Exploring Siargao's Cloud 9

GPS waypoint: N9 48.827 E126 09.914
Location: Cloud 9, Brgy. General Luna, Municipality of Siargao, Province of Surigao del Norte

Dapa
Being in Siargao already, I thought it would be perfect occasion to see the much talked-about Cloud 9 in General Luna (GL for short) before heading back to Surigao. From Del Carmen, I took a tricycle that would take me to the Siargao capital, Dapa. Dapa is the center of commerce and the transportation hub to the rest of Siargao. Travelers coming from Surigao City and going to Cloud 9 for some surfing action will still have to pass through Dapa.

Siargao's Cloud 9

Touring Dapa
Having found a P250/day lodge at MNRB Travelers Lodge in Dapa, I stayed 2 nights hoping I find something interesting. I even hired a pedicab to take me around town until I used up P50 worth of touring. But so far, I didn't see much for the traveler, except as a loading point to get to General Luna...and ultimately to Cloud 9. A noteworthy place in Dapa is Mems...lodging (starts at P500), eats and wifi.

Steep Lodging in General Luna
Upon arriving in General Luna, I wanted to stay at least overnight to explore the place before heading to Cloud 9. But lodging was steeply priced. The cheapest I could get was P400 for a fan room...and that was already with a 30% discount. I had no option but to try my luck in Cloud 9. Unlikely, but there might be a slim chance I could find lodging on a rat-string rate.

Close to the Edge
The way to Cloud 9 was dirt road lined up with small resorts - the mom and pop type. From what I have heard about Cloud 9, I thought I would see something like a Boracay...plush resorts lined-up one after another. But that was not the case. Cloud 9 is still pretty much undeveloped except for a few high end resorts. Not surprisingly, lodging was more prohibitive. Luckily, I learned that I can put up my hammock on the 3-storie nipa hut observation tower and call it home. That's exactly what I did. Free lodging and alfresco at that. I actually enjoyed the challenge. Even if I had money, I probably would have done exactly the same thing. To be nomadic and live this lifestyle, I had to stay close to the edge. Besides, good things keep happening when you're close to the edge...something akin to free-diving on the reef's drop-off.

Cheng
I went to 303 Resort to catch up on my internet work. That's where I met Cheng, a Singaporean who was spending extended time in Siargao to surf. We talked and she was kind enough to offer her room for my stuff - that way, I wouldn't have to worry about it while sleeping on the open and public observation tower. I would spend most of my time on her porch as we would just talk, chillout and eat. I'd just buy bread and we'd bring out her peanut butter...and that's the party right there. Her room also served as my washroom where I could shower and do my morning duties. I can't emphasize enough how helpful she has been.

Stand Up Paddle
Cheng would invite me to tag along if she has to surf. One time, I was a passanger on the SUP as she paddled her way beyond the break point. I sat on her short board just watching her ride the waves on her SUP - my first time to actually see someone in SUP action. I just wish I had a water-proof camera to take snapshots.

Hammock Trade
I wanted to say 'Thank You' to Cheng in my own currency - the web. I got my chance when she expressed interest in a jungle hammock being sold and manufactured by Criss Matesic - an Aussie helping marginalized communities through his hammocks. After striking a web deal with Chriss in exchange for 2 hammocks, I was able to give one to Cheng and the other one to Vernon, a retired merchant marine sailor who was also hanging out at Cheng's porch. I'm glad my web machinery is proving its versatility in providing for the things I want for other people.

Ending Thoughts
Odd that I went to Cloud 9 and didn't surf despite being on the water with a board...the mind was just not there. I only wanted to get a sense of the place and chillout. Besides, I was completely happy just hanging out at Cheng's porch talking stuff, drinking coffee and munching on her peanut butter. Sleeping on my hammock way out front of the shoreline on the tower was an added zest. Siargao...until the next time.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

Cheng Blogs

1. Nong Khai with Cheng Mar 18 - Apr ???, 2020
2. Traveling with Cheng Oct 31-Nov 8, 2016
3. Sex in Singapore? Oct 20, 2013
4. Singapore Girl July 21, 2013
5. Exploring Siargao's Cloud 9 July 18-20, 2013

ps - If you want me to objectively cover your event for this website (product launch, art show opening, ribbon-cutting, etc.), email me.

Reader Comments:

FYI / Tips

1. don't leave home without your hammock
2. wear booties...the reef break can be harsh

How to Get to Cloud 9 from Surigao City

1. ferry for Dapa, Siargao leaves at 5 am, 10am and 1pm
2. take a tricycle in Surigao City and ask to be taken to the "pantalan" or pier by the Boulevard, P8
3. board the Dapa-bound ferry for Siargao, P250, 2.5 hours
4. from Dapa, take a habal-habal (motorcycle) for General Luna, P30, P30 mins
5. from General Luna, take another habal-habal for Cloud 9, P20, 15 mins

• About Surigao City
• Hotels in Surigao City
• Things to do in Surigao City
• Culinary delicacies of Surigao City

SUGGESTED ITINERARY
(along the Surigao coastline from Surigao City to Surigao del Sur)

Surigao City

• Rite of Passage on Cantrasa Shoal Jul 12, 2013
• Karma Yoga in Surigao City July 5, 2013
• The Wooden Footbridge and Waterfall of Cantiasay, Surigao City July 1, 2013
• Outdoor Adventure Tour in Nonoc Island, Surigao City Jul 1-2, 2013
• The Deadly Bitaugan Whirlpool of Surigao City Jun 26, 2013
• Beaching it at Pebble Beach and Looc Beach, Surigao City Jun 22-24, 2013
• Exploring Silop Cave of Surigao City Jun 22, 2013
• Free-Diving the Coral Reef of Birok Islet, Surigao City June 12, 2013
• Boat Ride through the Floating Village of Day-asan June 12, 2013

Surigao del Norte

• Island Hopping Adventures in Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte July 23-25, 2013
• Exploring Siargao's Cloud 9 July 18-20, 2013
• Judging Del Carmen's Beauty Pagent and Street Dancing July 15-16, 2013
• Diving the Reef of Cagtinae, Surigao del Norte Jul 7, 2013

Cantilan

• Ayoke Island May 27, 2013
• Casarica Island May 27, 2013
• General Island May 27, 2013

Carmen

• Sua Cold Spring - in Brgy Esperanza. From main highway, get off at Madrid terminal and take motorcycle ride for the spring. If coming from Lanuza, get off at crossing of Cangcaban then take habal-habal for the spring
• Hubason River May 18, 2013

Lanuza

• Lanuza Marine Park and Sanctuary May 17, 2013 - coral reef, snorkeling, cafe. Also a short walk to Magkawas Falls.
• Magkawas Falls in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur May 16, 2013
• Silop Spring May 16, 2013
• Campamento Cave May 16, 2013
• Herrera Ancestral Home

Cortes

• Lubcon Falls - from Tandag, take jeep for Cantilan or Cortes and ask the driver to drop you off at Lubcon Falls, P25, 30 mins, 15 kms
• Burgos Togonan Falls
• Laswitan - strong waves crashing against the rocks and spilling over to fill up a rock pool (while you're dipping in it)
• Campiri Rocks - going over huge boulders, dipping in a rock pool, standing on a rock summit as waves hits and splash against it, and to cap all, you rest on the base of the light house perched on top of the rocks in full view of the magnificent Pacific Ocean
• Bakwitan Cave - a refuge by the towns folk during the Japanese occupation and during the typhoon of 2004
• Buybuyan Beach - small beach, almost like a personal beach, fine white sand (there are no commercial establishments on the beach...its undeveloped)
• Sihagan Beach - fine white sand for long walks on a beach (there are no commercial establishments on the beach...its undeveloped)
• Uba Marine Sanctuaries - scuba dive with gear from the LGU. At P250 per dive, you can't beat it!
• Capandan Marine Sanctuaries - scuba dive with gear from the LGU. At P250 per dive, you can't beat it!
• Balibadon Marine Sanctuary
• Mabahin Marine Sanctuary
• Tigao Marine Sanctuary
• Poblacion Marine Sanctuary

Tandag

• Exploring Dayao Cave of Tandag, Surigao del Sur May 12, 2013
• Brgy. Bongtud - Twin Linungao Island, Mancagangi Island & MPA (Marine Protected Area - fish sanctuary)

Cagwait

• white sand beaches

Salvacion

• Britania Islets May 6-8, 2013 - small islets dotting the bay. Island tour, beach, mangrove forest.

Hinatuan

• Enchanted River May 6, 2013
• Sibadan Fish Cage May 5, 2013

Mangagoy

• Tinuy-an Falls

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