People come to Siargao not just for vacation but also to experience what the island has to offer: beautiful islets, wonderful waters, and adventure among others. Others simply to tick it off from their bucket list.
Those are the primary motivations but for some people, Siargao made them realize more than just that. Proof? A lot of city dwellers have moved to the island for good.
We think Siargao is more than just a vacation place. Below are some things vacationers might have realized on their sojourn.
You Can Slow Things Down
When asked how they would describe Siargao, most would normally say “surfing”. That’s what the island became known for in the first place. Others, however, primarily feel its chill vibe is its defining characteristic.
They come to Siargao to chill out and forget about life in the busy city. Here, you can can sit and watch the sunset or people surfing with the sunrise in the background, without any expectation on how the day would end.
Here you can find some restaurants with signs that say “If you’re in a hurry, please eat somewhere else” or something to that effect. More or less, it just means “don’t rush things.” Chill.
That may sound a bit off or rude to a city dweller who is often in a rush — to catch the train or bus, or be on time in the office — but it just make sense if you try to adapt to the life on the island.
You can’t force locals your ways, and if you can’t, you are forced to let go of control. You learn to throw worries and anxieties out of the window, and begin to learn to savor and appreciate every moment you are on the island.
Letting Go of Expectations
Expectations are happiness killers. When you expect things and they don’t go your way, you get frustrated.
Siargao promises nothing, except its beautiful waters and warm people.
Prevalently, it’s a backpackers’ place where you can’t always expect 5-star hotel accommodations or high-end resorts. If you can find them and you’re willing to pay, then good for you.
A lot of the accommodations you’ll find, however, are hostels and nipa-styled shared spaces without air-conditioning units but visitors find them good enough. They don’t pay the cost of a 5-star accommodation, in any case.
You Can Live in the Moment
Just like any other vacation place, you cannot enjoy Siargao if you are always looking forward to the next thing that you are going to do. If you are always attending to whatever is preoccupying your mind.
When you are in a place but are just busy looking at your phone, you are not really there. If you seem to be watching the ocean but is actually thinking of something else, you are not really there.
You are virtually somewhere. You are physically present but mentally absent. You are not in the moment.
Those fleeting yet beautiful moments just passed by without you noticing them.
Tip: During tours, have your camera or phone with you but put it away after, and enjoy the rest of the moment.
