There is good another reason to experience a life well lived in the Caraga region as the stunning island of Siargao has once again been lauded as the most sought-after tourist destination island and was named the best island in Asia for 2021 by the 34th Readers’ Choice Awards; a US-based luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. Philippines’Palawan and Boracay also made it on the 3rd and 7th spots, respectively.
The Condé Nast Traveler’s Most sensible 10 Islands in Asia for 2021 are as follows:
- Siargao, Philippines
- Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
- Palawan, Philippines
- Bali, Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- Langkawi, Malaysia
- Koh Samui, Thailand
- Boracay, Philippines
- Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
- Phuket, Thailand
On top of being Siargao being named as one of the world’s best travel destinations, this island in Caraga has also captured investors for the region as a whole, making the area the best option to work, invest, and live in. And because of its magnificent, unspoiled natural environment and the fact that it features the finest, most popular surf beach in the Philippines – Cloud Nine – some small-scale resort developers potentially consider Siargao as a tourist destination.
Siargao is no stranger to international accolades – the small island was named one of the best holiday destinations of 2020 by Conde Nast Traveler and was recognized as the “Best Island in Asia” in October 2018. The surf spot was also among Time magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places” for 2021.
In early 2021, the travel magazine announced that Boracay’s White Beach and El Nido, Palawan made it to the 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards list of 25 Best Island Beaches in the World. The local islands placed second and ninth, respectively.
All About Siargao
Siargao is composed of 48 islands and islets-politically divided into nine municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen. luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro.
Siargao Islands contains the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, at Del Carmen. Long stretches of wetlands indicate a potential for commercial seaweed propagation. Siargao Islands are greatly influenced by the winds and currents coming uninterrupted from the Pacific Ocean, intensified by the Mindanao current running westward through the Siargao Strait.
Offshore, a classic tropical island lies protected within its surrounding coral reef with dozens of coconut palms dressed in the center circle of the island. Off to the right, well within the massive coastal reef, lies a shining white sand bar, (Pansukian, or Naked island) some 200 meters long. The tide of Siargao is diurnal with tidal curves typically present, especially on the east coast of the island.
The Island’s Pacific-facing reefs are situated on the edge of the Philippine Trench, and the extremely deep offshore waters assure the ocean swells have undiluted power when they encounter the many coral and rock reefs. Siargao has excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest “habagat” monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore.
The best-known surfing wave on Siargao with a worldwide reputation for thick, hollow tubes is “Cloud 9”. This right-breaking reef wave is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte.
The tide of Siargao is diurnal with tidal curves typically present especially on the east coast of the island.
Siargao: Mindanao’s Tourism Magnet
Siargao is widely known and frequently visited for many other reasons. It is a place for those who like to experience real adventure and to spend lots of time surrounded by the beautiful wonders of nature. The islands are blessed with an abundance of offshore marine life, making them both a wonderful diving spot and fishing spot.
With its fast-growing tourism economy, living near the island is seen as a great potential for real-estate investments. Here are the reasons why you should visit or live in Siargao.
Surfing Mecca of the Philippines
Siargao is the surfing mecca of the Philippines and has been attracting surfers for decades thanks to its all-year-round good waves, laid-back atmosphere and stunning landscapes. There are several surfing breaks dotted along the island’s east coast to suit all levels, including the popular Cloud 9 where the Surfing Cup of the same name happens annually.
Siargao Tourism during the Pandemic
The island paradise of Siargao has reopened to travelers, subject to appropriate health precautions after the administration of Surigao del Norte removed the province’s travel ban.
As the Department of Tourism launched campaigns such as the “Balikan ang Pilpinas” which meant to encourage balikbayans to travel to the Philippines instead of abroad, DOT has also announced a whopping P6-billion budget for loans and encouraging domestic travel, albeit within the safety guidelines laid out by the government.
How to travel in Siargao during the pandemic
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has its guidelines but as we’ve come to expect with the government’s mashup of pandemic response, each municipality can still implement its own. Take a look at these Siargao’s requirements on the Siargao Tourism Assistance Center Facebook page.
Travel requirements:
- A negative RT-PCR test
- Confirmed booking with a DOT – accredited hotel or resort
- ID
- e-Health Pass (LGU-mandated registration through website or mobile app)
- Traze app (DOTr-mandated registration system)
Resort-inspired Condo Hours Away from Siargao
Prepare for the influx of tourists in the stunning island once the pandemic is over, and invest in the nearest condominium in Siargao only at Camella Manors Soleia: the first condominium in the CARAGA region.
Camella Manors Soleia is Butuan’s latest real estate player. Last January 2021, Butuan and the whole CARAGA region saw the groundbreaking of its first-ever condominium project. Camella Manors is Vista Land’s newest mid-rise condominium brand located in the regions and nearby provinces of Metro Manila. It promotes all-in lifestyle needs and resort-themed amenities that will cater to young professionals, starting families, investors, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Camella Manors Soleia is set to become the tallest residential structure in Butuan City.
Located at Montalban St., Villa Kananga, Butuan City (just across Camella Homes Butuan), the condo project is set to rise four 7-story buildings with resort-themed condo amenities. The first building Avior has a total of 119 affordable pre-selling units which has been sold out this month of July.
Fortunately, you can still secure a wise investment at Camella Manors Soleia as it opened its second pre-selling building Orion.
The affordable condo in Butuan offers premium amenities like an adult pool, kiddie pool, fitness gym, function area, playpark, jogging trails, and commercial strips. The condo is also fully equipped with a 2-high speed elevator system, CCTV-security system, and a water sprinkler system. It also adopts a pet-friendly community and promotes smart condo living.
Camella Manors Soleia is strategically located close to the city center, making it accessible to many essential establishments such as shopping malls, schools and universities, medical centers, and infrastructure developments. From Manila, you can reach Camella Manors Soleia with just a two-hour flight.
Pre-selling of units is ongoing. Interested buyers can conveniently reserve a unit online through our hassle-free and easy-to-use online payment facilities. For more information, check the Camella Manors website at www.camellamanors.com or visit our social media pages.
