How to Get to Pilar: Siargao's Most Convenient Gateway
Pilar is a small town withinside the eastern coast of Siargao stated overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. With long stretches of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and diverse marine life, Pilar has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a relaxing and peaceful vacation.
Pilar is a small town of about 10,000 inhabitants. Despite its small size, the town offers visitors a variety of activities, from island hopping and snorkeling to surfing and fishing. Its natural charm and relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here's a closer look at what you can expect when you visit Pilar.
- Beaches and Islands
Pilar is home to some of Siargao's most pristine beaches, including Magpupunko Beach, known for its natural rock pools that form at low tide. Other must-see beaches include Pacifico Beach, popular with surfers, and Paradise Beach, perfect for swimming and lounging. There are several islands near Pilar that are worth exploring.
These include Guyam Island, a small island surrounded by turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, and Daku Island, known for its long stretches of powdery sand and clear water. The Naked Island, as the name suggests, is a small piece of land without trees or vegetation, but offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean.
- Water Activity
Pilar is a paradise for water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. Surfing is a popular activity and Pacifico Beach is one of the best spots for beginner to intermediate surfers. Advanced surfers will love the reef breaks near Tuathon Point and Jacking Horse.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular activities, and there are many dive sites around Pilar and Siargao Island. Some of the most popular dive sites are Shark Point, where you can see different species of sharks, and Blue Cathedral, a large underwater cavern with stunning rock formations.
Island hopping is also a great way to explore nearby islands and beaches. You can rent a boat or join a tour to visit Guyam Island, Daku Island, Naked Island, and other nearby islands. culture and heritage
Pilar is also rich in culture and heritage. The town is home to the centuries-old Parish Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, a must-see for architecture and history buffs. The church was built in the 1800s and is made of coral stone and wood.
Another of Pilar's cultural attractions is the Deiasan Floating Village, where houses on stilts are built over water. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the village and learn about the daily life of the locals. eat and drink
Pilar has a wide variety of restaurants and food stalls serving local cuisines such as seafood, grilled meats, and rice dishes. Don't miss the chance to try the famous Surigao's kinilaw, a type of ceviche made with raw fish, vinegar, and spices. For drinks, try the local coconut wine, made by fermenting coconut juice, or tuba.
- Hotel
There are several lodging options in Pilar, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Many of the resorts offer beachfront accommodations and amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and spas. get there
The easiest way to get to Pilar is to fly to Sayak Airport in Siargao and from there take a van or motorbike to Pilar. You can also take a ferry from Surigao City to Dapa Port and from there take a van or motorbike to Pilar. To ensure a hassle-free trip, we recommend that you arrange your transportation in advance.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are several ways to get to Pilar, Surigao del Norte. The town is accessible by air and sea, and there are also land transportation options available.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Pilar is the Sayak Airport in Del Carmen, Siargao Island. From Manila, there are daily flights to Sayak Airport via major airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia. From Sayak Airport, visitors can take a van or a tricycle to Pilar. The travel time is approximately 30-45 minutes.
By Sea:
There are ferry and boat services available that connect Pilar to other nearby towns and islands. From Surigao City, visitors can take a ferry to Dapa, Siargao Island. From Dapa, visitors can take a tricycle or a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to Pilar. The travel time is approximately 1-2 hours.
By Land:
Visitors can also reach Pilar by land from Surigao City. From Surigao City Bus Terminal, visitors can take a bus or van bound for Dapa, Siargao Island. From Dapa, visitors can take a tricycle or habal-habal to Pilar. The travel time is approximately 2-3 hours.
Once in Pilar, visitors can easily get around the town by tricycle or habal-habal. There are also rental services available for those who prefer to explore the town on their own.
