Siargao Island has been named one of Time magazine's 100 unique destinations featured in its "The World's Greatest Places of 2021" issue released last July 20, 2021.
Located at the southeast of Tacloban in Mindanao, the teardrop-shaped island is known for its crystal blue water, fine white sand beaches, and as a surfers' paradise. For the issue, writer Duncan Forgan highlighted in his story the beach experience in Inara Siargao Resort.
"While destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan nailed the mass market, the teardrop-shaped island off the coast of Mindanao until recently had been best known to a dedicated band of surfers lured by consistent waves," Frogan wrote. "But the secret is out, and new spots are popping up on the island, including the beachfront Inara Siargao Resort, an intimate five-suite property that can be booked on Instagram."
"Just before COVID-19 shutdowns, Siargao got additional cell towers to improve data connectivity, which will be a boon to tourism when it reopens to vaccinated international travelers," he continued.
To build the issue, Time asked nominations from its international network of correspondents and contributors to nominate places, resulting in a list of 100 tourist spots to visit from all over the world when it is safe to travel again. The magazine knows that the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries have been greatly affected by the pandemic. That's why it is dedicating its third annual list to "the people and businesses at the forefront of those industries who, amid extraordinary circumstances, found ways to adapt, build, and innovate. It shines a light on ingenuity, creativity, revitalization, and reopenings in destinations across the world."
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat and Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II expressed their joy upon the recognition Siargao is getting.
“Thank you Time Magazine for the recognition of the creativeness and resilience of the people of Siargao Island,” Francisco said.
"I am pleased that the country's innate beauty continues to draw attention from travelers all over the world despite the pandemic," Secretary Berna muses. "We are doubling our efforts to create a future of Philippine travel that is safe, more fun, and provides travelers with an authentic and meaningful experience throughout their journey."
Check out the full list here.