Is it the season of travel? Whether for work or play we have had many mini escapades at State of Escape HQ over the past few weeks.

 

Our Production Manager Janelle stepped back into our office last week, with bronzed limbs and a relaxed presence about her. She has just come back from an escape to the Philippines – a place she holds close to heart with many family ties to this beautiful location.

 

Envious of not only her tan but the stories told that transported us all to a tropical island of bliss.

 

We are excited to share J’s comprehensive list to add to your must-see travel book on what to Eat, Drink and do on Siargao Island, Filipino style!   

 

EAT

• Bake– Owned by former Miss Universe Philippines, Rachel Peters, take a break and chill out at Bake for great coffee and brekky dishes, both Western and Traditional Filipino.

 

• Mama’s Grill – No trip to Siargao is complete without a trip (or 3) to Mama’s. VERY rustic BBQ grill, and everything is cooked fresh over a hot fire. Accompany this with a chilled San Miguel but get in early as the place packs out quickly.

 

• CEV: Ceviche and Kinilaw – Best poke bowls on the island!

 

• Hirana – Make sure you order the Chicken Joy (fried chicken and rice smothered in their special creamy gravy sauce).

 

• Shaka – Yummy smoothie bowls right on the beach, this was my go to before watching the early morning surf.

Images:

above Bake and below CEV

DRINK

• Lamari – Cocktails by/in the pool. Daytime Disco party on Sundays and has great disco vibes as the sun goes down.

 

• Bravo Beach Resort – Party every Sunday until the early hours.Make sure you start the afternoon off with their famous cocktail, Pomada (a gin and calamansi juice concoction) for only 50 pesos.

 

• White Banana Beach Club – Awesome deep house lounge tunes, happy hour from 4-5pm, it’s also a perfect chillout spot to watch the sunset.

 

DO

Traditionally a surfing village, there are plenty of surf breaks along the island – most famous is Cloud 9, but also Quicksilver (good for learners), Rock Island and Cemetery. Bring your surfboard from home or hire one from Fat Lips Surf Shop. For those that aren’t too keen for waves, enjoy watching the surfers by walking up the boardwalk on Cloud 9.

 

Another must is to hire a scooter or motorbike and ride up north of the island, stopping at some amazing locations on the way such as:

1. Coconut Tree viewing deck, see the island from above, coconut trees as far and wide as the eye can see
2. Maasin River – take a walk under a bridge, through the jungle, to the most beautiful riverbank. Swing off the palm tree into the river if you dare!
3. Magpupungko Rock Pools – Take a dip in and explore these natural rock formations and tidal pools at low tide. Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch at one of the many pop up cafes along the beach front.

 

Ask your accommodation to organise a day trip to Sugba Lagoon – Spend the day in this beautiful part of the island swimming, jumping, stand up paddle boarding and lunching on the lagoon and surrounding areas.

 

While embracing your trip just relax, unwind, sun-bake, swim in the pool/ocean. Indulge in massages every day and just enjoy the slower pace of island living.

Images:

above Sugba Lagoon and below Maasin River

STAY

Bravo Beach Resort – Great value for money. Stay in the Garden room for extra luxury, breakfast is also included every morning. They even have a skate bowl and board hire for avid skaters!

 

PACK

 

Clothing:

• As many bikinis and sarongs as you can physically pack.

 

• My denim shorts were a daily go-to and light and breezy sundresses in cotton or linen (lots of linen!)

 

• I lived in my Havaianas for the entire trip, except for during transit when I changed into my Birkenstocks for extra comfort.

 

Accessories:

• My State of Escape Festival in Khaki, my trusted travel companion. Valuables are kept safe with the zip and it fits all the essentials.

 

• My State of Escape tote in Blush, for beach days. Perfect for lugging around towels, drink bottles and sunscreen/zinc.

 

• A pair of statement earrings – a quick add on to bring you from day to night.

 

• My Swell Double Walled reusable drink bottle – The island is tight on single use plastics, so most establishments have a water cooler to refill your bottles.

 

• A good pair of sunnies.

 

• Good books – I loaded up my Kindle before leaving to make sure I was never without a good read.

 

Skincare:

• A high protection, heavy duty tinted zinc to protect my skin, and last in the tropical climate. I use 2XP SPF 50+ Protect in Bronze as its tinted and water resistant for up to 4 hours.

 

• Sandalwood and AmberMarrakech Nomad Body Oil from tabletonic.com.au – hand blended essential oils to make me feel even more zen on the island.

 

• The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Face Mist– To put the moisture back into my face after a day in the sun and saltwater, and for much needed skin hydration on the flights to and from.

 

• A good quality waterproof mascara (the only make up I wore for the entire trip). I love Ere Perez Avocado Volumizing Waterproof Mascara, recommended by our very own Comms/Social Media Manager, Kylie!

Follow Janelle’s travels on our State of Escape Team stories highlight @stateofescape.