With my one-and-a-half-year-old Viennese grandson in tow, we flew to Butuan City to visit some amazing tourist spots in Surigao del Sur.
From Butuan, we took a ferry to Siargao Island and then a short van ride to Siargao Island Villas, our home for four fun-filled days.
COASTAL GARDENING
Located along the main road but a bit farther away from the vibrant shopping area, the Siargao Island Villas is a sanctuary of beautifully landscaped, colorful tropical plants that thrive healthily even with sea water just a few feet away.
The gardener informed me that rain showers come at least once a week and the sandy soil is not mixed with any other soil nor fed with fertilizers.
I had some doubts, but this brought back memories of my childhood years in Lubang Island where my mother grew beautiful, healthy plants in her garden despite scanty water supply, sandy soil and the salty air at our seaside ancestral home.
NATIVE BUILDING MATERIALS
Our accommodation was on the second floor of a two-story villa made out of concrete and indigenous materials.
Cogon grass and nipa leaves were used for the roofing, bamboo for the furniture, local hardwood for the ceiling beams and dried tree branches for bathroom decor.
It is notable that the use of these materials is likewise prevalent in other upscale hotels as well as in simple accommodation houses.
FRESH AIR FOR BRAIN, HEART AND SOUL
From the balcony, we had a view of the sea.
Anyone who has lived in the city for many years will immediately feel the significant effect in both body and mind of the change in environment - fresh sea breeze that relaxes the brain, the gentle sound of rolling waves that reduces stress, a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life that gives you a much needed "me" time. And yet you feel like home in a comfortable, well-designed living space.
At the moment, only two-story structures stand in the island. A three-story building is being built in one part of the island, and hopefully, this will not be the start of high-rise condominiums blocking the view of the sea and the free flow of fresh, ion-filled sea air into the community.
HEALTHY EATS
Beside the pool that faces the sea is a restaurant that serves a variety of good tasting Indonesian cuisine and beverages for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are MSG -free and as much as possible, the kitchen makes use of organically grown ingredients.
Nearby there are small food stalls that cater to those in search of cheap, decent meals and will not disappoint the discriminating taste of city dwellers.
NO PLASTIC ALLOWED
From Butuan City we brought along a bag of very sweet Lanzones - my grandson's favorite.
As soon as our Tour Guide spotted the plastic bag container, he advised us to keep them in paper or cloth bags because plastic is not allowed in Siargao. We learned that we can be penalized with a fine if seen carrying or using plastic containers in the island. That I found truly impressive!
Looking around, Siargao streets and beaches are clear of plastic. Waste segregation is being practiced in many areas and people seem to be highly conscious of cleanliness as can be seen from well-kept surroundings, in both public and private areas.
CRYSTAL BLUE WATERS AND CHILD-FRIENDLY BEACHES
We went island hopping and the first noticeable attraction during our motorboat ride was the crystal-blue waters that became even more prominent under the mid-day sun.
Our first stop was at Guyam Island, where the water by the beach was child-friendly. Some areas are ideal for adults to swim while another area was rocky and quite intimidating. This island is uninhabited and only a caretaker watches over it during the day.
At Daku Island, we were welcomed with a tableful of noodles, grilled fish and squid, eggplant salad and fresh coconut juice for lunch. Some locals live here and have just recovered from a devastating typhoon that hit the island more than a year ago.
Here, the water is also ideal for swimming for both children and adults.
The Naked Island Sandbar was our last stop. You can tour this tiny island by foot in 5 minutes or less. The water is perfect for swimming for both little children and adults - no stones, no seaweeds, no litter - just sugar-fine white sands around it.
During high tide, this sandbar is covered with water and not visible to those unfamiliar with navigating the area. At the time we went, we had the sandbar all to ourselves.
INCLUSIVE CULTURE AND MUTUAL BENEFIT
In a community where tourism is booming, and foreign capitalists begin to dominate the economic landscape, the local businesses tend to be relegated to the sides.
But in Siargao, there seems to be a beautiful blend of local and foreign enterprises. You can see modern, classy structures stand amongst old, provincial stores and establishments, both providing income-generating activities to the community and partnering with each other in providing supply of labor and needed resources to keep business alive.
As one surfer proudly told me, there are no thieves in Siargao because everybody is busy working.
Truly, an idle mind is the devil's workshop. And who looks for greener pastures when grass is greener in one's own yard?
UNDER-RATED
Surfing, which was started in Siargao in 2008 (way ahead of La Union) by two foreigners looking for the "perfect wave" has become the island's bread and butter, making it the Surfing Capital of the Philippines.
It is interesting to note that many foreign tourists now prefer to visit this island because it is less crowded, less commercialized than other similar tourist destinations in the Philippines and yet, has so much to offer aside from surfing.
Despite its provincial atmosphere, it has a vibe that speak of quiet elegance amidst green mountains, sunny skies, blue waters and the cheerful, welcoming smile of islanders.
If you have not been here, you are missing a lot, like I was!
Message me at greencraftivist@gmail.com or write down your comments below.
Maayong Pasko sa Tanan!
Apple Bleza- Morales
About the Author:
Apple is a retired Human Resources professional who is passionately interested in community greening and beautification, organic and ornamental gardening, environment protection and preservation as well as related arts and crafts. She shares her personal and travel experiences in these areas to help in spreading knowledge and information not otherwise accessible to all who are similarly interested or to those who may be inspired to create new ideas from her blogs.
Photos by: Maybelle Bleza-Morales - Siargao Island, Philippines, December 2023
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