THE island of Siargao in the province of Surigao del Norte has become synonymous to surfing in this part of Southeast Asia but tourists are now taking notice of the island’s other attractions even as surfing remains its top draw.
Based on the data provided by the Department of Tourism in Caraga Region, from January to June of 2017, the island brought in around 55, 735 local and foreign tourists. The number of visitors is expected to rise, with annual national and international surfing competitions held from September and well towards the months of November and December. Data from the second quarter of 2016 note around 90,000 tourist arrivals.
About 90 percent of tourists are drawn into the town of General Luna where the famous surf site known as Cloud 9 is located. Over the years, the town has become more and more crowded as more visitors drive the building of more resorts and other businesses. Other towns are also becoming busier, such as Dapa and del Carmen, site of ferry port and domestic airport, respectively.
For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist spots, just right around the corner, nestled on the northern part of the island is a surfing beach facing the Pacific Ocean, a coastal village known to locals as Pacifico in the town of San Isidro.
About an hour’s ride from the Dapa, the beach in Pacifico is blessed with white sand with clear blue-greenish waters. Its coastline stretches for several kilometers, making it a plus for those who would love to get an early morning mix of swimming and walking along its stretch of white sand beach especially during low tides.
During summer, the sunrise in Pacifico beach is a sight to behold with its radiant colors blazing out into the horizon. Unfortunately for photographers, the scene is a bit tricky to capture during the tropical monsoon season as thick dark rain clouds usually cover the horizon but you could still get a glimpse of the color emitted by the rising sun.
The colors radiated by the sunset from the other side of the island also paints a dramatic picture, bringing out that nostalgic element for those who just want to sit down and enjoy nature’s wonder unfolding right before their eyes.
The beach also has a good surf site and locals give out surfing lessons to those interested. Essentially, it’s a great breather for both surfing enthusiasts and those who just want a more peaceful and quieter place compared to the crowd in General Luna and the queues for surfers waiting their turn at the waves.
The only drawback for surfers is that the waves in Pacifico are not as consistent compared to those in General Luna. But for someone who just wants to be cut off and connect with nature, then Pacifico is the place for you.
The beach has about six local resorts or coastal inns where you can stay for a few days or more. Prices vary from 800 to 1,600 pesos a night with several small affordable eateries. There are also foreign-owned places where you can dine and eat but with a heftier price.
For backpackers, there is a spot where you can put up a tent or hammock and just feel the cool ocean breeze at night. But just make sure to make arrangement with locals for toilet privileges.
For me, my 2-day stay at Pacifico was just not enough and hopefully I will again get the chance to experience that side of the island and capture more photos of the island’s natural beauty.