Siargao beyond the surf

WHEN people think of Siargao Island, they visualize foreigners flocking to the waves to surf in the day, then crowding the bars, mingling with locals and fellow travelers in the night.

- By Brontë H. Lacsamana Reporter

MAGPUPUNGKO Rock Pools

While this image of Siargao is real, there's actually more to the island than surfing and nightlife.

My first visit to Siargao, as part of sea travel company 2GO's launch of the Manila-Siargao ferry route, showcased unforgettable natural wonders. From vast forest cover and seaside rock pools to unspoiled rivers and picturesque beaches, the trip only proved that there's a serene, homey side to tourist destinations like Siargao that glam travelogue snippets on social media fail to capture.

At the port of General Luna, the coastal town that hosts Siargao's hotspots ranging from beaches to surf to nightlife, we spoke with councilor Bingle Silvosa about the tourists on the island.

"We are recovering from [Typhoon] Odette back in 2021 and the series of typhoons we've been through. The entire Philippines is experiencing a slight downturn in tourist arrivals, but I hope by next year we come back stronger and better - not only Siargao, but the rest of the Philippines' tourist destinations," he told Business World.

Mr. Silvosa noted that the island is faring much better than it was three months ago, with more tourists coming from Europe. About 90% of tourist arrivals in Siargao ultimately stay in the municipality of General Luna.

He added that to maintain the island's natural beauty, the local government is working hard to enforce its rules, such as the strict prohibition of single-use plastics.

"I think we are ready for the influx of tourists," he said. "Of course we have safety nets in terms of environmental protection."

ISLAND HOPPING

The mornings of our comfortable, two-night stay at the Rucksack Inn were interrupted by phone alarms indicating that we had to get up early to make the most of the sights. (If there's a good, non-work-related reason to get up early, this was it!)