Siargao Island, a hidden gem in the Philippines, offers a unique blend of adventure, beauty, and local culture. Our two-week journey was filled with unexpected challenges and unforgettable experiences, showcasing the island's charm and resilience.
Key Takeaways
- Power Outage: Arrived to a complete blackout, which added to the adventure.
- Local Cuisine: Enjoyed traditional Filipino meals with locals.
- Nature's Beauty: Explored stunning beaches and surf spots.
- Cultural Experiences: Engaged with the community and learned about their way of life.
Arrival And First Impressions
When we landed in Siargao, we were greeted by darkness. The entire island was experiencing a power outage, which was a bit daunting. We had just traveled thousands of miles, and now we were faced with no lights, no AC, and no Wi-Fi. It felt like we were stranded, but we decided to embrace the situation. After all, we were here for an adventure!
Day Two: Exploring The Island
Despite the lack of power, we were determined to explore. We rented bikes and headed north to discover the island's beauty. On our way, we stopped at a local café that had a generator. The smoothie bowl we had was incredible, packed with fresh mango. It was a small taste of the delicious food we would enjoy throughout our stay.
A Taste Of Local Life
Once we reached our homestay, we were welcomed by our friend Yansy, who was preparing a traditional Filipino lunch. We feasted on grilled fish, pork, and shrimp in a creamy coconut sauce. Eating together with locals made the experience even more special.
- Lunch Menu:
- Grilled Fish
- Grilled Pork
- Shrimp with Garlic Coconut Sauce
After lunch, we explored nearby beaches and captured some content for our jewelry brand, Royal Merchant. The scenery was breathtaking, with palm trees swaying and waves crashing in the background.
Nature's Playground
The next morning, we woke up early to catch the sunrise. The north of Siargao felt like a world away from everything. It was just us, the ocean, and the palm trees. We surfed, took photos, and soaked in the beauty around us. It was a refreshing break from our busy lives back home.
Discovering General Luna
As our trip continued, we made our way back to General Luna. We were still without power, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the local culture. Yansy took us to a vegan restaurant that served delicious Filipino-inspired dishes. The unique ordering system, where you take photos of your food before eating, was a fun twist.
Local Delights
- Restaurant Highlights:
- Vegan Filipino Cuisine
- Unique photo ordering system
After lunch, we treated ourselves to coconut beverages, including refreshing coconut ice cream. It was a perfect way to cool off in the tropical heat.
Final Days And Reflections
As our time on the island came to an end, we faced more rain than expected. We didn’t get to surf Cloud 9, but we made the most of our time skateboarding and exploring. We also captured more content for our jewelry brand, meeting amazing people along the way.
This trip taught us a lot about appreciating the simple things in life. The power outage made us realize how often we take for granted the conveniences we have. The memories we created and the friendships we formed will stay with us forever. Siargao is truly a special place that everyone should experience at least once.
Conclusion
Living on Siargao Island for two weeks was an adventure filled with challenges and beauty. From the power outage to the stunning beaches, every moment was a reminder of the importance of connection, both with nature and with people. If you ever get the chance, don’t hesitate to visit this tropical paradise!
