Off to Cebu and Siargao to see Cloud 9 and Dedon Resort

Last February, my birthday getaway to see another new province in the Philippines didn't pushed through. I have this goal to visit the 81 provinces of my country, right now I have been to 35 only. There are already a handful of Pinoy travel bloggers who have done this. The shortest duration I believe is James Bettia of Journeying James, he went around the Philippines for 100 days. He recently even went around SE Asia for 100 days too! In my case, I don't want to put any timeframe to reach all the provinces of my country at the same i also dream of going to 11 Southeast Asian countries. If dreaming is not too much, I'd like to visit all the 60 visa - free countries for Filipino passport holders! These could mean a lifetime attempt, I am not in a hurry at all.

I was cleaning my drawer when I saw my gift voucher courtesy of this local airlines which I filed my complaint last year. I was given a free roundtrip flight to any of their local destinations. I have 6 months to book it and fly 1 year from the date I received it. I knew I had to book it soon before it expires so that is what I did. This time I chose Siargao Island. This island is famous as a surfing mecca in the country. There's even international surfing competitions held there! I am not a surfer nor a swimmer but the fact that it is a beach paradise, I have to see this!

I admit I did very little research about this place. When I was in the ticketing office, I only learned that there is no direct flight from Manila to Surigao, the province where Siargao belongs.  The option left is a connecting flight Manila - Cebu - Surigao. However my gift voucher is only good for a direct flight so I have no choice but decided to book Manila to Cebu roundtrip. Then I will just take a ferry to Siargao. I booked 5 days because lately I realized that as I get older each day, I wanted a slower pace of travelling: see few tourist spots, take  less photos but get to know more people and the culture.

Few days later while I am googling about things to do and places to visit in Siargao, I discovered a big mistake. It takes about 12 - hour (overnight) ferry ride from Cebu to Surigao plus another 3-hour boat ride to reach the island of Siargao. I was thinking it is only a 3-5 hour ride! My ticket is complimentary so it means it is non-rebookable at all. I can have the dates changed but it would cost Php 1,200 per way!

I will waste 2 nights for the roundtrip ferry ride plus a whole day in the airport of Cebu. What is left for me is 2 days and 2 nights to spend in the surfing paradise of Siargao. I almost want to cry when I realized all these so right now I am weighing things over. No matter what, this trip is gonna push through! I already scoured some Siargao blog reviews. A typical DIY itinerary to Siargao includes lots of island - hopping in Cloud 9 - the area where surfers flock. Daku island, Naked island and Guyam are the 3 most popular spots to visit plus the Sohoton Cave in Bucas Grande and Magpupungko Pool. I cannot promise a whole day of doing this given a short time so I am just ready to see what only I can.

The main reason why I really  wanted to visit Siargao is Dedon Resort. An ultra - luxurious beach resort that costs about USD 960 per night or Php 44k! I am not joking, check the website here. I emailed them to see if I can do a quick tour around and take photos, they said yes.

Nestrest hanging pod via Dedon Island website

I am looking forward to visit Paglaom Hostel, a backpacker hostel located in General Luna, Siargao. I have been hearing so much about this place for having an atmosphere of mixed guests from all over the world and that they seem to have great reviews from TripAdvisor. I have emailed them ahead of time to book for 2 nights and mentioned to do a blog feature of them after since the other remaining 3 days will be spent in commuting back and forth to Cebu.

Love to do my online work here! Pic from Paglaom Hostel

I was replied by one of the owners who insisted for me to stay longer like 5 nights because a shorter stay may not be enough to know this hostel. This is what he said:

"Our style is not a sleep and run place and for you to get a fair change to "get to know the family" we would like to request for you to stay for at least 5 nights. The reason is we would like to encourage our guests to experience Siargao beyond a hectic few days. As mentioned Paglaom really nurses the culture of belongingness and we believe a relaxed, longer stay is significant in creating a great vibe that can make or break your travel experience." 

That's it! Again, no matter what this trip is going to push through. I am crossing my fingers!