A Peek at Siargao

by Yvette Ferrari
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You’re an ocean dweller at heart and living in the concrete jungle has you coming down with a serious case of the blues. You could really use some beach time and good waves to wash the stress away. You know what that means. It’s time to start planning your next get away and Surfista Travels Philippines can help you get there.

Whether you’re a resident of Southeast Asia or a European looking for relaxation and an escape, Cloud 9 in Siargao, Philippines should jump to the top of your list of surf destinations to check out in Asia. Located about 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, Siargao Island is a part of Surigao del Norte known for its white sand beaches, untouched natural havens, and laid back culture.

If you have never traveled in the Philippines, it can be difficult to figure out where to stay and how to get there. Surfista Travels takes away the hassle of planning offering convenient packages including accommodation, transportation, surf lessons, board rentals, and not to mention a unique experience in a one of a kind place.

Many loyal surfers have already heard of Cloud 9. Popularized in the early 90s by American photographer John Callahan, Cloud 9 is regarded as “the surfing capital of the Philippines” and is renowned internationally for its thick hallow tubes and right breaking reef waves. Travelers marvel at the warm waters and serene environment of Cloud 9 while practicing their surf skills in a current that is not too intense for beginners.
Working with the best surf schools in Siargao, Surfista Travels ensures safety in the water and above all a good time. Other popular breaks on the island that cater to both left and right‐handed surfers at a more intermediate level include Tuesday Rock, Ventura, Pilar Point, and Tuason Point.

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Surf and beautiful beaches aside, there are many other reasons to visit Siargao. Among those reasons is the Caob lagoon. Just a 40‐minute boat ride through one of the largest and most well preserved wetland of mangroves in Mindanao Philippines lays Caob lagoon whose natural beauty is only rivaled by its enchanting mystical qualities. Island hopping, parasailing, kite surfing, kayaking and big game fishing are among other popular activities in Siargao. Take an evening out with new friends you will surely meet in your Surfista Travels group and head to any number of bars concentrated along General Luna near Cloud 9. Friendly locals mingle with tourists where the nightlife scene can vary anywhere from a chill café to dancing the night away at Melvinbo Disco.

If surfing is up your alley and you’re ready to experience Philippines in a different way, then get to Siargao ASAP. But don’t take my word for it because words don’t do justice to the paradise that is Siargao. You have to see for yourself.
For more information about Surfista Travels Philippines and testimonials please visit www.surfistatravels.com and contact Elaine Abonal to reserve your spot on the next Surfista Travels trip. For more information on Siargao, Philippines visit www.tourism‐philippines.com/siargao‐island

March 2013 Surfista Trip to Baler Highlights

 

CONGRATULATIONS to the Surfistas during our trip to BALER, Aurora last March 22 – 24, 2013. It was a rainy weekend but we still managed to have fun with an awesome group of people AND we were blessed with beautiful peeling waves and sunshine on our last day. Awesomeness. It was amazing to meet you all! Until the next Surfista trip!

Here are some photo higlights!

Happy group (as you can tell with our smiles) photo for our Surfistas to Baler last March 22 – 24, 2013! :)

We soaked up a little bit of culture by going to the Baler Museum for the rainy weekend.

With our awesome videographer Marc from Canadia and JK when we rented ATV’s to drive on the beach :)

Marc Labrie from Canada was awesome enough to offer his services and help spread the Surfista love!

Francis Arellano surfing!! Yewwww! Good job dude!

Rusty Jorbina flew in all the way from Cebu just to join our trip to Baler! Sweet!

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Loyal Surfista Frances on her 4th Surfista trip!! We’ll make sure she waxes her own board next time ;)

They key to surfing is to keep on doing it! Proud of these Surfista chicks carrying their own boards and smiling while they’re at it!

Arthur from CHINA was a man of few words but we heard that he had such a great time! He’s also joining us for our Surfista trip to Siargao! ;)

CONGRATULATIONS SURFISTAS!!!!
Baler, March 2013

We adopted an American and another Canadian during the trip and was helping spread the Surfista love around the world!

Aliya Surf Camp in Baler with our sponsors’ banners

We were so thankful that the sun came out on our last day. It was the BEST surf session for Surfista to date! It pays to wake up at 6 AM!

Surfista looking schnazzy before their surf lessons and sessions with their Hurley – Surfista rashguards

Beautiful Surfista chicks looking classy with their rashguards!

JOIN US ON OUR FUTURE SURFISTA TRIPS! Check out our TOURS & PACKAGES.

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Private Surfista Tour: Graham Family from the Marshall Islands

Surfista Travels also provides private tours and packages that are currently handled by our Surfista Elaine Abonal. Last February 17 – 19, 2013, we were with the Graham family from the Marshall Islands and went to La Union. It was great to be with a surfing family who are also from a tropical country. We exchanged a lot of stories and Ronnie, who is 6 years old, had his first lessons in La Union, Philippines and did very well! The waves and weather were perfect for him. Check out the photo highlights to get a sneak peek of our time with the Grahams.

 

Ronnie Graham’s first surf lessons in La Union, Philippines

Ronnie having fun with Surfista Elaine Abonal during a private surf tour!

WAY TO GO RONNIE!!!

Ronnie and Ben Graham from the Marshall Islands

Ronnie’s certificate from Surfista Travels and San Juan Surf School

Travel is also about culture. The Grahams say that Halo-Halo is so good they had to name it twice!

We went to the RiverFarm Restaurant for fresh sea food and for Ronnie to check out the fish!

Ronnie got to feed the fish at the River Farm Restaurant.

We played mini-golf at Camp John Hay in Baguio before we went back to Manila

 

JOIN US ON OUR FUTURE SURFISTA TRIPS! Check out our TOURS & PACKAGES.

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 surfistatravels@yahoo.com

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twitter: @SurfistaTravels     instagram: @SurfistaTravels

 

 

 

January 2013 Surfista Trip to La Union Highlights

We started the year right by going on a Surfista trip this January 2013! Some Surfistas had their first ever surf lessons, repeat Surfistas had intermediate surf lessons and all of us had a good time and made new friends.

Here are some photo highlights from our trip. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Surfista Travels Philippines, La Union, Class of January 2013 ;)

Elaine Abonal with YouTube celebrity Bogart the Explorer!

Anna’s first time to go surfing!

Freebies from our sponsors at 7107 magazine

Surfistas go for a surf spot and wave check for their surf lessons.

Kevin Mayuga, a loyal Surfista improving on his surfing skills. Last time he was in Baler and this time he joined us in La Union!

Roma heard about Surfista Travels ALL the way from Italy and had her dream come true by joining us and finally learning how to surf!

Morning stretching led by Surfista Travels’ Elaine Abonal before their surf lessons

Armada sunscreen from our sponsors at VMV Hypoallergenics Philippines! BEST sunscreen ever!

Basics being taught on the sand before they get in the water. Safety is a priority at Surfista Travels!

Surfista Travels Philippines is about learning how to surf, going on a surf trip, making new friends, and just having FUN!

THIS is how we treat our Surfistas! We mean quality service! Haha

CONGRATULATIONS to the Surfista graduates of January 2013!

Check out more photos from this trip on the SURFISTA TRAVELS FACEBOOK PAGE.

JOIN US ON OUR FUTURE TRIPS! Check out our TOURS & PACKAGES.

http://www.surfistatravels.com / surfistatravels@yahoo.com / facebook.com/SurfistaTravels / twitter & instagram: @SurfistaTravels

 

1st Trip to Baler with Surfista Travels Philippines, December 2012

Beautiful Baler

Our happy Surfistas wearing their Hurley-Surfista rashguards before their surf lessons.

Surfista Travels Philippines went on our first trip to Baler on the long weekend of November 30 to December 2, 2012. It was a SUCCESSFUL and memorable trip for all the Surfistas who participated! We even had participants who flew in all the way from Malaysia and Bacolod/Australia and one took the bus all the way from Bicol just to join this group! They said that their trips were definitely worth it. The weather and wave conditions were perfect for our Surfistas and they also got to see the beautiful Mother Waterfalls in between surf lessons.

Aliya Surf Camp

Beautiful weather and perfect conditions for our Surfistas

We stayed at the beautiful Aliya Surf Camp and had lessons with the Aliya Surf School. Surfistas also received a lot of freebies from our amazing sponsors: Hurley Philippines, GoPro Philippines, VMV Hypoallergenics Philippines, Lightwater, Vitaminboost, Agos Pilipinas, 7107 Island Travel Magazine, Nalgene Philippines and Sea To Summit Philippines.

There were a lot of laughs, smiles, good vibes, and pictures taken and we couldn’t have asked for a better pioneer Baler Surfista group.

Check out our photos!

Surfistas on this trip actually got a full tube of Armada Face Cover from VMV Hypoallergenics Philippines!

Keeping hydrated with Vitaminboost!

Surfistas showing off their freebies from our awesome sponsors!

Surfista Travels LOVES VMV Hypoallergenics Philippines’ Armada sunscreen!

 

Mother Falls in Baler

Surfistas freezing in the cold waters of the Mother Falls in Baler

Australian volunteer in Bacolod Kerry improving her surf skils while she’s still in tropical waters!

Stacy flew in all the way from Malaysia to join this group! She loved surfing!

Repeat Surfista Roma was just in the La Union with us the week before and came back to Baler. Look at her improve quickly!

Hanz is another loyal Surfista who is really serious about improving his craft.

Madeleine is another repeat Surfista who wanted to discover the beauty of Baler with us!

The pioneer Surfista Travels group to Baler with Roy Angara of Aliya Surf Camp

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Of course we had to pose this way!

Check out more photos from this trip on the SURFISTA TRAVELS FACEBOOK PAGE or click HERE.

Want to read what our Baler Surfistas about this experience? Check out their COMMENTS.

JOIN US ON OUR FUTURE TRIPS! Check out our TOURS & PACKAGES.

http://www.surfistatravels.comsurfistatravels@yahoo.com / facebook.com/SurfistaTravels / twitter & instagram: @SurfistaTravels