Siargao's Hidden Gem: Rucksack Inn - Your Island Paradise Awaits!
Siargao's Rucksack Inn: My Island Dream – And It Almost Went Sour! (But Still Awesome)
Okay, folks, listen up! I just got back from Siargao, that slice of heaven where the waves roar and the sunsets make you forget you have bills to pay. And I stayed at Rucksack Inn, that supposed “Hidden Gem.” Let me tell you, the hidden part is pretty accurate because finding it after a long flight and a bumpy tricycle ride felt like a victory in itself (Accessibility: Well, it's Siargao folks, so expect some dust and maybe a few potholes. But the Inn itself is pretty strategically put, close to everything).
Speaking of everything, let's dive in, shall we? This review is going to be long because, well, I have opinions. And I’m not afraid to use them!
First Impressions (and a Secret Fear):
Honestly, when I pulled up, I was a bit…underwhelmed. The website photos were all polished, dreamy perfection. Real life was, well, real. It looked less like a magazine spread and more like, "Hey, we hope you have a good time!" And that's not a bad thing, because it makes it feel real. The check-in was smooth (Services and conveniences: Contactless check-in/out! Score!), though the lobby wasn’t exactly dripping with gold (Services and conveniences: Doorman: Nope. But there's always someone around to help, even if they're busy doing the dishes). My biggest fear? Internet! As a digital nomad, Internet is my lifeline! (And Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) (Internet services: Whispers …it's decent. Let's just say I didn't get any major downloads. I got by!)
The Room: My Little Island Sanctuary (and a Few Minor Gripes):
My room! Oh, my room. (Available in all rooms: Air-conditioning, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens) It was clean (Cleanliness and safety: They actually sanitize, even the keys!. Rooms sanitized between stays!), bright enough (though the lighting wasn’t quite Insta-worthy), and had that essential Air Conditioning. Praise be! The bed? Comfy enough to sink into after a day of surfing. And the Free Wi-Fi actually worked (mostly!). Okay, the Bathroom Phone was a bit…pointless, and I barely used the desk, but hey, everything else did the job.
The Downside: The Carpetting felt a tad old. I personally miss the luxuriousness of the Bathtub in my room. There were a few minor issues, not as advertised on the website. The Mirror wasn’t positioned best in terms of getting a good view of my surfing shorts, or the lack thereof. But that’s small potatoes – all you need is a good angle! (Room decorations: Minimalist, but functional).
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Missed Opportunities):
Ah, the food. (Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant) Asian Breakfast: Yes, please! The Breakfast Buffet, in particular, was a lifesaver (Breakfast [buffet]). The coffee (Coffee/tea in restaurant) was strong! The pancakes? Chef’s kiss. The Coffee Shop was a decent place to start the day and the Poolside bar offers some great snacks which are a bonus.
I will warn you though, not everything is perfect. The Vegetarian Restaurant offerings at times can be more like limited options, and there's a lot of Western Cuisine in Restaurant that doesn’t fit the whole island vibe. The Snack Bar is OK, but it wasn't always staffed.
Relaxation and "Things to Do" - My Soul Needed This!
This is where Rucksack Inn really shined. (Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]). I’m obsessed with it. The Swimming Pool (outdoor) was a lifesaver after a day of surfing. The Pool with a view was a paradise.
The Spa (Spa, Spa/sauna) was…amazing. I'm not a spa person, but I did the Body scrub and I felt like a brand new person. They also have a Sauna and Steamroom if you are really into it. There’s a Fitness Center/ Gym/fitness, but I was too busy eating and napping to use it.
And talking about “things to do”, well, Siargao! (Accessibility: It's easy to get around, once you're there, with tricycles. The Inn made it easy to arrange trips and tours). You can surf, you can island hop, you can just be…
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Mostly):
Look, I'm a worrier. I was concerned about all the obvious stuff - that's why I was happy to see signs of real care when it came to Cleanliness and safety: Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Anti-viral cleaning products. The Daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. And the professional-grade sanitizing services for the rooms made me feel better about taking a quick shower. (Cleanliness and safety: Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit).
Accessibility and Other Bits:
(Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities).
Accessibility: Let’s be honest, Siargao isn't exactly set up for wheelchair users. But the Inn was decent, and the staff were always willing to help. The Elevator was a plus (though, some parts of the main areas have stairs and slopes). The Concierge was a godsend for arranging transport, and the Cash Withdrawal made it easy to get money. The Facilities for disabled guests were available, but I did not use it.
My Overall Verdict - Is it Worth It?
Hell yes. Absolutely. Did everything go perfectly? No, of course not. But the staff are lovely, the location is good, and the overall vibe is just right.
The Offer - Book Now and Get Your Island Paradise!
Here's my message:
Escape the Ordinary! Book Your Dream Island Getaway at Rucksack Inn in Siargao!
Here's what you get:
- Unwind in Comfort: Snug rooms with FREE Wi-Fi, Air-Conditioning, and wake-up service!
- Fuel Your Adventures: Fuel with Asian and Western breakfasts, then hit those waves, or explore the island.
- Indulge in Relaxation: Refresh the skin with the Spa: Body scrubs, Body wraps, massage and more!
- Safety First: We're taking extra precautions, with top-notch cleaning and safety protocols.
- Get Connected: Stay connected with Wi-Fi.
My final recommendation? Book it!
Unbelievable Gallipoli Getaway: Belvilla by Oyo, Il Lavello Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the wonderfully chaotic, slightly sunburnt, and utterly unforgettable experience that was my trip to Siargao, and specifically, the Rucksack Inn. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the raw, unfiltered version. Prepare for rambles, opinions, and a whole lotta "OMG, did that really happen?!"
Rucksack Inn Siargao: My Messy, Magnificent Romp
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Awkward Chicken
- Morning (Around 10 AM): Cebu Pacific, bless their (sometimes delayed) hearts, finally landed in Surigao (yes, before Siargao, you gotta get there). Landed at Sayak Airport. I was already practically vibrating with excitement, the kind that makes you forget all the cramped plane legroom. Then came the classic Filipino greeting - the heat. Holy moly, it hit me like a brick of tropical sunshine. Immediately, the taxi driver, a dude named Danny with more gold teeth than you could shake a stick at, offered me a beer. "Welcome to Siargao, Ma'am!" he boomed. Sold.
- Mid-Morning (11 AM): The journey to General Luna, location of the Rucksack Inn, was… a blur of palm trees and increasingly questionable road conditions. Danny, a master raconteur, regaled me with tales of surfing legends and the "magic" of Siargao. I was too busy staring out the window, grinning like an idiot.
- Lunch (12:30 PM): Arrived at the Rucksack Inn. The place was a vibrant explosion of color and backpackers. This place, this place was immediately "home." Immediately went to the small warung, that's Indonesian for "small restaurant." The first meal? Adobo. Oh, the adobo was perfect. Sweet, savory, utterly divine.
- Afternoon (2 PM - 4 PM): Settling in. My dorm room… well, let's just say it was cozy. But hey, who needs luxury when you've got a bed, a fan (crucial!), and the promise of adventure? Seriously, it's not the fanciest hostel, but the vibe is gold. Met a few other travelers, mostly sunburned Aussies and a girl from Germany who was convinced the island was haunted by a friendly ghost. (I never saw the ghost.)
- Evening (6 PM): Sunset at Cloud 9 Boardwalk. The first sunset. Epic. Really, ridiculously epic. The colors! The surfers! The sheer audacity of nature! Absolutely speechless. It was a quintessential "Siargao moment."
- Night (7:30 PM): Dinner at a local carinderia. Found myself ordering a whole grilled chicken, which was an ambitious choice solo. I was so hungry I practically inhaled it. Which, by the way, was followed by the extremely awkward moment of chicken-bone confrontation. Let's just say I didn't know how to do it. So yes, I didn't know, "how to chicken bone" and asked my neighbor's help. Who knew?
Day 2: Surfing Shenanigans and the "Endless" Beach
- Morning (7 AM): Attempted surfing lesson. "Attempted" is the key word here. Cloud 9 is no joke. The waves were… intimidating. I looked like a deranged seal trying to stand up. My instructor, a perpetually grinning local named Rico, was extremely patient. He’d say, "Paddling! Paddling! Up!" and I'd promptly faceplant into the ocean. Repeatedly. Then I realized I had swallowed half of the ocean.
- Mid-Morning (10 AM): Beach time. Finally, I had a moment. Headed back to the shore, took a nice stroll down the magnificent, wide beach. The sand was the color of pure gold, the water crystal clear. I was alone, I was happy, I felt free.
- Lunch (1 PM): Back to the Rucksack Inn for lunch. After trying with the ocean, I deserved a hearty meal. Ate at the warung. Chicken Adobo again. It's a problem. And the problem is that it is good.
- Afternoon (2 PM - 5 PM): More beach walk. Just walked and walked. Discovered smaller, less crowded beaches. Found a secluded spot under a palm tree and just… did nothing. Bliss.
- Evening (6 PM): Sunset again! This time, with newfound friends. We shared stories, beers, and laughter. Watching the sky turn into a tapestry of fire was even more spectacular with company.
- Night (8 PM): Dinner and live music at a beachfront bar. Dancing to the rhythm of the waves under the stars. Drank rum. Woke up at some point. Never thought I would ever ask for more.
Day 3: Island Hopping, Sea Turtles, and the Emotional Rollercoaster
- Morning (8 AM): Island hopping! Booked a tour to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island. Naked Island, true to its name, is a sand bar. Gorgeous, but be careful—the sun is brutal.
- Mid-Morning (10 AM): Daku Island. Picture perfect. Imagine a giant coconut-filled island, and you have picture-perfect Daku. The water was like liquid turquoise, the locals were incredibly friendly. Had fresh coconut and took a few swims.
- Lunch (12:30 PM): BBQ lunch on Daku Island. The food was amazing. They even grilled some fish. I wish I could've stayed longer.
- Afternoon (2 PM): Guyam Island. A tiny, private island. Just me, the sea, and a handful of other tourists. Took my first swim.
- Late Afternoon (4 PM - 5 PM): Snorkeled in a reef. OMG. The colors! The fish! Saw a sea turtle! A real, live sea turtle! I cried. Seriously. Watching it gracefully glide through the water, a creature of such ancient beauty… it was overwhelming.
- Evening (7 PM): Dinner back at the Rucksack Inn. The sea turtle encounter had me in a pretty good mood.
- Night (8 PM): Started to feel the dreaded “holiday blues” creeping in, knowing this magical place was soon to be left behind. Said goodbye to my new friends.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Siargao Glow
- Morning (7 AM): Final breakfast at the warung. Adobo, of course. Said goodbye to the staff at the Rucksack Inn. Honestly, the people there made the place. Their smiles, their warmth, their genuine care… made the place something special. Then, the taxi to Sayak.
- Mid-Morning (9 AM - 11 AM): The airport. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Filled with the bittersweet mix of longing to stay and the excitement of the next adventure.
- Afternoon (12 PM): Cebu Pacific again. Surigao, then back to the chaos of city life.
Final Thoughts:
Siargao. The Rucksack Inn. It wasn't perfect. There were mosquito bites, sunburns, and moments of utter clumsiness. But it was real. It was raw. It was utterly, gloriously unforgettable. I left a piece of my heart there, among the waves, the palm trees, and the laughter of strangers. I'm already dreaming of going back! And if you're reading this, GO. Go to Siargao. Go to the Rucksack Inn. And embrace the beautiful mess. You won't regret it.
(P.S. Pack bug spray. Seriously.)
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Rucksack Inn Siargao: Your Island Paradise...Maybe? - An FAQ That's Actually Useful (And Honest!)
Alright, so you're thinking about Rucksack Inn Siargao? Smart choice! (Or maybe not, depending on your vibe - let's dive in!). This isn't your typical pristine, perfectly-curated travel ad. This is real talk, unfiltered.
1. What's the Vibe at Rucksack Inn? Instagram vs. Reality?
Okay, the photos? Pretty. The reality? A little… more lived-in. Think "rustic chic" that sometimes leans more towards "rustic." It's definitely got that backpacker energy, which I personally THRIVE on. Think hammocks, guitars, impromptu sunset singalongs... and the occasional mosquito that thinks your arm is a Michelin-starred buffet. Seriously, bring bug spray. Trust me.
I once saw a girl, fresh off the plane and clutching her perfectly-curated Insta-worthy luggage, visibly deflate when she saw the slightly-gritty path leading to her dorm. (Bless her heart.) Remember: Siargao is an *island*. Perfection isn't the point. Good vibes are.
2. The Dorms/Rooms – Cozy Chaos or Claustrophobic Catastrophe?
Dorms? They're functional. Bunk beds, lockers (thank GOD), and the promise of shared snoring symphonies. It's all part of the experience, right? (Mostly. Sleep with earplugs. Seriously.)
The private rooms are… well, they're better. More space, less snoring lottery. I splurged on one last time and, honestly? Worth it. Especially after a week straight of surfing and questionable street food. A little privacy goes a long way. But again, manage your expectations. Don't expect the Ritz. Expect something a little bit charmingly worn.
3. Location, Location, Location! Is Rucksack Inn Actually Convenient?
Yes! It's pretty dang good. Near General Luna (the core), but far enough to be relatively quiet. You're a short scooter ride (rent one!!!) from Cloud 9, the restaurants, the surf shops, the… everything. The island, though, is a bit of a pain to get around on. Getting there is a hassle, getting around is a hassle. But getting from Rucksack is easy.
The best part? The peace and quiet. You can actually hear the waves at night. Bliss. (Except when the roosters decide to start their dawn chorus at 4 AM. But hey, it's island life!)
4. Food, Glorious Food! What's the Kitchen/Restaurant Scene Like?
Okay. Here's where things get a little… inconsistent. The kitchen is communal. Expect some epic meals and some… less epic ones. (Pro-tip: label your food. Trust me.)
The restaurant itself is basic, but the food is… decent. Sometimes great. Sometimes you'll get a plate of fries that are so perfect, they're actually divine. Other times, you'll get something that makes you question the very nature of fries and potatoes. It's a gamble. But isn't that part of the fun? Plus, the coffee? Pretty good. Essential for those early surf sessions.
But Seriously, explore the local restaurants! Go to Shaka Cafe! Eat EVERYTHING! Siargao's food scene is amazing. Don't just huddle around the Inn all day! That's what I did the first time, and really regretted it.
5. Surf, Sun, and… Socializing? What's the Vibe with the Other Guests?
Ah, the PEOPLE! This is a big draw. Rucksack Inn attracts a good mix: surfers, travelers, artists, the perpetually-lost-in-thought…you get the idea. It's very easy to make friends. I met a girl from Prague who I still talk to. We went surfing together, drank too much Tanduay, and almost drowned in the Pacific. Good times. (Mostly.)
Be prepared to share stories, swap travel tips, and maybe even learn a few new languages. Seriously, you might accidentally pick up some conversational Spanish while you're there. The staff help too! Some of the best people I've ever met are the people that work there. They are super helpful, and will truly make your trip better.
6. The Most Important Question: Is It Actually "Paradise"? (Real Talk, Please!)
Paradise is a loaded word, isn't it? Rucksack Inn is *my* kind of paradise. It's not a luxury resort (thank GOD). It's not always perfect. You will sweat. You will get sandy. You might get a little homesick. You *will* eat questionable food. But... you'll also experience some of the most breathtaking sunsets you've ever seen, you'll make friends, you'll learn to surf (maybe), and you'll come away with memories that will last a lifetime.
When I was there the last time, I spent a whole day just staring at the waves. Really just *staring*. And I realized: paradise isn't about the perfection, it's about the feeling. And Rucksack Inn... it gives you *that* feeling.
So, yeah. It’s pretty close to paradise. Just bring bug spray.
7. Any Hidden Costs or Annoying Surprises? (Beyond the Mosquitos, of Course)
Okay, let's get real. Yes, there's always *something*. The laundry service can sometimes be a little... slow. Like, "your-clothes-might-be-back-when-you're-already-home" slow. Factor in extra time. And the WiFi? Okay, it exists. Barely. Consider it a digital detox. (Which honestly, might be a good thing.)
Rent a scooter. It's essential. But don't be a hero on the dirt roads. I saw a guy take a tumble and spend his entire trip with a scraped-up knee. (Good for him, too! He did it!)
Also, be ready to… improvise. Things break. Things get delayed. It's island life! Embrace it. It’s part of the charm. Seriously. Just go with the flow. Unless that flow is carrying you out to sea, in which case, paddle likeTrip Stay Finder
