By Kenneth M. del Rosario

There’s something about Siargao in summer that hits differently—the air hums with salt and sun, mornings feel unhurried, and even the dogs look like they’ve figured life out. You don’t have to be a surfer to fall for it. In four days, I found myself slowing down, chasing the kind of calm that doesn’t come with notifications or deadlines.

Getting there already felt like a small win. We caught the 4 AM Sunlight Air flight from Clark, which sounds brutal on paper but makes perfect sense once you land in Siargao before most people have had breakfast. By 7 AM, we were on the island, with a full day ahead and none of that rushed, half-day arrival feeling. The flight itself was smooth, straightforward, and surprisingly comfortable, with a proper meal to start things off.

A quiet kind of stay

We checked in at KATIG Beachfront Boutique Hotel, a low-key spot with just 11 rooms, six of them facing the ocean. It’s minimalist but not cold, think clean lines, local details, and small touches that actually feel thought through. Wooden boat keychains, skylights in the bathrooms, verandas that make you want to wake up early for no reason. It’s quiet, but not in a boring way. More like the kind of quiet you realize you need.

Another place that leaves an impression is Siago Beach Resort, which doubles as both a boutique stay and a restaurant worth going out of your way for. Built by Maite Ortoll and Kris Garcia, it has that lived-in feel that’s hard to fake. The menu jumps from Peruvian-style lomo saltado to Filipino comfort dishes, and somehow it all works.

Where to eat between swims

Food quickly becomes part of the routine in Siargao. Alma Siargao is one of those places you plan your day around. Chef Luis Martinez works closely with local fishermen, so whatever lands on your table is about as fresh as it gets. The menu is Spanish—paella, gambas, smoked duck breast—but nothing feels out of place on the island. The space is intimate, with warm, neutral tones and a relaxed, coastal feel, featuring a rooftop that’s best enjoyed just before sunset.

For something more casual, Kanin Baboy delivers exactly what the name promises, and does it well. No frills, no overthinking—just solid, satisfying Filipino food that hits especially hard after a long day out. It’s the kind of place you end up at without planning, and then quietly consider going back to the next day.

If you’re in the mood for something more social, LOKA Siargao near Cloud 9 leans into that beachside energy. Cocktails, small plates, and music that starts out chill and gradually picks up as the night goes on. We happened to catch a launch event during our visit, with DJs and a crowd that felt equal parts local and visiting, which is usually when Siargao feels most alive.

Watching the waves at Cloud 9

Siargao is, of course, known for surfing. Even if you don’t plan on paddling out, it’s hard not to get pulled into it. I didn’t surf on this trip, but I spent a lot of time just watching—surfers waiting it out, reading the waves, catching them at just the right moment. There’s something oddly calming about it, like everyone’s tuned into the same rhythm.

Cloud 9 is where most of that action happens, and it’s worth a visit even just to sit, watch, and take it all in. And then there are the sunsets, arguably the best part. The sky softens, the light turns warmer, and for a while, everything slows down even more.

A similar kind of pause happens at Katangnan Bridge, or “Afam Bridge,” depending on who you ask. It’s less about what you do and more about just being there. People show up before sunset, grab whatever’s being grilled nearby, and hang around until the sky fades. It’s casual, a little crowded, but easy to enjoy.

The usual route that still works

You don’t go to Siargao and skip island hopping. The usual route—Guyam, Naked, and Daku Islands—is popular for a reason. Guyam is small and postcard-ready, Naked is exactly what it sounds like, and Daku is where you actually stay awhile.

Lunch is usually laid out boodle-style, with fresh seafood and whatever else the boat crew has arranged. Daku has this laid-back, almost throwback feel. No pressure to do anything except eat, swim, and maybe nap if the breeze hits just right.

Back on the main island, it’s the in-between moments that stick. Early morning runs along long, quiet roads. Walking on the beach before it gets too hot. Random stops that turn into full meals. And yes, the dogs deserve a mention as they’re everywhere, friendly without being clingy, and somehow always part of the scene.

Going beyond General Luna

As convenient as General Luna is, heading north shifts the mood completely. The Magsaysay Sunset Viewpoint trades beachfront crowds for rolling hills and open views, with sunsets that feel a bit more low-key. Pasikon Beach in San Benito is even quieter—it’s wide, clean, and largely untouched. It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel the need to check your phone.

Further out, Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen offers a different kind of escape. It’s all still water and mangroves, with paddleboards, kayaks, and bamboo rafts drifting around. There’s a diving board if you’re up for it, but it’s just as easy to spend an hour doing nothing.

For something more tide-dependent, the Magpupungko Rock Pools in Pilar are worth timing your day around. When the water pulls back, clear pools appear between the rocks, which is good for a swim, or just sitting there and pretending you planned your timing perfectly.

Inland, Taktak Falls offers a cooler break from the heat, with a short trip leading to a deep pool and a rope swing that people either commit to or immediately regret.

One last stop before leaving

Even the exit felt very on-brand. On the way to the airport, we made a quick stop at Gwapitos. It’s part coffee spot, part surf shop, part last-minute “wait, I should bring something home.” A quick cup, a bit of browsing, and then back on the road. It’s a small thing, but it rounds out the trip nicely.

Siargao doesn’t try too hard, and that’s probably why it works. You can plan your days, or not. You can do everything, or very little. Either way, it meets you where you are. Four days in, and it still felt like there was more to figure out—which is usually a good sign you’ll be back.

The post SUMMER IN SIARGAO: SURF, SUNSETS, AND SLOW ISLAND DAYS appeared first on Lakbay Magazine.

Where will your next adventure take you? Make your travel plans a reality at this year’s Travel Madness Expo happening from July 10 to 12 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the country’s largest hotel operator, offers exclusive travel deals and destination-inspired experiences at Booth Nos. 39-42, making it easier than ever to say, “TARA!” to the next local getaway.

MHR will bring its TARA! (Travel Away and Reignite Adventure) campaign, an initiative that encourages more Filipinos to travel locally and experience the richness of some the key Philippine destinations, to Travel Madness Expo 2026. The campaign supports the Department of Tourism’s “Discover More to Love” domestic tourism program.

“Through our TARA! campaign and our participation in the Travel Madness Expo, we hope to make local travel more accessible and encourage more Filipinos to visit destinations where there is a Megaworld Hotels & Resorts property. Traveling within the Philippines is one of the best ways to appreciate the incredible diversity of our destinations while helping local communities thrive,” said Loleth So, Group Director of Commercial.

Visitors to the MHR booth can take advantage of exclusive local rates starting at P3,800, available across participating hotels nationwide. Room-only offers are available at Belmont Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, Grand Westside Hotel, Kingsford Hotel Manila, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Belmont Hotel Iloilo, and Mercure Mactan Cebu.

Guests who prefer accommodations with breakfast can also enjoy rates starting at P3,800 at Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Chancellor Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, and Savoy Hotel Mactan. For those seeking elevated leisure escapes, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel and Twin Lakes Hotel are available from P5,800.

The TARA! promotional offers run from June 17 to November 29, 2026, with stay dates valid until November 30, 2026. Guests may book directly through their preferred participating hotel’s website using the promotional code TARAMHR or contact the hotel directly for reservations.

Travelers who have yet to finalize their vacation plans can also purchase discounted room vouchers and get up to 70-percent off your next stay, allowing them the flexibility to plan their stay at a later date while securing the promotional rates.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts continues to make it easier for travelers to experience the many destinations that make the Philippines worth exploring. Visit Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ booth and let your next journey begin with TARA!

The post TARA sa Travel Madness Expo! appeared first on Lakbay Magazine.

“Tara!” is a familiar Filipino colloquial expression meaning “Come on!”, “Let’s go!”, or “Join me!”, it embodies the warmth, spontaneity, and shared spirit of exploration that define Filipino travel. Drawing inspiration from this simple yet powerful phrase, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) named its newest campaign TARA! as a heartfelt call for Filipinos to travel more often, explore deeper, and reconnect with the destinations through affordable stays and value-driven travel experiences.

The campaign was officially unveiled during a media launch held at Hotel Lucky Chinatown on July 6, 2026, attended by members of the travel and lifestyle media and content creators. Following the launch, guests embarked on a curated Binondo Food Crawl, showcasing Manila’s vibrant culinary heritage and demonstrating how meaningful travel experiences can begin within one’s own city.

Newly appointed Undersecretary Stanley Ng of the Department of Tourism graced the event and recognized MHR’s initiative and how it is deeply aligned with the department’s “Discover More to Love” campaign, which encourages Filipinos to experience more of Philippine destinations.

“This campaign reflects our shared belief with the [DOT] that domestic tourism remains one of the strongest drivers of a resilient and sustainable tourism industry,” said Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts. “Every local trip supports livelihoods, celebrates our culture, and creates meaningful economic opportunities for communities across the country. Through TARA!, we hope to make discovering more to love about the Philippines easier, more accessible, and ultimately more rewarding for every Filipino.”

As the Philippines’ largest hotel operator with 16 hotels and more than 9,000 room keys across Metro Manila, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, and Iloilo, MHR offers travelers more ways to rediscover the country through TARA!.

“TARA! is not just another hotel room promotion. It is an invitation for Filipinos to rediscover the incredible destinations we already have, from the heritage streets of Manila and Iloilo to the pristine beaches of Boracay and Cebu to the cool escapes of Batangas. With thousands of room keys across our portfolio, we are creating more opportunities for travelers to explore different parts of the country while enjoying the warmth of our Sampaguita brand of service wherever they go,” said Loleth So, Group Commercial Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

Participating hotels feature promotional rates starting at Php3,800, with room-only offers available at Belmont Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, Grand Westside Hotel, Kingsford Hotel Manila, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Belmont Hotel Iloilo, and Mercure Mactan Cebu. Guests looking for stays with breakfast can enjoy the same local rate at Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Chancellor Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, and Savoy Hotel Mactan, while Eastwood Richmonde Hotel and Twin Lakes Hotel are available from Php5,800.

Running from June 17 to November 29, 2026, with stays valid until November 30, 2026, guests may contact their preferred participating hotel directly or make their reservation through the property website using the promotional code TARAMHR.

The TARA campaign comes at a time when domestic tourism continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience powering the country’s travel industry. According to the Department of Tourism, domestic travel generated Php3.26 trillion in tourism spending last year, reflecting a 3-percent increase from Php3.16 trillion in 2024.

TARA! serves as a timely reminder that there is always more to discover, more to experience, and indeed, more to love in the Philippines.

The post TARA! Your next great getaway is already here appeared first on Lakbay Magazine.