#guyam island

[travelbinge]

By Marcinmalicki

Guyam Island, Philippines

[daluyon]

when breathing feels easy

[theadventurouslife4us]

Guyam Island,Philippines - 📸 Peter Lacey

[quo-usque-tandem]

Guyam Island, the Philppines

[philspectives]

Siargao's Best: Island Hopping

The tranquil island of Siargao, facing the rushing waters of the western Pacific Ocean, is known as a surfing haven for water aficionados around the world; becoming more well-known through regularly held competitions, and of course, through its natural beauty. Indeed, there is more in Siargao than meets the eye. It has earned its own place on the upper echelon of the must-visit paradises from the 7,107 islands of the country. It has been praised not just as a surfing haven, but also as a cradle of picture-perfect outlying islands. Probably, island hopping would be the most efficient way to tour oneself and to indulge into the beauty Siargao has to offer.

The best way to way to sail through the turquoise waters of Siargao is through the island's premier luxury bangka, Galatea. This luxury bangka has a capacity of 12 pax, perfect for barkadas or family trips, just as how this trip went by. Galatea, living up to its branding, boasts a more comfortable and more spacious accommodation among island goers (Talk about a waterbed and wider benches to sit on board!). This amenity alone would satisfy a hassle-free experience during the island hopping.

Guyam Island

The first place to be ticked off our list is this uninhabited island. This has been the best place among the three wherein one can delight through its calm waters to swim. The serenity of this island is best complemented by its tropical ambiance brought by coconut trees and rock formations along the beachfront.

Daku Island

The name says it all; Daku, the biggest among the three islands, is actually an outlying barangay of the General Luna town. It has a blossoming community where one can stop by for lunch prepared by the locals, themselves. Huts are available to feast in your island-themed fares. One can also go with the tides, since during our visit, big waves were so inviting to frolic with.

Naked Island

Something lewd about the name? Not at all! The island is labelled as such based from its topographic nature of the absence of trees or other significant features. It is as plain as a barren land, thus goes with the name. The island is perfect for that drone shots and sultry summer poses.

With this brief stay in Siargao, the island and its other outlying areas have captured my heart right away. Literally, it's what I call, "Love at first sight!" It has this sense of pristine rawness of an island life, far from the more commercial overtones brought by other famous tourist-laden destinations in the country. There is beauty in Siargao's simplicity. Let's just hope it stays that way and the government will be politically willed enough to take its part, of course, in coordination with both local and foreign travelers and residents.

[jasfhercallejo]

Sohoton Cove, Bucas Grande: Sweeter the second time around!

It's all about outdoor wildlife adventure. For adventure seekers like me, you will definitely enjoy the activities which include snorkeling, spelunking, cliff diving, rock climbing and boat paddling. Part of the adventure is when you make "sohot" the narrow entrance to the lagoon where everyone would creep through the rocks while sitting on the boat to avoid hitting your head on the stalactites above. Inside Hagukan Cave, it was dark and the water glowed luminous green (it reminded me of the Harry-Dumbledore scene from the Half Blood Prince!) You will definitely enjoy swimming with the stingless jellyfishes in jade colored lagoon. And the forest canopy above the lagoon is very dense and fortunately, we saw some kalaw (hornbill) which is abundant in the Sohoton Lagoon park.  This place is definitely a highly preserved and maintained masterpiece of nature worth visiting in your lifetime. Cruising thru the lagoon amidst a background of limestone cliffs with thick age-old trees is a unique and unforgettable experience. You would rarely explore an extensive labyrinth of lagoons that are unspoiled and minimally encroached by people. 

Sugba Lagoon used to be shrouded in mist or low-lying clouds which led locals to believe that grilling or "sugba" constantly take place in the area, thus the name. There are a lot of activities in this area -- tourists go swimming in the lagoon, kayaking in the distance, or jumping on the diving board. The house has been developed into a simple two-story building, which serves as docking area and restaurant where guests can order fresh seafood to be cooked. The funny thing is I’m the type of person who gets a little bit heartbroken over developments, but this wasn’t the case this time. The changes weren’t drastic and didn’t overpower the simplicity of Sugba Lagoon. It merely allowed it to be more accessible to the public. Serving Palawan goodness, I’d totally recommend this place.

After Bucas Grande, now it’s time for another set of island hopping in Siargao!

Naked Island is a small sandbar of just pure white sand and clear waters. Sunbathe all you want! No naked people, though! (Tip: Bring a lot of sunscreen! There are no trees nor shade there; that’s why it is naked!) Daku Island, on the other hand, is a village-island where a small community exists. It is the usual stop for having lunch. Locals will also offer you fresh buko (coconut) juice for 50 pesos. The view is stunning with glistening white sand and the blue waters are just at its cleanest for a village-island. We spent some time swimming and sunbathing. 

Guyam Island is a very small uninhabited island with coconuts and a few trees that will give you shade when you just want to chill and relax. This is the usual last stop during the island hopping. It boasts the purest and cleanest sand and waters I’ve ever seen. (Insider tips: Stay here overnight, but plan a dry night! Bring friends, drinks & snacks, enjoy lying on the sand, watching the night sky. Experience some true peace and tranquility, while watching fire flies fly around and the bioluminescent swim. Swimming at night is great. And in the morning, watch the sunrise and go for a morning swim as well, having the whole island to yourself until 7-8 am when the first people arrive on their trips. Rent an ice box, buy ice and you’ll have cold drinks all night! Don’t forget music and speakers!)

[coybits]

at Guyam Island

[daluyon]

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