Pacifico, Siargao

Pacifico 

A smaller town, just over an hour north of GL - much quieter than the main town, with no phone signal and the most relaxing energy. Although I was taken aback by the simplicity of the village at first [note: there are signs that promise no wifi to be found anywhere nearby] I was so sad to leave after just 3 nights soaking up the raw vibes there.

While the surf was pumping pretty hard for us longboarders, the break seemed to be barrelling just past the shelf, and only a couple of people were loving having the waves to themselves.

Some great foodie spots…

Common Ground - we made a little pact to try and stick to local food whilst in Siargao, and it was so lovely to see that something with a touch of western influence had integrated so well into local life here in Pacifico. Offering homemade sourdough, amazing shakes, delicious coffee and the biggest smoothie bowls I’ve seen in my life, we headed here in search of nutrition and a place to hang out. They are constantly baking cookies, offer locally grown produce and are a lovely, friendly bunch of people.

Michael Jordan & Dwayne Wade - so-named because the owners called their children these names(!) we headed here for many a vegetable. The portions here were massive; opting for the freshest items on the menu, we also headed back later for a little slice of frozen mango float… If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Siargao, it’s the mango float! Graham crackers, layered with whipped condensed milk and fresh mango, like a beautiful tropical tiramisu hat will have you saying ‘just one more spoon!’

Little Unnamed Place that Offers Vegan Options - again, not so helpful with the name! But unmissable, right opposite the basketball court and next to the small surf shop. Order the lentil soup and the mahimahi, and you won’t be disappointed.

Lokal - up there in our favourite places in the whole of Siargao. Whilst we were there, we were lucky enough to listen into the owners telling a journalist about their story, and how Lokal came to be. It was actually so interesting that I’m going to dedicate a whole post of its own to this amazing little place. So affordable, with an admirable ethic and conscience that it actually makes me feel a little guilty for ever ordering avocado toast in Bali all those years ago.

Party in Pacifico

We were invited to a little village slightly further north than Pacifico, BahBah, by our friend Jessie, promising a techno night of jungle fun. A locals-only party, I was imagining mosquito nets and camp fires.. But how wrong I could be! These people know how to throw a party. They had literally decked out a whole clearing in the jungle with neon strip lights, speakers and bars where beers were almost unthinkably cheap. Needless to say, we had a great time and had a little boogie to some Filipino-techno-dance-remix.

Have you been to Pacifico? What did you think? I’d love to hear any recommendations you have.