to attract surfers from all over the world, making it one of the biggest and most popular surfing destinations in the country. Everything in Siargao spells summer. The sand is fine and white, the seafood is fresh and tasty, and the waves are big and present all-year round.
Tourists usually come to Siargao to surf but as Drew Arellano and the "Biyahe ni Drew" team found out, this island paradise has so much more to offer other than its waves. Check our itinerary:
How to get there
Travel from Manila to Siargao by plane. You have to ride a connecting flight in Cebu before you reach the island. The overall travel time lasts for three hours.
Habal-habal is the common mode of transportation in Siargao. If you are only going to stay in General Luna, Siargao's main surfing area, a P20 habal-habal ride is enough. However, a tour to other parts of the island could cost up to P200. For a more convenient and private way to go around the island, you can also rent your own motorcycle for P1,300 per day.
What to do
Surfing
P500 per hour with instructor and surfboard
So you want to know what makes Siargao a surfing favorite but you know zilch about this sport? Never fear! Siargao has surf spots for budding surfers. Drew himself is a beginner so one of the recommended spots for him was the beach break where waves are considerably smaller.
An hour might seem short but it was enough to challenge our professional Biyahero. Drew says, "Ang isang oras, sulit na sulit na sa exercise. Hindi kasi biro sumagwan at sumakay sa alon."
Island hopping
Price starts at P500
Done surfing? Go island hopping next! Drew's first stop was Guyam Island, which is named after "guyam" or ants because of its size. This small island is famous for its coconut trees and white sand, making it a great place for beach bumming. Snorkelers will also enjoy Guyam's clear waters and rich marine life.
The opposite of Guyam is Daku, which means "big" in Bisaya. If you want a quiet place where you can swim and sunbathe, this is the place to go. Daku's long stretch of white sand is perfect for lazy summer afternoons and picnics.
Tip: There are fresh seafood available in Daku but if you want variety, bring your own food and have it cooked in the island.
Crocodile watching
Pagunawan Pilar
Two years ago, a total of 36 one-year old Philippine crocodiles were released in a protected swamp area in Pagunawan Pilar in an effort to save the critically endangered animals. Because crocodiles are nocturnal, visitors usually ride a boat in the area during evenings. However, there are nights when the crocs do not surface above the water so you have to squint hard to catch a glimpse of them.
But Drew affirms that you don't have to see the actual crocodiles to enjoy the activity. "Yung experience na you are alone on a boat tapos may nakikita ka na iba't ibang klaseng ibon, insekto. It's just really being one with nature," he says. "For me, being here is really worthwhile."
If you want to try and watch crocodiles yourself, just contact the Tourism office of Siargao.
Where to go
Taktak Falls
Santa Monica, Siargao
Entrance fee: P15
Did you know that there are also waterfalls in Siargao? Taktak Falls is a one and a half hour ride from General Luna to Santa Monica. The travel time may sound long and arduous but the scenery that will welcome you here is a good contrast to the usual sea and sand found in Siargao. Taktak falls is enclosed by tall trees that provide shade to the area. The water is a little muddy but is extremely cool. If you ever get tired of the beach, go here for a more private and refreshing dip.
Magpupungko rock formation
Pilar, Siargao
Entrance fee: P50
Like the other beaches of Siargao, tourists go to Magpupungko to swim, snorkel and sunbathe. What makes it so special? Other than its own beach, Magpupungko has beautiful rock formations and a rocky area where the shallow waters form a natural swimming pool. Snorkel and take photos all you want! This place is truly one of a kind. Just be sure to bring water shoes when you go here because some of the rocks could be sharp and slippery.
Where to eat and where to stay
Dapa buko pie
Dapa, Siargao
When it comes to buko pie, Dapa is to the locals of Siargao as Laguna is to Manilenos. Drew observes that the pies here are bigger than the ones usually sold in Laguna. The coconut strips seem smaller but the taste is just as good. According to Drew, Dapa's buko pies are not sickeningly sweet. "Nandun pa rin ang hinahabol mong texture. 'Yan ang gusto ko sa buko pie. Swabe lang!"
Isla Cabana Resort
Room prices start at P5,800 per night
Food prices start at P200
Isla Cabana offers posh and cozy rooms right in front of the beach. Drew stayed in a cabana named "Naked Island," which comes with an indoor and outdoor shower area. The resort also has a swimming pool and a dining place where you can eat crabs, kinilaw, shrimps, tuna belly and more.
If you're on a budget, there are other places in Siargao that offers rooms that cost P600. There are also restos that serve food for as low as P40. Finding accommodations and restaurants in Siargao is easy because the island is lined with many resorts. To avoid the crowd, schedule your vacation during lean months. There are fewer people in the island from January to March and from June to August.
The "Biyahe ni Drew" team went to Siargao expecting to create memories of surfing. In the end, Drew and the crew discovered more than what they came for. With its beaches, waves, waterfalls, and rock formations, Siargao truly is not your ordinary summer destination.—Lara Gonzales/BMS
Surf's up! "Biyahe ni Drew" is celebrating its second anniversary for the whole month of March and our first destination is the "surfing mecca" of the Philippines!
Siargao continues to attract surfers from all over the world, making it one of the biggest and most popular surfing destinations in the country. Everything in Siargao spells summer. The sand is fine and white, the seafood is fresh and tasty, and the waves are big and present all-year round.
Tourists usually come to Siargao to surf but as Drew Arellano and the "Biyahe ni Drew" team found out, this island paradise has so much more to offer other than its waves. Check our itinerary:
How to get there
Travel from Manila to Siargao by plane. You have to ride a connecting flight in Cebu before you reach the island. The overall travel time lasts for three hours.
Habal-habal is the common mode of transportation in Siargao. If you are only going to stay in General Luna, Siargao's main surfing area, a P20 habal-habal ride is enough. However, a tour to other parts of the island could cost up to P200. For a more convenient and private way to go around the island, you can also rent your own motorcycle for P1,300 per day.
What to do
Surfing
P500 per hour with instructor and surfboard
So you want to know what makes Siargao a surfing favorite but you know zilch about this sport? Never fear! Siargao has surf spots for budding surfers. Drew himself is a beginner so one of the recommended spots for him was the beach break where waves are considerably smaller.
An hour might seem short but it was enough to challenge our professional Biyahero. Drew says, "Ang isang oras, sulit na sulit na sa exercise. Hindi kasi biro sumagwan at sumakay sa alon."
Island hopping
Price starts at P500
Done surfing? Go island hopping next! Drew's first stop was Guyam Island, which is named after "guyam" or ants because of its size. This small island is famous for its coconut trees and white sand, making it a great place for beach bumming. Snorkelers will also enjoy Guyam's clear waters and rich marine life.
The opposite of Guyam is Daku, which means "big" in Bisaya. If you want a quiet place where you can swim and sunbathe, this is the place to go. Daku's long stretch of white sand is perfect for lazy summer afternoons and picnics.
Tip: There are fresh seafood available in Daku but if you want variety, bring your own food and have it cooked in the island.
Crocodile watching
Pagunawan Pilar
Two years ago, a total of 36 one-year old Philippine crocodiles were released in a protected swamp area in Pagunawan Pilar in an effort to save the critically endangered animals. Because crocodiles are nocturnal, visitors usually ride a boat in the area during evenings. However, there are nights when the crocs do not surface above the water so you have to squint hard to catch a glimpse of them.
But Drew affirms that you don't have to see the actual crocodiles to enjoy the activity. "Yung experience na you are alone on a boat tapos may nakikita ka na iba't ibang klaseng ibon, insekto. It's just really being one with nature," he says. "For me, being here is really worthwhile."
If you want to try and watch crocodiles yourself, just contact the Tourism office of Siargao.
Where to go
Taktak Falls
Santa Monica, Siargao
Entrance fee: P15
Did you know that there are also waterfalls in Siargao? Taktak Falls is a one and a half hour ride from General Luna to Santa Monica. The travel time may sound long and arduous but the scenery that will welcome you here is a good contrast to the usual sea and sand found in Siargao. Taktak falls is enclosed by tall trees that provide shade to the area. The water is a little muddy but is extremely cool. If you ever get tired of the beach, go here for a more private and refreshing dip.
Magpupungko rock formation
Pilar, Siargao
Entrance fee: P50
Like the other beaches of Siargao, tourists go to Magpupungko to swim, snorkel and sunbathe. What makes it so special? Other than its own beach, Magpupungko has beautiful rock formations and a rocky area where the shallow waters form a natural swimming pool. Snorkel and take photos all you want! This place is truly one of a kind. Just be sure to bring water shoes when you go here because some of the rocks could be sharp and slippery.
Where to eat and where to stay
Dapa buko pie
Dapa, Siargao
When it comes to buko pie, Dapa is to the locals of Siargao as Laguna is to Manilenos. Drew observes that the pies here are bigger than the ones usually sold in Laguna. The coconut strips seem smaller but the taste is just as good. According to Drew, Dapa's buko pies are not sickeningly sweet. "Nandun pa rin ang hinahabol mong texture. 'Yan ang gusto ko sa buko pie. Swabe lang!"
Isla Cabana Resort
Room prices start at P5,800 per night
Food prices start at P200
Isla Cabana offers posh and cozy rooms right in front of the beach. Drew stayed in a cabana named "Naked Island," which comes with an indoor and outdoor shower area. The resort also has a swimming pool and a dining place where you can eat crabs, kinilaw, shrimps, tuna belly and more.
If you're on a budget, there are other places in Siargao that offers rooms that cost P600. There are also restos that serve food for as low as P40. Finding accommodations and restaurants in Siargao is easy because the island is lined with many resorts. To avoid the crowd, schedule your vacation during lean months. There are fewer people in the island from January to March and from June to August.
The "Biyahe ni Drew" team went to Siargao expecting to create memories of surfing. In the end, Drew and the crew discovered more than what they came for. With its beaches, waves, waterfalls, and rock formations, Siargao truly is not your ordinary summer destination.—Lara Gonzales/BMS
