Just when I thought I have exhausted all of Siargao’s beauty, I saw from instagram and facebook posts of friends about this perfectly secluded spot in the town of Del Carmen. It has been there all along just waiting to be recognized for its timeless grandeur.
Here goes our 2 week- long year-end vacation merged into one song 🙂
2 hours away from the famed Siargao Island lies a paradise known to captivate for its surreal beauty. This paradise calls itself Sohoton. Coined from the Cebuano word ‘su-oton’ which means to go under, Sohoton reminds me of the 2009 movie Avatar. This utopia is hidden by a maze-like structure of small islets. The puzzle is worth solving since what you will see beyond is a picture of an untouched and mesmerizing paradise.
Apart from the tunneling waves of Siargao are islets that boasts of sugary white sand. Of equal popularity to locals are the three islands off the shores of General Luna namely; Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island. You can arrange island hopping tours through you resort (pretty sure they offer) or if you want a cheaper bargain, you can go to the Boulevard in General Luna (near the market) and look for a boat for hire. Their rates range from 1,200- 1500 depending on how many you are. We got ours for 1,200.
NAKED ISLAND
Situated farthest among the three from General Luna, Naked Island is actually a 200 meter sand bar- no trees nor any life form just pure white sand.
If you are a fan of having a tan, you’d definitely love it here. The sun was literally above us when we were there. The scorching heat of the sun gave us sunburns the day after. haha
And there are no naked people here. hehe
DAKU ISLAND
A perfect place for beach bumming is the Daku Island. “Daku” is a local term which means big. Of the three, this is the biggest and inhabited by a hundred plus locals. Beach front cottages are available for day and overnight use. The place is ideal for family picnics and group outings.
We spent most of our time dawdling in its long strip of powdery white sand and crystal clear water.
We stayed too long that the boat man already persuaded that we leave since it was getting dark and we still have one island to go.hehe
GUYAM ISLAND
The nearest of them all. Guyam island is of the same size as Naked Island only that it has small coconut trees scattered throughout the little island. The island is considered private hence a 10php/person entrance fee is collected.
The island is so near the shore that I guess a good swimmer can reach it by swimming alone.
The island is great for pictorials and it has a good view of the sunset.
Contrary to my previous belief, Siargao’s water is not entirely made of gigantic waves. There are placid areas too making it possible for island hopping adventure and beach bumming. Hence, don’t limit yourself on your adventure to just surfing and treading the waves in Siargao. Explore what this little piece of paradise has to offer!
Let’s say you’ve already surfed at Cloud 9 and got that nice, clean wave you’ve been praying for. You have also dipped yourself in Magpupungko’s natural infinity pool and has gone out on an island hopping tour in Guyam, Daku and Naked Islands. What more can you do in Siargao? We’ll there’s still a lot this little piece of heaven has to offer. And I’m naming them one by one.
1. Talk a short walk at the Boulevard, General Luna.
It maybe a public place being the center of activities in the town, the Boulevard in General Luna would surprise you with its calm, laid back environment. On low tides, the powdery white sand bar stretches up to a few meters. You can also enjoy watching locals, children mostly, swimming on its crystal clear water. Or you can take a dip yourself!
2. Dine in at Aventino’s.
Located at General Luna across the church, Aventino’s has one of the great pizzas I’ve tasted. Try their TRICIA, you’ll love its three layers of cheese, meat and veggies.
3. Buy fresh seafood from the market.
Siargao is home to a wide array of seafood. You’ll be surprised how cheap their prices are.
4. Eat them of course.
Of course! Who couldn’t resist those crabs and marlins?
5. Rent a motorcycle and wander around.
Go solo or take someone with you, and exhaust the beauty this island has to offer. No need to have a map with you. Ask around. Get lost. The lush vegetation you will see along the road will give you that sense of calm serenity.
6. Explore its white sand beaches.
Siargao is home to powdery white sand beaches. The towns of Burgos, Malinao and Union are home to untouched beaches perfect for beach bumming activities.
7. Paddle and surf in areas other than Cloud 9.
Cloud 9 isn’t the only surfing spot in Siargao. Surprised? The town of Union and Burgos has surf breaks ideal for beginners.
8. Try their pan bisaya.
Made of unleavened flour and baked from a “pugon” or wood fired oven, the pan bisaya is an alternative of the morning pandesal. It’s a blend of flavors- sweet and salty with a chewy texture. Enjoy eating it while hot with coffee or hot chocolate.
9. Try top loading in Dapa Express.
On on way back to Surigao, since the boat was kinda packed due to the holiday season, we tried top loading. And it was fun! Until the sun showed up and added more insult to our already burnt faces. We didn’t have a choice but to go down and hide. haha
doreen the explorer 