Siargao
Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 196 kilometers southeast of Tacloban. It has a land area of approximately 437 square kilometres (169 sq mi). The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet, Port Pilar. The coastline is marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white, sandy beaches. The neighboring islands and islets have similar landforms. Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, and was voted the Best Island in Asia in the 2021 Conde Nast Travelers Readers awards.
Siargao island satellite image captured by Sentinel-2 in 2016 | |
Siargao Location within the Philippines | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 9°54′18″N 126°4′0″E |
| Adjacent to | Philippine Sea |
| Area | 437 km2 (169 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 518 ft (157.9 m) |
| Highest point | Mount Baliuko |
| Administration | |
| Region | Caraga |
| Province | Surigao del Norte |
| Municipalities | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 94,273 (2015) |
| Additional information | |
The island is within the jurisdiction of the province of Surigao del Norte and is composed of the municipalities of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, San Benito, Pilar, San Isidro, and Santa Monica.
Siargao is a famous tourist destination, well-known for its many surfing spots and featured in the film Siargao for such qualities. Surfing is so ingrained in the identity of Siargao, that in 2022, two political families from Surigao Del Norte traded barbs over the cancellation of a national surfing competition hosted on the island.