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SIARGAO AIRPORT


SIARGAO AIRPORT  ( DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL )

International:

The best way to get to Siargao is via Cebu (Philippines). There are international flights from Hong Kong, Singapore and Kota Kinabalu to Cebu. For affordable flights from Manila to Cebu, please see www.cebupacificair.com & www.philippineairlines.com .

National:

1.) Chartered flights from Cebu DIRECT TO SIARGAO are available any time, although bear in mind that the Sayak Airport in Siargao is NOT night-rated and therefore has a sunset limitation for take-offs and landings. Aviatours offers charters (2-4 passengers; flying time of about 1 hour & 10 min.) Please contact us for more information about chartering a plane from cebu. There are no taxis at the Sayak Airport (Siargao) and transfers have to be arranged in advance.

2.) Commercial flight to Siargao VIA SURIGAO

a. From Manila: PAL Express has daily flights from Manila to SURIGAO (not to be confused with SIARGAO). Current schedule is as follows:

• ETD Manila 0930H
• ETA Surigao 1115H
• ETD Surigao 1145H
• ETA Manila 1313H

b. From Cebu: Cebu Pacific Airline The Cebu-Surigao flight is scheduled four-times weekly (Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday/Sunday) starting November 13, 2008. It departs for Surigao at 10:20am and lands at 11:10am. It leaves Surigao at 11:30am and arrives in Mactan Cebu International Airport at 12:20pm

IN SURIGAO, you to connect with the last ferry from Surigao to Siargao. You also have the option of chartering one of our boats for the crossing to Dapa, Siargao.

Other airlines have expressed their intention of flying to Surigao and Siargao. We will update you on developments as soon as there are any.
Contact details of charter companies and airlines are as follows:

1. AviaTours: +63-32-341-2268, +63-32-495-2268,+63-919-637-6097,+63-919-359-2858; malou.napata@flyaviatour.com
2. Opulent Aviation: +63-32-340-4579, +63-32-495-6982, +63-917-623-1717, +63-918-909-1495
3. Cebu Pacific: www.cebupacificair.com ; +63-2-702-0888
4. PAL Express: www.palexpressair.com ; +63-2-855-8888

Other Activities in Siargao Island

Night Life
There are enough clubs and discos about to keep you very inexpensively entertained and occupied and offering the opportunity to meet locals of all types.

Water Sports
Aside from swimming, diving and snorkeling at any of the countless unspoiled, virgin reefs are favorites. And then there’s surfing. Numerous breaks of different varieties in different areas welcome surfers of every level of ability and lessons for beginners are available from a number of local operators. For the already-expert, of course, there is the challenging world famous “Cloud Nine” break at General Luna, site of an annual international competition attracting surfers from all over the globe.

Naturalist Fun

SIARGAO TARSIER

Siargao can be a delight for nature lovers. Hiking, hill climbing and just beach-combing and shell collecting or wildlife watching in the rain forests can all bring their own special surprises. For even more pristine, unspoiled nature several sparsely inhabited easy to reach nearby islands such as Casulian offer quietude and natural beauty unrivaled anywhere in the world.

Optional alternatives

Sometimes, when the weather's not so good or the fishing is a bit slow you may feel like doing something different & we can provide the following options free of charge to our guests:

Birdwatching. Although we are not really very clued up on this activity we do appreciate that there are some residents here that you wont see anywhere else in the world.

Surfing. Again, not really our scene because we're way too old & fat but once again those in the know rate some of the waves, breaks?, etc as pretty exceptional. Best time seems to be September & October when there are several competitions. We can usually arrange a lesson for those wanting to have a go.

Island tour. A road trip around the island, taking in some of the amazing scenery.

River tour. A boat trip up the Coconut River, one of the two rivers near our base in General Luna. A chance of seeing a Saltwater Crocodile, several species of rare bird, a Tarsier, and a variety of other unusual examples of flora & fauna. A friend gets very excited by the Orchids. Also an opportunity to fly-fish for a variety of small fish around the mangroves.

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Fishing Accomodation in General Luna, Siargao

Simply the best place to stay on General Luna, Siargao Island during your fishing trips. The views over the lagoon is breathtaking and resort’s gardens and surrounds are meticulously maintained. The fishing lodge has been built with consideration for all budgets. Rooms range from deluxe aircon to standard fan rooms, with all rooms having spectacular views over the Cloud 9 surf break.

The Fishing Lodge also boasts a brand new restaurant, completed late 2008, with exceptional views over the lagoon. The restaurant serves a variety of Western and Filipino food; based around fresh seafood, chicken, beef and pork dishes served with a variety of vegetables. Our fresh salads, selection of tropical fruits and fruit shakes are always available.

A view of the the judges platform for the annual surfing competition taken from the restaurant.

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Wow Siargao! by Paulo Alcazaren Last month I was hijacked by my better half Twink and bunso and taken to paradise. I flew back to Manila from Bohol (my article the other week) and within a few hours I was flying with them and our gang of adventurers back to the Visayan Islands. Our destination: Siargao and its most famous resort — Dedon. I’d heard about Siargao, and its fantastic surfing. I’d also been aware of the resort set up by the energetic young German wunderkind Bobby Dekeyser, whose line of chichi outdoor furniture Dedon is a must-have for high-end estates and hotel developments. Dekeyser had set up a factory in Cebu a few years ago to take advantage of wonderful Cebuano craftsmanship and his furniture is now taking over the world. On one of his early visits Dekeyser ventured to nearby Siargao. Located in the province of Surigao del Norte, northeastern of Mindanao, it is the country’s next Boracays. He fell in love with the island and the surf and started to plan a resort there. Dekeyser rebuilt the tropical refuge from an older existing facility. He envisioned it as an extension of his brand. He thought if the best resorts in the world were using his furniture, then he should build the world’s best resort as a showcase of his pieces. Dekeyser brought in a whole team made up of French architect Daniel Pouzet, industrial designer Jean Marie Massaud, and Filipinos Garrick Yu and Maritess Lampert. The aim was to craft a resort “village” with room for only a handful of luxury villas and a limited number of guests. Each visiting couple or family was to be pampered and waited on hand and foot. They were not to be treated as “… just a room or villa number.” In the four days we were there, we can say all that was achieved. We arrived at Siargao with our regular travel companions Dindo and Aileen Litonjua along with Oli and Penny Laperal. The seven of us were quickly ushered to a stretch jeepney. The jeepney was furnished in Dedon material (which uses a synthetic fiber that replicates the look and texture of rattan) and was definitely way more comfortable than your ordinary rust bucket ride. The ride was smooth and we were treated to local organic sweets prepared by the resort’s kitchen. We arrived at the resort and were greeted by the entire staff! The resort has only nine villas in two clusters of five and four and we were guided directly to our respective villas. I love the fact that all the villas take on the best aspects of vernacular architecture, all are raised from the ground, have natural light and ventilation (although air-con is an option) and use local materials. The roofs are of nipa bound together with Dedon material. The insides were commodious with a number of the villas having lofts. Once we were settled in we met for lunch at the dining pavilion, one of four structures at the center of the resort. All are open and expansive and clustered around a pool fronting the beach. The menu was superb and everything was made from scratch. The Siargao resort has its own organic farm and the resort’s co-managers Matthew and Morag Koerner told us they were starting to raise their own livestock. The service at the resort was great. Our adventure guide quickly drew up four days of island hopping, snorkeling, paddle board trekking, kayaking and, of course, surfing. Yes, at 58 years old, I was “forced” to surf. I tried to put it off but everyone in the group, including 10-year-old Chocho was gung-ho about it. We motored down half an hour from the resort, got a quick lecture and practice on the beach and it was off to the waves. We all managed to get on the boards after a few tries and I eventually got the hang of it. Hey, we were surfing! The rest of our stay was a cycle of good meals and good treks around Siargao. Our favorite stop was Naked Island not far from the resort by the Dedon boat. It is a spectacular white sand bar a kilometer or so off the main island. We swam and snorkled in the crystal clear waters while the boat crew set up Dedon chaise lounges and our refreshments on the beach. We also loved the mangrove pavilion behind the resort. The mangrove treks on paddle boards and kayaks start from there and we had a Tapas night there too. I also enjoyed taking photographs of the resort and the island (aerials by LIPAD Aerial Photography). Everything about the island is photogenic, from the air or on the ground. The rest of the time we spent at the resort was a mix of pool cocktails, delightful dinners and meanders about the extensive grounds. We introduced Chocho to Shirley Temples because all the adults had martinis or margaritas at happy hour. Evenings brought out magical fireflies and because we were a distance from the town, it was ideal for all the stars to come out and treat us with nightly displays Siargao is a must-visit destination; its surf, beaches and surrounding islands offer a variety of treats catering to the active, along with those that want to chill without being crowded out by hordes of people. Finally, Dedon should be in everyone’s bucket list, so you can say Siargao and Surfing … been there Dedon that! SIARGAO WAVES Siargao Island is now famous as a Surfing Capital of the Philippines and one of the Top 10 Best Surfing destinations in the world, but only a few know about its marine riches, underwater beauty and the rare bill fish species that can only be found in the Siargao Island's waters. Deep-sea fishing is top notch here. The sailfish and blue marlin season, really hums from March to early May, when the big fish (sailfish, marlin, MaiMai) cruise the deep water. But you could fish for coral trout, and other reef fish anytime as well as large deep sea snappers. You can join local fisherman for a one day or even a two day/one night fishing adventure to take you out to the Payao, a floating fish attractor about five miles beyond Guyam, and troll for bolis (skipjack) or Barilis(yellow fin tuna). You can catch Tanguigue (Spanish mackerel), huge Pacific Tuna, and Morang (dolphin fish). 6th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament Pilar, Siargao Island April 11-15, 2013 Surfing Capital of Philippines Game Fishing Capital of  Philippines Siargao &  El Nido of Palawan among 46 ‘must-see places’ in 2013—New York Times MANILA, Philippines—A surfing mecca and a luxury island getaway in the Philippines are included in the 46 must-see places in the world based on a list published online by the New York Times. In the list, ”The 46 Places to go in 2013″, Siargao and El Nido of Palawan were chosen by editors of the internationally-read broadsheet. “Idyllic white sand beaches, secluded, little-known surf towns, and pristine reefs are among the natural draws of this country,” it said. The article raved about how “luxe” the country’ surfing and beach destinations are. “The new Dedon Resort in Siargao, for example, is close to one of the world’s best surf breaks, Cloud 9 (Kelly Slater is a fan), and has an outdoor cinema along with spa and paddle board classes. And the private island resort of El Nido Pangulasian opens this month in the Unesco biosphere of Palawan, right by some of the world’s most pristine diving spots. ” Aside from the Philippines, only two other Southeast Asian nations were included: Singapore and Thailand (which appeared on the list twice). Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s capital, topped the list. “Because the whole world will be there in 2014 (World Cup)” it said. Idyllic white sand beaches, secluded, little-known surf towns, and pristine reefs are among the natural draws of this country made up of over 7,000 tropical islands. Now in addition to the more upscale choices cropping up in former backpacking enclaves like Boracay, there is a new generation of luxury hotels opening even further afield. The new Dedon Island resort on Siargao, for example, is close to one of the world’s best surf breaks, Cloud 9 (Kelly Slater is a fan), and has an outdoor cinema along with spa and paddle board classes. And the private island resort of El Nido Pangulasian opens this month in the Unesco biosphere of Palawan, right by some of the world’s most pristine diving spots. ******** SIARGAO.COM    Your First Vacation in Siargao is a Eternity. Our Mission to Promote Beauty of  Siargao to the World. Advertise with Siargao.com for a very low monthly rate. Email us to find out before it's too late: SiargaoDotcom@Gmail.com Enjoying her Vacation in   Siargao Island Kris Aquino Admires Siargao Beauty A group of Philippine entertainment celebrities led by presidential sister Kris Aquino visited the "Paradise Island" of Siargao during Valentine's Day. Ms. Aquino actually celebrated her 42nd birthday 2013 anniversary on the island together with her two sons Joshua and Bimby. Joining Ms. Aquino and her family were Ms. Zsazsa Padilla and her party. They boarded a private plane and landed at Siargao (Sayak) Airport to the surprise and amazement of Siargaonons. According to Region XIII Regional Director Leticia DC. Tan of the Department of Tourism, Ms. Aquino had read about the place in the Philippine Tatler, a magazine that provides its readers with the best information on business, cultural, social and sporting life of the Philippines. "They really appreciate the amazing beauty of Siargao island," Tan said. Siargao Island is considered as one of the top 10 destinations in the world today. Recently, Dedon Island of Siargao also made a debut in international travel magazines and networks. Among the prestigious news networks that have lavished praises on the resort are Travel+Leisure in Hongkong, CNNGo of Cable News Network (CNN) and Conde Nast Traveller in the United Kingdom. Because of global recognition, Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco T. Matugas and his wife Gov. Sol F. Matugas have been upgrading structures and newly discovered tourist spots in the "Siargao Paradise Island." Aside from the already globally recognized annual surfing competition at the famous "Cloud 9" in Siargao's General Luna town, there is also the game fishing competition in Pilar that has been attracting hordes of visitors. (Mike U. Crismundo) Actress Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff Paradise of  Siargao The Philippines’ finest: Three Filipinos who were certified as Level 2 surfing instructors are shown with Australian master coach Garry Palmer (with hat) after completing their ASI/ASIP Instructors Certification Course. Now the highest qualified surfing coaches in the country are Luke Landrigan, Lorraine Lapuz, and Paolo Soler. Gretchen Barretto Enjoys in Siargao Paradise   EMAIL: SiargaoDotcom@Gmail.com We got to the hangar and met the rest of the “dedon for the day” crew!  After a few hours we flew out and landed in what was literally like another world!  A world of peace, quiet and lush greenery!   Although when your travelling with a Willie things get a bit crazy!  I mean the man is a ROCKSTAR!  He has fans like you would not believe!  People of all ages lined up the streets of the island of Siargao screaming his name and just going nuts!  I have never seen anything quite like it. MARTES SANTO 2013  nag-text ang isang kakilala na taga Siargao Island  na ‘Nandoon daw sina Willie Revillame at si Ruffa Gutierrez. Sabi sa text message ng kakilala namin, dumating daw noong Lunes Santo. Namataan niya ang dalawa sa magkaibang pagkakataon daw na ‘yun. Ayon sa source namin, ‘Nandoon daw si Willie para bumili ng Siargao Resort. Si Ruffa, hindi malinaw kung kasama ba siya ni Willie or doon lang sila nagkita sa Siargao.       Email us at: SABAHPHILIPPINES@GMAIL.COM

the fourty-six anglers from Japan, United States of America, Singapore, Sweden, Hungary, Philippines, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain and Russia who  joined in the tournament, ten of them won in the following categories and they received trophies and total cash prizes of P350,000 or approximately US$8,000.

Siargao Tourists


Siargao Surfers


Siargao Surfers

Dedon Resort: Back to the land that time forgot

THE NEST REST, inspired by the bent coconut trees and the African bird’s nest, is Dedon Resort signature in SIARGAO   PHOTO BY STANLEY ONG

Dedon  Resort in Siargao is all about the essence of travel. It’s all about spontaneity, childlike openness to new experiences, and bringing home happy memories.

AT DEDON Resort, the understated design gives way to nature, the real focal point. PHOTO BY STANLEY ONG

“You come on a holiday and see things you’ve never learned as opposed to same old, same old … You come here and learn something new, you go away and reminisce that you learned to do this when you were staying at Dedon,” says Sean Hartley, the adventure manager.

This new beach getaway in the southeastern border of Siargao is formerly the Pansukian Resort, owned by French businessman Nicolas Rambeau. Pioneer staffer and resort supervisor Erlinda

Escosura has been working in the property since the beginning.

Twenty years ago, Rambeau built a vacation cottage on the beach. Then he put up four more cottages to invite his friends. In no time the sprawl evolved into a nine-villa resort.

THE TIERED roof pagoda—an interesting lounge at night. PHOTO BY STANLEY ONG

The villas stood out for their swooping, multitiered thatch roof lines associated with Thai and Balinese architecture. Rambeau himself trained the local folk to deliver refined service.

Although it was under the radar, the resort attracted upscale clients such as the Zobels, the Aboitizes, the Lopezes, even former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and well-heeled foreigners.

Mystical

CHEF Nico gives Filipino cuisine a twist. PHOTO BY STANLEY ONG

Bobby Dekeyser, the German founder and chairman of Dedon (accent on the first syllable), the global outdoor furniture company, would make a side trip from the factory in Cebu to Pansukian. Dedon’s CEO Hervé Lampert also came with his family to enjoy the mystical atmosphere of Siargao.

Rambeau rarely entertained the press. We were among the few whom he took to the nearby islands and the mangrove, regaled us with stimulating conversations, and read Baudelaire at night. We couldn’t forget watching the sea, looking at the infinite changes of patterns on the surface and shifts of color from cerulean to celadon.

Weary of running a resort, Rambeau put Pansukian resort on the market. Dekeyser grabbed the chance to acquire it. It took two years of full renovation and rebranding to turn it into Dedon Island.

SEAN Hartley, the adventure manager, teaches guests how to paddle-board, the most popular water sport in the island. PHOTO BY STANLEY ONG

The place was designed by French architect Daniel Pouzet, industrial designer Jean Marie Massaud and local counterpart Garrick Yu.

Cebuana decorator Maritess Lampert helped source the artisans and the soft furnishings. With some 350 styles from Dedon, the resort is a showcase of world-class Filipino craftsmanship.

Family feeling

“Bobby and I have been going to the resort for the past 10 years. That spot has something magical. It takes you away from thinking about the busy life. The waters are calm—there are no waves on that side. The colors of the sea keep changing every five minutes. We said the experience is important. It shouldn’t just be a bedroom and restaurant,” says Lampert.

THE DEDON Daydream bed, inspired by Arabian beds, and the hangingNestrest are some of the iconic pieces from Dedon that dot the resort. PHOTO BY STANLEY ONG

“In other places, it feels too commercial,” he adds. “You go to a hotel with 50 to 100 rooms. Although they try to make you feel at home, at the end of the day, you pay for this and sign for that. We’ve created a place where you pay in advance. When you’re there,  it’s your own. Jump on the beach, or take the amphibious boat.  No need to swipe a credit card. All transactions are banished.”

The Dedon Island experience starts at the Cebu International Airport where Gen. Escaño, the liaison officer, takes care of your transfers.

In Siargao, the Dedon Mobile Lounge, a long jeepney done in minimalist style, awaits us.  Inside, we are given cold towels infused with sampaguita essence, and dried mangoes, pineapples and shredded coconut, sweetened in their natural juices and baked in a dehydrator.

We are given a familial welcome at the entrance. A queue of foreign managers and the executive chef warmly greets us. Matthew and Morag Koerner, the general managers, specialize in running yachts and small exclusive resorts. Hartley organized safaris in Kenya, where he met Dekeyser.

Ivan Alvarez, the guest relations officer, was Dekeyser’s masseuse in Ibiza. Executive chef Nico Mordhorst is touted to be among Germany’s 10 best chefs. He came to the island with his significant other, Christina Hoetzl, the German food and beverage manager.

Bobby (Dekeyser) would travel with his wife, sister and brother-in-law. That’s why Dedon Island is about creating memories and new adventures with the family, explains Hartley.

“It’s also why Dedon is like a family—a group of like-minded people getting together. That’s the concept: Let us find like-minded people to come here.”

Matthew adds, “It’s not like going to a branded resort where you don’t get to meet the GMs. The staffers don’t know who people are because you’re just a room number.”

Fortune plants, red palms, bird’s nest ferns, tiger plants, bougainvilleas and hibiscus fringe the villas that sport trademark fingerlike gables.

The room has a tropical decor—Siargao-carved headboards depicting Dedon’s pagodas, abundant coconut trees and sea life.

The resort showcases Dedon furniture and accessories—from the loungers to the shower heads.

Lending the resort a sense of place are the coastal features such as the handwoven slippers, mat-woven tote bags, herbal soaps wrapped in banana leaf, and a seashell.

The Dedon style is about comfort and contentment, and embracing the genuine hospitality that comes with the island lifestyle. “The Dedon look is luxury in natural surroundings,” says Hartley.

No set menu

There is no set menu because the dishes are prepared depending on the fresh produce of the day. The chef can take as long as four hours scouring the island for the right ingredients for the day.

The resort also has an herb garden and organic vegetable farm. Its string beans are said to be tastier than those in the market.

For lunch we have mango and mandarin orange juice whole wheat bread with hummus, fresh lettuce salad, fried rice, crispy mahi-mahi, chicken adobo with boiled egg.

Instead of drenching the chicken in soy sauce which tends to overpower the taste, the fowl is pan-fried separately and flavored before serving.

A waitress in clean white sarong brings our dessert of chocolate hazelnut ice cream and banana bread.

Dinners are plated like fine dining meals. The kinilaw is marinated in vinegar, calamansi and honey.

Instead of tossing the fish and the vegetables together, the prime ingredients are artfully composed.

The carabao meat is braised for eight hours and cut into bite-size pieces, breaded and fried to bring out the beef flavor.

The tofu steak and pork legs are served with colorful vegetable purées.

As the adventure manager, Hartley insists on taking guests out of their comfort zone. They learn to paddle-board or surf, explore the islands and visit Cloud 9—the surfing capital of the Philippines.

Visitors explore the various coves and inlets and are mesmerized by the sculptural coral formations, monkeys playing around and the variety of sea creatures. The water is so clear that you could actually see the bottom.

“It is taking you back to the land that time forgot—the undisturbed, natural beauty. Here, you can sit on the islands and see nobody. You hear the sea and listen to the birds,” says Hartley. “We’ve got the gadgets that follow us around. We can take you away from that, and bring you back to yourself. The rest of the world is going on, but it can go on without you.”

Siargao Among SouthEast Asia  8 Ultimate Islands

Defending Champion Enrique Ariitu from Tahiti.

Can submarines be used to stop typhoons?

We usually accept it as a given that we can’t change the weather. When it comes to extreme situations like hurricanes or earthquakes, such disasters are labeled “acts of god” because we generally feel helpless to in the face of nature’s wrath. But recently an ambitious Japanese manufacturing firm Ise Kogyo has boldly claimed that they can help weaken the impact of typhoons. And even more surprising, the company’s weapon of choice is the submarine.

 In principle, the premise appears sound. Typhoons generally require warmer water temperatures at surface level before they become dangerous, typically around 25 degrees. So when typhoons develop, the theory is that a fleet of submarines equipped with 20m-long water pumps can deliver colder water to the surface, thus bringing the surface temperature down by two or three degrees and weakening the storm.

According to the company, 20 submarines could cover an area of about 57,000 square meters and they would be deployed into a typhoons path once initial signs of an oncoming typhoon are evident.

This solution has been proposed as far back as 2002, but we have yet to see it practically implemented to date. First of all, submarines are hardly a dime a dozen and to set 20 of them aside for typhoon prevention would be no easy task.

More practical proposals involving the use of surface vessels to bring up cool water have been put forth before as well, though they are admittedly far less awesome than the submarine idea. But re-purposing military ships that patrol key areas might be the only way to bring such a “pipe dream” to fruition.

These aspirations to control the weather may remind our Asian readers of China’s pre-Olympic efforts to create blue skies as well as subsequent struggles to induce rain amid summer droughts that plagues the agriculture industry there.

The latter procedure is called cloud seeding, and it typically involves dusting clouds with a silver compound in order to bring about the formation of rain droplets. In the past however, China’s rainmaker program drew as much attention for its inadvertent stray rockets as for its ambitious scope.

Earlier this year a Swiss team working in cloud seeding who, rather than use silver compounds, opted to induce water droplet formation using infrared light.

It remains to be seen whether or not programs like these will ever make the transition from experimental to common technologies that contribute to our safety and our quality of living. But for now, it is exciting to hear even talk of how humans might gain some mastery over the weather. With extreme weather patterns becoming more and more frequent (thanks global warming!) we’re going to need every advantage we can get.