Most travelers arrive in Siargao chasing waves. However, as more Filipinos trade packed itineraries for the unhurried pace of slow travel, the island is revealing a quieter, equally compelling side — one best experienced between April and August, when the waves are calmer and the island breathes a little slower.
Last July, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels and Resorts welcomed a curated group of guests from the travel, tourism, film, and creative industries for Where Stories Stay Still: A Siargao Changemakers Trip. The four-day immersive experience brought together individuals whose work shapes how Filipinos discover destinations and engage with local communities. Rather than racing through a checklist of attractions, the itinerary invited guests to linger — to connect with the island through its people, culture, cuisine, and natural landscapes.
Exploring Siargao Beyond the Tourist Trail
In partnership with Galatea Tours Siargao, the group ventured beyond the island’s usual tourist highlights. Their first stop was Corregidor Island — originally known as Casulian Island — roughly a 45-minute boat ride from Siargao. A gentle 20- to 30-minute hike leads to sweeping panoramic views, though the journey there proved just as memorable as the destination itself.
The group also explored the Malinao Mangroves, tucked into the quiet village of Malinao near Secret Beach. Part of Siargao’s expansive mangrove ecosystem, the area showcases lush waterways, serene surroundings, and sightings of fruit bats. Furthermore, guests explored the calm waterways by paddleboard, kayak, and traditional baroto — revealing an entirely different side of Siargao defined not by adrenaline, but by silence, birdsong, and the peaceful embrace of the forest.
It was a fitting reminder that some of the island’s most rewarding places reveal themselves only to those willing to slow down.
Learning From Siargao’s Local Community
Some of Siargao’s most meaningful experiences aren’t found in its landscapes — they’re found in the people who shape its culture and sustain its traditions. To deepen the connection, Lokal Lab in The Hub, General Luna, led an immersive kinilaw workshop that began with a visit to the local public market.
The experience highlighted Siargao’s community-to-table practices, where locally sourced ingredients support small-scale fishermen, farmers, and producers whose livelihoods are tied to the island’s natural resources. Guests prepared Siargao’s signature kinilaw using tuba vinegar and freshly squeezed coconut milk — deepening their appreciation for the stories and sustainable practices behind every flavor.
Discovering Siargao’s Culinary Scene
Like many who visit Siargao, the people behind some of its most celebrated restaurants first came for the island and stayed because they fell in love with its way of life. Together, they have helped turn Siargao into one of the Philippines’ most exciting food destinations. The four-day itinerary treated each restaurant as a destination in its own right:
- Kanin Baboy — generous servings of Filipino classics led by its signature spicy lechon
- LOKA Siargao — a beachfront spot by Cloud 9 known for wood-fired pizzas and a laid-back cocktail menu
- ROOTS Siargao — a multi-course tasting menu celebrating seasonal ingredients, thoughtful flavors, and meticulous presentation
- Wild Siargao — inventive, globally inspired flavors showcasing the creativity that has made the island a food destination
- CEV Siargao — one of the pioneers of Siargao’s dining scene, known for reimagining kinilaw and ceviche
- Kermit Siargao — the island’s go-to for handmade pizzas and fresh pasta
By lingering over each meal and getting to know the people behind them, the group experienced firsthand how Siargao’s dining scene is as much about its stories as it is about its flavors.
The Changemakers’ Takeaway
By the end of the four-day trip, guests left with more than a full itinerary. They left with a deeper understanding of what makes Siargao worth slowing down for.
“This trip reminded us that travel isn’t just about bringing people to a destination, but about helping travelers connect with the communities that call these places home,” said Ryna Brito-Garcia, CEO of Sunlight Air. “We, as an airline, also play a key role in the ecosystem — supporting local businesses, celebrating local culture, and creating opportunities for destinations and the people behind them to thrive.”
Moreover, the trip reinforced a shared belief: meaningful change happens when people come together. Alone, an airline, a hotel, a tour operator, or a local business can only do so much. Together, every effort can help move the needle and create a greater impact.
Plan Your Own Siargao Slow Travel Experience
Sometimes, the best way to see Siargao isn’t by doing more — but by slowing down. For travelers inspired to experience the island beyond its well-known attractions, Sunlight Air Vacations, in partnership with The Henry Hotels and Resorts, offers thoughtfully curated packages that showcase the stories, people, and places that make Siargao worth savoring.
Learn more at sunlightair.ph/vacations.
This trip was made possible in collaboration with Hertz Philippines, Galatea Tours Siargao, Lokal Lab, and restaurant partners Loka, Kanin Baboy, CEV Siargao, Wild Siargao, and Kermit Restaurant. Additional partners include Messy Bessy, Bagoyan, Abel PH, and Primer Group of Companies.
