About Siargao
Found on the eastern edge of the Philippines, Siargao epitomizes the best of what the island nation offers - coral reef islets, white sand beaches, emerald lagoons, mangrove rivers, palm trees, rice fields, forests, cliffs, and caves.
Geography
Because of its isolated location, the teardrop-shaped island of Siargao has remained relatively unspoiled over the centuries, leaving its unparalleled beauty intact. With a total land area of 437 kilometers, and a top elevation of 291 meters above sea level, Siargao Island includes rainforests, islets, lagoons and vast spans of mangrove swamps in the west and south giving it the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao.
The weather is consistent year-round with an average temperature of 30° C. Siargao Island, as with the whole of the Philippines, has two seasons: the rainy season (December to February), characterized by period showers, and the dry season. The island is influenced by the water and wind of the Pacific Ocean, intensified by the Mindanao current running through the Siargao Strait.
Local municipalities include Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, San Benito, San Isidro, and Santa Monica.
People
The local population of approximately 200,000 makes Siargao Island not just a wonderful place to see, but also a wonderful place to be. Most locals are followers of Roman Catholicism and speak functional English in addition to Filipino/Tagalog and the regional language of Surigaonon, a dialect of Visayan. Island life has created a fishing culture for the majority of inhabitants with coconut and copra farms also common. By nature the people of Siargao are hospitable, friendly, peaceful, and interested in keeping their island pristine.
Wonders
A wide range of wildlife roams Siargao including the tarsier, the world's smallest primate, the Philippine macaque, and the green turtle.
However, Siargao is primarily known for it abundant underwater life. Deep-sea fishing is popular here, with sailfish being the most prized catch between March and May. Occasional visits from whale sharks make tours around the island a unique experience.
Island hopping among Siargao's beautiful and unexploited neighbors has become a must-do activity. The tour makes the most of Mother Nature's plentiful blessings by voyaging to the islands of Daku, Guyam, Pansukian sandbar (also known as Naked Island), Caub, the Twin Islands of La janosa and Mamon, and Bucas Grande. Explore caves, discover exotic birds, or simply experience these locales in all their isolated and tranquil majesty.
Siargao: Surfing Capital of the Philippines
The wealth of travelers looking for an adventurous and daring vacation has earned Siargao Island the title of "Surfing Capital of the Philippines." Tourists and locals alike flock to ride the great waves that wash upon the island's shores.
When the southwest winds blow (habagat ) from August to November, the offshore winds bring Siargao surfing to its peak.
Cloud 9
Known as one of the best surfing destinations in Siargao, Cloud 9 is world renowned for its perfect, thick, hollow tubes that international surfers call a "special wave." The location has become so recognized that the provincial government sponsors the annual Siargao Cup, with the best surfers from around the globe gathering to the experience the legendary waves.
Where else in the world would you want to go? Definitely, only Siargao can give the most of your vacation.