Siargao Island – More Than Just Surfing

pinoytraveller — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:17:27 +0000

When our hosts in Siargao Island took us to see the famed Cloud 9 resorts, I was somewhat disheartened because the cathedral-like waves I was hoping to see were non-existent. All I saw were very small waves suitable to newbie surfers. Our host explained that it is not yet surfing season so the waves are not here yet. Still I felt sad because if I couldn’t see the waves, then why are we in Siargao for? Turns out, I worried prematurely.
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To the Cloud 9 observation deck

Crowd9

The following day, we woke up really early to explore an island that’s almost shouting distance from GL. The very small island is named Guyam. Folks say that some American wanted to buy it but the owner refused fearing that the island may not be very accessible to the locals once it’s owned by a foreigner.

6 of us in this banca. Seriously?

Guyam Island is an uninhabited island that’s suitable for swimming. Personally I think it’s very limited. Although it has white sands and the water is crystal clear, the thing is, there are a lot of seaweeds that turn off most finicky swimmers, like this blogger. There are clean spots but these are very close to the beach so unless you’re a little child, you’ll find the swimming experience a bit unsatisfying. Still when we were there, the sun was shining really bright and the sky was a delightful blue color, too perfect for sunbathing. So sunbathe I did, though my natural pigmentation begs the question, what for?

No other folks but us in Guyam

Seaweeds! Ick!

An elf enjoying the view.. and the beer.

Sunbathing? Really??

After a few minutes of rolling around in the sand, drinking beer and listening to music, our host suggested that we go to another island. He said that we’ll be heading to Daku Island a nearby island where we can buy freshly caught fish and we could still swim some more. I was open to the idea so we boarded our little boat and put-putted our way to Daku Island.

I iz watching u...

Now Daku Island is a revelation. If there’s ever a beach that can be called sexy, this is it. It has its curves in all the right places. I’m not sure if it looks like the way it looks all year round, but today, the beach looked fierce, as if wearing killer stiletto heels (and nothing else) to seduce anyone within spitting distance.

Lucky locals

Killer curves

Its sand is powdery white, and it has very large areas for swimming. Guyam’s swimming spots can be considered midgets when compared to Daku’s swimming area. The water’s color is a very tempting aquamarine blue and very warm too! And because it’s not yet surfing season, we practically had the beach to ourselves.

Vivid colors

Crystal Clear Waters

Unfortunately, we weren’t very lucky with the fresh fish we were hoping to get. Still, we frolicked under the sun the entire day. We watched the beach turn from low tide, then high tide then we swam some more. As the water flowed in, the winds turned to the other side of the island, leaving us with calm water that’s just absolutely perfect for swimming. It’s like being in Boracay minus the crowd, and cheaper too!

Heaven's a beach!

More, more!

I could live here.

I think folks who think of Siargao Island only as a surf spot is missing a whole lot!
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Philippines Travel Blog » Guyam Island

Siargao Island – More Than Just Surfing