I took a four-day road trip to Siargao, one of the nicest islands in the Philippines.
It was a $60 40-minute round trip flight from Cebu on a Dash-8 twin-prop plane.
The Dash 8 is primarily manufactured by De Havilland Canada, which introduced the aircraft in 1984. I had a chuckle, Canada’s chance to take me out!
It had been a while since I last flew on a propeller aircraft.
There’s something about seeing those spinning blades just outside the window that always makes the journey feel a little more adventurous, bumpy, and a little more vulnerable, thinking of the blades stopping mid-flight.
As soon as I landed in Siargao, the island rhythm kicked in. Vans were already lined up outside the airport, ready to scatter arriving travelers to different corners of paradise.
I hopped into one bound for General Luna — the island’s lively heart — about a 40-minute ride that cost 300 Philippine pesos (roughly $6 USD).
General Luna pulses with youthful energy. It’s where sun-kissed days roll seamlessly into electric nights — famous for its powdery beaches, world-class surf breaks, and a nightlife scene that keeps the music going long after sunset.
If you’re chasing that perfect mix of ocean adventure and social buzz, this is where Siargao truly comes alive.
I spent the day wandering up and down the main strip of General Luna, soaking in the surf shops, beach bars, and cafés buzzing with energy. Before long, it became clear that this pocket of Siargao thrives on youthful momentum — backpackers swapping stories, surfers chasing the next swell, and groups gearing up for another lively night out. All young, all good looking – square peg! 🤏🏻
Alright, that’s it… I’m outta here – damn kids, get off my island! 
By evening, I knew I was craving a slower rhythm. The next morning, I arranged for a tuk-tuk to take me north toward the quieter stretch of Tropico — ready to trade neon lights and party playlists for palm trees, open roads, and a more tranquil side of island life.
The contrast was immediate. Where General Luna buzzed with energy, Tropico felt almost suspended in time — so quiet it bordered on surreal. The roads were emptier, the shoreline more untouched, and the only soundtrack was wind through palm trees and waves folding onto the sand.
I settled into an old farmhouse that had been thoughtfully converted into an Airbnb, blending rustic charm with breezy coastal comfort. Weathered wood, wide-open windows, and uninterrupted ocean views made it feel both simple and luxurious. It was, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beach Airbnbs I’ve ever stayed in — the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and forget what day it is.
After spending 24 blissful hours doing absolutely nothing but soaking up tropical paradise, I made my way back to General Luna for one final island day.
Wanting to see a different side of the area, I hired a tuk-tuk driver for a couple of hours and set off on a laid-back tour beyond the usual stops. We discovered quiet stretches of coastline untouched by the crowds — hidden pockets of sand and sea that felt like a private hidden escapes that only the locals enjoy.
Honestly, I’m not sure how anyone ranks one beach over another here. Each one felt like a perfect 10 — powdery sand, swaying palms, and water in every shade of blue imaginable. 
Thank you, General Luna, and Tropico Siargao — for the sun-soaked mornings, the slow island afternoons, and the kind of beauty that lingers long after you leave.
This little corner of paradise has left its mark on me, and I already know this isn’t goodbye — it’s simply see you again. I’ll be back to wander your palm-lined roads and explore more of your breathtaking island soon. 🌴✨