BEACH PLEASE: TIME Magazine Includes Siargao Island in ‘World’s Greatest Places 2021’

With its undeniable beauty, white sand beaches, and adrenaline-inducing waves, the island of Siargao is considered to be one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Because of that, Siargao has been bagging prestigious awards and recognitions here and abroad. 

Last month, Vogue Paris included the island in the list of “Top Islands to Go on Holiday.”

This time, TIME magazine named Siargao island among the “World’s Greatest Places 2021.”

Time Magazine writer Duncan Forgan shared his thoughts and experiences as to why Siargao Island deserves a spot on their list.

“While destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan nailed the mass market, the teardrop-­shaped island off the coast of Mindanao until recently had been best known to a dedicated band of surfers lured by consistent waves,” he said.  

Aside from being the surfing capital of the country, Forgan also noted how the island is a perfect place to capture great photos that is worthy to share with the world.    

“But the secret is out, and new spots are popping up on the island, including the beachfront Inara Siargao Resort, an intimate five-suite property that can be booked on Instagram. Just before COVID-19 shutdowns, Siargao got additional cell towers to improve data connectivity, which will be a boon to tourism when it reopens to vaccinated international travelers,” he said.

Also read: Vogue Paris Includes Siargao in “Top Islands to Go on Holiday” List

 

HARD WORK PAYS OFF

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) was glad to share the good news as it gives hope and validation that their effort and sacrifices didn’t go in vain.

“I am pleased that the country’s innate beauty continues to draw attention from travelers all over the world despite the pandemic. We are doubling our efforts to create a future of Philippine travel that is safe, more fun, and provides travelers with an authentic and meaningful experience throughout their journey,” said Tourism chief Berna Romulo-Puyat.

According to the magazine, the selection process was based on adaptability, innovation, creativity, and revitalization amid the pandemic.

Moreover, the list was compiled through nominations from the magazine’s international network of correspondents and contributors.

Siargao is now open to domestic tourists coming from GCQ and MGCQ areas with health and safety protocols, which you can find at www.philippines.travel/safetrip or their official Facebook page named “Surigao Del Norte Tourism and Culture Office.”

As the tourism sector continues the work, they encourage tourists to avail their 50 percent discounted RT-PCR test to make domestic travel more affordable.

This is cooperation with the University of the Philippines – Philippines General Hospital (UP-PGH) and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), the initiative reduces the cost of the test to Php 900 and Php 750, respectively. 

To apply, visit https://www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel/