Ever scroll past your Instagram newsfeed once in a while, and stumble on a Siargao photo/video? I know I have – and more often than not I’d imagine myself to the time I once paddled out to the waters of Cloud 9 and rode the crashing waves back as I effortlessly stood on my rented fish board; completely out of thought, but in total control… it’s almost like the ocean and I are connected – of the same mind, body, and soul. Just kidding of course, I can’t even swim.
I, however, can tell you all about traveling from ‘The Queen City of the South’ to the beautiful ‘Surfing Capital of the Philippines’ known as Siargao, as of November 2021!
Before I get ahead of myself, one thing you should keep in mind is that due to the country still handling the pandemic – though less demanding of requirements as before, there are still precautionary measures and policies you must comply with, to ensure the continued safety and leisure of travelling for everyone.
From November 1 – 14, the entire province of Surigao del Norte is under GCQ, it is open to domestic tourists from GCQ and MGCQ areas.
The requirements are:
- Copy of the saliva RT-PCR test results and negative swabs are still required – released within the 48 hours upon arrival.
- Valid identification Card
- Confirmed Roundtrip Airline Tickets for tourists
- Confirmed reservation DOT accredited accommodation for tourists
To inquire mandatory requirements and information details, check out: app.philippines.travel
Flight Travel!
When it comes to getting around places, one of the most common ways to travel is by plane. Planes are great for faster travel and a much more direct approach, though costly for the trip.
Check out the cheapest Cebu – Del Carmen tickets you can find on Kiwi.com, or in Google Flights. Ticket prices can vary from time/date of departure, or if it’s a round trip – so plan and finance all your funds ahead.
A flight from Mactan – Cebu International Airport is your best bet if you were to travel by Cebgo Airlines, PAL Express, and Philippine Airlines! It only takes about an hour until you arrive at your destination.
‘Ferry’ Go Round
Taking the Ferry is a great way to travel too, you could save more, though it takes longer to get to Surigao City compared to traveling by plane.
You may travel between these three: Medallion Transport, Cokaliong Shipping Lines, and Starlight Ferry; they are available daily (except on Sundays) and depart @7:00PM from Pier 1.
When you arrive to the port of Surigao, you’ll have to proceed to the terminal’s ticket booth where you’ll buy another ticket for a ferry to Siargao (departs at 5:00AM), depending on which ship you’ve boarded, it usually takes 4 hours, an hour or less when traveling on a fast craft.
