SIARGAO’S CLOUD 9 BOARDWALK AND SURFING VIEWING DECK (Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines)

Cloud 9 Siargao is not only for surfers, dearest Senior Citizen travelers! You can also enjoy that famous surfing destination and take lots of photos and videos.See my post about Cloud 9: NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 SIARGAO. Two of the photos in this collage were obtained from https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/: the barrel and surfer

I am sure that you cannot have enough of the sunrise and sunsets at Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck. Cloud 9 Boardwalk and Viewing Deck at Sunrise – Photo by JupitReyes, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 16 March 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao#/media/File:Cloud_9_Boardwalk,_Siargao.jpg

Interested to know more? Let Titas S tell you about it.

Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck is located in the municipality⁴ of General Luna², in Siargao Island¹, in the province⁵ of Surigao del Norte⁶, in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, Philippines. Read about Cloud 9 in a related post: NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 SIARGAO

A view from the left part of Cloud 9 where surfing lessons are held. My group walked towards the entry to the boardwalk from this point.

Better apply sunblock beforehand, wear a hat (but be sure that it cannot be blown by the wind) or a bandana (if the wind is really affecting your hair), and fully charge your cameras/cellphones. Come early, perhaps after a healthy breakfast at Shaka, or before sunset since it easily gets crowded with surfers and non-surfers.

This is the view of the entrance to the boardwalk from the street.

A tourist is required to pay PHP50 as conservation and admission fee. People are advised not to bring food and drinks.

We went to a tent to the left of the entrance and paid the collector.

This is the sculpture at the entrance to the boardwalk, dedicated to the Dreamer: “One day, I’m going to tame those waves.”

For some Seniors who have difficulty walking, you have no choice but to walk along the long boardwalk to get to it.

For Seniors who are more physically fit, just think of it as your walking exercise for the day. Take your time walking, and have photos and videos taken in several awesome parts of the boardwalk.

There are two large cottages along the boardwalk, for rent at PHp100 each, for groups who would like to chill amidst a beautiful 360-degree view.

Here is a view of the viewing deck from one of the cottages. This means more walking, dearest Seniors , but worth it, just take your time and pace yourself.

Walk some more … Breathe in the fresh sea air, appreciate the view, continue walking.Photo taken by Erie R. Ama, January 8, 2019

So many beautiful shots to take while walking along the boardwalk …

Just a little bit more walking, dearest Seniors … you are almost there!

As an incentive, here is a video: 

360-degree video taken by Erie R. Ama, taken January 8, 2019

Finally, you have reached your destination: the three-storey Cloud 9 surfing viewing deckThis surfing viewing deck offers a great view of Cloud 9³, the awesome seascape, the sound and sight of the spectacular waves, the surfers having a great time, and the refreshing sea breeze! For sure, you want to take lots of Instagrammable photos and videos.

After an early breakfast, you can see surfers to your left and enjoy the view; at sunset, you can still watch surfers ride the waves till the last light, and then, be amazed with the sunset and colorful sky.

Now, you might ask: “When is the best time to go to Siargao Island?” Generally, for surfers, the peak swell¹⁰ season in Cloud 9³ is from May to November. For non-surfers, avoid the rainy season, around June till early October.

The wave of reef breaks¹¹ in Cloud 9, occur over a spongy reef, and it is best to surf during mid to high tide, with eastern swell¹⁰ and western shift winds, so the best time to surf, or at least appreciate surfing in Siargao, is from September to November when waves go as high as 12 feet, and in some places, at 8 feet. Great photos for sure!

In addition, if you are a surfing fan, book ahead of time so you can be in Siargao during the anuual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte, held annually in September.^{12 and 13} Remember, you are in “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines” and the Top 9 (among the ten) World’s Best Surfing Spots by CNNGo, according to a travel site of CNN International.¹⁴

Bottomline, when in Siargao, do not forget to relax and appreciate the awesome sight at the Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck! Share your pictures and videos with Tita S, ok?

Read other posts re Siargao: MAGPUPUNGKO BEACH, TIDAL POOLS AND ROCK FORMATIONS (Pilar, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines), SUN, SAND AND SEA AT GUYAM, DAKU AND NAKED ISLANDS (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines), SUGBA LAGOON-KAWHAGAN ISLAND TOUR (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines), CEV: Ceviche Heaven in Siargao, A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE AT SHAKA, SIARGAO, NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 SIARGAO, FOR NATURE LOVERS, DO NOT MISS PALM VIEWPOINT SIARGAO and Seniors, Now You Know: S.E.A. MOVEMENT – FIGHTING TO PRESERVE SIARGAO!

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding your Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck visit.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Travelers – Foreign Travelers Ask, Now You Know, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Remember to share this post with your friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, not familiar with Filipino and surfing terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea, almost 200 km southeast of Tacloban, in the province⁵ of Surigao del Norte⁶, in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, in the Philippines. It has a land area of about 437 sq. km. (169 sq.mi.). It has one of the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, particularly in the municipality² of Del Carmen¹⁵, covering 4,871 hectares.

It has excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, from August to November. Local and international surfers call its municipality⁴ of General Luna² as “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”, with surfing pros enjoying the challenging waves in Tuason Point¹⁶ area as well. Siargao was also named by Surfer as one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of All Time” in 1995.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Siargao”¹⁷ and the Wikitravel page “Siargao”¹⁸.

²General Luna is a fifth class municipality⁴ in the province⁵ of Surigao del Norte⁶, in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, in the Philippines. It is the home of world-renowned Cloud 9 waves and so this town is called “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. It was formerly called Cabuntog and currently has 19 barangays¹⁹, 15 of which are located on Siargao Island¹, while 4 are on the other outer islands. The islands of Anahawan, Daku and La Januza are within its jurisdiction. The area is protected within the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) under Republic Act 7586 (National Integrated Protected Area System Act) of 1992. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia pages “General Luna, Surigao del Norte”²⁰ and “Siargao”.¹⁷

³Cloud 9 is the famous surfing spot in the municipality⁴ of General Luna², Siargao Island¹, in the province⁵ of Surigao del Norte⁶, in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, Philippines. It was named by American photographer John Seaton Callahan after a local chocolate bar. It was then featured in the US-based Surfer magazine in March 1993, and then named as one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of all Time” in 1995, especially in General Luna and Tuason Point¹⁶, well known as “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”.²¹ It is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte⁵, held annually in September. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Siargao”¹⁷. Know more about Cloud 9 in a related post: ___

⁴A municipality is small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province⁵, subdivided into barangays¹⁹, and is called town, or bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice-mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials, and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”²² See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: HOW MANY CITIES ARE THERE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

⁵A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region⁸. There are 81 provinces (called “lalawigan”) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. In the Philippines, a province is divided into cities and municipalities⁴ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays¹⁹, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”²³ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES?

⁶Surigao del Norte is a province⁵ in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, in the Philippines. This province comprises two islands, Siargao¹ and Bucas Grande, in the Philippine Sea, and a small area at the northeastern tip of Mindanao. This mainland portion borders Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur to the south. It is the second northernmost of the Mindanao provinces, and is an important transportation hub between Visayas²⁴ and Mindanao. It was founded on June 19, 1960. It has 20 municipalities² and one component city, its capital, Surigao City. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Surigao del Norte.”²⁵

⁷Region XIII, or the Caraga Region, is a Philippine region⁸ located in the island group of Mindanao⁹, with Butuan as its regional center. It has five provinces⁵: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte⁶, and Surigao del Sur; 6 cities: Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Caraga.”²⁶

⁸A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces⁵, composed of cities and municipalities⁴ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays¹⁹, according to the Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”.²⁷ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE THE REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES?

⁹Mindanao, commonly known as Southern Philippines, is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines, located at the southernmost part of the country. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), CARAGA⁶ Region⁷, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), and Zamboanga Peninsula. It is composed of 22 provinces⁵ and 33 cities. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”²⁸ The 2 other major geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Visayas²⁴ (in the central part).

¹⁰A swell is a series of waves that have travelled from their source in a distant storm, and that will start to break once the swell reaches shallow enough water. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Glossary of surfing”.²⁹

¹¹A reef break is a fantastic wave created by a reef (often coral) under the water. The surrounding water can be quite deep, but due to the formation of the coral reef, the waves will break there, often seemingly in the middle of nowhere. A surfer needs a very long paddle, or a boat ride, to get to where the high tide waves are breaking. Beware, this wave can cause nasty injuries if you come off your board onto the coral, and get painful coral cuts.³⁰

¹²http://haranasurf.com/siargao-surf-spots/

¹³https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/islands-and-beaches/surfing-siargao-guide

¹⁴https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/50-surf-spots/index.html

¹⁵Del Carmen is a fifth class municipality⁴ in Siargao Island¹, in the province⁵ of Surigao del Norte⁶, in the Caraga⁷ Region⁸ of Mindanao⁹, Philippines. It is the home of Sayak Airport, the island’s main airport. This town was formerly called Numancia until 1966. It currently has 20 barangays¹⁹. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Del Carmen”.³¹ Visit its website: www.visitdelcarmen.com

¹⁶Tuason Point is another surfing spot in Siargao¹, just walking distance from Cloud 9. It is similar to the latter but they say it does not barrel³² as consistent as the latter. The bottom is the same, going from deep to just inches of water at low tides, and breaks¹¹ equally powerful and hollow and build up quickly over a shallow rocky reef, with big holes and cracks, so this site is for intermediate, advanced and pro surfers.³³

¹⁷“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao

¹⁸“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://wikitravel.org/en/Siargao

¹⁹A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a district or village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”³⁴

²⁰“General Luna, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Luna,_Surigao_del_Norte

²¹https://asiasociety.org/philippines/siargao%E2%80%99s-cloud-9-dubbed-one-world%E2%80%99s-best-surfing-spots

²²“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

²³“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

²⁴Visayas is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It covers 3 administrative regions: Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas. It consists of 6 major islands (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Panay and Samar), mostly surrounded by the Visayan Sea, and is composed of 16 provinces⁵, according to Wikipedia page “Visayas”.³⁵ Visayas is located at the middle part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Mindanao (in the southern part).

²⁵“Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surigao_del_Norte

²⁶“Caraga,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga

²⁷“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

²⁸“Mindanao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

²⁹“Glossary of surfing,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_surfing

³⁰https://www.degree33surfboards.com/blogs/gettin-pitted/14071029-the-differences-between-beach-breaks-point-breaks-and-reef-breaks

³¹“Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Carmen,_Surigao_del_Norte

³²A barrel, tube, cave, keg, or green room, is the effect when a big wave rolls over, enclosing a temporary horizontal tunnel of air with the surfer inside. A barrel requires a powerful wave breaking¹¹ in shallow water. The hollow part of the wave is formed by the top travelling faster than the bottom. The idea is for the surfer to get into the tube or barrel, and is thereby barrelled! The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Glossary of surfing”.^{29 and 36}

³³http://siargao.surf/tuason-point/

³⁴“Barangay,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

³⁵“Visayas,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visayas

³⁶https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/surfing/dictionary.htm

A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE AT SHAKA (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

Dearest Seniors, have you heard of Shaka Café? If not, allow Tita S to tell you about this interesting restaurant.

THE SHAKA SIGN

First, I have to let you know what the term shaka means. The shaka sign is a gesture of friendly intent often associated with Hawaii, and surf culture. It is sometimes known as “hang loose”, and in South Africa as “tjovitjo”. This friendly gesture consists of extending the thumb and smallest finger while holding the three middle fingers curled, and gesturing in salutation, while presenting the front or back of the hand. The hand may be rotated back and forth for emphasis.

Look at the right hand gesture of the man in the picture. That is the shaka sign!  Photo from the Facebook account of Shaka Cafes: https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.539292569553298/761257394023480/?type=3&theater

The residents of Hawaii use the shaka sign to convey the “Aloha Spirit”, a concept of friendship, understanding, compassion, and solidarity among the various ethnic cultures  residing in Hawaii. It can be used to express “howzit?”, “thanks, eh?”, and “all right!”. Drivers often use it on the road to communicate distant greetings and gratitude.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Shaka sign”.¹

SHAKA CAFÉS

Ben Plummer owns Shaka Cafés. He said that the term “shaka” expresses “good vibes” to his guests, and makes them feel relaxed during their dining experience.²

This all-day breakfast vegetarian/vegan café has four locations: Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol³; Lio Beach, El Nido, Palawan⁴; Moalboal, Cebu⁵; and, General Luna⁶, Siargao Island⁷, Surigao del Norte⁸.⁹

Shaka offers a healthy alternative to diners – tasty and satisfying food and drinks using fresh organic fruits and vegetables, without additives or preservatives.⁹

Shaka is likewise involved with the local community where it is located. It organizes regular beach and town clean-ups, promotes environmental awareness campaigns, and presents solutions for community issues. It also sponsors six local island surfers to pursue their professional dreams.⁹

Moreover, it is concerned with the environment, and prioritizes environmental sustainability. It provides wooden baskets to fruit vendors, only uses bamboo straws for drinks, and avoids the use of plastic water bottles. It does not serve animal products and believes that the reduction in meat consumption will benefit one’s health, and helps fight against global warming.⁹

 SHAKA SIARGAO

Shaka Siargao is located at Cloud 9, Tourism Road, in the municipality¹⁰ of General Luna⁶, Siargao Island⁷, in the province¹¹ of Surigao del Norte⁸, in the Caraga¹² Region¹³ of Mindanao¹⁴, Philippines.

Business hours are from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.

My group woke up early during our last day in Siargao, tired of the regular breakfast offerings in our resort. We have heard so much about Shaka’s artistically created smoothie bowls and fresh cold-pressed juices, among others, and were eager to enjoy a healthy, vegetarian/vegan breakfast, while we savor our last sunrise in the island.

We rode a tricycle to Shaka, located along Tourism Road, then we walked towards Shaka.

We walked a bit till we reached a small hut with simple outdoor wooden long tables and chairs, such a laid back vibe.The open-air dining area was almost full and we were lucky to find a table with no obstruction of the view of Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck and the seascape.

My husband and I told our niece to just order for us and surprise us with her orders, as long as we had two different power bowls so we can taste them both.

Shaka Siargao has a simple menu card. I appreciated that it was laminated but I did not like the haphazardly placed masking tapes on unavailable items with “N/A” written on them, using black and red ink.

The layout of the menu card was easy to scan, even with sleepy eyes early in the morning. The solid black prints were readable over a white background, with a shade of teal for the coconut leaves – a vertical leaf on the left side, and a slanting leaf on the bottom right.

Orders were grouped into six:

1. POWER BOWLS – There are five kinds, at PHP 250 each:

• Blissful Butterfly – made of apple, banana, coconut, kiwi, and butterfly pea flower¹⁵
• Bom Dia – made of acai¹⁶, banana, berries, coconut, mango, pineapple and milk
• Cloud 9 Kook – made of banana, cacao, coconut milk and peanut butter. I guess this is for the sweet tooth!
• Green Out¹⁷– made of cucumber, ginger, kale, mango, pineapple, saluyot¹⁸, spirulina¹⁹, and coconut milk
• Super Bowl – made of homemade granola, island-grown fruits, quinoa, local honey, and a choice of homemade natural yogurt or coconut milk

Blissful Butterfly, Bom Dia and Green Out Power Bowls (two other power bowls below) – Photos from the Facebook account, Shaka Cafes: https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.539299776219244/1249909525158262/?type=3&theater,  https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.548268098655745/972910432858174/?type=3&theater, and https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.548268098655745/1023218567827360/?type=3&theater

2. SMOOTHIES – There are four kinds, at PHP200 each:

• Berrygoodnice – made of banana, grated coconut, mixed berries, and coconut water
• Coconana – made of banana, chia seeds²⁰and coconut milk
• Island Dream – made of coconut, mango, mixed berries, pineapple, and calamansi²¹ juice
• Tropoloco – made of banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut flesh and water

Berrygoodnice – Photo from the Facebook account, Shaka Cafes: https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.539299776219244/1242507252565156/?type=3&theater

Tropoloco – Photo from the Facebook account, Shaka Cafes: https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.539299776219244/558835654265656/?type=3&theater

Photos from the Facebook account, Shaka Cafes: https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.539299776219244/685000108315876/?type=3&theater -smoothies

3. FRESH COLD PRESS JUICES – There are six kinds, at PHP180 each:

• Flu Fighter²²– made of carrot, ginger, mango, orange and pineapple
• Green Day – made of calamansi, kale, mint, pineapple and watermelon
• John Lemon – made of apple, lemon, lemongrass, pineapple and watermelon
• Jungle Juice – made of apple, calamansi, cucumber, ginger, malunggay²³and orange
• Lady in Red²⁴– made of beetroot, calamansi, carrot, ginger and watermelon
• Mixed Mutt – choose 3-5 ingredients: apple, calamnsi, carrot, cucumber, ginger, lemon, malunggay²³, mango, mint, orange, pineapple and watermelon

Flu Fighter – Photo from the Facebook account, Shaka Cafes: https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.539299776219244/769129379902948/?type=3&theater

4. COFFEE –

• Espresso (PHP80)
• Cafe Latte (PHP120)
• Cappuccino (PHP120)
• Flat White (PHP120)
• Long Black (PHP120)
• Macchiato (PHP120)
• Iced Coffee (PHP120)
• Matcha Latte (PHP140)

Photos from the Facebook account, Shaka Cafes: https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.553520548130500/588766321272589/?type=3&theater and https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.539299776219244/1218439964971885/?type=3&theater

5. TEAS –

Strong enough to be re-steeped up to 3 times:

• • Lychee Black Tea (PHP100)
  • Haji Cha Green Tea (PHP120)
  • Chamomile Flower Tisane (PHP120)
  • Imperial Ginseng Oolong (PHP120)

Tea for Two: Red Amaranth Blooming Flower (PHP200)

6. SUPER EXTRAS (PHP30 each) –

• Acai¹⁶
• Bee Pollen
• Cacao Nibs
• Chia²⁰
• Granola
• Maca²⁵
• Spirulina¹⁹
• Yogurt

It took a bit of waiting for our orders but we understood; the staff were so busy preparing all the orders of those who arrived before us early that January morning. Anyway, I used the waiting time to take videos and photos of the awesome view, even if the wind was strong.

The outdoor dining location of Shaka offered a great view of Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck and boardwalk, and then some! Photo from the Facebook account, Shaka Cafes: https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.539292569553298/1153842641431618/?type=3&theater

There is a swing where you can chill while appreciating the waves, the wind, the beauty all around!Oh, what a wonderful view of Cloud 9’s famous Boardwalk and Surfing Viewing Deck from Shaka Siargao’s swing! Know more about the former: A BREATHTAKING VIEW AT SIARGAO’S CLOUD 9 BOARDWALK AND SURFING VIEWING DECK

Finally, not noticing how long our orders took to prepare, they were served by a smiling and courteous female server. The power bowls were appealing because of their presentation. The portion, for me, is generous and a senior might not be able to finish one order, but of course, I could! LOL

Our niece ordered Cloud 9 Kook and Super Bowl for my husband and me. Both were served in coconut shells and attractively presented. My husband did not enjoy them but I liked both of them. The pleasing combination of the banana and peanut butter, with cacao and coconut milk, gave the special appeal to Cloud 9 Kook. I enjoyed the assorted tropical fruits of Super Bowl as well, along with the yogurt, granola and quinoa. Both power bowls made me happy, knowing I was eating healthy, and that the combination of textures and flavors was satisfying. Next time, I will try their beverages and other power bowls.

I like the concept of Shaka offering an alternative to the regular breakfast or snack offered in other resorts in the island. Eating a healthy vegan breakfast or snack reminds me to be healthy even during a vacation. Second, I appreciate Shaka’s concern for the environment by using bamboo straws for the beverages, and coconut shells as serving containers for the power bowls. Third, I admire the owner for choosing to buy local ingredients which they use in their products, so the next time the fruit served to you is not that sweet, just think that you helped a local farmer. Fourth, all orders are freshly made and does not contain any preservative or additive. Lastly, orders are presented in a creative way, not only for Instagrammable photos but to whet your appetite as well!

We took our last shots and videos and had to immediately go to Cloud 9 Surfing Viewing Deck since it was our last day in the island.

Bottomline, when in Siargao⁷, visit Shaka for a different breakfast or snack. Just go early because it easily gets packed.

My only wish during our visit was for them to offer a vegan bread, or something, to go with their hot or cold beverages, for those customers who do not want to order the power bowls. Can anyone tell me if they now offer freshly baked vegan banana and chia²⁰ loaf and fruity muffin, like other branches?

Notice the  baked vegan loaf at the bottom right, topped with banana slices. This photo was obtained from the Facebook account of Shaka Siargao, posted December 2019. Wish we had that option when we went there early that year. Perhaps that could be another reason to return to Siargao. -https://www.facebook.com/shaka.on.cloud9/photos/a.566507100501179/731553017329919/?type=3&theater

Can you share with Titas S if you ordered other power bowls, hot and cold beverages, as well as their baked vegan treats?

Contact information: Mobile – 0929-422-8956; Facebook – www.facebook.com/shakasiargao/;  Instagram: instagram.com/shaka_cafes/; Email – info.shaka@icloud.com; #shakasiargao

This is not a sponsored post and Tita S paid for her orders.

Read related posts re Siargao: A BREATHTAKING VIEW AT SIARGAO’S CLOUD 9 BOARDWALK AND SURFING VIEWING DECK, NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 SIARGAO, and FOR NATURE LOVERS, DO NOT MISS PALM VIEWPOINT SIARGAO.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding your dining experience at Shaka Siargao, or even other branches. Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka_sign

²https://primer.com.ph/food/restaurant-type/cafe-resto/shaka-in-general-luna-siargao-a-cafe-offering-the-healthiest-food-in-the-island/

³Bohol is a first provincial income class island-province¹¹ located in the Central Visayas²⁶ Region¹³, Philippines. It is the tenth largest island in the country. It consists of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding islands, with a land area of 4,821 sq km (1,861 sq mi), and 261 km (162 mi) coastline. Its capital is Tagbilaran. It was discovered by the Spaniards on March 25, 1565, and founded as a province on July 22, 1854. This province is known for its beaches and resorts, Chocolate Hills, diving sites in Panglao Island and other southern beaches, old churches, as well as the world’s smallest primate indigenous to the island, the Philippine tarsier. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Bohol”.²⁷ Know more about the tarsier in a related post: Short and Simple: THE PHILIPPINE TARSIER

⁴Palawan is a province¹¹ located in the Mimaropa²⁸ Region⁷ of the Philippines and was founded in 1818. It is called the Philippines’ Last Frontier and its capital is Puerto Princesa, according to the Wikipedia page “Palawan”.²⁹ It was chosen as the “World’s Best Island of 2017”³⁰ and of 2016³¹, as well as of 2013, by Travel + Leisure travel magazine.³² As early as 2007, National Geographic Traveler’s magazine chose Palawan as one of the Best Travel Destinations in the World.³³

⁵Cebu is a province¹¹ located in the Central Visayas²⁶ Region¹³, Philippines. It consists of a main island and 167 surrounding islands and islets. It was founded on August 6, 1569. Its capital is Cebu City, “The Queen City of the South”, the oldest city and first capital of the Philippines, which is politically independent from the provincial government. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Cebu”.³⁴

⁶General Luna is a fifth class municipality¹⁰ in the province¹¹ of Surigao del Norte⁸, in the Caraga¹² Region¹³ of Mindanao¹⁴, in the Philippines. It is the home of world-renowned Cloud 9 waves and so this town is called “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. It was formerly called Cabuntog and currently has 19 barangays³⁵, 15 of which are located on Siargao Island⁷, while 4 are on the other outer islands. The islands of Anahawan, Daku and La Januza are within its jurisdiction. The area is protected within the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS), under Republic Act 7586 (National Integrated Protected Area System Act) of 1992. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia pages “General Luna, Surigao del Norte”³⁶ and “Siargao”.³⁷

⁷Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea, almost 200 km southeast of Tacloban, in the province¹¹ of Surigao del Norte⁸, in the Caraga¹² Region¹³ of Mindanao¹⁴, in the Philippines. It has a land area of about 437 sq. km. (169 sq.mi.). It has one of the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, particularly in the municipality¹⁰ of Del Carmen, covering 4,871 hectares.

It has excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, from August to November. Local and international surfers call its municipality¹⁰ of General Luna⁶ as the“The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”, with surfing pros enjoying the challenging waves in Tuason Point area as well. Siargao was also named by Surfer as one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of All Time” in 1995.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Siargao”³⁷ and the Wikitravel page “Siargao”³⁸. Read more about Siargao in related posts: A BREATHTAKING VIEW AT SIARGAO’S CLOUD 9 BOARDWALK AND SURFING VIEWING DECK, NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 SIARGAO and FOR NATURE LOVERS, DO NOT MISS PALM VIEWPOINT SIARGAO

⁸Surigao del Norte is a province¹¹ in the Caraga¹² Region¹³ of Mindanao¹⁴, in the Philippines. This province comprises two islands, Siargao⁷ and Bucas Grande, in the Philippine Sea, and a small area at the northeastern tip of Mindanao. This mainland portion borders Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur to the south. It is the second northernmost of the Mindanao provinces, and is an important transportation hub between Visayas³⁹ and Mindanao. It was founded on June 19, 1960. It has 20 municipalities¹⁰ and one component city, its capital, Surigao City. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Surigao del Norte.”⁴⁰

⁹https://www.shakacafes.com/

¹⁰A municipality is small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province¹¹, subdivided into barangays³⁵, and is called town, or bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice-mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials, and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”⁴¹ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: HOW MANY CITIES ARE THERE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

¹¹A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region¹³. There are 81 provinces (called “lalawigan”) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. In the Philippines, a province is divided into cities and municipalities¹⁰ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays³⁵, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”⁴² See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES?

¹²Region XIII, or the Caraga Region, is a Philippine region¹³ located in the island group of Mindanao¹⁴, with Butuan as its regional center. It has five provinces¹¹: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte⁸, and Surigao del Sur; 6 cities: Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Caraga.”⁴³

¹³A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces¹¹, composed of cities and municipalities¹⁰ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays²³⁵, according to the Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”.⁴⁴ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE THE REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES?

¹⁴Mindanao, commonly known as Southern Philippines, is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines, located at the southernmost part of the country. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), CARAGA¹² Region¹³, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), and Zamboanga Peninsula. It is composed of 22 provinces¹¹ and 33 cities. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”⁴⁵

¹⁵The butterfly pea flower is the flower of the plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is also called Clitoria ternatea, Asian pigeonwings, bluebellvine, blue pea, cordofan pea, and Darwin pea. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it is ascribed various qualities, including memory enhancing, anti-stress, anti-depressant, anti-convulsant (to prevent/reduce convulsions), anxiolytic (to reduce anxiety), tranquilizing and sedative properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant has been ascribed properties affecting female libido due to its similar appearance to the female reproductive organ. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Clitoria ternatea.”⁴⁶ Shaka further claims that it also has anti-aging, anti-diabetic, and has fever-reducing properties. Clitoria ternatea, taken in Thane district, Maharashtra by Dr. Raju Kasambe, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 21 August 2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clitoria_ternatea#/media/File:Clitoria_ternatea_flower_by_Dr._Raju_Kasambe_DSCN15171_(8).jpg

¹⁶Acai, or acai berry, is a small, round, black-purple drupe fruit of a species of palm tree (Arecaceae) called Euterpe oleracea. It is about 25 mm (1 in.) in circumference, similar in appearance to a grape, but smaller, and with less pulp, and produced in branched panicles of 500 to 900 fruits. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Acai palm”.⁴⁷ Shaka claims acai to have anti-aging, anti-cancer, and energy-, immunity-, and libido-boosting properties.Acai palm with fruit (left photo) and Acail fruits with acai virgin oil (right photo) – Photos taken from Wikipedia:  CostaPPPR, own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, created 12 February 2012, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acai_palm#/media/File:Acai-DSC_2933.jpg, and P. S. Sena, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 7 April 2011, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acai_palm#/media/File:Acai_oil.JPG

¹⁷The Green Out Power Bowl of Shaka claims that the kale in this order offers more calcium than milk and that the sweetness of this bowl comes from the mango and pineapple.

¹⁸Saluyot, jute mallow, nalta jute, tossa jute, bush okra, krinkrin, molokhia, Jew’s mallow, or Western African sorrel, is a species of shrub in the family Malvaceae. The edible parts are its seeds and leaves. The latter are rich in potassium, iron, vitamins A, B6 and C. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Corchorus olitorius”.⁴⁸Edible leaves of saluyot – Photo by Judgefloro, own work, created 29 August 2015, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corchorus_olitorius#/media/File:01827jfHappy_Meal_Toys_McDonalds_productsfvf_17.JPG

¹⁹Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that people can take as a dietary supplement. It is considered a superfood due to its excellent nutritional content and health benefits. It is high in protein and vitamin content, excellent for vegans and vegetarians. It has antioxidant and inflammation-fighting properties, and helps regulate the immune system. It also helps people lose weight without losing nutrition. It improves gut health, lowers cholesterol, manages the symptoms of diabetes, boosts metabolism, prevents heart disease, controls a person’s blood pressure, plays an important role in mental health, and can help improve or reduce allergy symptoms.⁴⁹

²⁰Chia seeds are edible seeds of Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to central and southern Mexico, or of the related Salvia columbariae of the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are oval and gray with black and white spots, having a diameter around 1 mm (0.04 in). The seeds are hydrophilic, absorbing up to 12 times their weight in liquid when soaked and developing a mucilaginous coating that gives chia-based food and beverages a distinctive gel texture since it absorbs up to 12 times their weight in liquid when soaked. They are a rich source of B vitamins, thiamin and niacin, a moderate source of riboflavin and folate, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc.⁵⁰Chia seeds, up close – Photo by Keegan Fields, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 4 March 2017, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chia_seed#/media/File:Seed_of_chia_(Salvia_hispanica)Salvia_hispanica_group.jpg

²¹Calamansi, calamondin, or Philippine lime, is a small (about 30-mm in diameter), tangy-sour citrus fruit with a thin, green skin (which turns yellow-orange when ripe), with a yellow/orange pulp. It is rich in vitamin C, and certain antioxidants, such as limonene, as well as potassium, vitamin A and calcium. It has the ability to boost the immune system, soothe acidity in the stomach, aid in weight loss, stimulate growth and repair, bleach the skin, detoxify the body, lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, and give relief from respiratory infections, among others. The juice is used in various food and beverages as a major/minor ingredient, seasoning or dipping ingredient. ⁵¹Calamansi – Photo by Obsidian Soul, own work, CC0, created 6 September 2019, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calamansi#/media/File:Calamansi_(Philippines).jpg

²²Flu Fighter is a fresh cold pressed juice drink said to be packed with Vitamin C, what with its ingredients: carrot, mango, orange and pineapple.

²³Malunggay, drumstick tree, moringa, or Moringa oleifera, is fast-growing, drought-resistant tree of the family Moringaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent. The leaves contain a variety of proteins, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, folate, and C) and minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc). It protects and nourishes skin and hair, treats edema, protects the liver, prevents and treats cancer, treats stomach complaints, fights against bacterial diseases due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, makes bones healthier, treats mood disorders, protects the cardiovascular system, helps wounds to heal, treats diabetes and asthma, protects against kidney disorders, reduces high blood pressure, improves eye health, and treats anemia and sickle cell disease. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Moringa oleifera”.^{52 and 53}Maluggay leaves – Photo by Obsidian Soul, own work, CC0, created 1 May 2017, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moringa_oleifera#/media/File:Kalamunggay_(Moringa_oleifera),_Philippines.jpg

²⁴Lady in Red is a drink full of Vitamin A and potassium, anti-cancer properties, lowers blood pressure.

²⁵Maca, Peruvian ginseng, or Lepidium meyenii, is a Peruvian plant grown in the Andes mountains which produces a cruciferous vegetable. It increases libido, reduces erectile dysfunction, boosts energy and endurance, increases fertility, improves mood, improves blood pressure, protects the skin from UV rays, promotes antioxidants in the body, reduces menopause symptoms, and improves learning and memory. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Lepidium meyenii”.^{54 and 55}Maca plants, maca roots up close, and maca root powder – Photos taken from Wikipedia:  Vahe Martirosyan, own work, CC BY 2.0, created 30 October 2011, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidium_meyenii#/media/File:Lepidium_meyenii,_Tsaghkadzor,_in_culture.jpg, Gust4vo, own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, created 30 September 2006, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidium_meyenii#/media/File:Macav.gif, and Masa Sinreih in Valentina Vivod, own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, created 7 December 2011, http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidium_meyenii#/media/File:Macae1.JPG

²⁶Region VII, called the Central Visayas Region, is a Philippine region¹³ located in the central part of the island group of Visayas³⁹, with Cebu City as its regional center. It consists of 4 provinces (Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor) and 3 highly urbanized cities (Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue). Central Visayas is bordered to the north by the Visayan Sea, west by the province of Negros Occidental in Western Visayas, south by the Bohol Sea, and east by the Camotes Sea and the island of Leyte in Eastern Visayas. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Central Visayas”.⁵⁶

²⁷“Bohol,” accessed November 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohol

²⁸The Mimaropa Region is an administrative region¹³ of the Philippines in Luzon (the northern major island group in the country). Mimaropa is an acronym for its constituent provinces¹¹: Mindoro (Occidental and Oriental), Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. It was designated as Region IV-B until 2016. It is now also called the Southwestern Tagalog Region. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Mimaropa.”⁵⁷

²⁹“Palawan,” accessed November 2, 2018, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palawan.

³⁰https://philnews.ph/2017/07/12/travel-leisure-magazine-ranked-palawan-worlds-best-island-2017/

³¹https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/islands#palawan-island-philippines

³²https://issuu.com/filjapmag/docs/filjap_issue__10

³³https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/71504/palawan-listed-among-world-s-best-tourist-sites/story/

³⁴“Cebu,” accessed November 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cebu

³⁵A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a district or village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”⁵⁸

³⁶“General Luna, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Luna,_Surigao_del_Norte

³⁷“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao

³⁸“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://wikitravel.org/en/Siargao

³⁹Visayas is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It covers 3 administrative regions: Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas. It consists of 6 major islands (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Panay and Samar), mostly surrounded by the Visayan Sea, and is composed of 16 provinces¹¹, according to Wikipedia page “Visayas”.⁵⁹ Visayas is located at the middle part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Mindanao (in the southern part).

⁴⁰“Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surigao_del_Norte

⁴¹“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

⁴²“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

⁴³“Caraga,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga

⁴⁴“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

⁴⁵“Mindanao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

⁴⁶“Clitoria ternatea,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clitoria_ternatea

⁴⁷“Acai palm,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acai_palm

⁴⁸“Corchorus olitorius,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corchorus_olitorius

⁴⁹https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324027

⁵⁰“Chia seed,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chia_seed

⁵¹https://www.organicfacts.net/calamansi-juice.html

⁵²“Moringa oleifera,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moringa_oleifera

⁵³https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319916#what-are-the-benefits

⁵⁴“Lepidium meyenii,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidium_meyenii

⁵⁵https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322511

⁵⁶Central Visayas,” accessed December 30, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Visayas

⁵⁷“Mimaropa,” accessed November 2, 2018, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimaropa

⁵⁸“Barangay,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

⁵⁹“Visayas,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visayas

NOW YOU KNOW: CLOUD 9 (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

Have you heard of Cloud 9? No, I am not referring to the name of the popular Philippine milk chocolate bar, filled with layers of creamy caramel, nougat and peanuts! I was referring to a place in Siargao¹ named after that famous chocolate bar.

If you want to know more, let Tita S tell you about it.

1. Cloud 9 is the famous surfing spot in the municipality² of General Luna³, Siargao Island¹, in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, Philippines.

Photo taken from the Facebook account of Kermit Siargao: https://www.facebook.com/kermitsiargao/photos/a.285014781583559/1823392657745756/?type=3&theater

Photo taken from the Facebook account of Shaka Cafes: https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.548268098655745/915792701903281/?type=3&theater

Siargao¹ offers other surfing spots, for beginners, intermediates, competent, top amatuer, and top world surfers.

See http://haranasurf.com/siargao-surf-spots/ and other surfing websites.

Surfing lessons are also offered for beginners, so whatever your surfing skill, Siargao is your surfing heaven!Early morning surfing lessons for eager beginners, Cloud 9, Siargao, January 2019

Just go to Cloud 9, in the town of General Luna, Siargao,  to avail of surfing lessons. It is located to the left of the Surfing Viewing Deck from the main street

The are several (sorry, I did not count) board rental, surfing lesson, and surf guiding providers at Cloud 9, Siargao

2. Cloud 9 also refers to the thick, hollow tubes in this famous surfing spot, with the same name, as stated above. It is also called a perfect barrelling⁹ right hander¹⁰. It is a relatively short wave but it barrels nearly the whole way and guarantees high satisfaction for expert surfers. The wave breaks over a spongy reef, and it is best to surf during mid to high tide, with eastern swell and western shift winds, from August to November, though it still works from April to August.¹¹ Read about breaking wave in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_wave.

Photo taken from the Facebook account of Shaka Cafes: https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/a.539299776219244/782303238585562/?type=3&theater

3. The high number of both small and big reef breaks¹² in Siargao Island¹, including Cloud 9, have earned the island recognition as one of the best surfing destinations in the world.¹³

Video taken by Erie R. Ama, January 6, 2019

In Cloud 9, waves go as high as 12 feet, and in some places, at 8 feet, from September to November.^{11 and 13} Generally, the peak swell¹⁴ season: in General Luna³ where Cloud 9 is located, is from May to November; and in the municipality² of Pilar¹⁵, from November to April, but expect some heavy rainfall.¹³

Beginners can surf during the lean months of summer because the swells¹⁴ are manageable for learning how to balance and get their timing right.¹³ 

4. This world-class surfing site was discovered by travelling surfers in the late 1980s. It was named by American photographer John Seaton Callahan after the chocolate bar I mentioned above, and was featured in the US-based Surfer magazine in March 1993, and then named as one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of all Time” in 1995, especially in General Luna³ and Tuason Point¹⁶, well known as “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”.¹⁷

Cloud 9 was also dubbed as the Top 9 (among the ten) World’s Best Surfing Spots by CNNGo, a travel site of CNN International. Jade Bremner wrote on July 1, 2013: “This drastic and powerful reef break, which crashes onto shallow razor-sharp coral, offers right and left death rides. Fearless surfers will experience a slice of paradise or hallucinations as waves wrap over them like a liquid cocoon. Skin, and sometimes bone, are often ripped to shreds by the ocean bed.”¹⁸

However, despite the danger of having cuts in the coral reef below the wave, surfs cannot help but be drawn to Siargao. In fact, some never leave the island, like Autralian surfer Kyrone Rathbone, who features Siagao surfers in his videos.¹⁹

5. Cloud 9 is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte⁵, held annually in September. The Siargao National Surfing Cup provides local surfers a venue to showcase their talent and move up the national rankings. The Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup has a QS3000 rating²⁰ where the world’s best surfers join to earn points to improve their rankings and get the chance to participate in other competitions worldwide. It would be awesome to even be a spectator of such events.¹³

Read https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Surf_League for more details about the World Surf League (WSL), judging, championship tours, and the roster of WSL championship tour champions.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Siargao”.²¹

Two of the photos used in the featured picture collage (barrel wave and surfer) were obtained from https://www.facebook.com/shaka.cafes/photos/

So, what are you waiting for! Surf’s up²² at Cloud 9!

Read other posts re Siargao:

MAGPUPUNGKO BEACH, TIDAL POOLS AND ROCK FORMATIONS (Pilar, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

SUN, SAND AND SEA AT GUYAM, DAKU AND NAKED ISLANDS (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

SUGBA LAGOON-KAWHAGAN ISLAND TOUR (Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

CEV: Ceviche Heaven in Siargao

A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE AT SHAKA, SIARGAO

A BREATHTAKING VIEW AT SIARGAO’S CLOUD 9 BOARDWALK AND SURFING VIEWING DECK

FOR NATURE LOVERS, DO NOT MISS PALM VIEWPOINT SIARGAO and

Seniors, Now You Know: S.E.A. MOVEMENT – FIGHTING TO PRESERVE SIARGAO!

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding Cloud 9, as a surfer or non-surfer. Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea, almost 200 km southeast of Tacloban, in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, in the Philippines. It has a land area of about 437 sq. km. (169 sq.mi.). It has one of the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, particularly in the municipality² of Del Carmen²³, covering 4,871 hectares.

It has excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, from August to November. Local and international surfers call its municipality² of General Luna³ as the “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”, with surfing pros enjoying the challenging waves in Tuason Point¹⁶ area as well. Siargao was also named by Surfer as one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of All Time” in 1995.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Siargao”²¹ and the Wikitravel page “Siargao”²⁴.

²A municipality is small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province⁴, subdivided into barangays²⁵, and is called town, or bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice-mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials, and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”²⁶ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: HOW MANY CITIES ARE THERE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

³General Luna is a fifth class municipality² in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, in the Philippines. It is the home of world-renowned Cloud 9 waves, so this town is called “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. It was formerly called Cabuntog, and currently has 19 barangays²⁵, 15 of which are located on Siargao Island¹, while 4 are on the other outer islands. The islands of Anahawan, Daku and La Januza are within its jurisdiction. The area is protected within the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) under Republic Act 7586 (National Integrated Protected Area System Act) of 1992. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “General Luna, Surigao del Norte”²⁷ and “Siargao”.²¹

⁴A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region⁷. There are 81 provinces (called “lalawigan”) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. In the Philippines, a province is divided into cities and municipalities² (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays²⁵, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”²⁸ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES?

⁵Surigao del Norte is a province⁴ in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, in the Philippines. This province comprises two islands, Siargao¹ and Bucas Grande²⁹, in the Philippine Sea, and a small area at the northeastern tip of Mindanao. This mainland portion borders Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur to the south. It is the second northernmost of the Mindanao provinces, and is an important transportation hub between Visayas³⁰ and Mindanao. It was founded on June 19, 1960. It has 20 municipalities² and one component city, its capital, Surigao City. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Surigao del Norte.”³¹

⁶Region XIII, or the Caraga Region, is a Philippine region⁷ located in the island group of Mindanao⁸, with Butuan as its regional center. It has five provinces⁴: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte⁵, and Surigao del Sur; 6 cities: Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Caraga.”³²

⁷A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces⁴, composed of cities and municipalities² (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays²⁵, according to the Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”.³³ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE THE REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES?

⁸Mindanao, commonly known as Southern Philippines, is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines, located at the southernmost part of the country. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), CARAGA⁶ Region⁷, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), and Zamboanga Peninsula. It is composed of 22 provinces⁴ and 33 cities. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”³⁴ The 2 other major geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Visayas³⁰ (in the central part).

⁹A barrel, tube, cave, keg, or green room, is the effect produced when a big wave rolls over, enclosing a temporary horizontal tunnel of air with the surfer inside. A barrel requires a powerful wave breaking¹² in shallow water. The hollow part of the wave is formed by the top travelling faster than the bottom. The idea is for the surfer to get into the tube or barrel, and is thereby barrelled! The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Glossary of surfing”.^{35 and 36}

¹⁰A right hander is a wave that breaks¹² to the right, from the surfer’s vantage point. Surfers know that the side of the wave with the steepest angle is the direction in which the wave will break, and that is the direction in which they will ride. Remember, wave directions are always identified from the surfer’s perspective when facing the shore. So, for a right hander, people from the beach will see it as breaking towards the left.³⁷

¹¹http://haranasurf.com/siargao-surf-spots/

¹²A reef break is a fantastic wave created by a reef (often coral) under the water. The surrounding water can be quite deep, but due to the formation of the coral reef, the waves will break there, often seemingly in the middle of nowhere. A surfer needs a very long paddle, or a boat ride, to get to where the high tide waves are breaking. Beware, this wave can cause nasty injuries if you come off your board onto the coral, and get painful coral cuts.³⁸

¹³https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/islands-and-beaches/surfing-siargao-guide

¹⁴A swell is a series of waves that have travelled from their source in a distant storm, and that will start to break once the swell reaches shallow enough water. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Glossary of surfing”.³⁵

¹⁵Pilar is a fifth class municipality² in Siargao Island¹, in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, Philippines. It is bounded by the municipality of San Isidro³⁹ to the north, the municipality of Del Carmen²³ to the west, the municipality of Dapa⁴⁰ to the south, and the Philippine Sea to the east. It became a municipality on October 31, 1953 and now has 15 barangays²⁵. It is popular for hosting the Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament. It is also known for the following tourists destinations: Magpupungko Lagoons and Limestone Rock Formations, Caridad Beach, Lukod Beach, Tagbayanga Islets, Taglungnan Beach, and an extensive mangrove forest reserve. It is also known for a less crowded surfing spot (compared to Cloud 9), half an hour boat ride from General Luna³, and best surfed during northeast swells. It has good breaks in front and near the town proper, and in Barangay Caridad. This town as offers homestay facilities for tourists. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Pilar, Surigao del Norte”.⁴¹

¹⁶Tuason Point is another surfing spot in Siargao¹, just walking distance from Cloud 9. It is similar to the latter but they say it does not barrel⁹ as consistent as the latter. The bottom is the same, going from deep to just inches of water at low tides, and breaks¹² equally powerful and hollow. Like Cloud 9, it is not a long wave but it is considered the best left on the island, although it also breaks right¹⁰. The hard breaking waves are very powerful that break very hard and build up quickly over a shallow rocky reef, with big holes and cracks, so this site is for intermediate, advanced and pro surfers. They are hollow, shallow, fast, and only good over three feet, best at medium to high tide. There are multiple peaks and surfers better watch out for the currents when they get back out. They should also check the tide schedule and avoid surfing at low tide.⁴²

¹⁷https://asiasociety.org/philippines/siargao%E2%80%99s-cloud-9-dubbed-one-world%E2%80%99s-best-surfing-spots

¹⁸https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/50-surf-spots/index.html

¹⁹https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/travel/315993/siargao-named-one-of-the-world-s-greatest-surf-spots/story/

²⁰QS stands for “qualifying series” for the World Surf League (WSL). This means that the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup is a one of the qualifying events for international surfers to improve their rankings and get a chance to compete in international surfing competitions. A WSL QS 10,000 event is held at premium venues with a restricted field and offers WSL QS 10,000 World Rankings points. A WSL QS 1000, 1500 and 3000 event are lower levels of competition, compared to a WSL 6000 and 10,000 event, with their importance indicated by how many points they are assigned; more points means, generally, better competition and prize money. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “World Surf League”.⁴³

²¹“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siargao

²²Surf’s up is a surfing phrase used when there are good waves worth surfing and one should get ready to ride them, according to the Wiktionary page “Surf’s up”.⁴⁴

²³Del Carmen is a fifth class municipality² in Siargao Island¹, in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, Philippines. It is the home of Sayak Airport, the island’s main airport. This town was formerly called Numancia until 1966. It currently has 20 barangays²⁵. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Del Carmen”.⁴⁵ Visit its website: www.visitdelcarmen.com

²⁴“Siargao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://wikitravel.org/en/Siargao

²⁵A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a district or village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”⁴⁶

²⁶“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

²⁷“General Luna, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Luna,_Surigao_del_Norte

²⁸“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

²⁹Bucas Grande is an island in the far eastern part of the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷ of Mindanao⁸, Philippines. It is contiguous with the municipality² of Socorro, in the said region. It has a total land area of 12, 445 hectares. Its name means “large mouth or opening” in Philippine-Spanish, in reference to the wide strait in between Bucas Grande and Socorro Island. It is the site of the Sohoton Cave, a tourist attraction consisting of a cluster of small islets with lagoons, natural limestone caves amd rock formations. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Bucas Grande.”⁴⁷

³⁰Visayas is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It covers 3 administrative regions: Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas. It consists of 6 major islands (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Panay and Samar), mostly surrounded by the Visayan Sea, and is composed of 16 provinces⁴, according to Wikipedia page “Visayas”.⁴⁸ Visayas is located at the middle part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Mindanao (in the southern part).

³¹“Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surigao_del_Norte

³²“Caraga,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga

³³“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

³⁴“Mindanao,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

³⁵“Glossary of surfing,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_surfing

³⁶https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/surfing/dictionary.htm

³⁷https://www.booksurfcamps.com/news/how-to-read-waves

³⁸https://www.degree33surfboards.com/blogs/gettin-pitted/14071029-the-differences-between-beach-breaks-point-breaks-and-reef-breaks

³⁹San Isidro is a fifth class municipality² in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷, in Mindanao⁸, Philippines. It has a total area of 42.03 sq. km. (16.23 sq. mi), with 12 barangays²⁵. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “San Isidro, Surigao del Norte.”⁴⁹

⁴⁰Dapa is a fourth class municipality² in the province⁴ of Surigao del Norte⁵, in the Caraga⁶ Region⁷, in Mindanao⁸, Philippines. Most of the municipality is situated on Siargao Island¹, but Middle Bucas Grande and East Bucas Grande Islands are also within its jurisdiction. It is known as the “Growth Center of the Beautiful Islands of Siargao”. It has 29 barangays²⁵. It is the home of Siargao Sports Complex which was inaugurated in January 2020. It is also considered the center of education in the Siargao. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Dapa, Surigao del Norte.”⁵⁰

⁴¹“Pilar, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilar,_Surigao_del_Norte

⁴²http://siargao.surf/tuason-point/

⁴³“World Surf League,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Surf_League

⁴⁴“Surf’s up,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/surf’s_up

⁴⁵“Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Carmen,_Surigao_del_Norte

⁴⁶“Barangay,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

⁴⁷“Bucas Grande,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucas_Grande

⁴⁸“Visayas,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visayas

⁴⁹“San Isidro, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Isidro,_Surigao_del_Norte

⁵⁰“Dapa, Surigao del Norte,” accessed October 13, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dapa,_Surigao_del_Norte