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SCINTILLATING SIARGAO: 5 DAYS SURF & SPLASH

The Philippines’ surfing capital presents the ultimate venue to indulge in endless beach fun. Surf and splash in one of Time Magazine’s World's 100 Greatest Places of 2021

trip overview

Scintillating Siargao: 5 Days Surf & Splash | Javalava Tours

5 Days, 1 Country (Philippines)

Private Tours & Transfers
Tour code: JAVALAVADIWATA
Start: Siargao (Airport code IAO)
End: Siargao (Airport code IAO)
Destinations: Siargao, Bucas Grande
Suitable for: No age limit

From PHP 41,288, USD 765, EURO 724 per person
PHP 8,258, USD 153, EURO 145 per day

 

Siargao was once a well-kept secret in surfing circles. Local legend has it that a foreign surfer called “Max Walker” who visited the island in April 1989 put Cloud 9, Siargao’s famous surf break, on the map. Three years later, world renowned editor and American surf photographer John Callahan did a Surfer Magazine trip to Siargao with fellow surfers Taylor Knox and Evan Slater. Then, in 1993, a cover story feature of Siargao revealed the wave and the island to surf enthusiasts across the globe. It didn't take long for the world to come knocking at Siargao's door with hopes of surfing her perfect waves.

Siargao, however, is more than just a surf destination. Aside from its world-class waves, Siargao has turquoise tide pools, dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, caves and cave pools, hidden lagoons, and white sand islets. The popular island hopping tour here reveals islands that are big, small, hidden, and naked.

Located in Mindanao, this island region has 48 islands and islets, composed of nine municipalities. Siargao Island has a total land area of only 437 square kilometers and can be circumnavigated in less than a day.

The neighboring island of Bucas Grande appeals like an uncharted territory – verdant with Magkono Trees (Philippine Iron Wood) that yield one of the hardest lumbers in the world… abundant with wildlife including the Visayan Tarictic Hornbill and the Stingless Spotted Jellyfish.

The first Siargao Cup surfing event was held in 1996. It has since grown and became the much-awaited annual Siargao International Surfing Cup which draws the world’s top surfers.

If you’re itching to ride the waves of Siargao, check out Cloud 9. Named after a Philippine chocolate bar, Cloud 9 is a fast and powerful fiend with monumental tubes that sweep in from the Pacific Ocean. The waves are perfect for surfing all year round, but the best time is from as early as July to as late as January.

Apart from surfing, Siargao also hosts the annual Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament. Blue marlin & yellow fin tuna are among the most prized game fish here.

Siargao also has the largest contiguous mangrove forest cover in the Philippines. Aside from sustaining the ecological balance and supporting people’s livelihoods, the mangroves are beneficial for tourism as their presence form “water roads” where nature-lovers can go paddle boarding, kayaking, or boating.

Siargao’s island charms have captured many including Red Hot Chili Peppers vocalist Anthony Kiedis who went surfing here once. Local celebrities like Nadine Lustre and Andi Eigenmann call the island their home. Katarina Rodriguez, Rachel Peters, Maureen Montagne, and Jericho Rosales lived on the island at a certain time. Foreign chefs, entrepreneurs, models, people from the corporate world who visited Siargao as tourists have moved here and set up boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, retails shops, and spas. 

No longer a secret, more and more people are taking notice of Siargao thanks to the spotlight brought by the media. The 2017 Philippine surf romance movie entitled “Siargao” that was filmed on the island is a visual feast that captured the hearts of Filipino moviegoers. On the international scene, luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler named Siargao the Best Island in Asia in 2018 and again in 2021. Time Magazine listed Siargao as one of the World's 100 Greatest Places of 2021.

The stage is set for your ultimate beach fun. Hit the beach in style and discover the diverse island offerings of scintillating Siargao.

highlights

▪ Ride the waves of Cloud 9, Siargao’s famous surf break
▪ Discover Catangnan Bridge and why a regular bridge has become a major tourist attraction
▪ Soak up the sun on an island hopping tour and navigate islands that are big, small, hidden, and naked
▪ Go snorkeling and get up close with vibrant marine life
▪ Tickle your tastebuds (And your eyes!) with the iconic Siargao Boodle Fight

▪ Traverse the mangroves of Secret Beach while watching glittering fireflies & bioluminescent plankton
▪ Get up close with smacks of Stingless jellyfish
▪ Swim in a cave that snores
▪ Enjoy the sultry sceneries around Club Tara Resort 
▪ Explore Tundan Cave, the most impressive and deepest cave in Sohoton Bay
▪ Find serenity or make a fun splash with the diving board at Sugba Lagoon
▪ Wade in joy at Magpupungko Rock Pools, a natural swimming pool that appears only during low tide
▪ Devour sumptuous seafood including crabs and lobsters (Yes, they’re on the menu!)
▪ Gaze at a ginormous sea of coconut trees at Coconut Mountain View
▪ Go caving, swimming, and cliff jumping at Tayangban Cave Pool

Maasin River Siargao

itinerary

QUICK VIEW

▪ DAY 1 (D)
Arrive Siargao
Surfing at Cloud 9
Catangnan Bridge
Overnight Siargao

▪ DAY 2 (BLD)
Siargao Island Hopping Tour
Fish Sanctuary
Naked Island
Daku Island
Siargao Boodle Fight
Guyam Island
Secret Island

Secret Beach
Fireflies & Bioluminescence Tour

Overnight Siargao

DAY 3 (BLD)
Bucas Grande Island Adventure Tour
Sohoton Cove
Stingless Jellyfish Sanctuary
Hagukan Luminous Cave
Magkukuob Cave
Club Tara Resort
Tundan Cave
Tiktikan Lagoon
Mark A Island
Overnight Siargao

DAY 4 (BLD)
Sugba Lagoon
Siargao Land Tour
Magpupungko Rock Pools
Maasin River
Secret Lagoon
Coconut Road
Coconut Mountain View

Overnight Siargao

DAY 5 (BL)
Tayangban Cave Pool
Transfer to Siargao Airport
Tour ends

* B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Siargao Boodle Fight
Naked Island Siargao
Sugba Lagoon Siargao

DAY 1 (D) ARRIVE SIARGAO

Mabuhay! Welcome to the Philippines’ surfing capital – Siargao. After hotel check in, it’s time for your first Siargao experience. We head to Cloud 9, no less than the island’s most popular surfing spot. In case you missed it, Cloud 9 was ranked 8th in CNNGo's World's Top 50 Best Surf Spots. Ride the waves and feel alive! Newbie surfer? Worry not! Our dependable surf instructor will guide you through each step and have you surfing in no time. Take home a new skill and the bragging rights that you conquered Siargao’s famous Cloud 9. Not a fan of surfing? No problem! You can relax by the beach and take in the sultry tropical sceneries while enjoying a fresh fruit smoothie. Bottoms up! Afterwards we head to Catangnan Bridge to soak up breathtaking views of sunset. Come dinnertime, expect a spread of drool-worthy seafood so good, you’ll probably overeat. Then you’re free to check out the island’s vibrant nightlife. One ice-cold San Miguel please!

DAY 2 (BLD) SIARGAO ISLAND HOPPING

Dig into breakfast then prepare to go on an island hopping adventure to visit three of Siargao’s most famous islands and more. Go snorkeling amidst colorful marine life at the Fish Sanctuary. Discover Naked Island – a sandbar that, as its name suggests, is without any trees or shade. Afterwards, we head to Daku Island for more swimming and snorkeling. Daku Island is also the perfect setting to satisfy your tastebuds with the iconic Siargao Boodle Fight – a delightful beachfront barbecue lunch featuring freshly caught seafood and more. A treat for your eyes and most definitely your tummy! Afterwards, we head to the tiny but mighty Guyam Island where you can relax in a cottage, in a hammock, under a tree, or perhaps explore the surrounding dramatic rock formations. Finally, enjoy your last beach hurrah swimming at Secret Island before the tide rises. Fun times guaranteed! In the evening, a delicious feast of authentic Indonesian cuisine awaits. Enak banget! After dinner, we hit the mangroves of Secret Beach with a boat cruise while watching glittering fireflies and bioluminescent plankton. It's the northern lights of the sea!

DAY 3 (BLD) SIARGAO-BUCAS GRANDE-SIARGAO

Put on a happy face and get ready for your greatest Siargao adventure yet. More than just the regular sightseeing, today’s activities include swimming, snorkeling, ledge jumping, diving, cave explorations, and more. You’re in for a treat! We head to Dapa then hop on to a boat to Bucas Grande Island’s Sohoton Cove. Ready for something amazing? Prepare to be surrounded by smacks of Stingless jellyfish. Stingless jellyfish have a translucent bell measuring between 2-7 centimeters (0.8-2.8 inches) in diameter but some individuals can reach 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. Though small in size, the sight of dozens, oftentimes even hundreds of them, is truly a magical experience. We also visit Hagukan Luminous Cave. A truly peculiar site, this cave not only produces a “haguk” or snoring sound but also brings a dazzling glow that can be seen on the stalactites, the surrounding water, and on the skin of anyone who enters the cave. There’s also Magkukuob Cave as well as Tundan Cave, the most impressive and deepest cave in all of Sohoton Bay. We also check out Club Tara Resort, Tiktikan Lagoon, and Mark A Island where you can swim and relax to your heart’s content. For dinner, prepare to chomp on delectable island barbecue. Extra rice please!

DAY 4 (BLD) SUGBA LAGOON + SIARGAO LAND TOUR

Swimsuit up! Today we’re going on a land tour that also comes with a leisurely boat ride to Sugba Lagoon. We leave General Luna for a brief road trip to Del Carmen then hop on a boat navigating stunning seascapes of towering mountains and expansive mangrove forests (The largest in the Philippines with over 48.71 square kilometers or 4,871 hectares!) Entering Sugba Lagoon is an experience in itself as the boat makes its way through narrow a passage revealing a cabana right smack in the middle of the lagoon surrounded by epic mountains. Here at Sugba Lagoon, there’s paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, rafting, the Crystal kayak, or perhaps unleash your fearless side, conquer the diving board, and dive into the inviting lagoon. Afterwards we make our way back to Siargao and navigate to Magpupungko Rock Pools, home to natural rock pools that only come into view at a certain time of the day – during low tide. When the tide recedes, a crystal clear rock pool emerges. Go ahead and jump in! We also visit Coconut Mountain View, an overlooking viewpoint that allows you to see spectacular landscapes adorned with countless coconut trees. It's definitely one of the most Instagramable spots on the island. Afterwards, we head to Maasin River which has become a crowd favorite after Instagram photos of the place went viral. Make sure to check out the famous crooked coconut tree and try the rope swing. Banzai! Then we venture deeper into Maasin River by paddle boat and make our way to Secret Lagoon – a charming natural water pool with crystal clear water. Definitely a secret you would want to discover! For your farewell dinner, we’re going all out. Spanish food? Seafood? Si, por favor!

DAY 5 (BL) SIARGAO-DEPARTURE

Bad news: It’s your last day in paradise. Good news: We still have time to visit one awesome place. We head to Tayangban Cave Pool for a mini-spelunking, mini-canyoneering activity. Brave wading through chest-high waters through a large cave around large stalactites and stalagmites that leads to an open cave pool where you can go swimming and even cliff jumping. Easily one of your best memories on the island! After a sumptuous lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight. Don’t wanna leave yet? You can always rebook your ticket and extend your stay. Just let us know and we’ll make arrangements.

tour rates

LISUGA SIARGAO
Poblacion 5, General Luna, Siargao (300 meters to Eskapo Fitness Siargao)
❯❯  More on this Hotel

Quad USD 765, EURO 724 per person

Triple USD 898, EURO 851 per person

Twin USD 1,116, EURO 1,058 per person

Solo USD 1,794, EURO 1,700 per person

or SIARGAO SEASKY RESORT
Catangnan, General Luna, Siargao (350 meters to Tom N Toms Coffee Siargao)
❯❯  More on this Hotel

Quad USD 785, EURO 744 per person

Triple USD 915, EURO 866 per person

Twin USD 1,126, EURO 1,066 per person

Solo USD 1,815, EURO 1,719 per person

or LAS PALMAS VILLAS & CASITAS
Tourism Road, Catangnan, General Luna, Siargao (Across Goodies Siargao)
❯❯  More on this Hotel

Quad USD 909, EURO 861 per person

Triple USD 1,144, EURO 1,084 per person

Twin USD 1,411, EURO 1,337 per person

Solo USD 2,376, EURO 2,251 per person

or ISLA CABANA RESORT

Tourism Road, Poblacion 5, General Luna, Siargao (Beachfront, 250 meters to Hang Loose Siargao)
❯❯  More on this Hotel

Quad USD 1,063, EURO 1,007 per person

Triple USD 1,242, EURO 1,177 per person

Twin USD 1,553, EURO 1,472 per person

Solo USD 2,653, EURO 2,514 per person

Siargao jellyfish
Photo credit itinerant.ph

or LAMARI SIARGAO
Tourism Road, Catangnan, General Luna, Siargao (250 meters to Harana Surf Resort)
❯❯  More on this Hotel

Quad USD 872, EURO 826 per person

Triple USD 1,000, EURO 947 per person

Twin USD 1,270, EURO 1,203 per person

Solo USD 2,098, EURO 1,988 per person

or SIARGAO ISLAND VILLAS
Tourism Road, General Luna, Siargao (Beachfront, Across NAGA Siargao)
❯❯  More on this Hotel

Quad USD 1,076, EURO 1,019 per person

Triple USD 1,161, EURO 1,100 per person

Twin USD 1,437, EURO 1,361 per person

Solo USD 2,426, EURO 2,298 per person

or SIAGO BEACH RESORT

Tourism Road, Poblacion 5, General Luna, Siargao (Beachfront, 200 meters to Barbosa Siargao)
❯❯  More on this Hotel

Quad USD 1,368, EURO 1,296 per person

Triple USD 1,426, EURO 1,351 per person

Twin USD 1,713, EURO 1,623 per person

Solo USD 2,966, EURO 2,810 per person

inclusions

Magpupungko Rock Pools Siargao

✓ All accommodations
✓ Appetizing full board meals in tourist-class restaurants
✓ All airport & seaport transfers
✓ Tour program as mentioned including admission fees and transfers
✓ Life vest and snorkeling gear for island hopping tours
✓ One hour surf lesson
✓ Kayak rental for Sugba Lagoon
✓ Service by our knowledgeable, friendly tour guides, tour coordinators & tour drivers… all fully vaccinated and undergo regular COVID-19 testing
✓ Drinking water during tours
✓ Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage
✓ Unique souvenir to bring home

✗ Airfare
✗ Mandatory government fees like airport tax, seaport terminal fee, or porter fee (See below)

✗ Peak season hotel surcharge if any

✗ Mandatory hotel Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve gala dinner if any
✗ Tourist visa if any
✗ Personal expenses (Telephone, mini bar, laundry, shopping, nightlife)
✗ Items which are not included in the meal plan
✗ Optional tours, dive, golf, spa & other optional meals
✗ Optional Indonesian, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, French, Arabic, or Korean-speaking guide USD 150 per group per day
✗ Tipping (USD 5 per person per day)

When booking your flights, please choose a booking class that will allow rebooking without any charges. We can also book the flights for you. Feel free to get in touch.

mandatory gov't fees

✗ Siargao environment fee PHP 50 per person (Pay at the airport upon arrival)
✗ Siargao airport terminal fee (Included in the ticket price)

Total: PHP 50, USD 1, EURO 1 per person

Happy beach
Tour operator for the Philippines | Javalava Tours
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