PhotoTravel Diaries| Three Paradise Islands of General Luna, Siargao

I travel to Siargao Island - at least once in a month. To work, to travel, to explore...

Siargao Islands not only completes my whole month's usual itinerary and work accomplishment, my frequent visits have beautiful and interesting stories to tell. "Kaya nakaka-excite bumalik!" 

Actually, one of my most memorable sea travels  is going to this island “ramdam ang  alon kahit nasa RORO ka!

But the first time was also the most unforgettable hindi lang dahil sa mahiwagang alon ng Siargao:) I was welcomed by awe-inspiring nature and simply beautiful environment and people. My rural development-related works became easy and light as I am breathing the freshest air, my working environment is surrounded by GREEN, BLUE, and WHITE... Green tall trees, blue-clear sea, and pristine white-sand beaches! Riding in a five- seater habal-habal is acceptable and exciting – I am always keyed-up to know what to see along the highway of Pacifico and General Luna.

My frequent visits are not enough to explore all the beautiful and interesting places in this amazing island. I've never been to Magpupungko Beach (no. 1 in my bucket list) and still hopeful to see its unique rock formations and naturally-crafted pool of turquoise sea water. Actually, nadaanan ko na pero walang oras dahil papasok pa, wrong timing - I'm doing program members' visit during that time:) Kelan kaya...

Anyway, let's talk about my recent Island hopping hanggat hindi ko pa nararating ang Magpupungko. These three paradise islands share equal fame- walang itulak-kabigin!

Guyam| The First Island

Island hopping in General Luna was planned months ago and I am not expecting something new since “naikot ko na nga ang buong Siargao Island. I joined the staffs’ outing just to jam and meet area’s new faces- tipong team building ba. Besides I've already photographed these 3 Islands while in the boulevard area of General Luna. Yes I am aware of  islands’ white sand beaches- tanaw na tanaw nga sa boulevard area. And what’s new? "Dami ko na napuntahan sa Visayas na ganyang Island pareho lang". But my expectation was totally WRONG! All I can say, Siargao never failed to amuse and surprise me with something new and extraordinaire beauty! 

Guyam Island is our first destination| Its size is equal to four basketball courts. Surrounded by powdery-white-sand beach, coconut trees and a single cottage are located in the middle. The Island is privately owned and there is an entrance fee of 25 pesos per person.

Guyam Island| literally powdery sands 

Daco/Daku| The Second Island

Daku Island| Is the largest among the three. Daku is a Visayan word, means big. There are cottages and volleyball court in the Island. Beach area is long  and wide, powdery-sand beach... can't find the exact words to describe Daku.  Ummm, Paraiso!


Wordless| Just see the Photographs:)

more that 5 feet file of powdery white sand

Jump shot!

   

Naked/Pansukian| The Third Island

In the Naked| For me this is the most interesting island among the three. Called naked as it looks "hubad or walang saplot" because there are no trees in the island only few bushes/grasses.

5:30 pm at Naked Island

Sunset View while leaving Naked Island

HOW TO GET THERE

Airphil Express and Cebu pacific flies directly from Manila to Surigao City daily.

From Surigao City. Passenger Boats or  Lantsa departs in Surigao Boulevard Port as early as 5:30 am (fare 250 pesos)  while Montenegro RORO vessel is scheduled to depart  in Surigao Port @ 12:00 noon (fare is 173 for ordinary and around 200-250 for air-conditioned room).

****ALL ARE BOUND TO DAPA PORT OF SIARGAO ISLAND.

There is also a passenger boat from Surigao Port going to the town of Del Carmen (other entry point to Siargao Island) - departs around 10:00-10:15 in the morning (fare is 250 pesos).

Cebu Pacific directly flies from Cebu to Siargao and if your from Manila take Manila-Cebu-Siargao connecting flight. Visit CebuPac's website  www.cebupacificair.com for further details.

From Butuan, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and other parts of Mindanao

Ride a Bus or Van bound to Surigao City (Integrated Land Transportation Terminal). From the Terminal ride in a tricycle or multicab bound to Pier/Port Area (RORO) or Boulevard (Passenger Boats/Lantsa)

Habal-Habal(motorcycles with timber flat wings) and tricycles are the common inland transportation in the Island. From Siargao Airport(by plane)/ Dapa Port (by passenger boat/RORO/fastcraft) you can hire Habal-Habal or Tricycle that will bring you to town proper of General Luna. Go to the boulevard area or pantalan, motorized boats are on standby. Hiring a motorized boat ranges from 1000-1500 pesos. Don't hesitate to ask for "tawad" (discount) :) - locals are accommodating!

Don't forget to bring baon (packed foods) and water, there are no stores in the three islands. And most of all check and charge your camera's battery, hindi nauubos ang subject!

Latitude. 9.7386111°, Longitude. 126.1636111°

Follow TRAVELING MORION's Journeys and  Travels

Follow me on Twitter: @travelingmorion

LIKE my Facebook Page: Traveling Morion