Siargao is one of the darlings of any Philippines itinerary. Although it became famous for surfing a few decades ago, it has gradually turned into one of the country’s trendiest destinations thanks to its scenery, its surfer/bohemian vibe, and the number of cool restaurants, shops, and hotels that have appeared. No wonder it’s already being called the Bali of the Philippines. However, are there good beaches in Siargao? Well, to be honest, the island doesn’t have the best beaches in the Philippines.
The vast majority of Siargao’s beaches are very shallow, so when the tide is low, swimming is practically impossible. Still, even if it’s not a purely beach destination like Bantayan, Boracay, or Malapascua, there are pretty beaches in Siargao and you’ll enjoy them a lot. Plus, there are several neighboring islands where we’ve enjoyed some of the most spectacular ones on our trips by doing island hopping.
So, if you’re planning a trip to this island, keep reading because we’re going to tell you which are the best beaches in Siargao, tips to make the most of them, and recommended places to stay nearby.
What are Siargao’s beaches like?
Most of Siargao’s beaches share a few common denominators: fine white/golden sand, loads of palm trees around (which translates into rich, much‑needed shade) and calm waters. If you look toward the horizon, you’ll see a reef that produces the waves the island is known for, but it also causes there to be little movement along the shore.
On the other hand, many of Siargao’s beaches are very shallow at the shoreline. This means that when the tide is low, you’ll have to walk a long way for the water to cover you, and it tends to be warmer. Therefore, our advice is to take a look at the tide table on sites like this one and try to time your visit for moments of high tide. That way they’ll look prettier and you’ll be able to swim comfortably.
Even so, on the bright side, Siargao’s beaches are great for lying down or sitting at the shoreline and soaking for hours while chatting. And if you’re traveling to the Philippines with children, you’ll enjoy it a lot, since the danger is reduced and you won’t have to be so worried.
Finally, and although it sounds obvious, Siargao’s beaches—and any other beach on the planet—look one way or another due to the very nature they’re part of. That is, winds, lunar cycles, and other conditions might mean you see them differently from the photos we share here.
Remember that the best time to visit Siargao runs from June to October, which is the dry season. Unlike the rest of the Philippines, the rainiest months are November, December, January, and February. If you’re thinking about surfing, you’ll find waves at any time of year, but the so‑called swell season runs from August to November.
Map of Siargao beaches and recommended nearby accommodation
Next, we’re going to talk you through each of Siargao’s beaches, but here you can locate them on the map. We’ve also added nearby accommodation for each one, so you won’t have to do more than roll out of bed and enjoy these marvels.
Best beaches in Siargao
We haven’t ordered these Siargao beaches from best to worst; instead, we’ve grouped them geographically. So first you’ll find those located to the south, where most of the accommodation and restaurant options are. This is also a good base for island hopping, which is why almost everyone who doesn’t have much time to visit Siargao (more than 3 or 4 days) chooses to stay here.
From Magupungko onward we’re talking about the island’s east, with Alegría Beach being the most comfortable for swimming. This area is perfect for spending a few relaxing days and is still very underdeveloped. So it’s better for those who have more time or who want greater tranquility and don’t mind a smaller range of services.
Bear in mind that there’s roughly 1 hour of road between the General Luna area and Magpupungko. As we tell you in How to get around Siargao, public transportation is almost nonexistent, so you’ll need to rent a motorbike, a tuk tuk, or a car. If you don’t drive, you can hire the services of a tricycle driver or join agency excursions like this one.
General Luna Beach
General Luna is one of Siargao’s main towns. This is where tourism development began and, therefore, where the majority of hotels, restaurants, and shops cool are. Technically speaking, these lie along the stretch of road between General Luna and Cloud 9. The part closest to the former developed first and has gradually expanded toward the latter and the parallel roads.
Even so, you don’t need to worry; despite the area’s growing popularity, this Siargao beach is not an overcrowded place.
With white sand and beautiful shade‑giving palm trees, our favorite part is the stretch in front of Bravo Resort that runs to the cemetery. We also really like the one closest to General Luna, right next to Patrick’s on the Beach.
As we mentioned, the problem with this and other Siargao beaches is that when the tide is low, proper swimming is almost impossible. You’ll have to walk a long way for the water to cover you, and it’s quite likely to be very warm. Therefore, be sure to check the tide table.
Even so, whatever the state, it’s a beach we really like for walking or having a drink at one of its bars while enjoying the views.
Recommended hotels in General Luna
- Isla Cabana Resort: one of the most luxurious, with 2 infinity-style pools. They have bungalows with sea views and others inland, but just as lovely. Plus, the breakfast buffets at the beachfront restaurant are excellent.
- Romantic Beach Villas: right next to the previous one and also directly on the sea, though with more modest prices. It has a pool and a really nice restaurant. With advance planning, you can get rooms for about €60.
Between the General Luna area and Cloud 9 there are also several hotels that have their own beaches and are great if you want to forget about everything. Do bear in mind that the beaches are quite rocky and swimming at low tide is difficult. Here are the best ones:
- Kalinaw Resort: this is one of Siargao’s most luxurious hotels. Its villas are gorgeous and some even have private pools with sea views. A true marvel.
- Siargao Island Villas: another spectacular beachfront hotel with a pool, with incredible first‑row villas for 4 people.
Cloud 9
If you’ve researched Siargao a bit, you already know that the wave that made the island famous is called Cloud 9. Next to it is the boardwalk, a multi‑storey wooden house built over the water that you reach via a walkway. It helps surfers get into the water more comfortably, rest, and watch their buddies in action. It’s also where judges and the press are based during the competitions in September and October.
Well, despite being a very rocky area, next to Cloud 9 you’ll also find several interesting Siargao beaches. They aren’t very big and swimming is difficult depending on the tide, but you’ll be able to take a dip and enjoy the island’s surf vibe.
Our favorite is the one to the left of the boardwalk. Here you’ll find a few bars, surf schools, and coconut trees for shade.
Recommended hotels in Cloud 9
- Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao: a little farther from the “cogollo”, it’s another of the trendy hostels. If you’re traveling solo, it’s a perfect option.
- The Broken Board: for something mid‑priced in this area, this local‑style house with double rooms is great because it also has a kitchen.
- Three Little Birds: the closest hostel to Cloud 9, with a very cool social vibe and shared kitchen. Rooms with or without air‑conditioning, depending on preference.
- Riad Masaya: a little farther from the beach, but not too much, and with excellent value for money. It has shared dorms but also very comfy private rooms. The common areas, which include a shared kitchen, are very pleasant.
Malinao Beach
If we had to choose one beach in the south of Siargao and also a place to stay and breathe peace, it would undoubtedly be Malinao.
We already loved this part of the island on our first visit and we can’t stop returning every time we go. Much less touristy than General Luna, its beach is a true haven of peace and, in our opinion, prettier than the previous ones. While the tides also have their say, swimming at Malinao Beach is more comfortable and you won’t be short of shady spots to enjoy it.
Having walked the entire stretch of beach from General Luna to here, we can triple‑confirm that our favorite part is roughly between The Village and Sandy Feet resorts. There are a few palms right on the shoreline—we have 331287483 photos of them; they’re super photogenic! So we suggest parking your wheels next to Ferra Resort and walking around to get a little lost.
Recommended hotels in Malinao
- Sandy feet Siargao: a gorgeous seaside resort in the Malinao area. Everything is cared for down to the last detail and, although it doesn’t have a pool, it’s almost always booked out. So, search well in advance!
- Ferra Resort: these bungalows with sea views are truly adorable. They were among the first to pop up in the area and we still find them incredible.
- Yayay Homestay: if you’re looking for something more moderately priced, this is your place. It’s not right on the beachfront in Siargao, but it’s just a couple of steps away. It’s a lovely spot with 1‑ and 2‑bedroom cottages equipped with kitchens—ideal for couples as well as families or groups of friends.
Doot Beach
If you walk west from Malinao, you’ll get to another of Siargao’s less‑visited beaches. Doot Beach is perfect for a stroll and for contemplating the mangroves and the luxury of the resorts in this area—Nay Palad above all, and a surprising Thai‑style mansion right beside it.
The beach is pretty, but the water usually doesn’t move much, even at high tide, so if you’re after a refreshing swim, this isn’t the best place.
To get there, you can do as we mentioned or simply drive to the end of this road and park there. You won’t have any trouble finding the spot.
Recommended hotels in Doot Beach
- Nay Palad Hideaway: if you’ve come to Siargao for a special reason, don’t hesitate and book here. It’s by far the most luxurious hotel on the island. The cabins are truly wonderful, as are the common areas, with an infinity pool and a restaurant almost on the beach.
- Soultribe Beach Retreat: a few steps from the previous one but with more moderate prices—the glamping vibe that came to the Philippines to stay rules here. It’s a good place if you’re looking for a quiet beachfront stay where they can organize activities like surfing, yoga, or island hopping. There are also communal dinners where you’ll meet other travelers.
Malinao Paradise (Secret Beach 2)
Some call it Secret Beach (although we’ll tell you about the one that’s truly Siargao’s “secret” beach further below), but in reality it’s a continuation of Doot Beach. If you look at the map, it forms a sort of tiny peninsula and at the tip you’ll find a super‑pleasant stretch of golden sand with very calm waters, since there’s an inlet here full of mangroves.
This beach is no longer a secret and it’s common to find a group of Filipinos or two, soft‑drink and snack vendors, and—most interestingly—it gives you the option of heading out in the evening for a walk to see fireflies among the mangroves for 250 pesos per person. With luck, you can also see bioluminescence. If you fancy it, you can also rent a kayak during the day and paddle through the mangroves. To get there, you have to park here and then walk along a path they’ve set up next to the resort right there—it won’t take long, barely a couple of minutes.
Santa Fe Beach
We don’t know how long Santa Fe will remain in this state of “virginity,” but since we visited it became one of our favorite Siargao beaches—perhaps top 2, behind Alegría and ahead of Malinao. We fell completely for its tranquility, the number of palms, and its golden sand. It’s true it’s not the most comfortable for swimming at low tide, but you can still take a relaxed dip.
Santa Fe is a convenient spot to learn to surf and, in fact, you’ll surely see a surfer or two in the distance. Here you’ll find some gorgeous houses directly on the sea—some of them converted into the villas we’ll mention below—and a beach club that opened at the end of 2023 that’s a blast. It’s called Ocean 9 and it has a pool, lockers if you surf, and they rent boards. Entry costs 100 pesos, but you can swim in the pool and they give you a bottle of water. Lockers cost 250 pesos.
To get there, unless they’ve already made something more comfortable, you need to take the motorbike along an unpaved road that can be a bit tricky if it’s rained. We mark the access here. Before reaching Ocean 9 there’s a sort of parking area and you can access the beach for free. It’s easy to get there from the General Luna or Cloud 9 area via the picturesque Catagnan bridge.
Be very careful because we’ve read reports of some thefts on this Siargao beach. It’s rare in the Philippines, but it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on your belongings and not leave them unattended.
Recommended hotels in Santa Fe
- Villa Juan Siargao: you’ll be mesmerized when you see this private villa with direct access to Santa Fe Beach, designed with exquisite taste.
- Villa Kamaya: as beautiful as—or even more than—the previous one, it even has a private pool.
- Haole Surf Hostel: a more modest option on the main road, with charming rooms for about €40 a night.
Salvacion / Duoy Beach
By now you’ll have realized we’re total “beach nerds” and we’re always looking for new options. We were this close to going to discover that beach you can see opposite Santa Fe that looked so good. We headed for the little town of Salvación, which has a pier where bangkas depart for different surf breaks, and we ventured down a few tracks until we found a really lovely little beach. We don’t know the exact name, but it seems that on Google it’s called Duoy Beach.
There’s hardly anything here apart from a small house and, to our surprise, a picturesque skate park tucked right into the middle of the palm grove. The beach is similar to Santa Fe’s, although a bit rockier in some stretches. It’s not ideal for swimming, but it is if what you want is to have a Siargao beach all to yourself.
To get there, we took the only road that appears on Google Maps heading to the beach and, once there, we took a couple of dirt tracks until we saw we couldn’t continue by motorbike. In just a couple of minutes on foot we were enjoying paradise.
By the way, if you come to this area, don’t miss the chance to take a dip in the Bugak Cold Spring, which is on the way.
Recommended hotel near Salvacion
- The River Hideaway: it’s true it’s not right next to the beach, but it is very close—and when you see the photos you’ll be blown away. These are villas facing a gorgeous mangrove area, with everything cared for down to the tiniest detail.
Alegria Beach
If we had to pick just one beach in Siargao, it would be Alegria Beach.
When we first got there back in 2014, we couldn’t believe it—how was it possible that there was no one when it was the best on the island? Alegria Beach is right on the northeast tip, so you need to drive almost 90 minutes to reach it. Even so, it’s worth it, as we’d say it’s the only beach that isn’t very affected by the tides and where you can enjoy a relaxed swim.
Alegría Beach is so perfect it almost seems unreal. The sand is white and soft and there’s plenty of shade-giving vegetation, especially our beloved palms, which are here in abundance. What’s more, you’ll hardly find any rock along the shoreline, so all you need to worry about is enjoying such a paradisiacal spot.
More and more travelers are heading here, and it’s still a spot frequently visited by Filipinos who come to spend the day and stay in one of the huts. So, if you can and you like calm, visit Monday through Thursday.
Remember that on the way to Alegria Beach from General Luna there are loads of cool, picturesque places. It’s advisable to set out early in the morning to enjoy this Siargao beach and all those stops you’ll want to make.
Recommended hotels in Alegria Beach
- DaRosa del Mar: the value for money here is wonderful. Set right by the sea and run by lovely owners, you have every comfort (including Starlink wifi and a generator that saves you hassle when the power is cut) and the bonus of having hammocks on the best beach in Siargao. They also have a restaurant with tasty, fairly priced food. If you want a seafront bungalow at a good price, put this place on your list. It’s the little hotel you can see in the photo below.
- 3B Resort: if DaRosa is full, this one is right next door. It’s substantially inferior, but it’s not bad either.
Tangbo Beach
A little further north of Alegría Beach, toward Santa Mónica, lies this small beach you’ll reach via a beautiful village among palm groves. Although it’s not as comfortable for swimming as the previous one, it’s picturesque and—given its location—an ideal spot to end the day, since you can enjoy a beautiful sunset almost all year. As a reference, if you’re doing a motorbike route in the north of the island, they’re a little before Tak Tak Falls.
In Tangbo, a few accommodations are gradually popping up, so it’s a great part of the island if you want to get away from it all. Here are some recommendations.
Recommended hotels in Tangbo Beach
- Kaha Island Stay: a super picturesque spot that opened in 2021 with shared dorms and private rooms, plus a shared kitchen. It has direct beach access. The only “but” is that they don’t have a generator yet, so they’re affected by the usual power cuts in Siargao.
- Masayay Homestay: not on the beach, but a homely, affordable place we’re sure you’ll like if you want something simple. The family who runs it is lovely and, for a little extra, you can join their tasty dinners. They’ve got Starlink wifi.
Magpupungko Beach
You already know that visiting the Magpupungko Rock Pools is one of the things to do in Siargao—no excuses—but there’s also a very pretty beach here for any time of day that you shouldn’t miss.
When you enter, the natural pools are on the left, while the nicer beach area is on the right, where you’ll also find several palm trees for shade.
As you’d expect, it looks better when the tide is high, but in reality it’s better at low tide, since being rocky you can bathe in the small pools that form—just like the famous ones, but all to yourself.
You’ll find several little stalls here selling food and drinks. Take the chance to have a buko—a fresh coconut—which are very well priced. To enter the beach and pools you need to pay an entrance fee of 50 pesos per person.
Burgos Beach
The entire east coast of Siargao is dotted with beautiful beaches where you should make a stop. In our case, on one of our latest excursions to the north we saw a photogenic hut surrounded by palm trees that led to a deserted beach. We couldn’t help but take a look, and that’s how we found a spectacular Siargao beach.
With fine golden sand, calm waters, and full of coconut trees, we were smitten. There was absolutely nothing and no one; the nearest town is Burgos, a tiny, zero‑touristy village. The only problem was that it was very neglected and, unfortunately, with no one to take care of it there was quite a bit of trash, probably brought in by the sea. If you can, bring a bag and lend a hand—even if it’s just 5 minutes.
If you want to get there, estimate it’s roughly at this point; we’ve named it Baybay Beach after the area where it’s located. Remember to bring food and drink because you won’t find places to buy anything, although a little farther up you have Kolekbibo, one of our favorite restaurants in the north of the island, with a to‑die‑for terrace overlooking the sea.
In any case, in the town of Burgos you also have a long golden‑sand beach, Burgos Beach. It’s true there are rocks, as you can see in the photo, but it’s pleasant when the tide is high. In Burgos you’ll also find several nice restaurants and surf schools.
Recommended hotels near Burgos Beach
- Precious Homestay: the family who runs this place is lovely and rooms go for as little as €15 a night.
- Cris & Mar Homestay: bungalows facing a pleasant garden by the main road with Starlink internet from just €19 a night. It’s very close to the little beach we mentioned at the start.
Pacifico Beach
A few years ago in Pacifico there were only a handful of sari‑sari (convenience stores), but now you can see several hotels and restaurants. Surfing drew the first tourists; however, many travelers now choose to skip General Luna and settle in this much quieter area. If you’re looking to surf in the Philippines, this is a good base.
Pacifico Beach is quite large, with white sand and, of course, zero crowds. The tide needs to be high to really enjoy it because most of the shoreline is filled with rock, which is completely exposed at low tide.
In our opinion, although Pacifico’s isn’t the best beach in Siargao, it’s an excellent base for spending a few relaxing days and exploring the east and north of the island.
Recommended hotels in Pacifico
- Bamboo Surf Beach Resort: a newly opened place that’s fantastic, with rooms and cabins overlooking the sea and a very charming restaurant. They have Starlink.
- Trogon’s Perch Resort: a superb hotel located on a hill with wonderful views of the Pacifico coast. They have a small infinity‑style pool and a swanky restaurant.
Guiwan Beach – Secret Beach?
We’re wrapping up this tour of Siargao’s beaches with the one more and more travelers know as Secret Beach. Located between Malinao and Dapa, to get there you’ll need to park on the road and walk about 5–10 minutes along a beautiful palm‑grove path. You can see the exact spot marked on the map above.
The beach—really called Guiwan Beach—is very tiny but cozy, and it’s surrounded by palm trees, which gives it an amazing vibe. If you plan to swim, don’t forget your reef shoes, since the bottom is quite rocky.
There’s a little stall here that sells snacks and will also keep an eye on your things if you’ve come to surf. This is one of the best‑known surf spots for beginners year‑round, and that’s how we discovered it—when we saw instructors getting off their motorbikes with boards and heading into the “jungle.”
Also, if you’re passing through the town of Union (which is very likely), be sure to stop at Union Beach, which is another very recommendable, family‑friendly Siargao beach.
Epic beaches on islands near Siargao
Did you like these Siargao beaches? Well, how about we tell you that the ones on the nearby islands are even prettier?
As we explain in Island hopping in Siargao, you have several alternatives for enjoying the surroundings by exploring them in a bangka, the traditional boats. All of them include gorgeous beaches. You can find more information about schedules and prices in that guide.
Three Islands island hopping + Mam’om
Leaving from General Luna, in just 15 minutes by boat you’ll be at fabulous beaches—and for very little money. The Tri‑island, or Three Islands island hopping, will take you to discover the beaches of Daku, Naked, and Guyam. In our opinion, the prettiest is the first one, which is huge and perfect for a dip at any time of day. Even so, they’re all paradisiacal and aren’t as affected by the tides as Siargao’s beaches.
If you have time, we suggest including the island of Mam’om, which isn’t so well known yet and will probably be your favorite. Along with Daku, it has the best white‑sand beach for swimming and it still doesn’t get as many people.
You can visit these islands on your own by arranging the trip at the port or by joining a tour. You can book here:
Three Islands island hopping in Siargao
Island hopping Daku, Naked and Guyam Siargao
Kawhagan Island + Pamomoan Beach
From Del Carmen, small boats depart to explore its lush mangroves, Sugba Lagoon, and the perfect complement: Kawhagan Island. This island boasts a very long sandbar that reminds us of Kalanggaman. With white sand and crystal‑clear waters, you can swim here in peace or, if you want more action, play volleyball on the existing net.
This is where lunch is usually served if you’ve come on a tour. If not, there’s also a small restaurant, or you can eat what you’ve brought under the shade of the coconut trees.
An optional stop on this island hopping is the lovely beach of Pamomoan. In our opinion, if you’re seeking beach paradises, we recommend including it. It’s on an island called Kangbangyo, right opposite Kawhagan, and there you’ll find a small bar and photogenic palms.
Island hopping Sugba Lagoon + Kawhagan + Pamomoan
Corregidor Island
To finish this tour of the beaches of Siargao, we couldn’t leave out one of our favorites: Corregidor Island. Although this island is known for its green, palm‑covered hills, which you can hike across, it also has a lovely beach where you can take a dip and go snorkeling.
The beach has white sand and enough depth to swim even when the tide is low. Plus, you won’t lack shade if you want to spend a long beach day. Not long ago a small resort with a restaurant called Mpire opened. Rooms are planned to open, but for now it’s only a day‑use spot.
You can get to Corregidor on your own from General Luna or Dapa (the latter is cheaper).
We hope you liked this guide to Siargao’s beaches. Remember this is just one part of our huge Siargao Guide, where we tell you what to do, how to get around, and many more tips to enjoy it. Check out Where to stay in Siargao and Best resorts in Siargao to find more accommodation options.
If you have any questions or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.
