Siargao, known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, made it into Time Magazine’s list of “The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021.”
Time said Siargao, located at the northeastern coast of Mindanao, earned its spot on the list not only because of its consistent waves but also because of its ongoing development to strengthen tourism infrastructure on the island.
“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. 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,” wrote Time Magazine writer Duncan Forgan.
“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,’ Forgan added.
According to the publication, the list is a tribute to individuals and businesses who were able to “adapt, build, and innovate” amid the challenges of the pandemic. It also highlights “ingenuity, creativity, revitalization and reopenings in destinations across the world.”
The list was compiled through nominations from the magazine’s international network of correspondents and contributors, focusing on those that provide unique and interesting experiences.
“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.
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/safetripor their official Facebook page named “Surigao Del Norte Tourism and Culture Office”.
Through the Tourism Promotions Board, the Department of Tourism urges domestic travelers to take advantage of the 50 percent discounted RT-PCR test to make domestic travel more affordable.
In 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 P900 and P750, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reminded accredited Accommodation Establishments operating as Quarantine Hotels to allow room sharing for certain individuals belonging in the same household traveling together, especially families with minors.
“We have received reports that some DOT-Accredited Accommodation Establishments operating as Quarantine Hotels have been implementing a one-room-one-person policy even for travelers coming from the same household. While the Department is aware of the downturns that the pandemic brought to the tourism industry, particularly the accommodation sector, we would like to reiterate that all DOT-accredited establishments must strictly follow the guidelines released by the Department to avoid confusion among travelers who need to quarantine,” Puyat said.
