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 blackout, highlighting the island's unpredictability.
- Local Cuisine: Enjoyed traditional Filipino meals, emphasizing community and flavor.
- Nature's Beauty: Explored stunning beaches and landscapes, perfect for disconnecting.
- Cultural Experiences: Engaged with locals and learned about their way of life.
Arrival In Siargao
On our first day, we landed in Siargao, excited yet uncertain. Just before our departure, we received a message that the entire island was experiencing a power outage. We debated whether to cancel our trip but ultimately decided to go. After an hour-long taxi ride, we arrived at our accommodation, only to find it completely dark. No lights, no AC, and no Wi-Fi. It felt like we were stranded in a different world.
Day Two: Exploring North
Despite the lack of power, we decided to explore the northern part of the island. We rented bikes and set off, stopping for breakfast at a local café that had a generator. The smoothie bowl we had was incredible, packed with fresh mango. After fueling up, we continued our journey, taking in the breathtaking views along the way.
Once we reached our destination, we met up with our friend Yansy, who was preparing a traditional Filipino lunch. The meal included grilled fish, pork, and shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce. Eating together felt like a celebration, surrounded by palm trees and the sound of waves crashing nearby.
A Day In Nature
After lunch, we explored nearby beaches and captured some content for our jewelry brand, Royal Merchant. The north of Siargao is a special place, where you can truly disconnect from the world. The beauty of the palm trees, blue skies, and ocean made us feel at home, even though we were thousands of miles away from where we started.
General Luna Adventures
As the days went by, we continued to adapt to life without power. On day five, we met Yansy again, who took us around General Luna. We visited a local shop for coconut drinks and a vegan restaurant that offered a unique twist on Filipino cuisine. The way they served food was interesting; you picked your meal from a display and took a photo to pay. It was a fun and interactive experience.
Final Days On The Island
Our last few days were filled with rain, but we made the most of it. We didn’t get to surf Cloud 9 due to poor conditions, but we enjoyed skateboarding and exploring other parts of the island. We also managed to shoot more content for our jewelry brand, meeting amazing people along the way.
Reflections
This trip taught us a lot about appreciating the simple things in life. Living without power made us realize how distracted we often are. 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 in their lifetime.
In the end, our adventure on Siargao Island was more than just a vacation; it was a journey of self-discovery and connection with nature and people. We left with our hearts full and a promise to return.
