Home Articles Discover the Philippines – Siargao and Anilao

Discover the Philippines – Siargao and Anilao

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Anilao, the Philippines

Spend your next vacation at the surfing capital of the Philippines – Siargao! There are over 11 beaches, including the famous Cloud 9 beach and Secret beach, around the tear-drop-shaped island of Siargao, so there’s always something for you to do. The island is also home to marvelous natural caves like the Tayangban Cave Pool.

As for Anilao, the vibrant culture will never cease to amaze you but the true wonders of the region lie under the surface. With clear-water dive sites, pristine beaches, and the towering Mount Gulugod Baboy that overlooks the province, it will definitely satisfy your adventurous cravings.

Siargao, the Philippines

 

Top 5 beaches in Siargao and Anilao

1. Cloud 9 Beach (Siargao)

Cloud 9 is rated one of the best surf breaks in the Philippines and the waves are ideal for both beginners and pro-surfers to enjoy. The beach features a long wooden pier that stretches out into the reef and a 3-story viewing platform at the end that overlooks the beach. Cloud 9 also hosts the annual ‘Cloud 9 Surfing Cup’, a World Surf League event that occurs every year between late September and early October.

Cloud 9 Beach at Siargao

How to get there: Cloud 9 surf beach is located in the southeast corner of Siargao Island near the popular tourist area of General Luna.

2. Magpupungko Beach (Siargao)

Want to get your adrenaline pumping and cliff-jump into the crystal clear waters? Magpupungko Beach is the perfect place for you! Besides cliff jumping, enjoy swimming through the small caves and exploring the rocky coastline. For safety reasons, bring along a pair of reef shoes or any old pair of shoes you own to climb up the rocky formations along the coast.

Natural rock pools at Magpupungko Beach in Siargao

How to get there: Located in the eastern region of Siargao Island, Magpupungko Beach is a 45-minute drive from General Luna. There is also an entry fee of P50.

3. Doot Beach (Siargao)

This is made for those who want to go off the beaten track! Immerse yourself in the natural ecosystems of the Philippines at the incredible Doot Beach. While it is a private beach, you can seek prior access to the area from local Filipinos who know the owner. Palm trees are scattered over the beach where you can relax under the cooling shade or you can even climb them for a fresh coconut! The secluded swimming areas are perfect for a relaxing swim in the calming waters and there is a vast mangrove forest that sits right across the freshwater river, where you can request a boat ride through the mangroves.

How to get there: The secluded Doot Beach is a 10-minute drive southeast of General Luna. There is a coastal road at the end where you can drive along and emerge at the beautiful Doot Beach.

4. Sepoc Beach (Anilao)

Situated on the northern west tip of Maricaban Island in Tingloy, Batangas, Sepoc Beach is a white sandy beach. While visitors are able to dock at the beach, they are not allowed to go inland and visit the premises as it belongs to a private beach resort. However, the resort offers facilities such as a giant hut, functions areas and bars, which will be perfect for family outings/reunion or team building activities!

How to get there: Visitors have to ride to Anilao Port or Crossing before taking a tricycle to Eagle Point Resort. Make a reservation in advance for a van ride from the resort to the boat. Don’t forget to book a tour with the island resorts to explore the island. The boat tour price costs around P2700 for 8 pax. The boat ride to Sepoc Island takes around 20 minutes.

Sepoc beach in Anilao

5. Masasa Beach (Anilao)

The crystal clear and shallow waters reflect a gorgeous shimmer at Masasa Beach. This beach has become a favorite among tourists seeking off-the-beaten tracks. The serenity and calming ambiance are perfect for a relaxing day at the beach, and even for a dive into the tropical waves.

How to get there: You can reach Masasa Beach from Port Anilao which takes around 40 minutes and costs around P40.

 

Top 5 experiences in Siargao and Anilao

1. Bayatakan Farm Experience (Siargao)

Bayatakan Farm in Siargao

Escape the city-life bubble of Siargao and spend a day at Bayatakan Farm! Learn about the local fruits and vegetables and how to make use of native herbs for medicinal usage, cooking, and insect repellents. It is perfect for visitors looking for a sustainable and educational tour in the heart of nature.

How to get there: Visitors can hop onto a Filipino Jeepney heading towards the Farm. We recommend that visitors spend around 3 hours on this farm

People riding on a Jeepney, a traditional Filipino transportation vehicle

2. Bolitas and Crystal Caves (Siargao)

These two caves have the same opening! Crystal Cave is an open-ended cave. The name was derived due to its shining stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and formations that seem to be dotted with crystals. With its big chamber and pathway, it is definitely an easy trek. Bolitas Cave is a close-ended cave named Bolitas, a Filipino term for pellets, due to the abundance of small pellet-like stones inside. These rounded stones are droplets from tiny stalactites and are believed to have formed thousand years ago.

Bolitas and Crystal Caves at Siargao

How to get there: Bolitas and Crystal Caves are located within the Bucas Grande Island of Siargao. Visitors can ride a tricycle to Siargao City’s Pier 1, where they can hop onto a scenic two-hour boat ride to Bucas Grande Island.

3. Sohoton Cove National Park (Siargao)

Sohoton Cove National Park’s beauty attracts tourists from all over the world. Surrounded by massive green limestone formations and clear blue waters, it is also home to thousands of stingless jellyfishes.

Aerial shot of Sohoton Cove in Siargao
Sohoton Cove in Siargao

How to get there: Located in Bucas Grande Island, Sohoton Cove National Park is only an hour’s boat ride away from Dapa port in Siargao.

4. Mount Gulugod Baboy (Anilao)

Mount Gulugod Baboy in Anilao

Mount Gulugod Baboy directly translates to ‘pig’s spine’, which can be attributed to its appearance. The landscape is a long-range of three separate hills – Pinagbanderahan, Gitna, and Gulugod Bay – that stand at a towering 525 meters above sea level. The hike up is perfect for beginners. Once you’ve reached the summit, you can soak in the great views of Balayan Bay, Maricaban Islands, and even Verde Island and Mindoro on a clear day

Balayan Bay, which can be seen during one’s hike up Mount Gulugod Baboy

How to get there: From Batangas City Grand Terminal, catch a jeep ride, bus or private vehicle to Mabini then catch a ride in a tricycle trailer to be dropped off below the mount’s hiking start point.

5. Festivals in Siargao and Anilao

You have to immerse yourself in one of the many festivals that are taking place in Siargao and Anilao if you are there at the right time! In April, the Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament would take place. Anglers from around the world bring their fishing boats here to gape at the teeming seascapes with thousands of rare fish species. Don’t miss out on this chance to admire the passion of these competitive anglers!

Celebrated from October 31st – November 1st, Banaag Festival is a cultural tradition in Anialo that was inspired during the Spanish era. The local sentinels would guard the towering bamboo watchtowers and warn their people of sea pirates and bandits, using the flame of a lit torch as a signal to flee. Ever since, the torch symbolizes the unity of the people of Anilao, representing their palpable pride. It continues to be an inspiration for the locals over the years.

Celebrations for Banaag Festival

 

With so many varied travel destinations and experiences, surely Siargao and Anilao will have something that caters to each and every one type of travellers. To read more, do check out our Discover the Philippines e-Newsletter series! Do consider them as your next travel destinations to fully immerse yourselves in the tropics and experience all that the Philippines has to offer to you!

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