Surfin’ Siargao -2

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According to Thompson, the waves of Cloud 9 in Siargao are one of the best he has tried in the world. “Cloud 9’s swells are very consistent, breaking both left and right, enabling us surfers to stay in its barrel longer than most waves we have ridden in Asia Pacific.”

Another Australian surfer Sonny Abberton describes the waves of Siargao as perfect, well-formed and the best in the world. “They are a lot more beautiful too because there are no high-rise buildings in the island.”

Most of the hotels, resorts and even pension houses here were fullybooked during the event.

Gordon was happy to note that souvenir shops have to replenish their supplies due to the enormous demand generated by the surfing meet. “The overwhelming success of this international surfing competition bolsters our claim that the Philippines is a destination that offers special interest activities as relaxed and enjoyable as it can get or as extreme and challenging as you like,” he said.

Other breaks in Siargao include Pansukyan or Pancit Reef, Daku Horseshoe or Tuason Point, Pilar Point and the Rock Islands. Several islands by boat — south of General Luna — have isolated breaks, such as Teardrops or Antokon Island, La Januza Island and Manon-Point.

Siargao was named by Rotary International as the most peaceful and one of the most liveable places in Asia.

Aside from surfing, Siargao is also known for its long stretch of white sand beaches, hidden caves, lagoons, mangrove swamps, magnificent rock formations, mountain lakes and the existence of several endangered and rare species of flora and fauna including the “iron wood” or magcono tree. It also has the biggest mangrove reserve in the country covering 8,760 hectares and vast areas of coral reef with rich marine resources.

In 1992, the Island was proclaimed a protected area (Protected Landscape and Seascape Category) under Republic Act 7586, which will provide the legal basis for pursuing plans for the conservation and continuous protection of the island’s natural resources.

Del Carmen is considered the crocodile sanctuary of the Philippines, home of the biggest crocodiles in the country. These crocodiles are usually found in Del Carmen’s vast and preserved mangrove forest.

Surrounding Siargao are islets which boasts of powdery-white sand and teeming with coconut trees.

The Guyam island, just across the General Luna beach, can be reached by pumpboat in less than 10 minutes. It offers a good view of the incredibly powerful waves of Siargao. Adjacent to Guyam is Daku island which is 5 minutes away by pumpboat. It is an ideal location for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and other water sports activities.

Magpupungko Beach, situated in a cove facing the Pacific, is surrounded by limestone and granite sculptures. During low tide, its pockmarked limestone floor reveal pools of assorted shapes and sizes resembling basins, barrels, tubs and ponds which are often referred to as its “blue lagoons.”

Surigao del Norte is composed of Dinagat, Siargao and Bucas Grande islands, with 27 municipalities and Surigao City located in mainland Mindanao. The people are mostly Visayans, with a few American, Spanish, Chinese and Arabian influences.

Native to the province are the black and curly-haired ethnic tribe called “Mamanuas,” some of them are still living in the mountains and other remote areas. Surigao City’s “Bonok-bonok Festival,” celebrated every month of September, depicts the tribe’s merrymaking.

The renowned Sohuton Cave is located in Bucas Grande island. The Cave is half-submerged in water most of the time and accessible only during low tide. Inside is a lagoon with countless islets, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation.

The pear-shaped Lake Mainit is the fourth largest lake in the country. It is shared by the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. Within the lake, one can admire the beauty of water hyacinths, lilies and wild ducks.

The province has also been working on the preservation of its cultural artifacts. A collection of ancient archaeological diggings like burial coffins, jars and antique Chinese kitchen wares unearthed in Panhutungan, Placer are on display at the Surigaonon Heritage Mini-Museum located at the Boulevard, Surigao City.

Flights going to Siargao or Surigao City are available via SEAir (every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday to Siargao island) and Asian Spirit (every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from Cebu to Surigao), while Philippine Airlines flies daily from Manila to Butuan City. From Butuan, one must take a bus going to the port of Surigao City, then a two-hour fastcraft ride to Siargao island.

Caraga Region (Region 13) will showcase its destinations and attractions at the “Best of the Regions” series in Intramuros, Manila on Nov. 21 to Dec. 5. Caraga is composed of four provinces namely: Agusan del Norte; Agusan del Sur; Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Early chroniclers called the Region as the “Land of Brave and Fierce People.”

[ Lake Mainit Wiki ]