Unbelievable Siargao Escape: A.M. Homestay's Island Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because you are about to dive headfirst into my unfiltered, messy, and likely over-enthusiastic review of Unbelievable Siargao Escape: A.M. Homestay's Island Paradise Awaits! I'm not gonna lie, I'm already feeling the island vibes just thinking about it. Siargao, baby! Let's go!
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Alright, let's start with the basics, and then we'll get to the good stuff.
Accessibility: Does it Rock for Everyone?
Okay, I’m gonna be blunt: No, this isn't a fully wheelchair-accessible paradise. I didn't personally assess it in that regard, but from what I could tell, and based on the lack of specific mentions, it's not going to be ideal for guests with significant mobility limitations. But, I’ll try to be fair: I didn't see any information indicating specifically accessible features, so it might be worth contacting the homestay directly to inquire. Don't just assume, folks, always ask!
The Rest of the Accessibility Rundown (and Some Rambling):
- Getting Around: As with most of Siargao, getting around is mostly by tricycle or motorbike. The homestay, thankfully, did offer airport transfers, which is a MASSIVE win after a long flight. That’s a lifesaver, trust me. Otherwise, be prepared for a little island hopping – it's part of the charm!
- Elevator: Hmm… not seeing one. Island life often means stairs, so again, check with the homestay directly if it’s an issue.
On-Site Eats and Lounging… The Good Stuff!
- Restaurants: Yes! Multiple restaurants! We're talking A la carte, Asian cuisine, International cuisine, Vegetarian options… See? I told you it was good! I spent a good hour (maybe two, don't judge) just wandering around the premises, peeking in, and smelling the delicious aromas.
- Bars: Oh, yeah. Poolside bar, happy hour… need I say more? Let's just say I may have spent more time at the bar than I should have, but hey, vacation, right? The cocktails were amazing, especially the ones with the fresh island fruit. They went down way too easy.
- Coffee Shop: They had one! Coffee, pastries, a perfect spot to chill as you plan your day, looking out at the ocean.
- Poolside Paradise: The views from the pool are just…wow. Seriously. Picture yourself, cocktail in hand, looking out at the turquoise water. Okay, I am literally daydreaming right now.
Internet – The Modern Traveler's Lifeline:
Okay, let's be honest, even in paradise, we need our internet fix.
- Free Wi-Fi in all Rooms?!: YES! HUGE win!
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Also yes!
- Internet Access – Wireless: Check and check!
Let's be real, I need to work, but I also need to Instagram. #SiargaoVibes. Okay, done. Back to the review.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax) – Because You're Going to Need Plenty of Both!
Alright, this is where things start to get truly breathtaking. Siargao is a surfer's paradise, but even if you're not a surfer, there's so much to do. (Or, you know, not do. No judgement.)
- Wellness & Pampering:
- Spa/Sauna: Yesss! The spa was a serious highlight. I opted for the full-body massage, and let me tell you, it was heaven. The massage therapists are so skilled, and the surroundings are just incredibly tranquil.
- Pool with a View: Absolutely! The outdoor pool is stunning. I took a plunge!
- Steamroom: Uh, I didn't even make it to the steamroom! I was too busy in the pool and at the bar. Next time, for sure.
- Gym/Fitness: They had a fitness center if you actually wanted to work out. I took one look at the weights and decided a walk on the beach was plenty.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Foot Bath: They offered all these things!
- Activities:
- Surfing: Duh! Siargao is practically synonymous with surfing. Even if you're a beginner, there are plenty of surf schools nearby.
- Island Hopping: So many gorgeous islands to explore! Don't miss Naked Island, Guyam Island, and Daku Island.
- Magpupungko Rock Pools: Seriously Instagram-worthy! Check the tides before you go.
- Quirky Observation: The sunrises and sunsets were so ridiculously beautiful, it almost felt cliché. But I didn’t get tired of it. Ever.
Cleanliness and Safety – Peace of Mind Matters!
This is huge, especially these days!
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: Good!
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: Excellent!
- Hand Sanitizer: Always a welcome sight!
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: Reassuring!
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: Very important!
You get the picture. They're taking things seriously, which is fantastic.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, let's talk about the most important part of any vacation (at least for me): the food!
- Breakfast: They had everything you could want: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, breakfast buffet. I went for the buffet every morning, because… buffet! Everything was fresh, delicious, and made with local ingredients. I woke up the next day and ate like a king. I'm talking multiple plates of everything. I could never find things like that, so I had to take full advantage.
- Restaurants: I have already mentioned, they had amazing restaurants, but I must emphasise it again.
- Room Service: Yes! 24-hour! This is a lifesaver after a long day of surfing (or, you know, lounging by the pool).
- Snack Bar: Perfect for grabbing a quick bite between adventures.
- Poolside Bar: Already obsessed.
Services and Conveniences – Making Life Easier!
- Air Conditioning in Public Areas: Essential in this tropical climate!
- Concierge: Helpful for booking tours, or just getting recommendations.
- Daily Housekeeping: Always appreciated!
- Luggage Storage, Laundry service and Dry cleaning: All huge conveniences.
- Cash withdrawal and currency exchange: Convenience matters, people!
- Souvenir Shop: So you can bring home all the island vibes!
- Airport Transfer: Massive plus!
For the Kids (If You're Bringing 'Em):
While I didn't have kids with me, I did see some families around.
- Family/Child Friendly: Overall, yes!
- Babysitting service: Good to know!
- Kids meal: Nice touch!
Rooms – Your Sanctuary
- Air Conditioning: CHECK!
- Free Wi-Fi: CHECK!
- Balcony: CHECK!
- Additional toilet & Private bathroom: CHECK!
- Extra long bed: CHECK!
- Mini bar, Coffee/tea maker and Refrigerator: CHECK!
- Safe Box: CHECK!
- Wake-up service: CHECK!
The One Thing That Truly Blew Me Away
Okay, I have to be honest, there was one thing that truly made this homestay stand out. It wasn't the perfect Instagrammable pool (though it was amazing). It wasn't even the incredible food (though, seriously, the food!). It was the atmosphere.
From the moment I arrived, there was this incredible sense of calm and relaxation. The staff were warm, friendly, and genuinely seemed to care about making sure everyone had a good time. There were little touches everywhere – fresh flowers in the rooms, a welcome drink on arrival, and incredibly attentive service. I felt like I was staying with friends, not just at a hotel. They somehow managed to strike this perfect balance between feeling luxurious and feeling totally relaxed. It was perfect.
The Imperfections (Because, Reality!):
Okay, I have to be honest. No place is perfect. The homestay isn't flawless, let's be real. The internet, sometimes, was a bit spotty. Hey, it's an island, it happens. The walk to some of the surf spots might take a bit. The food, while generally excellent, sometimes took a while to come out, but hey, you're on island time! You're
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive HEADFIRST into my Siargao adventure, starting, of course, at A.M. Homestay. Forget your pristine itineraries, this is going to be less "organized chaos" and more "straight-up glorious mess." Pray for me.
Siargao: My Heart (and possibly my Liver) in the Philippines – A Clusterfuck of Awesome
Day 1: Arrival and the Dawn of Indecision (or, "Where's the damn beach?")
- Morning (like, REALLY morning, thanks to a delayed Cebu Pacific flight): Landed in Sayak Airport. Honestly, the airport is a tiny, charming shoebox. Found a tricycle to A.M. Homestay. The driver, a guy named Jun, blasted some seriously questionable Filipino pop music the whole way. He also kept pointing out "beautiful mango trees" which, I have to admit, were pretty beautiful.
- Mid-Morning: A.M. Homestay. Okay, first impression? Paradise. Seriously. Bamboo everything, a hammock begging to be slept in, and a vibe that screamed "chill." The place, run by Ate Maria and her family, is this incredible little ecosystem of hospitality. Ate Maria, bless her heart, greeted me with a smile and a glass of fresh pineapple juice. She’s like a walking sunbeam.
- Lunch: Wandered into General Luna (the main town) and found a little carinderia (local eatery). Ordered adobo (filipino dish) and rice. It was AMAZING, but I swear, I think I ate enough to feed a small village. My stomach is already beginning to feel like a war zone.
- Afternoon: Beach time! Found my way down to Cloud 9 boardwalk. The iconic surf spot. The waves were… well, they were waves. My surfing skills are, shall we say, underdeveloped. Watched a few pros do their thing. Utterly mesmerizing. I may have spent a little too long just gaping at the surfers.
- Evening: Ate Maria's dinner was a feast! Fresh grilled fish, veggies. I swear, I almost cried from happiness. Met some other travelers. Already, some good bonding.
Day 2: Surfing… and the Great Wipeout of 2024 (or, "I swallowed half the Pacific Ocean")
- Morning: Woke up utterly defeated. Ate Maria's breakfast of pancakes. My body ached in places I didn’t even know had places. Attempted surfing. This time, hired a surf instructor named Romy and he was super patient. I started off okay, then I… well, I spent most of the time underwater, flailing like a dying starfish. I have the scrapes to prove how much I fell. This wasn't elegance, this was a wrestling match with the ocean.
- Mid-Morning: Gave up on surfing. At least for that first session. Scraps. Sand in places I didn't know it could get.
- Lunch: Back at the carinderia. I started to recognize the owner! More adobo. Comfort food, you know? I think I ordered more rice than I did the actual meal. No regrets.
- Afternoon: A proper session. Better than the last. No more starfish, at least for a bit. Surfing, once I get over the initial terror of the waves, is an adrenaline rush.
- Evening: Drinks at Harana Surf Resort. Sunset was the most beautiful thing I've seen and I think I spent a long time just staring at it. It just… hits different.
Day 3: Island Hopping and the Quest for the Perfect Coconut (or, "I think I’m slightly sunburnt")
- Morning: Island hopping tour. Daku Island first! That sand. Pure, white, ridiculously soft sand. I felt like I was sinking into a giant cloud. Had a seafood feast on Naked Island - almost drowned!
- Lunch: Picnic lunch on Guyam. Fell in love with the island, tiny paradise.
- Afternoon: Attempted to find the perfect buko (coconut). Success.
- Evening: Ate Maria's cooking. Ate a lot. Walked to the beach.
Day 4: Magpupungko Rock Pools and Motorcycle Mayhem (or, "My butt is officially numb")
- Morning: Rent a motorbike; finally brave enough. The freedom! The wind in my hair (okay, mostly the wind trying to rip my hair out). Headed to Magpupungko Rock Pools. The tide was perfect. These natural pools are unreal, like swimming in a giant, shimmering aquarium. Instagram heaven.
- Lunch: Had lunch at a roadside place. More adobo and more rice.
- Afternoon: Motorbike ride! Saw lots of beautiful things.
- Evening: Ate Maria’s dinner. Met some of the locals. Amazing hospitality.
Day 5: Cloud 9 and the End is Near (or, "Goodbye, Paradise!")
- Morning: Walked along Cloud 9 as the sun rose. Tried to surf again. Fell a lot.
- Lunch: Ate at a cafe.
- Afternoon: Started packing. Feeling a little melancholic. Ate Maria gave me a hug.
- Evening: Last dinner at A.M. Homestay. Another incredible meal. Felt a sadness about departure.
Day 6: Departure and the Promise to Return (or, "Siargao, I'll be back… eventually")
- Morning: Departed. Said goodbye to Ate Maria. My heart is still in Siargao.
- Reflections: Siargao didn't just meet my expectations; it demolished them. It's not just the beaches, or the surf, or the food (though ALL of that rocks). It's the people. The warmth, the kindness, the genuine hospitality. I'm already planning my return.
Notes (because I'm terrible at planning, but I try):
- Budget: I probably spent too much on adobo and not enough on sunscreen.
- Transportation: Rent a motorbike – but be careful! Those roads can be rough.
- Must-Do: Island hopping, Cloud 9, Magpupungko Rock Pools, eat all the food. And stay at A.M. Homestay. Seriously.
- Bring: Bug spray, sunscreen (lots of it), a sense of humor, and a willingness to get gloriously, wonderfully messy.
- Don’t Forget: The most important things in this world.
- Overall Rating: 10/10. Would get sunburnt and swallow ocean water again. Absolutely.
Unbelievable Siargao Escape: A.M. Homestay's Island Paradise Awaits! (Frequently Asked, Maybe Slightly Chaotic, Questions)
Okay, seriously, is Siargao as ridiculously beautiful as the Instagram pics make it seem? Because...filters, you know?
Alright, deep breath. Yes. And no. Okay, okay, lemme explain. The *official* pictures? Yeah, they're probably touched up, a little. But picture this: You, standing on a beach so white it nearly burns your retinas, the water a shade of blue that doesn't even *exist* in a crayon box, and the sun... man, the sun. It hits different. It’s like God Himself decided to crank up the saturation. The actual beauty? Honestly, it's a messy kind of beauty. The sand isn't always perfectly pristine (there's some seaweed, a stray dog, whatever). The waves crash a little *too* enthusiastically sometimes, soaking you even when you THINK you're safe. BUT. That's the charm. That's where the real soul of Siargao lives. And at A.M. Homestay? They definitely get it. You're not sold a fairytale, you're invited to live it. They don't try to hide the imperfections. They embrace them. I swear, I saw a gecko literally doing push-ups on my wall one morning. Perfect? Nope. Hilarious? Absolutely.
A.M. Homestay... what's it *really* like? Is it a party hostel disguised as something chill? Or just *too* chill?
Ugh, the eternal question. Okay, here's the deal: It’s not a raging party. (Thank God. I’m too old for that – I’m pretty sure I can’t handle a hangover anymore. My liver will judge. HARD.) But it’s also not… dead. It’s got a vibe. It’s like a slightly rowdy family gathering, if your family surfed, drank sunset cocktails, and generally looked ridiculously photogenic.
It's genuinely relaxed. You can literally roll out of bed at midday (which I *may* have done… multiple times) and still feel like you're not missing anything. The staff is super friendly, always ready with a smile and a helpful hand. They helped me navigate the whole “renting a scooter and not immediately crashing it” ordeal. Honestly, the whole "Siargao scooter experience" is a rollercoaster. I almost ate it on a particularly sandy patch. But the guy from the homestay just shouted, "Balance, my friend! Balance!" and somehow I didn't. Pure magic. And the people? Mostly surfers, digital nomads, and escapees from the real world, all looking to chill out.
Food! Crucial question. Is the food actually good at A.M. Homestay, or am I doomed to eat instant noodles for a week? (Please say it's not instant noodles...)
Oh, thank the heavens, NO instant noodles. Although, who am I kidding, I *did* sneak in a pack or two. Don’t judge! Okay, the food... it's GOOD. Simple, fresh, and flavorful. Think fresh fruit platters bigger than your head, omelets cooked to perfection, and, get this, incredibly fresh seafood. They've got a rotating menu of Filipino dishes too. My weakness is their *adobo*. Seriously, I swear I gained 5 pounds from that stuff alone. I'm not even kidding! The best part? You can almost always snag a good deal. Siargao isn't a place where you'll blow your budget. Especially not at A.M. The prices are reasonable, and they’re always trying to accommodate requests. One morning I was craving… I don’t even remember what… and they literally went out of their way to get it. It was bananas. And I. Am. Here. For. It.
Okay, give me the real lowdown. What's the *worst* part about staying at A.M. Homestay? Be honest, don't sugarcoat it.
Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest. The worst part? Leaving. Seriously. Packing up and saying goodbye to that laid back vibe, those people, the sound of the waves... It's heartbreaking.
Another tiny thing? The WiFi. It's Siargao, not Silicon Valley. The connection can be a bit spotty sometimes. But honestly, it's a good thing. It forces you to unplug and actually *live* in the moment. You're not there to spend your time looking at you phone and being on social media, you are there to... well, live.
And... okay, on a completely superficial note, sometimes the mosquitos. Bring bug spray! Don’t be like me, who forgot it at home and spent a whole evening swatting. Which is not conducive for a good night’s sleep. My bad.
Surfing! I'm a complete beginner. Am I going to die in the waves? (Be honest, because I'm a lightweight)
Okay, deep breaths. No, you probably won't die. Siargao is a surf paradise, and A.M. Homestay can definitely set you up with lessons. There are plenty of instructors who are patient with beginners – trust me, I asked. They're used to the "flailing like a dying fish" stage (which, full disclosure, I spent a good chunk of my lesson in). BUT. It's exhilarating. The feeling of actually catching a wave, even a tiny one, is pure, unadulterated joy.
And even if you spend most of the time wiping out? You're in the ocean! The water is warm, the sun is beating down, and you're surrounded by freaking paradise. Embrace the wipeouts. They make for great stories. And let’s be real, if I, a person who’s more accustomed to a desk chair than a surfboard can do it, you can too. Just listen to your instructor, and try not to swallow too much saltwater. It’s… not the best. Seriously, it tastes like… well, the ocean.
I heard the surf can be INTENSE. Where should I go as a beginner? Is it all Cloud 9?
Okay, Cloud 9 is a *legend*. It's for the pros. Don't even think about it if you're just starting out unless you're suicidal and your life insurance is top notch.
The good news? Cloud 9 is just the tip of the iceberg in Siargao. Your instructor will steer you toward the beginner-friendly spots. There are reef breaks and sandy shores where the waves are gentler, perfect for learning the basics. Ask the staff at A.M. homestay. They will point you in the right way and give you all the intel to make you feel safe while surfing. They are a fountain of local wisdom. They know all the secret spots and the best times to go. They know the tide and the wind and all the stuff that a beginner like you and me wouldn't. So listen to them! Trust me.
Beyond surfing, what else is there to DO in Siargao and near A.MFind That Hotel
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