More than two months after Typhoon Odette pummelled Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, the world-class surfing destination in the Philippines and one of the 2021 Times’ World Greatest Places is reopening to tourists, starting in Del Carmen town.

Lani Lipio of the municipal tourism operations office of Del Carmen told reporters Thursday that the Sugba Lagoon, one of the popular destinations in Siargao, will be open to tourists starting February 25.

“We are open but we are also reminding tourists that not all amenities will be available such as cottages and other services. In Sugba Lagoon, we just set up a tent where tourists can temporarily shelter but we assure that the iconic diving board will be available for the visitors,” Lipio said.

Of more than 120 tourist boats registered at the tourism office of Del Carmen last year, only 50 boats are operational as more than half were damaged during the typhoon.

The 50 boats will be available on opening day and will cater to tourists going to Sugba Lagoon, Kawhagan Island, and the Sandbar, all in Del Carmen.

The rate of the boat trip to Sugba Lagoon-Kawhagan Island- Sandbar destination is PHP2,000, while the rate to Sugba Lagoon alone is PHP1,600.

“These rates are only for now as there will be an increase probably next month or a few months from now. Last year, we already proposed an increase effective January 2022, however because of the typhoon, we were not able to implement it,” Lipio said.

On Tuesday, Philippine Airlines resumed its regular commercial flights from Manila to Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.

Regular commercial flights were stopped after “Odette” devastated the island in December last year.

Sayak Airport is situated in Del Carmen, one of the ravaged towns on the island.

In an earlier interview with reporters here, Mayor Proserfina Matugas-Coro of Del Carmen also confirmed the opening of tourism activities in the town.

“Some have already started opening up. Some are still closed as their establishments were damaged. Our tourism is already open, gradually,” Coro said. (PNA)