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 deck
This 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
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
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
Photo taken from the Facebook account of Shaka Cafes: 
Loose Keys-Cev, located along Tourism Road, municipality of General Luna, Siargao
Take three steps up the entrance, and to your left are the items for sale (shirts, surfing boards, etc.).
To your right is a billiard table and high stools with the wooden frame of the restaurant’s border where you can place your cold beer or cocktail while playing billiards, or when just chilling and enjoying a drink while facing the main road, watching people and vehicles pass by.
A little further to the left are two small dining tables for four, then a bar, where customers can sit, order drinks and chill.
Cev is busy at night, so come early! (Photo from 
Wall Menu, Loose Keys-Cev, Siargao
Dave del Rosario with the catch of the day (l-r): Mahi-mahi3 (the favorite fish), Cobia (delicate, plump, almost sweet; 21 kilos in pic), Talakitok or Bigeye Jack (8.5 kilos in pic), all for Cev’s ceviche dishes and kinilaw rice bowls. (Photos from 
Menu Card, Loose Keys-Cev, Siargao
We enjoyed Pacifico: fresh fish prepared with calamansi4 juice, cilantro5, and red onions, made creamy with coconut milk,and complemented in texture and taste by soft boiled sweet potatoes and soft sweet corn kernels, as well as the crisp fried sweet potato strings and tortilla chips. I surmise that the leche de tigre6 added a certain appeal to the dish among male customers (see the footnote below). You must try this ceviche1 creation!
We also ordered Santa Fe. This ceviche1 is very interesting! The fresh fish is prepared with calamansi4 juice, and flavored with red onions, and cilantro5, along with tomato puree. The tortilla chips and cucumber slices gave a contrasting texture and added flavor, and the fried bananas and popcorn offered an added treat for this dish.
We only ordered two kinilaw2 dishes. The Guyam kinilaw2 rice bowl, made of garlic rice, grilled pork belly strips, along with the fresh fish, made tangy with sweet calamansi4 and coconut vinegar, was very satisfying. The ginger, pickled papaya, red and green onions gave enough spiciness, while the crunchy cucumber slices and roasted corn provided added texture plus an element of surprise to this dish.
The General Luna kinilaw-garlic rice bowl features grilled eggplant, made creamy with coconut milk, and the fresh fish is combined with coco vinegar, ginger and red onions. The surprise was the combination of spiced mango cubes, fried sweet potatoes and black beans.
The alcoholic beverages offered are: Signature Cocktails (Drunken Monkey, Open Water, Sunken Sailor, and Treasure Chest), Classic Cocktails (Amaretto Sour, Margarita, Mojito, and Piña Colada), House Specials (Bacardi & Coke, Gin & Tonic, Jack Daniel & Coke, Rum & Coke/Sprite, Vodka Cranberry, and Vodka Soda), and Beers (San Miguel Light, San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Beer na Beer, Brew Kettle, Red Horse, and General Luna Ale7).
Non-alcoholic beverages include: hot or iced coffee (americano, cappuccino, espresso, latté, mocha), hot or iced signature drinks (almond, chocolate, salted caramel, toffee), juices and smoothies (banana, calamansi4, cranberry, mango, watermelon), and soft drinks (Coke and Sprite).
I ordered a watermelon smoothie. It was served in a highball glass with a bamboo straw, which I appreciated because of their non-plastic policy. This drink was just right: it was refreshing, creamy and not that sweet. Duirng our next visit, I ordered a Margarita. This cocktail was balanced, with the right amount of tequila, sourness, bitterness and sweetness. I definitely enjoyed this drink.
Tita S Travels 
