Dako Island near Siargao. Picture by Frans Betgem
Authentic Dinagat and Siargao Experience
During this 6 days/5 nights trip you will explore Siargao and Dinagat, two very different destinations. Dinagat is somewhat of a secret for visitors of the Philippines. Tourism is in its infancy. The archipelago of Dinagat offers stunning islands, islets and beaches but there is little infrastructure for tourists. Don’t expect any fancy accommodations or smoothies. That gives Dinagat a special attraction. It is unspoilt, peaceful and very friendly. After a couple of wonderful days you will probably be ready for the beach resorts and nice restaurants. You can find these on Siargao where you will spend the last three nights of this trip. Siargao has become a popular destination in the last couple of years. It always has been a favorite destination for surfers but since the closure of Boracay in 2018 the island has seen an increasing amount of visitors. It is still very laidback.
Day 1: Cebu – Surigao – Dinagat
Meals: D
Transfer to the airport on own
Fly from Cebu to Surigao City.
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the pier of Surigao where you will board the public boat from Surigao City to San Jose on the island Dinagat.
In San Jose you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your pension house.
In the afternoon you will visit the shrine of Ruben Ecleo, the Divine Master of Dinagat. Your guide will explain about the Divine Master and his association, the Philippine Benevolent Missionary Association.
In the late afternoon your guide will bring you to the small market of San Jose where you will have dinner with seafood in a simple eatery
Overnight at the Amas Inn
Amas Inn, your homestay in San Jose, Dinagat.
Day 2: Dinagat
Meals: B L
Your guide will pick you up from the Pension House and transfer you to the small eatery where you will enjoy breakfast. After breakfast we walk to the pier where our pumpboat is waiting for us. Today we will explore the offshore islands and islets of Dinagat. The program is flexible. It is possible to visit a wonderful mountain lake if your are in good shape. If not there are alternative activities such as snorkeling, swimming and relaxing at one of the many white sand beaches of this archipelago.
We will have a picnic lunch at one of the islands.
After a day of cruising and enjoying the great beaches and lovely scenery we return to San Jose.
After a refreshing shower we will transfer you again to the market area where you can have dinner on your own.
Our driver will be waiting for you to transfer you back to the Amas Inn.
Overnight at the Amas Inn.
Lake Bababu is a lake on Bababu Island, Dinagat, Caraga. Picture by Frans Betgem
Day 3: Dinagat – Surigao – Siargao
Meals: B
Transfer to the pier for the first boat back to Surigao. Having arrived in Surigao we board the ferry to Siargao Island. Upon arrival your guide will meet you.
Our transportation today is a traditional jeepney.
We continue to a place where you will board a local canoe for a one hour paddle expedition through the protected mangroves of Siargao. After this we will visit the small capital Dapa where we will visit the small market. Here we will transfer to a habal-habal, a local motorcycle taxi for a short tour of the town. We like to use local transportation, also to support the local people.
We will transfer you to your lovely seaside resort where you can relax the rest of the afternoon.
Overnight at the Island Dream Palm Paradise Resort
Day 4: Siargao – island hopping
Meals: B L
Your guide and driver will meet you at the resort and transfer you to a place where you will board your boat for a full day island hopping adventure. We will visit three entirely different islands. First will be a small island where the snorkeling is good. After this we will cruise to the biggest island we will do today. Here we will enjoy the fantastic beach, drink fresh coconut juice and indulge in a seafood lunch. At the end of the afternoon we will cruise to the third island which is a sandbank…..Return to our starting point after a wonderful day on the water and the beach. We will transfer you back to the resort.
Overnight at the Island Dream Palm Paradise Resort
Dako Island Siargao. Picture by Frans Betgem
Day 5: Siargao
Meals: B
Today is a free day. Enjoy the resort or check with us for alternative activities today. Siargao is famous for surfing. We can hook you up with an instructor, you can hire a surfboard and off you go!
Overnight at the Island Dream Palm Paradise Resort
Surfing at Cloud Nine Siargao. Picture by Frans Betgem
Day 6: Siargao – Cebu
Meals: B
Check out at noon.
We will pick you up from the resort and bring you the airport for the flight to Cebu
Fly from Siargao to Cebu.
End of Services
Dinagat sunset. Picture by Frans Betgem.