Siargao Island Paradise: Your #1 Guide to Byahero Adventures!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's hotel review. We're diving headfirst into Siargao Island Paradise: Your #1 Guide to Byahero Adventures! and trust me, after experiencing this place firsthand, I've got opinions. (And a tan. And a slight addiction to the mango smoothies they whip up.)
Accessibility: Reaching Paradise (and the inevitable bumps along the road)
Getting to Siargao? Let's be real, it's an adventure in itself. Your flight to Sayak Airport (IAO) is likely going to be a smaller plane – think of it as the scenic route before the real scenic route. From there, you're looking at a transfer. Airport transfer is a godsend, seriously. Don't even try to navigate that chaos solo after a long flight.
Now, the official spiel says "Facilities for disabled guests." I, thankfully, don’t need these, but I kept an eye out. I saw an elevator, which is a plus. The exterior corridor layout means less fumbling around in confusing hallways. However, I'd be lying if I said the island itself is universally accessible. The roads… well, let's just say they have character. If you have mobility limitations, check specific room details and inquire about the layout of the property. Don't be shy, ask!
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I can't claim to have seen everything with a critical eye. But the main areas seemed relatively navigable.
Internet: Because Even Paradise Needs Wi-Fi (and This One's Got It!)
Okay, let's be straight. We're all addicts. We need the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YES! It's a major selling point. Internet access – wireless is also available. I found it pretty reliable, which is critical if you’re like me and need to post those Instagram stories of you living your best life and working on getting all your SEO sorted. However, sometimes it did stutter. The Internet [LAN] is also listed, so if you’re a serious tech person, you have options!
Cleanliness and Safety: Because Nobody Wants Beach Belly (and They Seem to Get It)
Okay, this part actually impressed me a lot. In the before times (aka pre-pandemic), I was a bit of a germaphobe. They've really ramped up the hygiene game. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays – all the buzzwords are there. I saw the staff cleaning constantly. And I mean constantly. Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, the whole shebang. They even have Individually-wrapped food options at the breakfast buffet. Not to be dramatic, but this made me feel a lot safer. They’ve really gone for a Hygiene certification. Daily disinfection in common areas is also very reassuring. I was pretty impressed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and My Carb Cravings)
Alright, food. Let's talk food. This is where Siargao Island Paradise really shines. The on-site restaurants are excellent.
- Restaurants: There are several, and they cater to different tastes.
- A la carte in restaurant: Excellent.
- Buffet in restaurant: Excellent.
- Asian breakfast: Definitely try this!
- Western breakfast: Available, of course!
- Poolside bar: Crucial. Essential. Order a mojito, stat.
- Snack bar: Needed for those mid-afternoon cravings.
- Coffee/tea in the restaurant: Yes, of course!
- Happy hour: You're on vacation. Duh.
I'm a total sucker for breakfast. And their Breakfast [buffet] is a game-changer. Fresh fruit, amazing pastries, and made-to-order omelets. The Coffee shop does a mean iced latte. And yes, there’s a lot of Coffee/tea in restaurant. The Asian cuisine in restaurant isn't to be missed. The International cuisine in restaurant is really good too. The Desserts in restaurant were also worth every calorie. I'll also recommend going for the Soup in restaurant. Vegetarian restaurant is available too. Bottle of water is provided, just as a standard. Chef's Kiss.
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless them. When jet lag kicks in, it's a lifesaver.
My One True Love…The Poolside Bar
Okay, let's get real. There's one thing that truly made my trip. And that's the Poolside bar. Picture this: you're lounging on a sunbed, the sun is beating down, and the bartender is handing you the most incredible mango smoothie you've ever tasted. You sip your drink, close your eyes, and just… breathe. It's pure bliss. The Pool with view just adds to the magic. Seriously, book a room with pool access. You won't regret it.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easy (and My Days Lazy)
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential.
- Concierge: Helpful, especially when you're overwhelmed with options.
- Currency exchange: A small but very helpful convenience!
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless.
- Dry cleaning: I don't use this, but it's there!
- Elevator: Handy.
- Laundry service: Because packing light is for people who aren't me.
- Luggage storage: Convenient for early arrivals or late departures.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: Okay, I didn't go for meetings, but they are there.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a smart move.
- Terrace: Perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Fine.
You will find Cash withdrawal is also possible.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax (My Version of "The Good Life")
Okay, so they have all the standard spa offerings, like a Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom. I am more of a "sit by the pool and do nothing" kind of person, but if you're into it, go for it! The place has Fitness center and Gym/fitness so some will want to avail themselves of the various Sauna, Swimming pool, and Swimming pool [outdoor].
Then, there's the island itself! Surfing is the thing to do in Siargao. I took a lesson (and, let’s just say, I’m still more adept at falling off a board than riding one). But the experience was incredible. Things to do are not limited to surfing by any means. Get out there and explore!
Wellness: Because You Probably Need It (I Know I Did)
They offer a Foot bath, which sounded amazing. And Doctor/nurse on call.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
The place bills itself as Family/child friendly, and it seems to be. They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities. Plus, Siargao itself is very family-friendly.
Getting Around: Navigating the Island (and Avoiding the Coconuts)
Airport transfer is key, as I mentioned. The hotel can arrange it (and probably should). They also have Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site].
The Little Stuff (That Actually Matters)
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes, thankfully.
- Pets allowed unavailable: If you are not a pet person, this is good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Excellent.
- Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher: Safety first!
- Safe dining setup: Another win for hygiene.
- Soundproof rooms: I needed these.
- Wake-up service: Always a good option if you need to actually do something!
In-Room Amenities: What You Get
This list of stuff is very exhaustive, and good. You should know.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock: Helpful.
- Bathrobes: Luxury!
- Bathroom phone: I didn't even know these existed.
- Bathtub: For a relaxing soak.
- Blackout curtains: Hallelujah for good sleep.
- Closet: For all those cute outfits you'll wear.
- Coffee/tea maker, Slippers, Complimentary tea: Love it!
- Daily housekeeping: Again, my room was spotless.
- Desk, Luggage storage: Very helpful.
- Hair dryer: A must-have.
- In-room safe box: Valuable.
- **Internet access, Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN
Byahero Siargao #1: Island Life & Existential Dread (and Terrible Sunburn)
Okay, so here we are. Siargao. Land of perfect waves, Instagrammable sunsets, and… well, a whole lot of sand in your shorts. I'm your intrepid, slightly neurotic, and perpetually sunburnt guide through this slice of Filipino paradise. Let's get this chaotic show on the road!
Day 1: Arrival (and Immediate Regret - mostly about the budget)
- 6:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of roosters that clearly haven’t heard of the concept of "sleep in." My inner grumpy old man emerges early. Ugh.
- 7:00 AM: Land at Sayak Airport. Tiny, chaotic, charmingly inefficient. The baggage carousel is essentially a guy yelling out names while throwing your luggage onto the floor. My backpack smells suspiciously of fish. Fantastic start.
- 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Trike ride to General Luna. The air smells like salty freedom and freshly cut mangoes. I instantly fall in love. Then I see the price of the trike ride. I’m pretty sure I could’ve bought a small plot of land back home with that money. Immediate budget regret.
- 9:00 AM: Check into my "budget-friendly" hostel. Let’s call it… rustic. The dorm room smells like teenage angst and questionable laundry choices. But hey, the view from the balcony is… almost worth it. The ocean's blue is actually therapeutic.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Wander around General Luna. Discover my new favourite thing: Halo-Halo. That shaved ice, the sweet beans, the purple yam… my tastebuds are doing a happy dance. Also, immediately realize I have zero sense of direction. End up walking in circles, sweating profusely, and battling a sudden existential crisis about my life choices.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a beachfront "carinderia" (small, local eatery). Order grilled fish. Regret not asking what kind of fish it is. It's… fishy. Extremely fishy.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Learn to surf at Cloud 9. (Or, more accurately, attempt to surf. I spent most of the time underwater, swallowing seawater and looking like a beached whale.) The instructors are patient, the waves are epic, and I’m pretty sure I’ve swallowed half the Pacific Ocean. This is the best and worst thing I've ever done.
- 4:00 PM: Witness the sunset at Cloud 9. Truly breathtaking. Makes all the humiliation of repeatedly falling off my board worth it. The sky is on fire, the colours are insane, and I feel… something. Peace? Maybe. Or maybe it's just the endorphins from almost drowning.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and drinks at a beachfront bar. Meet some fellow travellers. Realize I'm the least cool person in the room. Still, the cocktails are strong, the music is upbeat, and I feel a flicker of actual joy. Sunburn, though, is kicking in. Ouch.
- 8:00 PM: Collapses into bed. Exhausted, sunburnt, and already plotting my return. Siargao, you weird, beautiful, chaotic place. You got me.
Day 2: Island Hopping & The Great Coconut Crisis
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of the ocean (thank god for earplugs). Every muscle in my body screams in protest.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at a local bakery. The bread is fluffy, the coffee is strong, and I nearly choke on a tiny ant who was also apparently after a morning pastry. I'm starting to think I'll be living off of fried bananas for the rest of the trip.
- 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Island hopping tour. Started at Naked Island - a pure sandbank, and then to Daku Island, and Guyam Island. Amazing view! I was so eager to spend my time in the sun and enjoy swim in a clear water.
- Daku Island: This is where things went sideways, in the most glorious way possible. I swear, the entire population of the island was selling coconuts. I mean, everywhere. I’m talking piles of coconuts, coconuts being cracked open, coconuts being drunk, coconuts being… well, you get the idea. Suddenly, I needed a coconut. Like, desperately. But the queue was insane. The heat was oppressive. I started to sweat, not from the sun, but from pure, unadulterated coconut-induced anxiety. This is what it's like to live, isn't it? Hunger. Thirst. Yearning. Finally, I managed to squeeze my way to the front, paid way too much for a mediocre coconut, and then proceeded to spill half of it down my front. My inner monologue the entire time was, "Is this real life?"
- 5:00 PM: Attempt to go home, but decided to order a coconut and went to the beach to watch the sunset. I was alone with my thoughts and I was happy.
Day 3: Motorbike Mayhem & The Search for the Perfect Wave
- 9:00 AM: Rented a motorbike. I've driven a car maybe three times in my life. I have no idea what I'm doing. But… freedom!
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Motorbike adventure. I get lost. Several times. Almost run over a dog. Learn that Siargao roads aren't designed for novices. But the scenery is mind-blowing. Rice paddies, swaying palm trees, villages overflowing with laidback charm. I also find a hidden waterfall and spend an hour just chilling with the water.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a roadside eatery. Order the "special" – something that looks suspiciously like mystery meat. Regret immediately.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More surfing (or, at least, attempting to stand up for more than two seconds). Still getting pummelled by the waves, but slowly, very slowly, starting to get the hang of it. It is the hardest and most gratifying thing I can think of.
- 4:00 PM: Visit a coconut farm. The trees are so tall. See the process of collecting the coconuts.
- 5:00 PM: Get chased by a pack of dogs on the way back to the hostel. My fear of dogs is, apparently, a universal language. They were probably just excited to see me. Probably. (Spoiler alert: I ran)
- 6:00 PM: Find a nice restaurant and order fancy dinner. I was so happy. I was so tired. I slept well and dreaming about waves.
Day 4: Packing and Departure (and a lingering sense of longing)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling almost, almost human.
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Realize I somehow acquired a collection of sand, seashells, and questionable stains. Also, my backpack still smells of fish.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Final brunch at a beachfront café. Try to soak up as much of the island vibe as possible. Feel a pang of sadness knowing I have to leave and go back to reality.
- 1:00 PM: Say goodbye to the people I met in Siargao. Share hugs, contact information, and promises to stay in touch. Share a moment of a common regret - why does it have to end?
- 2:00 PM: Head to the airport – feeling a mixture of exhaustion, gratitude, and a deep, unsettling longing.
- 3:00 PM: Wait for my flight. Spend the whole time thinking about the waves, the sunsets, and the near-constant threat of sunburn. Also, thinking about finding a good aloe vera gel.
- 4:00 PM: Fly.
Final Thoughts:
Siargao. It’s not perfect. It’s messy, chaotic, and will probably leave you smelling like the ocean for weeks. But damn, is it beautiful. This island has a way of getting under your skin. It stripped me down, humbled me, made me laugh, and made me realize I needed a holiday like this more than I thought. I left Siargao, but I left a little piece of myself there too. And you know what? I can’t wait to go back. Until next time, Siargao!
Beyzaa Hotel Kolkata: Luxury Suites & Unforgettable Stays
Siargao: Paradise? More Like an Adventure! (A Not-So-Official FAQ)
Okay, Siargao. Is it *really* paradise? I keep seeing those Instagram pics...
When's the best time to go to Siargao? I need epic waves, but also… you know… not a typhoon.
Cloud 9. Is it as amazing as everyone says, or is it just… hype?
Surfing in Siargao. I'm a beginner. Am I going to look like a total idiot?
Beyond surfing, what else is there to do? I can't surf!
Where should I stay? Budget vs. Luxury?
Food! What do I EAT? I'm starving just thinking about all this.
