56 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM A cosy indooroutdoor lounge at Nay Palad Hideaway
in the salty, balmy wind, their peaceful and hypnotic movement luring you into their dance. It’s all these elements and more. There is a harmonious pulse between nature, the locals and pilgrims that all find a home on Siargao. Whether it’s at sunrise on a break or sundowners by the beach, the sense of community is strong and thriving. “There is a very different kind of kinship now,” says Heidi Ganaden. “We are all survivors and have overcome trauma together. It’s a unique kind of closeness. As my four-year-old daughter says, ‘We’re one big island family.’” By the end of my stay, I’m starting to feel one with the island and its people. Everyone welcomes me with open arms, like a long-lost friend. Each time wspontaneously cross paths, whether at a joyous kiddie-filled Sunday brunch or just walking down the street, they stop and earnestly inquire how things are going. “Do you need any help?” “Please join us for lunch!” “We’re taking the boat out and we’d love for you to come!” I feel thoroughly integrated and embraced by the intoxicating island magic. Chris Alfaro summarises it best: “It’s not something to be explained, it has to be experienced.” Island Activities 1 Take a side trip to Bugak Cold Springs – Inara sets up a lovely private picnic at this picturesque spot, inara.com.ph 2 Head to Happiness hostel to appreciate a mural by Siargao-based visual artist Archie Geotina, whose series – featuring the island’s finest female surfers hanging ten in traditional garments – has garnered global praise and acclaim, @happinessphsiargao 3 Bike to Union and paddleboard through the mangroves. Nay Palad Hideaway will organise a lovely cycle through rice fields and verdant hills before setting you up on a stand-up paddle adventure through peaceful and lush mangroves. Sunset cocktails and charcuterie await on the other side 4 Go inward. Take a private yoga and meditation class with Kaye Aboitiz of Little Shell Yoga who will guide you into a state of deep relaxation while listening to the sound of her melodic voice accompanied by the shruti box, littleshellyoga. com 5 Explore the North part of the island. Drive past Pacifico and up to Burgos for a glimpse of the wilder side of Siargao with its raw and majestic beauty 6 Go island hopping. Nay Palad’s sleek and well-appointed boat will tour you around Siargao’s surrounding paradisiac islands complete with a barbecue on the beach and chilled rosé on the stunning Naked Island. 7 Catch a wave. Immerse yourself in the pulse of the island and take a lesson with local champion surfers who will expertly guide you through the process The sun rises over Cloud 9’s long wooden pier; left: Heidi Ganaden, co-owner of Lubihan Resort CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 57
