May 3, 2013 Sleep Over at Siargao
I already planned the other day before my shift schedule ends for the week that I will go to Siargao. I don't intend to surf but just to check the place. The previous week one of my colleague went there just to get away from work life and in her own words, selfie.
It's a Friday and I have already changed into civilian clothes coming from graveyard shift. I am about to board the bus leaving the plantsite when one of my shiftmates, Naz, approached me and asked if he and Ryan, my other colleague, could join me in Siargao. I told him that they could join me. Makes the expenses lesser unlike my previous trips that I usually go alone as a backpacker. I have already my things with me ready to go to Surigao City supposedly but I have to go back to the campsite for Naz and Ryan has to get their things. At least I still have time for a quick breakfast and coffee while waiting for them. While at the bus going to campsite (from plantsite), I learned that Naz was supposedly going to Butuan while Ryan was bound to Cagayan de Oro.
We left campsite around 830AM and got on a van bound to Surigao City. Campsite to Surigao City is 1.5hrs travel. Just as soon as we arrive at the Integrated Terminal in Surigao City, we rode the multicab plying the city proper/pier route. We got off along Palma at the market. From there the pier with ferries bound to Dinagat islands and Siargao is a walking distance. We asked for directions at a ticketing officer on one of the ferries where is the Siargao bound ferry. He pointed further south. Siargao bound ferries are just in front of Tavern Hotel. We hurried up to catch the 1030AM trip because the last trip is going to be a RORO ferry leaving at 12PM. We found the Dapa Express ferry and paid PhP250 each for the fare.
It's a Friday and I have already changed into civilian clothes coming from graveyard shift. I am about to board the bus leaving the plantsite when one of my shiftmates, Naz, approached me and asked if he and Ryan, my other colleague, could join me in Siargao. I told him that they could join me. Makes the expenses lesser unlike my previous trips that I usually go alone as a backpacker. I have already my things with me ready to go to Surigao City supposedly but I have to go back to the campsite for Naz and Ryan has to get their things. At least I still have time for a quick breakfast and coffee while waiting for them. While at the bus going to campsite (from plantsite), I learned that Naz was supposedly going to Butuan while Ryan was bound to Cagayan de Oro.
We left campsite around 830AM and got on a van bound to Surigao City. Campsite to Surigao City is 1.5hrs travel. Just as soon as we arrive at the Integrated Terminal in Surigao City, we rode the multicab plying the city proper/pier route. We got off along Palma at the market. From there the pier with ferries bound to Dinagat islands and Siargao is a walking distance. We asked for directions at a ticketing officer on one of the ferries where is the Siargao bound ferry. He pointed further south. Siargao bound ferries are just in front of Tavern Hotel. We hurried up to catch the 1030AM trip because the last trip is going to be a RORO ferry leaving at 12PM. We found the Dapa Express ferry and paid PhP250 each for the fare.
Then we boarded the ferry. Seats were already full time. We simply found a space at the walkway side. Anyway, it did not matter at all since I want to have a view of the surrounding island later at the trip. It turned out that there is a roll up tarpaulin shed at the side to shelter the passengers outside.
Coming from graveyard shift, we were really sleepy and the sun was almost on its highest peak, our eyes were hurting. Ryan and Naz ate the corn they bought at the pier and exchange stories for a while. I tried to nap but I could not. Zombies we were that day.
Since we couldn't take a quick nap, we decided to move at the front end of the ferry. From there, the view was amazing. Blue sky, white clouds, islands, calm sea with the sun shining.
Coming from graveyard shift, we were really sleepy and the sun was almost on its highest peak, our eyes were hurting. Ryan and Naz ate the corn they bought at the pier and exchange stories for a while. I tried to nap but I could not. Zombies we were that day.
Since we couldn't take a quick nap, we decided to move at the front end of the ferry. From there, the view was amazing. Blue sky, white clouds, islands, calm sea with the sun shining.
Surigao Del Norte has a lot of islands. But considering that the province thrives on mining, it is an undeniable fact that some of these islands are mined. Anyway, here are some photos of the view along the way.
Time check, 2 hours later and its already past 1 PM. We arrived at our destination, Dapa Port. From there, we took a habal-habal or motorcycle going to General Luna where the surfing area is located. We decided to have a quick lunch first at the market. Zombies we were but we opted for seafoods at an eatery considering Naz is a Moslem brother. After lunch, there is no need to look for habal-habal since there are a lot at the market. I approached one driver and told him that we want to go to Cloud 9. He asked if we already had an accommodation and I said no reservation yet but we intend to go to Boardwalk. The driver said that it is best if we stay at Ocean 101. I glanced at Ryan and Naz but they said that I should be the one to decide since I planned the trip. Ocean 101 it is then where we we spending the night. We agreed to be pay the 30minute motor ride for PhP150. I wonder if the driver had a commission for bringing in travelers at that resort.
Off to Cloud 9
From Dapa to General Luna, the ride was smooth but it became bumpy when we were at Cloud 9 area. I should have taken photos along the way but I couldn't because riding a habal-habal is letting 3 passengers to fit in. It wasn't my first time riding though since I already tried it in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. They just call it skylab.
Soon we arrived at Ocean 101, got an AC room for 3 for Php2,500. The view from the room justified the amount we paid for an overnight stay.
Soon we arrived at Ocean 101, got an AC room for 3 for Php2,500. The view from the room justified the amount we paid for an overnight stay.
As soon as we laid down our things and would like to a rest, Naz and Ryan decided to buy some beer at the bar. They said that alcohol helps in letting sleep come in no time given that we just came from graveyard shift. I tag myself and surveyed the area.
Here is a map of the island of Siargao displayed at a wall of the bar in Ocean 101. Cloud 9 or the surfing area at General Luna town is on the east side of the island.
We each finished our beer and then we decided just to explore the area. No rest, no sleep for zombies like us. There were some foreigners preping up their stuffs, some a good back massage while others are checking their phones and laptops. The three of us had also our own business talking about work. Of all places, we went to Siargao , on our rest day, just to talk about work. Haha!
I love the area since it made me forget the stressfull environment at work. I could lie on the grounds should I wanted to. Now I know why my colleague of mine was recharged and feeling re-energized after staying here the previous week. I could spend one more night should I wanted to but Naz mentioned to my superior that he is with me at the island. Naz and my boss are brothers-in-law by the way. Well, that's another story. I could used some of my sick leave credits if I really wanted to.
I love the area since it made me forget the stressfull environment at work. I could lie on the grounds should I wanted to. Now I know why my colleague of mine was recharged and feeling re-energized after staying here the previous week. I could spend one more night should I wanted to but Naz mentioned to my superior that he is with me at the island. Naz and my boss are brothers-in-law by the way. Well, that's another story. I could used some of my sick leave credits if I really wanted to.
A walk at the Board Walk
Since there is no felling of tiredness among us, I told them we head the other way to check out the board walk. That were the surfing competition usually take place because of the wave swells. So off we go eastward. Ryan decided to nap on the sandy shore while Naz and I put our photo skills in to test with me using my Iphone5. Way to go! Haha.
Good thing that the sun is setting on the other end so it was no longer that hot. It was low tide too so I was able to see some marine life on the rocky shores of Cloud 9.
Good thing that the sun is setting on the other end so it was no longer that hot. It was low tide too so I was able to see some marine life on the rocky shores of Cloud 9.
Me, who loves to take photos, framed really good shots at the board walk. I decided to take pictures first from below. You may say that I went to Siargao just for photo shoot. Hmmm... Okay, let us put it that way. Haha.. There even was an actual photo shoot for a magazine I guess. Above me, I saw people go here and there with their surf boards while some with their cameras.
We woke up Ryan and told him that we go on the view decks. There are two view decks at the board walk. The farther being used for the surfing site. So up we go and took some shots again before the sun sets. I needed that light for a dramatic look of my photos.
I was able to exchange a few words with the local surf boys. I learned that should our group wants to do to island hopping, they could arrange a boat for the trip for PhP1500. Siargao is not only for surfing but the island offers other must do things for the non-surfer like me. Due to the limited time I have in the island, like I said earlier, I just want to get a way from prison life (camp/plant life).
I was able to borrow one surfboard for my photo shoot. That guy even taught me how to pose with it. Feeling me! Hehe.
Soon the sun is setting on the horizon. Surfers get up from the water and carry their boards back. Another day had passed and we had not taken a good rest yet. It was a long day or night for the three of us. Walang tulugan!
On the way back to Ocean 101, I noticed this massage sign. Being the non-Bisaya that I am, I find the sign to be quite funny. Miss Ruby the Massue offers Filipino Helot. With the long day activities at the beach, a good massage can really ease body pains.
We ended the day by swimming on the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Since it's low tide we have to walk further to really have a good dip. Perhaps that's 200 meters away from the shoreline. It's really getting dark so we went back to our rooms, had a quick bath, change clothes and had dinner. After which, it's really time to sleep. No more talking among us when we got back to our room.
May 4, 2013 Siargao to Surigao
I woke up early for the sunrise. I managed to have an 8hr sleep from last night. I went to the cabana by the sea to wait for that sunrise. And good morning Philiipines! The sun rose around 530AM. I even called my mother that instant saying the sun is up. My mom wakes up early so no worries of being scolded for waking her while the rest of the world is still asleep.
There were already some early birds stretching and gearing up awaiting for their boat ride that will bring them to the nearby island where wave swells can go as high a 5 story buildings. I really got a good morning for this to experience and be able to see the sun on the other side of the country.
Soon Naz and Ryan were already awake wondering where I am perhaps. Ryan was at the room terrace looking also at the scenery.
Soon Naz and Ryan were already awake wondering where I am perhaps. Ryan was at the room terrace looking also at the scenery.
Ryan and Naz joined me at the grounds. We outlined the plan of day. No breakfast nor coffee. Tipid tipid! They plan to try surfing for a couple of hours. I on the other hand decided to take a nap because I was on graveyard shift again. To make it more exciting, early time, that means work starts by 7PM!
So Ryan and Naz each rented a surf board for around PhP500 good for a couple of hours I guess. They opted to learn by themselves rather having a surf instructor. Anyway, we only have a few hours remaining because we have to catch the 1030AM ferry in Dapa back to Surigao City. I had asked the same driver who brought at the resort to fetch us at 930AM.
The tide is still coming in but none the less they enjoyed paddling and floating.
The tide is still coming in but none the less they enjoyed paddling and floating.
Come 9AM, we were already prepared and ready for us trip back. We manage to have a quick snack while waiting for the habal-habal. Arriving at the Dapa Port, we paid again the PhP250 fare plus PhP10 port terminal fee. This time, we were able to get a seat inside the ferry. I was able to steal some sleep for the 2hour journey. I got bored at one time that I decided to go out at the walk way.
Arriving at Surigao Port, we took a tricycle to a fastfood chain. We had lunch and I bought some snacks for break time at work. We arrived at campsite around 5PM. I got a few hours left until I report for duty again. What matters was I went to work and had my juniors do the monitoring. No work stories here. Hehe!
At the end of the day I had another island explored (quick glimpse), another entry to my timeline. Just one of them days of my fast paced, busy schedule.
At the end of the day I had another island explored (quick glimpse), another entry to my timeline. Just one of them days of my fast paced, busy schedule.
"I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine." -- Caskie Stinnett