While a lot has been said about Siargao - all the good and the bad - I could not hold myself back from visiting this island over and over again. They say it's the Siargao "curse". Maybe? I don't know for certain. All I know is coming to the island gives me some sort of a reset.

Now, there are a number of things I'd like to unpack through this blog post, but first things first - let's get to the financial side of things. The accountant Bianca wouldn't want you to break the bank and just recklessly do this now, would she?

For 12 days in the island, I spent roughly around 33,600.

Here's a breakdown of those expenses:

If you're planning to girl math this by dividing it by 12, I highly suggest you don't, since this cost includes various activities that you can actually omit if you've been to the island a couple of times.

My flight cost already includes the round trip ticket (of 2,700) and additional baggage allowance which my friends and I shared.

We stayed in two accommodations during our entire 12-day trip.

1. Banakod Hostel

- Located minutes away from Cloud 9 Beach and Catangnan Bridge.

- We spent 16,800 for 5 nights for 6 people.

- The rooms are fully-airconditioned and one room has a nice balcony where you can work and chill for the night.

- It's a bit far from all the party scenes but not too far per se.

2. RGL Place Siargao

- This one is right at the center of where all the things are at.

- Quite far from Cloud 9 Beach, but not too far for a trike ride.

- Located in Poblacion, General Luna

- We spent 20,000 for 5 nights for 8 people.

We honestly didn't get to eat much restaurant food since we've pre-planned before the trip that we'd stay in our accommodations to cook. Well, my friends cooked. I was just their errand girl haha

Banakod has a kitchen that is currently undergoing construction. So fingers crossed that we'd get to use the new kitchen next year. Oh, and by the way, using their kitchen is free of charge.

RGL Place also has a kitchen to which they charge 300 per cooking, not bad though since we get to use all their pots, pans, utensils and all other dinnerwares.

I highly suggest we learn how to ride a motorcycle and get our driver's license, because trike rides in Siargao are not cheap! Trike rides ranges between 30 to 50 pesos depending on time and destination.

Four major activities that I did in Siargao:

1. Siargao Pottery

- They offer two major activities: Clay Hand Building and Baby Wheel Throwing.

- I opted for the Baby Wheel Throwing which costs 2,200 pesos, and had two (2) hand-made clay ceramics to take home to.

- You can book a class in advance, or if you're a bit spontaneous, they also accept walk-ins.

- I cannot pass up on the opportunity to do pottery since I have become a fan of this type of craftsmanship.

2. Land Tour

- Rented a jeep that costs 3,500 that is good for 10 persons.

- Tourist spots we went to are Magpupungko Rock Formation, Sugba Lagoon, and Maasin River.

3. Island Hopping

- We were able to find a good travel agency that offered a 1,899/person island hopping trip that includes the Corregidor Island - to which I tell you is an island you would also want to visit.

4. Surfing

- It wouldn't be a Siargao trip without catching some waves right?

- Renting a board with instructor costs 500, and to capture those great surfing moments, you can also opt to hire someone to take photos for you, price varies.

Endless beach parties every night that ends every 12midnight.

If you ask me, honestly, every time is the best time. But locals say that the best time would probably be around June or July when typhoon season is not around the corner.

Since the last time we've been to the island, we've already made a couple of friends who have been staying there for longer, which inspired me to want to try and work there even for just a short amount of time. I'd say I'd want to be back again for sure and stay much much longer - maybe a month or two? We'll see.

You'll catch all that on my Instagram for sure ;)

Till the next blog.