Day 3: Road Trip

It was our last day in Siargao.Sohoton caves was to be our final itinerary, but is now erased in our list. Its located far ( which meant bigger waves ) in the other big island of Bucas Grande,in Socorro, and its a 2 hr travel by boat ( which meant prolonged torture ).Instead, we decided to circle the island by motorbike. In this remote part of the archipelago the habal habal is well suited to the needs of the locals. Since it is the "only" mode of transportation that is affordable, most bikes here have beeen fitted with a custom made roof and provisions for as many passengers it can carry. It can accomodate atleast 4 people,with ample space for an infant or market produce. Jr rode the modified a comfy new Suzuki while i rode with Levi on a 12yr old prehistoric Honda with no roof, no suspension,and butt cracking seats.


It was a sunday and the weather seemed cooperative, like the day before. We headed first to the local church.We missed the morning mass. It was already deserted, except for 2 elderly women still sitting on the pew, whether they were praying or chatting was difficult to tell. i asked the drivers who their patron saint was. T hey havent got a clue. They even argued for a while,and it seemed like their combined memory bank would be of help,but they never came up with a name. The parish church had iron gates which permitted a good view of the altar. It was a blue altar, symbolizing the sea. IT was adorned with seashells.It was quite lovely and unique.We never would have understood the mass anyway, so a few minutes of praying sufficed.

We circled the town proper to take pictures of the boulevard. It had a unobstructed view of Guyam and Daku Islands. What caught my attention was the Tsunami Alert Sign fronting the local school.Kids and adults alike were taking bath in the waters. a bit farther away, kids were playfully jumping off the pier. From here, it was an 8 hour long journey through the towns of Dapa, Del Carmen, San Benito, Sta Monica, Burgos, San Isidro and Pilar, then back to General Luna. The distance we covered is prob around 200kms.Most paved roads are within the town area, the rest is either mud or rock. Looking back now, it was so exhausting, i mean really back breaking exhausting. But had we done it using a car or a van, it wouldnt be as exciting, and not at all adventurous.

A beach in the town of Allegria, north of the island.

A little girl's playground.

A river near the town of Del Carmen is said to be infested with

crocodiles, according our tour guide.

A tsunami sign is posted in the town proper, in clear view

of the townfolks.

Near the boulevard, this wooden bridge serves a good vantage

point to observe the magnificent view of the ocean.

The boulevard. On the left is Daku Island.

During low tide, locals hit the water to scavenge for squid, in

a beach in San Benito.

A beach near the town of Pilar.

A local boy in Del Carmen who wasnt camera shy.

Teens frolicking in the water in Del carmen.

This wooden boat ferries passengers from Del Carmen to Surigao City,

a 4hour journey through difficult water.

Cant remeber where this photo was taken.

Taktak Falls in Allegria.