There is a distinct kind of magic that happens when you trade the relentless rush of Manila’s city traffic for the crisp, early morning breeze of Clark International Airport. At 6:30 AM, our group stepped on board a Sunlight Air flight bound straight for the country’s surfing capital.
This wasn’t just any regular getaway. From June 8 to 14, 2026, a media and content creator contingent—composed of Jeman Villanueva of Orange Magazine PH, lifestyle creators Kister Morata and Sharmaine Rodriguez, Aaron Nomo of Numu Guide, and Richie Zamore of The Pickiest Eater—embarked on a week-long journey to discover what Siargao feels like when the summer crowds thin out.
If you haven’t traveled during the lean season yet, you are missing out on the island’s best-kept secret. Traveling between June and September means scoring incredible flight deals, skipping massive tourist lines, and experiencing the local culture at a much slower, more authentic pace.
As a massive bonus, June officially marks the beginning of Siargao’s iconic surfing season. The swells are picking up, the island is breathtakingly lush and green from the occasional rain, and you actually have room to breathe—and catch a wave—without competing for space. Why wait for summer when the real island magic is happening right now? Our rainy-day escape with Sunlight Air proved that the journey can be just as relaxing as the destination.
Home Away From Home: Our Island Diaries
Finding the right base camp is essential for a week of exploration. We were fortunate enough to experience paradise through three distinct, stunning properties—each offering its own incredible vibe:
Gunita Boutique Hotel (June 8–10)
Our first two nights were spent at Gunita Siargao, which beautifully captures the essence of its name (meaning “recollection” or “memory”). It offers the perfect blend of modern minimalist comforts and deep island soul, making it an ideal place to unwind and transition into the island mindset.
Meraki Siargao (June 10–12)
Moving into the heart of our trip, Meraki (located in General Luna) welcomed us to its boutique Mediterranean-bohemian homestay. It’s cozy, Instagrammable, and radiates a laid-back, creative energy that feels quintessentially Siargao.
Malipaya Siargao (June 12–14)
We wrapped up our island vacation at Malipaya, a sanctuary of pure luxury and deep privacy. Nestled on a tranquil, private property between Malinao and Cloud 9, it offers an island escape featuring unique glamping setups and a large family villa, with direct beachfront access, Malipaya provided the ultimate peaceful finale to our island stay.
The Ultimate Siargao Bucket List
From the legendary surf breaks of the south to the untouched hills of neighboring islands, we checked off the very best of what Siargao has to offer:
- Cloud 9 & Pacifico: We immersed ourselves in the iconic, high-energy surf culture at Cloud 9 before driving up north to Pacifico for its beautifully quiet, raw, and laid-back coastal vibes.
- Corregidor Island: A short boat ride away, we hiked through Corregidor’s breathtaking, rolling hills dotted with thousands of coconut trees, offering panoramic views of the Pacific.
- The Tri-Island Wonder: No Siargao trip is complete without the classic island-hopping day. We enjoyed sun-drenched bliss on the bare sandbar of Naked Island, shared a heavy local lunch at Daku Island, and watched the afternoon slip away on the tiny, palm-fringed Guyam Island.
An Authentic Taste of the Island: From Carinderias to Cafés
You cannot fully experience Siargao without diving into its rich culinary scene. Our group made it a point to balance trendy island spots with deeply authentic local eateries.
Kurvada – The ultimate “Westernized” carinderia. Famous for its delicious and budget-friendly turo-turo style local dishes that attract both locals and tourists alike.
Taliya – A beloved local carinderia serving comforting, home-cooked Filipino favorites perfect for a post-surf heavy lunch.
TP Food House – A reliable local staple known for serving traditional lutong-bahay (home-cooked meals) that keep your travel budget happy.
Pakal’s – A go-to spot for authentic local cuisines and grilled specialties packing rich, island-born flavors.
Halika Gelato – An absolute must-visit. They serve rich, premium artisan Italian-style gelato featuring unique tropical flavors like coconut and mango.
Island Deli – The perfect breakfast and mid-day stop, offering an array of fresh breads, cheeses, international cold cuts, and great coffee.
Sagana – Celebrated for its true farm-to-table philosophy, serving premium island-inspired dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
From smooth morning flights to afternoon surf sessions and plates piled high with local food, Siargao reminds us why it remains unmatched. Massive thanks to Sunlight Air for seamlessly connecting us to the island.
Siargao, you are unforgettable!
Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your rainy-day escape with @experiencesunlight.
