Pau Gutierrez
Siargao named “the best island in the world”
Siargao, the dreamy tear-shaped island in the province of Surigao Del Norte, was voted the best island in the world by Conde Nast Traveler readers—besting popular beach destinations like Tahiti, Bora Bora, Bali, and Hawaii.
The award-winning luxury and travel magazine cited the island’s pristine white beaches, emerald mangrove forest and sensational waves for topping the annual list, as well as the best island in Asia category in 2018.
Conde Nast Traveler editor Marianna Cerini wrote, “Siargao has remained unspoiled, remote, and still relatively under the radar, despite the influx of new infrastructures in recent years.”
The hidden paradise also boasts of sumptuous local dishes made from fresh produce, stunning lagoons, secret rivers, and rock pools.
“But the backdrop is only half of the spectacular picture. Siargao has been enchanting visitors for years because of its welcoming vibe and easy island lifestyle. A stream of cool, independent new hotels and businesses are making the island a shining example of sustainable tourism, and there’s a wealth of activities to keep you busy for days. It’s no surprise Conde Nast Traveler readers voted it the best island in Asia—but it also topped our list as the best island in the world,” noted Cerini.
Siargao has excellent surfing conditions with some of the most incredible waves particularly during the southwest “habagat” monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore.
One of its most popular reef wave, Cloud 9, is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government.
In the past, Siargao could be reached via a direct domestic flight from Manila to Surigao City and then by a ferry to the coastal towns of Dapa or Del Carmen in Siargao Islands.
Now, Cebu Pacific has flights from Manila-Siargao, Cebu-Siargao, as well as Surigao City-Siargao. Philippine Airlines offers flights from Cebu-Siargao, Clark-Siargao, and Davao-Siargao. Young carrier Skyjet, on the other hand, has flights from Manila-Siargao. Traveling by air is the most efficient way to get to the island.
Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts in Siargao via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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Also read:
- Best Things to do in Siargao Island
- Siargao: Surfers’ paradise in Asia
- Non-surfer’s guide to Siargao Island, Philippines
- Bucas Grande Island: Siargao Island’s Adventure Destination
- The Ultimate Travel Guide to Siargao
