Siargao Island: An Unplanned Journey to Unexpected Adventures

I love organizing travel plans.

I have this long list of travel itineraries I always write in my journal or save on my phone/laptop with complete budgeting!

It doesn’t matter if I have company or not. If I go, I go. That’s how I roll.

Siargao has been on my bucket list since 2015. When everything was not so crowded and people would all go to Boracay to spend parties, Siargao was still in solitude, uncrowded. I can vividly recall putting a note in my calendar every July 23 (my birthday) and then I would tear the paper after the year ends- for how many years, that has been my tradition. My dream to explore places has always been woven into every fiber of my being.

But somehow, with all my standardized planning…

I went rogue and became spontaneous. I ditched my timelines. 

I am fortunate to get the chance to travel solo. Out of an impulse decision, I decided to ask my boss to take some time off the next day, and the next thing I knew after I got my approval, I packed my stuff in a count of one two three and then I was on the bus traveling from Carmen to Butuan.

The Island  

Photo Credits to: John Matthew (Source: Pexels)

Siargao is located on the northeastern coast of Mindanao. This small island is home to famous lagoons, natural tidal rock pools, and other glamorous rock formations you can think of, and let’s not miss the fact- the waves that made it famous for surfers. It is a 5th-class municipality and consists of 16 coastal barangays.

How to get there 

 You can get to Siargao by air or sea. 

By Air

If the budget permits, going to Siargao by air would be the most convenient choice. However, it can be too pricey, so it is better to plan ahead of time to save and do what you please when you get there. You can check seat sales via Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines.

By Sea

If you’re like me, a cheapskate (lol), you can take the bus. But prepare your butt to sit for 13 long hours (or so). If you’re in for a land trip, just like me, you will enjoy every moment.

I come from Carmen, Davao del Norte. I took a bus from Carmen to Tagum City to secure a comfortable seat. In Tagum, you can ride Surigao or my choice, Butuan.

From Butuan, I hop on another bus going to Surigao. Don’t hesitate to ask where you are and where you stop. Whenever I’m not familiar with the place, I always choose a seat closer to the driver— para sweet lover haha joke in all levels.

I left home at (around) 10:00 AM and I finally reached Surigao at 10:00 PM. When I googled it, the website says that the last trip to Siargao Island was 3:00 PM. I was ready to settle in Surigao and thought of going to Siargao the next morning.

I was a solo traveler, and I heard this group of friends going in the same direction, I learned from them that there was a last trip at 11:00 PM.

Note: The tricycle fare would be cheaper if you’re a group because you will split the expenses. What I spent going back and forth was the same. 

The Siargao Experience 

Unlike other tourists, I didn’t roam around just like I would’ve wanted. One, it was a decision out of impulse and the major reason was work. I took Friday off, and I cannot bear to ask for an extended break on Monday on such short notice. I value my work as we all should.

I felt I needed to be there, and I let myself get there. I was not after the island-hopping adventure, nor strolling around for great pictures. I was there for a breather and could not wait for another day.

When I arrived in Siargao, it was 3:00 AM. It was too early, and I know I cannot check my accommodation yet. I asked the driver to drop me at Starbooks Café because they are 24hours open. I ordered food while I looked for the cheapest bunk bed that had an air-conditioner.

Food I order: Waffle with Hungarian Sausage and Egg

I work at night, so I sleep during the day and that gives me so much relief because the people I share the room with are busy with their island activities. After I ate my food, I went to Cloud 9, set up my foldable chair, and enjoyed my breathtaking view of the sea.

Mi Casa Suites– 450/night

The acquaintances I met in the port were so nice to me and invited me to a beach foam party that I can’t say no to. It was so fun, and the DJ was playing our jam.

This is not “the” usual planned trip I would recommend to anybody.

Nevertheless, I got what I wanted:

I fell asleep

I mindlessly observe the surroundings from my bus window

I got to a different place

I got lost

I met a new circle of friends

I partied without alcohol

And best of all, I was energized and got back on track.