Siargao Island: Home of Philippine Surfing

Less was known about the Philippines being a surfing hotspot in the world. That was true until this once obscured island, located about 800 kilometers from the capital, Manila, was discovered by visiting American photographer and surfer.

The island, being influenced by the warm currents and winds from the Pacific Ocean, features a unique surfing haven for wave enthusiast. If your basic idea of a great Philippine vacation package is waves and sun, visiting Siargao Island should be the highlight.

This Island, nestled in the Philippine Sea in the province of Surigao del Norte, looks like a teardrop in the map. Marked by powdery white, sandy beaches and reefs, the coastline of this island is one of the best in the country. Well isolated from the main islands, this paradise offers unspoiled beauty.

The island is a combination of majestic beaches, lagoons, beaches, blue-clear water and virgin forests in the interior. The adjacent islands have the same land formations. The largest mangrove forest in this part of the Philippines can also be found here thereby assuring tourists of an abundant aquatic marvels and different variety of fishes.

The weather in this part of the Philippines is relatively constant throughout the year with an average temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also shielded from the frequent typhoons being located outside the typhoon belt in the Pacific. Same as with the rest of the islands in the archipelago, the climate only varies between rainy and hot season throughout the year.

True in the entire Philippines, the natives are hospitable, peace-loving and friendly. They can speak fairly good English. Their main livelihood is mainly fishing.

The most important feature of this Island, however, is its waves. The reef formations of Siargao face the edge of the Philippine Trench, the second deepest point on earth. This provides the beautiful waves called Cloud 9 - that thick, hollow wave tube that thrills surfers around the world. The term also refers to the location of these awesome waves.

The island hosts an annual Siargao Cup with a bounty of $20,000. The best surfers in the world gather here on this event not just for the prize but to savor the adventures unique to this island. With its cheap accommodations, easy to reach location, and wonderful vista, Siargao deserves a place in your Philippine vacation package.

Still looking for both adventure and fun? Visit the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. Your vacation in this country will never be complete without setting foot on this island.