Surigao del Norte - Surfing in Siargao (The "Surfer Wannabe" Conquers the Waves of Siargao)

The strong waves coming from the Pacific Ocean make Siargao Island one of the most popular surfing destinations in the Philippines. As a "surfer wannabe", I really wanted to go there to ride its mighty waves. So when I had a chance to go to Surigao del Norte during my birthday trip, I took the chance and braved the 3-hour bumpy and vomit-inducing boat ride from Surigao city to Siargao island.

Getting there you have to ride the boats docked at the boulevard in Surigao City. Be sure to be there early to get good seats. You may also opt to buy tickets a day before the trip from the dispatcher's desk at the boulevard. Fare is 250 pesos to Dapa port, travel time is around 3 hours.

We arrived in Dapa Port at around 9:00 AM and took a habal-habal (300 pesos for 2 persons, one-way) to Cloud 9 in the town of General Luna where the surfing site is located.

In Cloud 9, there are resorts, hotels and hostels where you could stay for the rest of your trip. We chose Ocean Pacific Inn where an air conditioned room costs 500 pesos per night. It has twin beds and a private toilet and bath. Quite a good deal for such a lovely room. Its proximity to the surfing site is also a plus.

After resting for a while, we went to the surfing site with our new-found friends, surfers and residents of Siargao, Janice and Quong. It was still early and there were only a few surfers in sight. Quong brought his board and surfed. We just watched them and the strong waves as we kill some time.

We then went back to the inn to have lunch and take an afternoon nap. At around 3:00 PM, we went back to the surfing site for our scheduled surfing lessons. You could ask the staff of the hostel to get a surfing instructor for you. It costs 500 pesos for a 1-hour surfing lesson and board rental.

I can't contain the excitement in me as we walked towards the boardwalk. I just can't believe that I am now this close to ride the waves of Siargao.

After a quick instructions from my instructor, we went down the boardwalk and to the waves.

As a "surfer wannabe", I still don't know how to spot a wave and when to stand. So, I just relied on my instructor as to when I should paddle and stand on the board. Hahaha!

I experienced several wipe-outs before I really got to stand on the board. The waves in Siargao are really strong that I could feel its power underneath my board. It was scary, as I know that when I fall, I will fall on reefs. Hahaha!

Still, my excitement prevailed and pushed me to just surf and enjoy each ride. I did it over and over again until I got tired and my 1-hour surfing lesson was finished.

I've been dreaming of this for such a long time. To experience the power of the waves pushing my board is such a rewarding experience! Though I still need to learn some more, I'm am so happy that I finally ridden the mighty waves of Siargao. I will definitely go back here soon!

Thank you to our friends Janice and Quong for assisting us with all we need while we were in the island. See you again soon!

OCEAN PACIFIC INN
Adress: Cloud 9, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Contact Number: 0908-393-2796
E-mail Address: oceanpacificinn@gmail.com)

HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO ISLAND

Option 1: Take a direct flight to Siargao Island from Manila or Cebu. This is the easiest way to go to the island.

Option 2: Take a flight to Surigao City. From there, take a boat ride to Dapa Port in Siargao Island. Boats can be found at the boulevard.

Option 3: Take flight to Butuan City. Then take a van/bus to Surigao City, from there take a boat to Siargao Island.

Boat Schedule:
Bretphil 6:00 AM daily (3 hours)
Dapa Express 10:45 AM daily (3 hours)
Montenegro Shipping Lines (RORO) 12:00 NN daily (4 hours)

More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.

This trip happened in April 22, 2012 during my 3-day birthday trip in Surigao del Norte.

ALSO READ: Best Hotels and Beach Resorts in Siargao