Siruma is a municipality in Camarines Sur that calls for travelers who love a good mix of adventure and solitude. Located east of Siruma is a remote barangay, where you have to go off-road and find yourself on a beach tucked away from the rest of the world. No signal, no loud videoke sessions, no luxury accommodations. It’s just you, the sugary, cream-colored sands, friendly locals and their dogs, and the quiet Pacific Ocean welcoming your stay.
The journey to Daldagon
When my husband, Ramir, and I bought our first adventure bike, we knew there was no way we wouldn’t head off to this town. It’s the perfect time to finally tick Siruma off our travel list!
Our plan was to do a reverse loop—starting off from Pili, then to the towns of Ocampo, Tigaon, and Goa – with the beautiful Mount Isarog as our constant view. We cruised along the town of Tinambac before arriving in Siruma, where we began a seven-kilometer 0ff-ride to Barangay San Ramon, also known as Daldagon.
We rode under the midday sun. The heat was intense, and without protective gear, it could have been unbearable. There were no roadside shelters or houses to rest at, and it was a good thing we brought water and took quick breaks under the few shady trees along the way. The terrain is a mix of meadowland and barren patches, making it an actual test of endurance and skill for my husband, who loves this kind of thrill.
I was only a backrider, or a pillion rider, but for someone not used to adventure rides, the word “challenging” was an understatement. I was sweating under my riding jacket, and my heart skipped a beat whenever I saw a huge bump or suspicious mud on our path. I was silently bracing myself for the worst. Thank God, we never tumbled, but being an overthinker and a worrywart, it was an internal battle for me.
Sure, we had done our research, we knew what we signed up for, but experiencing the route firsthand was an entirely different challenge. At times, we felt completely lost, and Google Maps was of no use.
But you know those moments when you feel helpless, and then a miracle from the universe appears? It happened to us when two local riders passed us by. They were heaven-sent angels. As if sensing we were lost, they reassured us that we were on the right path. We followed them through the hilly terrain and barren fields until eventually, small houses and locals came into view. We knew we were close.
Upon reaching Barangay San Ramon, our guides bid farewell, pointing us in the direction of our destination: Camp Sirums. Just when we thought the adventure was over, we realized there was more rugged terrain to tackle before reaching the campsite. A passing pickup truck helped transport our baggage, and by 4 PM, we finally arrived at our much-anticipated retreat.
A night at Camp Sirums
Our destination was Camp Sirums, a campsite a little farther than the more popular resort, Kiudkad – The Last Resort, which was beyond our budget.
Camp Sirums was just the right place for us. Going around it, we found a beach that was all ours on a Tuesday. It’s a tiny cove with still waters and a rocky shore. Its main accommodation, the Red Cabin, is nestled a few meters beside a rocky formation. A couple of smaller white cabins line up part of the beach, shaded by coconut trees. There is a spacious camping area for those who want to pitch a tent.
For Php 1,500, we booked a tiny cabin equipped with a mattress, mosquito net, and a stand fan. The common bathroom was clean and had enough cubicles, so long queues wouldn’t be an issue (plus, we were the only guests at the time). The place felt safe, tucked in a gated compound, with a few staff on standby and their friendly dogs roaming around.
Since it’s remotely located, there’s no cell phone signal, but thanks to their Piso WiFi, I was able to send emails and even have a meeting with the beach as my backdrop. It’s a work setup I wouldn’t mind having every day!
When evening came, we enjoyed a dinner of adobo sa puti that my father-in-law had cooked for us before we left Pili. It was a quiet night with only the two of us.
Heading back
The next morning, we enjoyed a simple breakfast of wheat bread, cup noodles, and omelet that we made using our cookset and packed ingredients while enjoying the serene beach view.
At that moment, we found ourselves aspiring for a place like this someday: a secluded beach spot, a quiet morning, and just us, soaking in nature until we’re old and gray. Trips like this remind us why we work hard: to afford such an experience and make it part of our long-term plan. But until then, while we’re young, we’ll continue working for our dreams and find time to go to places and enjoy quick rides like this.
If we had more time, we’d rent a paddleboard and go on a longer dip. We’d go to the famous Daldagon Peak, for sure—a rolling hill set in a lush, green landscape with a panoramic view of the Pacific. Maybe, if we have a bigger budget, we’d finally book a cabin at Kiudkad. Or perhaps, the next time around, we’ll pitch a tent.
By mid-morning, we packed up and said our goodbyes to the caretakers and dogs at Camp Sirums. It was short, sweet, and a completely recharging experience as we went off-road once again.
Anticipating the journey back, I decided to walk part of the way to avoid the chance of tumbling from our motorbike. Sure enough, midway through our ride to the town proper, our bike got stuck, requiring all our might to free it from the mud. There were no heaven-sent strangers this time, just a nearby unbothered cow chewing some grass and looking at us, as if we were two lost idiots. It was a funny scenario, and we kept laughing for the rest of the ride. That’s what rides do: they let you laugh off mishaps and misadventures and learn from them.
After almost an hour, we finally saw a cemented pavement. It was a different kind of joy – signal that we made it, and the rest of the ride will be easy. It was exhausting, alright, but it was a fitting end to a memorable trip.
For thrill-seekers looking for a unique off-road experience, this side of Siruma is well worth the ride. The challenge, the scenery, and the destination itself make it an adventure to remember.
We rode through Tinambac again, then continued the loop to Calabanga town. With Mount Isarog, once again at a distant view, we stopped several times to catch a glimpse of San Miguel Bay to our left. Finally, we arrived in Naga City, closing the loop with tired bodies and happy hearts.
