Uncovering the Hidden Treasures of Siargao Island
Could this be the perfect blend of peace and adventure?
Welcome to the Funky Midlife Tribe, where I write to share thougthts on aging well. Sharing thoughts on work, travel, and health for those approaching (or are in) the second half of their century.
I am a sucker for islands with white sand beaches, waves, and coconut trees. However, some islands are too busy (e.g.Tenerife, Spain), and others are so remote that it is like being a castaway (e.g. Koh Wai, Thailand).
What if I told you I may have found a great option in between?
I am going to be honest here, I have yet to visit this place. But, deep down I feel this could be my dream island. It’s called Siargao Island and it’s located off the northeast coast of Mindanao in the Philippines.
There was a strange chain of events that led me to discover this paradise. Since childhood, I have always enjoyed surfing and skateboarding. Unfortunately, now, these are hobbies or sports I rarely indulge in.
Great thing for YouTube though, there is always some great surf and sake footage to watch. Anyhow, I was scrolling through the videos this headline, “Philippines Skate Capital...,” caught my eye. Guess what? It was Siargao Island, and the scenery just looked divine! The rest they say is history.
The more I discovered of Siargao online, the more my heart couldn’t stop raving about it. There was rarely any negative chat about the island. It sounded like paradise, where I could chill and reconnect with nature.
It's easy to believe that traveling to such a destination requires intense planning and effort. Especially at my age and with my family, there are concerns about the journey and staying comfortable.
To me, travel should be enjoyable and stress-free!
So, is traveling to Siargao really as wonderful as it sounds?
Fortunately, the answer is yes.
Siargao—one of the most picturesque and welcoming islands—is considered by many travelers to be an ideal spot for relaxation and adventure.
Not because it's the most exclusive or luxurious, but because nearly anyone can find joy in its simplicity and natural charm.
Why You Should Visit Siargao!
So without further ado, here are four reasons to consider Siargao for your next travel destination.
Siargao offers peace of mind.
Siargao is a great example of a tranquil destination because it doesn't overwhelm you with crowds or noise.
Sure it has its nightlife and bars, however it doesn’t overwhelm the place.
This is because the locals and those visiting focus on the island's natural beauty and calm atmosphere.
Nature, the sea, and the mountains on the island create a soothing environment, which can be incredibly beneficial for mental well-being.
Siargao is an excellent choice if you are aware that you are more likely to seek peaceful and rejuvenating experiences as you age.
You need minimal planning for Siargao (and it’s relatively easy to get to).
How fantastic is it that all you need to enjoy Siargao is a simple travel itinerary? You can immerse yourself in its beauty at any time, anywhere, as long as you have a sense of adventure (and of course, a bit of planning!).
Siargao doesn't require extravagant preparations or high expenses. And, no need for extensive guides too, yes!
One thing that is an advantage, is that you can get there by air. No need for lengthy drives or crazy canoe trips across the ocean.
I find that planning a trip to Siargao involves looking forward to relaxation and managing stress. Also, from what I hear, the island’s atmosphere promotes a healthy and stress-free mindset.
You will be safe exploring Siargao.
Any travel you do requires you to do it with the proper safety measures. It can be the difference between you enjoying the trip or facing discomfort.
We naturally feel secure in places that are welcoming and hospitable. One thing I am certain of is as long as you take basic precautions, you should be OK. I’d say that the only exception is if you have specific health concerns.
That being said, Siargo has one hospital and a few health clinics. Remember, it’s always wise to get travel insurance for emergencies.
Truth be told, unless you neglect basic travel safety, exploring Siargao carries a relatively low risk of issues.
On Siargao Island, you can adventure at your own pace.
Exploring Siargao is something you'll almost always be able to do, regardless of your fitness level. Unless you’re in verypoor health, you can enjoy the island’s beauty.
The best aspect is that you may take your time and enjoy activities at your own pace. You can adjust the intensity of your adventures by selecting activities that match your energy level.
As I am planning a trip, I’ll be looking into some hikes, snorkeling, and eating the area's delicacies. Of course, a wander here and there will be on the cards to meet the locals. Oh, and I’m looking forward to watching some skateboarding and surfing (in the real).
I always recommend that, when planning a trip, consistency in your activities to your health is crucial. The most important thing for us is to enjoy the experiences fully and feel burnt out instead of being rejuvenated.
Wrapping up, let’s embrace the beauty of Siargao
I hope that I have conveyed the allure of Siargao Island.
If you are worried about it being a challenging trip, then sometimes the best way to cope is with good planning!
I‘m confident that one can get lost in the island's beauty and time will fly by.
Oh, right, what to pack for Siargao? Be as comfortable as possible, relative to the weather. I’m packing light!
If you do choose to travel to Siargao Island (or anywhere for that matter), I wish you much joy in your travels. Also, I hope that you get so carried away by your experiences.
Keep on exploring and watch yourself embrace life like never before.