I’ve been all around the world, and the island of Siargao in the Philippines is probably my favorite so far. Seriously. I can’t think of a better island to visit or even live that I’ve visited, and for natural beauty, Siargao has few equals. Don’t be surprised to see Siargao on the list of top islands in the world in travel magazines and websites within the next couple years, especially surpassing Boracay and Cebu as the top islands in the Cebu.
Staying at Patrick’s on The Beach
But when you’re planning your first trip to Siargao, booking a hotel or resort can be a little confusing. Just looking at the hotel websites like Agoda, Booking.com, etc., you can only judge off pictures on the web, which don’t give you good information on location, the beach (if any) in front of the hotel, and other details.
So you really can’t go wrong staying at Patrick’s on the Beach, especially for your first stay in Siargao. First off, it’s not the cheapest accommodation, but nor is it high-end or luxury. I paid around $45 or $50 a night for a private room (local-style nepa huts that are simple but it did have air conditioning).
You’ll find a whole lot of hotels and guesthouses that are half that price, but many of those don’t have AC (you don’t need it all year as there are cool winds at night some months) or they won’t be right on the beach, but across the road and a 10-minute walk to the water. There are also plenty of higher-end resorts, with more of a western standard of rooms and accommodations, but they can easily cost you $100 to $150 a night, and in my opinion, don’t offer a ton more value.
So Patrick’s is priced right, but what else? It’s also right on the beach, a nice strip of white sand, so you can literally walk 10 yards from your hut to jump in the water. The set up is great, with a stone wall guarding against high tide dropping down to the beach. On top of the wall – and on the grassy grounds – are plenty of hand-carved natural wood tables and chairs, palm thatched hammocks, and an overlook shaded platform with lounge chairs. Sitting in any of these areas, you’re right in the shade of a grove of palm trees.
The path between the nepa hut rooms, the outdoor covered restaurant, and the reception building are all packed sand so you can walk around barefoot all day, and all of the structures are within the lush, green jungle.
But back to the restaurant, where you can get coffee, fruit shakes, local seafood, and other western, Filipino, and European food options all day long. Try the fish burger!
The staff are smiling, friendly, and always polite, too, and the German owner makes sure they keep everything clean and orderly. Right from Patrick’s you can take out a paddle board, kayak, or arrange a boat trip to do the three-island tour (amazing!) or any other excursion around Siargao – including surfing! It’s an incredible place to stay, and from couples to families or any travelers, you can’t go wrong staying there.
About Norm Schriever
Norm Schriever is a blogger, Amazon best-sellling author, cultural mad scientist, and enemy of the comfort zone. His work appears in the Huffington Post, Business.com, Good Morning America, The Anderson Cooper Show on CNN, NBC, MSN, Yahoo, Hotels.com, and media all around the world.
Norm grew up in Connecticut and graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he was never accused of overstudying. After expatriating to Costa Rica in 2011, he started traveling the world and documenting what he saw. He now lives in Southeast Asia, writing his heart out and working with local charities.
