We were off to experience another adventure with an escapade to Siargao. It was once again dark thirty as we were waking up. Not that it mattered. We were still waking up way before the break of dawn. Managing jet lag has become more difficult.

The airport and the plane

The distinct yellow turbo prop ATR 72 sat on the tarmac. It was a small plane. The smallest that we will be boarding so far. Yet, it was the biggest plane that has been plying this route. Arriving two hours early was always a good way to beat the delay of security lines and baggage check in. There was banter and someone telling the uninitiated that this particular plane has two propeller engines. One to fly the plane and the other for spare. The joke didn’t go so well.

The airport was small but was a blessing to the island. It was the much needed faster access aside from sea transport. The upgrades to the airport has allowed for bigger capacity planes to land. Unlike before 2008 when it only allowed smaller capacity planes toland. Landing was rough with the turbo prop plane. Still, we were happy that we arrived safely. Local tourism, I think, definitely got a boost through this infrastructure.

It was expensive in Siargao

We were aghast at how expensive it was to transport us from the airport to our side of the island. We were later discussing that the price to transport us was equivalent to using a similar vehicle the whole day in the city.

Paying a fee to use the toilet was also an attention grabber. It was a reminder of travel to Europe where toilet use was €1 to €2. Or, at least, buy a cup of expresso at a local cafe for a free use of the toilet. I was thinking, some European expat may have started doing business in Siargao and adopted the practice. Now, the whole island does the same thing.

Siargao Inn tucked away

Siargao Inn was tucked in a corner. The brown wooden sign with metal letters was the only thing that betrayed its entrance. It was right at the edge of the road. The vehicle had to stop in the middle of the road for us to get off and get into the Inn entrance. There was no real parking for vehicles either. The only parking space was for the multitude of scooters that plied the island.

The restaurant/bar was located at the end of the path leading into the Inn. There was a small fresh water pool beside it and farther down was a serene view of the Philippine sea. Cottages were lining the path to the restaurant/bar. We occupied a cottage that was facing the Philippine sea and behind another cottage that was facing the restaurant/bar. I liked the distance of our cottage from the potentially noisy area of the restaurant/bar.

Wow! I was seeing weathered hard wood on all the wooden surfaces. It felt so weathered smooth and solid! I haven’t seen these building materials in a very long time.

Island life was so totally different. Don’t expect fast food delivery and fast service. Sit back and wait for things to happen.

We ended up with our toes buried in the sand, looking at the mirrored water of the sea, and listening to the soft crashing of the waves on the shore. Heaven!

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