SIARGAO DAY 1: Magpupungko Tidal Pool, Taktak Falls, Tayangban Cave & The Paradise That Was Siargao Island

Our trip to Siargao wasn’t as perfect as the itinerary I drafted. I was anticipating for a smooth and hassle-free trip and an adventure full of sunshine. In my mind played a picture of what I wanted our adventure to be like. For days! Flawlessly taken photos, amazing video clips and moments filled with bliss! Those were the things I had going on inside my head. However, we encountered the opposite from the very first day. We were supposed to spend five days in Siargao but the unexpected delays cut it short to barely four full days. Our first though filled with drizzle was still fun as it was a land tour on Siargao Island with our kind tour guide and driver, Kuya Romeo.

Before that, first, our 4AM flight to Butuan on Day 1 was canceled that we didn’t have a choice but to reroute. Day 1 was supposedly for catching waves, chasing some epic sunsets and orgasmic hunt for palette satisfying local cuisines but sadly, all 24 hours of it were spent on the road. Imagine having only Davao and Cagayan De Oro as the two choices to reroute our flight to! Not only that it will waste a lot of our time but it will also cost us more money. Oh well! Guess shit really happens so instead of brooding over it, off we went and flew to Davao not to delay the adventure any further.

Fast forward four in the morning of the following day, we arrived in Surigao City with numbing butts and legs we could barely stretch from the more than 12 hours of an exhausting bus ride. It was raining the entire time that we wondered whether sea vessels were still allowed to depart for Siargao. We figured, we had come a long way to give up that easily so after getting us a cup of coffee, off we went to the port. Luckily, it was business as usual and we got us on a 5:30AM fastcraft to Siargao.

We arrived in Dapa Port in Siargao at 7AM the same time a Tropical Depression was traversing the nearby town of Hinatuan in Surigao Del Sur. I couldn’t help but wonder what bad luck had I been harboring all these years that my travels haven’t gone as planned not one instance. The weather hasn’t gone any better with several scattered showers stalling us from getting started with our tour. With Our supposedly 5-day adventure in Siargao now down to barely four days, we can’t afford to waste time. Every minute counts. The more I spent idly staring at the grey skies, the more I felt I am missing on really amazing things. So despite the on and off drizzle, off we went to journey the slippery roads from General Luna to Pilar on a motorcycle to see Magpupungko Tidal Pool. This place has been all over the gram lately that I developed that insatiable urge to see it.

THE QUEST TO MAGPUPUNGKO TIDAL POOL

I was worried about missing its impeccable view since Magpupungko Tidal Pool is best seen during the low tide hours (9-11AM). It was 10AM and we were still on the road. What could have been a forty-minute ride nearly doubled as we couldn’t go on top speed. We didn’t arrive at the registration area until a little past 11AM. I was filled with joy with being able to make it in time but within seconds the heavy rain came pouring in concealing nearly everything in sight. As I ran for shelter, I took a glimpse of the beach and the monstrous waves instantly sent my heart throbbing in fear. I looked up the heavens trying to keep count of every raindrop falling against my ashen face and prayed. I prayed for the rain to stop at once and to my surprise, it suddenly did. I suppressed a chuckle. And in my mind, I couldn’t help but say “Oh good Lord! How can you be this amazing!”

As soon as the rain stopped, I ran to the beach trying to figure where Magpupungko Pool was. And there it was. At the left corner of the cove. With its clear turquoise water calling to me to come closer. I carefully walked towards it and as soon as it came into full view, all I can utter was Wow! Magpupungko Tidal Pool was so enchanting. So charming. So surreal. And even under the grey skies, its beauty still stood out. It looked like a miracle amidst chaos. A blessing among many misfortunes. It was so mystic. My mind was blown in ways words will never be able to describe. Magpupungko Tidal Pool was such a beauty so impeccable even the stormiest of weather failed to dull.

We took some time marveling at the beauty that was in front of us. We did some cliff jump to pump some adrenaline in our systems and enjoyed a refreshing dip. When the water level started to rise and the currents were getting stronger, we figured it was time to head out. We spent some time by the nearby beach letting the pounding of the waves as it kissed the shores lull us to sleep while we waited for lunch. Few minutes after filling our tummies up, off we went to unravel the other treasures hidden in Siargao.

THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED TAKTAK FALLS

Siargao is an island surrounded by stunning white sand beaches and waves surfers will surely love so visiting a waterfall tucked in the faraway town of Sta. Monica is often most people don’t consider anymore. Us however with me being a waterfall chaser by heart took the time to still see the not-so-famous Taktak Falls. From Magpupungko Tidal Pool, we spent another twenty minutes of butt-numbing motorcycle ride north to see this jewel. Although the ride was literally a pain in the ass, it was however the most compelling. Keeping us preoccupied were the line of palm trees, acres of rice fields, few other white sand beaches and the mesmerizing coast.

I gotta admit that Taktak Falls disappointed me a bit. I know most people would agree that a lot of times, a place is most charming in their most natural state. This applies best to waterfalls. The harder it is to get to the more fulfilling the journey becomes. The more rocks or boulders surround its basin, the more captivating it is. It doesn’t matter really whether its cascades are as soft and delicate as a feather or as mighty and strong as a roaring thunder. What matters most is its rawness and natural allure. Taktak Falls however was stripped off all those great qualities. Instead of intricate rock formations, what surrounds it was a man-made pool and cottages. I get the intention was to make it easier to accommodate visitors but the falls now however is less appealing to many travelers. Still, Taktak Falls would make a great contrast to the usual beach and waves Siargao is known for.

TAYANGBAN CAVE & LAGOON

Coming from Taktak Falls, we took another butt-numbing ride back to Pilar to visit Tayangban Cave. It was that day’s final destination. It was only past 4PM when we arrived at the site. Still early but the gloomy weather made the place dark as night. We hesitated with exploring Tayangban Cave but thought we’d do better to continue. So with only our flashlights and waterproof camera in tow, down we went to the mouth of the cave.

I thought I will have a hard time exploring at first. I feared it will require me to pass through tiny tunnels. All my 180-pound self! I love battle scars but at the time, I didn’t wanna have even a tiny bruise. Good thing the cave was filled with water and spacious enough which allowed me to swim my way inside occasionally marveling at the intricate rock formations. From what I can remember, the cave was small and the easy part was less than half of a kilometer long. We popped out of the exit in no time and awaited us was the lagoon on the other side. We were too exhausted to oblige another dip so home we went and capped off the day.

SIARGAO! PARADISE ALL OVER

Ditch your itinerary! Siargao is such a paradise that every corner of it warrants your undivided attention. You don’t need plans, checklists or whatnot! All you need is a spirit for adventure and passion for new discoveries. This island is so captivating that you would always find a snap worthy spot no matter where your eyes turn to. So if you are headed to this island anytime soon, bare in mind to let loose and just let the island vibe take you to where your heart and soul would surely fly with fiery bliss.

BUDGET & TIPS FOR TOURING SIARGAO

I just told you to let your heart lead the way but if it will put your mind at ease to know what to expect then my SIARGAO 4D3N DIY Budget Travel Guide + Itinerary would surely endow you insights. For further reference to our inland tour then look at the table below. Another option that you can take is to book your Siargao land tour with Klook

There you have it lovelies! I love Siargao and my enthusiasm was overflowing as I was writing this post. I can’t wait to share more of how each day went in our Siargao trip so better stay tuned. If you enjoy this post, give me a thumbs up, let me know on the comments or best share it with your amazing travel buddies. Until next time. Ciao!