Solo Travels: Siargao Island Adventure

Day deux and I woke up early to greet the sunrise in this amazing island, my island tour was not until 10 am but I went to the meet up place an hour and a half early so I can get some java fix before the trip. 

I was a lone traveller so I signed up for this group tour in Bravo Resort. They organize island tours for solo travellers (as well as groups) which I think is a great way to introduce the island and meet new people, without the need of emptying your pockets to hire a whole boat just for one person or two. While waiting I enjoyed a glass of iced latte with a bamboo straw, props to creativity and environmentally friendliness! 

Fast forward a few minutes and we are in the middle of the Gatorade Blue waters of Siargao excited to set foot on our first island. There I was surrounded by different nationalities and various languages intermingling with excitement above the loud banka motor. Then it was time for our first stop: NAKED ISLAND!

Naked Island is not a nudist beach so those expecting it will be gravely disappointed but the smooth white sand and calm clean water will more than make up for it. We had a 30-40 minute pitstop there, enough time to take pictures and swim to our hearts content. I think the reason why they don't stay too long is because of the bareness and size of the island. You can see and even run from one end to another, plus it gets quite hot since there is no shade or tree to run away from the sun. 

Our next stop was DAKU ISLAND, Daku in bisaya means big. In this stop, we were looking forward to FOOD most of all. Part of the package was free lunch and drinks and the food is cooked by our very own tour guide. We were advised and given enough time to go for some snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. You can also find and eat an exotic shellfish in this parts, just sprinkle salt and local vinegar then pop in your mouth. My stomach was not adventurous enough at that moment so I had to pass. 

When the food was ready, we attacked! It was prepared Budol fight style, which is all the meal and food laid out in a banana leaf. We were served grilled fish, pork, chicken, ceviche, pancit noodles, vegetable kebabs, squid adobo and various fruits. Lets just say it was a feast for our eyes and growling stomachs.

We were told that 2.5 hours was alloted in Daku so after our meal, I went to a nearby hammock and enjoyed the cool breeze while the others were either swimming, sunbathing or reading a book. After a while, I was invited to a friendly game of volleyball and took a quick dip before we set off to the next destination.

The last stop was in GUYAM ISLAND. By this time, we were in our chill mode. The sun, ocean breeze and all day banka ride has left us relaxed and as we say 'low-batt'. I explored Guyam on my own. The sand and water is not as smooth and clear as the other islands but its has its own charm. It actually looks like the island emoticon, from afar and its view is the epitome of what an island looks like. There are palm trees in the middle that would allow weary islandhoppers to get some rest and shut eye. A few of my companions indulged in a game of Drinking Jenga game and Beer Pong.

We sailed back to Bravo after a whole day of gallivanting in the islands. I was glad that we were blessed with great weather the whole time, Mr. Sun was out but not too angry and the waves were peaceful. We arrived on a low tide so we had to dock a bit far from the resort and we were fine walking a few kilometers back to the resort. I indulged myself with Bravo's signature drink, the Pomada while waiting for the sun to set. It was a sweet tangy drink, a sweeter version of a Mojito without the mint. I loved the drink so much that I had two and if I was with a travel companion, I was sure to hit 3 or 4 glasses easy.

Before heading home, I grabbed a quick dinner at Mama's Grill. It's right next to Bravo and has a no frills set up yet people, both filipinos and foreigners alike, still line up waiting to be seated. It has to do with their delicious food and budget friendly price. This is the place to eat for travellers on a tight budget. It was a perfect end to a fun filled and tiring day!