When I received an invitation from a friend to visit Siargao, I never had second thoughts. I hurriedly packed my things within a snap of a finger and tried to restrain myself from being eagerly excited because I've heard so much that traveling to that place is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. On our way there while boarding the ship, I took the time to do research on the place from my treasured travel magazines.

   Siargao Island has earned the moniker as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines and is just a two-hour travel from Surigao City. It has a land mass of approximately 437 kilometers. Its coastlines are marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. There are also neighboring islands and islets with similar landforms. Siargao’s Pacific-facing reefs are situated on the edge of the Philippine Trench which makes it excellent for surfing particularly during the southwest "habagat" monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore and where major surfing events are held.

   Traveling surfers discovered Siargao’s waves in the late 1980's, and was named and made famous by American photographer John S Callahan, who published the first major feature on Siargao Island in the US based SURFER Magazine in March 1993. At that time, surfing was not well known in the place.

    Callahan has returned to the island many times since his first visit in 1992, and his efforts to photograph and publish surfing related and general location materials from Siargao in books and magazines around the world has put the island in the international map and has drawn thousands of surfers, tourists and investors.

   The best known surfing spot in Siargao known for its notorious surf-breaking waves is the "Cloud 9". It is located in the town of General Luna. This is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte. The term "Cloud 9" was conceived because surfers had to contend themselves with Cloud 9 chocolate bars for food at that time.

   There are several other quality waves in Siargao and nearby islands, but Cloud 9 has received more publicity than the other waves in the area. It is the only wave that is accessible without a boat thus making it overcrowded. The nickname "Crowd 9" among surfers worldwide was coined as foreign and locally owned accommodations and tourist facilities attempt to profit from the magazine publicity and the annual influx of visitors.

    Siargao Island also contains the biggest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao on the opposite coastline, especially in the Municipality of Del Carmen. The town is also known for its sea crocodiles.

    Siargao Island is not just a perfect spot for surfing. Activities like Kayaking, island hopping, diving and snorkeling are also very popular. Not to be missed is a full day boat trip to Sohoton Caves & Lagoon. A magical place, overhung by jungle cliffs where you can swim into caves with bats, strange fishes, stalactites and rock oysters, weird corals, pitcher plants, cycads and wild orchids. In front of Patrick's on the Beach are several islands. You should pop across the lagoon to Guyam, the perfect palm-fringed islet, Dako and its white sand beach, coral reefs and friendly villagers, or visit Pansukian (Naked Island) a white sand spit with corals all around.

   About 45 minutes with Patrick's pump-boat is the pristine island Corregidor with its wonderful beaches and abundant shells. The 300 plus islanders are very friendly and are proud that they have protected their exquisite coral reefs full of all types of sea life. This island is well worth a whole day of outing with picnic on the beach. If you are feeling brave or foolhardy, try the rocky jungle Hanoyoy, and see if all the talk about buried treasures and wak-waks (forest spirits) are really true. Beyond Dako are the islands La Janosa, Mamon and little Antokon, with crystal clear water, coral reefs, white sand, rolling breakers and friendly villagers.

   Up the coast just past Pilar, is Magpapungko with its natural rock swimming hole. Scoured clean by every tide, it is a great place for picnics. Beyond, you could go to Pacifico, Burgos or Alegria, all with great beaches and surf breaks. On the west coast of Siargao, you can find Kaob and Poneas Island. These trips are relaxing and informative as one views the stunning beauty of Siargao and the many surrounding islands. The wonderful sights that I’ve seen in the island have indeed made me sleepless!

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(How to Get There: Manila - Surigao City: Air via Asian Spirit, Manila to Cebu Air via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines,Sea by SuperFerry, Sulpicio. Cebu City - Siargao Island, Air via SEAIR, Asian Spirit, Sea via Cokaliong, Sulpicio. Surigao City - Dapa (entry point Siargao Island) Sea via Fastcraft Aska and Fortune Jet. Dapa - Gen. Luna (beach & surfing area) Land by van / motorbike / jeepney. Sayak (Siargao airport) - Gen. Luna (beach & surfing area). Land by van / motorbike / jeepney)