january-2011

EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP
PHILIPPINES
SURIGAO
AREA CODE (86)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Upon your arrival, you can hire
a jeepney or a tricycle to get around the city.
Although there are no taxis, most hotels offer a
complimentary van pick-up from the airport as
well as for departure.
BY DAY Dive in the waters of Surigao. Apart
from being able to experience the wonderful and
colorful underwater world, you’ll get to meet
friendly local divers who are just as passionate
about the sport.
BY NIGHT Chill and unwind at J-Spot Café
along Ceniza Road or have a relaxing massage at
Victoria Spa located near the grandstand. Either
of these activities will guarantee you a good
night’s sleep.
SLEEP These two hotels have been tried and
tested: Tavern Hotel (www.hoteltavern.com) on
Borromeo St and Almont Hotel and Beach
Resort in Lipata.
Jeanne
Pauline
Dumlao
diver/dog sitter
BEST DINNER Local style
chicken BBQ at the port area. Order
at your preferred stall.
MUST DO Drive through a coastal
village, choose a spot, park and
plunge into the sparkling waters.
INSIDER TIP Go to Bucas
Grande where there is a habitat of
sting-less jellyfi sh, and islets and
coves to be explored.
DID D YOU
KKNOW?
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
SIARGAO
AREA CODE (86)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN Taxis are available both at the
airport and at Dapa Pier. You can also ride a
habal-habal or an extended seat motorbike to get
to your lodgings. On the island itself, there are
mini and jeepney buses.
BY DAY Apart from the obvious (ie surfi ng), take
a boat and go island-hopping, drive up to the
natural rock pools of Magpupungko, or check out
the newly discovered caves of Del Carmen. Nonsurfers
can enjoy the pleasures of sand and sea.
BY NIGHT Grab a beer at Kawayan Resort or
Bones during happy hour, and then head to Nine
Bar, On the Road, or 101 Bar for a night of openended
fun with locals. Who knows? You may
make some new friends!
SLEEP Sagana (www.cloud9surf.com) and
Kalinaw Resorts (www.kalinawresort.com) have
great rooms for those willing to spend. Siargao Inn
(www.siargao-inn.com) is a good option.
BEST LUNCH Buy freshly caught
seafood from the market and have
your own backyard BBQ.
BEST DINNER The best pizza
on the island is in Kalinaw Resort.
Call ahead to reserve a table.
MUST DO Drive around the
island on a rented motorbike and
fi nd a nice beach that you can have
all to yourself.
{ 101 }
Mika
Santos
online travel
editor
The Siargao Cup is a surfing event
held every September.