Save the best for last: Siargao 💜💜💜

I had never heard of Siargao Island in the eastern Philippines. But all the travelers I met in Asia were totally excited about this island and highly recommended it: you have to go there, it's a really cool surfer's island! And since I had no plan for the Philippines, I had already left my Asia travel guide in some hostel, and I was really in the mood for surfing, I didn't think twice and booked a flight.

And thank you thank you thank you dear travelers: Siargao was AMAZING, a dream, my little paradise!! Millions of palm trees, beautiful beaches, clear water in different shades of blue, lagoons, heavenly islands, friendly people, good food, parties, and above all, cool surfer vibes. Here you can find the famous wave 'Cloud 9', which is one of the top 10 waves in the world and naturally attracts a lot of surfers. From the pier, I could watch the pros riding the waves for hours, even the best riders got washed up by the waves and some boards got broken. But of course, I didn't just watch, I also bravely and quite successfully plunged into the waves with my surf instructor Makmak, at the surf spot Quicksilver, right next to the famous Cloud 9, even during a thunderstorm. Of course, I got washed up a few times and had close contact with the reef, resulting in some small scratches and bruises. But it was so much fun!

But the island is not all about surfing. With a scooter, you can and should explore the entire island with its palm trees, beaches, caves, pools, and small villages.

My hostel Lampara was just amazing, right on the beach, near Cloud 9, right next to the best pizzeria on the island, and with the best staff ever. They organized trips to islands, family dinners, scooter trips, surf lessons, and much more.

Siargao is definitely my favorite place in the Philippines and probably in all of Southeast Asia, simply the perfect little paradise!!!