Soccoro: The gateway to Sohoton National Park

The beautiful morning that greeted us in Soccoro

It was nearly evening when we arrived at the Soccoro Port from Dapa Port in Siargao. The moody weather delayed our scheduled boat ride. It was almost an hour and a half of being swayed in the sea. After all, we’ve passed by the Pacific Ocean as Siargao and Soccoro are geographically facing the Pacific.

I heaved a sigh of relief as soon as my feet felt the solid ground of the port. It’s time to find the lodge where we will stay for the night. The directional signage of Island Vacations Country Inn was helpful. Country Inn was just a few steps away from the port. It took us less than 5 minutes and saw the inn.

Top 5 things to experience in Ilocos Norte

If you’re in the mood for a road trip this summer, then pack your bags and head to Ilocos Norte. Located 408 kilometers northwest of Manila, the province of Ilocos Norte is a haven for outdoor adventurers.

It is where you’ll experience the cool breeze from the mountains, a lazy day on the beach, a reflective walk through a path of puddles, a climb to an ethereal formation, an adrenaline-filled slide down the sand dunes, and a mouthwatering food trip.

Commuting 101: Siargao Airport to Dapa Port

There’s no dull moment when you’re entertained by aerial views from Cebu to the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao.

Excitement filled me as the plane descended at the Sayak Airport of Siargao. The architecture of the holding area of Siargao Airport was very reflective of Mindanao.

The journey to the elusive Palaui Island

The gloomy skies brought drizzles the morning after we arrived in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. But the mood swings of the weather did not dampen our desire to see the elusive Palaui Island. Still, our local guide from the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority told us that we could only proceed with the trip if the weather permitted us.

The free Wi-Fi at the lobby of Sun City, where we stayed during the night, kept us wired and entertained while we waited for the travel advice. After waiting for about two hours, we hopped on the bus and went to San Vicente Port, where the boats were waiting. The skies were still gray but the seas seemed tranquil. And so off we went to our first stop, the Siwangag Cove, an untouched marine sanctuary in the northwestern part of Palaui Island.

According to CEZA environmental specialist Ernesto Ablao, the Siwangag Cove used to protect naval ships from strong waves. But in 1994, the whole Palaui Island was declared as a protected area through the National Integrated Protected Area System Act. Since we had limited time, we headed to Cape Engaño after a few snapshots of the cove’s rough beach.