Siargao Guide
Siargao is, for many reasons, one of the Philippines’ hottest islands right now. A mecca for surfers, thanks to the famous Cloud 9 wave, this tropical corner has much more to offer those who haven’t tried surfing yet. Its endless palm groves, lagoons and rock pools, nearby island-hopping, lively nightlife, and the freedom to road-trip at your own pace have made it a favorite among travelers in recent years and a home for many expats who have chosen to settle here. In this Siargao guide, you’ll find everything you need to get the most out of it.
It’s been a few years since we first visited Siargao. We fell so hard for its charms that we even considered living there! And, although it is true that the island has changed a lot (perhaps too much and too fast), it’s still one of our favorite destinations in the Philippines for many reasons.
Siargao isn’t just about surfing—there’s loads to do. Its coastal loop road is one of the most scenic drives we’ve done, with landscapes filled with thousands of palm trees. And although many of its beaches are barely swimmable at low tide and its island hopping tours are becoming increasingly popular, you’ve still got plenty of options to get off the beaten path and chase that beach paradise you’re imagining. It’s hard to leave without thinking, “I could stay here for a while.” To help make that happen, we’ve put together the most complete Siargao guide you’ll find online. Discover the most comfortable ways to get there, the best places to stay, how to get around the island, the best restaurants to try, and, of course, everything to do in Siargao on your independent trip through the Philippines.
THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
We hinted at this above, but there’s loads to do in Siargao. The whole “if you don’t surf, don’t go” idea is nonsense. Look at everything you can do in Siargao:
- Surf: of course. Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced surfer, or keen to learn, Siargao is the place to surf in the Philippines. In addition to the famous Cloud 9 wave, there are plenty of spots for all types of surfers. If you want to give it a go, there are countless instructors offering lessons for around 600 pesos an hour, including board rental.
- Road-tripping around Siargao: what you’ll probably love most about the island is driving around its coastal road. Endless seas of palm trees, mangroves, rivers, beaches, natural pools (Magpupungko Rock Pools), some waterfalls, and, above all, a lot of tranquility await you.
- Island hopping: very different from what you’ll find in Coron or El Nido, but just as fun. We tell you more about these tours below.
- Beaches: let’s be honest, Siargao doesn’t exactly have the best beaches in the Philippines, but some of them aren’t bad at all, especially those visited with island hopping. On the main island, most of them are shallow, so when the tide is out, it’s hard to swim. Even so, thanks to their tranquility, you’ll really enjoy Alegria Beach and the ones near Pacifico (some are unnamed). We really like the ones in the Malinao area, near the Sandy Feet hotel. The palm trees right by the shore are seriously photogenic.
- Nightlife: while most towns and cities in the Philippines wind down around 9 or 10 at night, in Siargao that doesn’t happen! That’s why we had to include the party scene in this Siargao guide. Almost every day, you’ll find somewhere to grab a drink and hit the dance floor, so put this island on your Philippines itinerary if you’re into a bit of a party vibe.
In this Siargao guide, we recommend that you dedicate at least 4 full days (excluding transfers) to discovering the island. If you can make it 5, even better. Honestly, if you only give it 2 or 3 days, you’ll regret it.
ISLAND HOPPING IN SIARGAO
You can explore the nearby islands of Daku, Naked, and Guyam, as well as the mangroves of Del Carmen, the famous Sugba Lagoon, and the spectacular sandbar of Kawhagan Island. If you’re up for more adventure, check out Corregidor, Mam’om, or Sohoton, and plenty of other hidden gems.
For details on how to do these trips, how much they cost, and much more, read:
WHERE TO EAT IN SIARGAO
Siargao is a paradise for foodies. There are plenty of places to satisfy your cravings and, although many of them lean towards the pricey side, there are options for all budgets. From the famous pizzas and risottos at Kermit to the smoothie bowls at Shaka, plus local carinderias with dishes for 50 pesos, the list goes on! You’ll find all our food recommendations here:
HOW TO GET AROUND SIARGAO
While public transport (buses and jeepneys) isn’t exactly frequent or reliable, there are still several ways to get around Siargao. If you’re confident on two wheels and have the right license, our advice is to rent a motorbike, as it is the best way to discover the island. Otherwise, you can also rent a car or hire a tricycle driver or a habal-habal driver. One quirky thing about Siargao is that there’s a company that rents out very cool tuk-tuks. Although it is more expensive than renting a motorbike, it is a good option if there are several of you or you are traveling as a family.
How to get from Siargao airport to your hotel? From Siargao airport, shared vans run to most places in General Luna, Cloud 9, and Malinao. They’re a bit pricey at around 200 pesos per person. If you want to save money and aren’t carrying too much luggage, you can rent a motorbike outside the airport. Depending on the rental length, you can find one for 250-400 pesos a day.
We tell you all this and more in:
HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO
With tourism booming, it is now easier to get to Siargao than ever. Basically, you can:
- Get to Siargao by plane: there are several daily direct flights from Cebu and Manila.
- Get to Siargao by ferry: several boats leave from Surigao between roughly 4:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. To get to Surigao, you can take one of the three ferries that leave Cebu on most days; you can sleep on board, as they have beds. If you come from Camiguin, you can also connect via other routes, as we tell you in How to get to Siargao from Camiguin.
This is just a quick intro—in the guide below, you’ll find everything explained in detail:
WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
Although hotels and resorts are being built at breakneck speed, it’s still hard to find a place to stay in Siargao without spending a fortune or ending up somewhere fairly basic. With its growing popularity, prices have skyrocketed, and in this Siargao guide, we strongly recommend booking your accommodation in advance, especially at Christmas, Easter, and July, August, and September (the dry season on the island, when surfing championships are held).
Most hotels are concentrated between the town of General Luna and the Cloud 9 area. If you want more tranquility but easy access to restaurants and bars, more options are emerging in Malinao. For total peace and good surf, Pacifico is your best bet. Find everything you need here:
If you want to take your stay up a notch, don’t hesitate to take a look at our exclusive guide to the best resorts in Siargao. Infinity pools, dream rooms, and service that truly feels worth it:
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a different experience, at lower prices and with the chance to meet other travelers and share activities and common spaces, this guide will probably be more your style:
TIPS FOR VISITING SIARGAO
Here are a few extra tips for visiting Siargao:
- ATMS IN SIARGAO: There are ATMs in General Luna and Dapa. Heads up: sometimes a machine is down or out of cash, so try to carry some cash with you. Read our articles Best debit cards for traveling to the Philippines and Money in the Philippines so you don’t get stung by fees.
- WHEN TO TRAVEL TO SIARGAO: Siargao’s climate is different from the rest of the Philippines. The best time to visit Siargao is usually from June to November.
- SAFETY IN SIARGAO: With the exception of some petty theft, Siargao is safe, but most accidents on the island are traffic-related and can be very serious. Please don’t travel to Siargao without travel insurance. The island’s hospital is quite limited (and unfortunately, we’ve had to use it ourselves) and if something serious happens, you’ll need to be medically evacuated to Cebu or Manila. This is the travel insurance we recommend and, for being our reader, you’ll get 5% off.
- INTERNET IN SIARGAO: 3G/4G coverage and Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants are usually painfully slow… In our experience, as we mention in this Siargao Travel Guide, the best connection was in the center of General Luna. If you urgently need reliable internet, it’s best to buy a local SIM. You’ll find more details in Internet in the Philippines.
- BOOK IN ADVANCE: Siargao is one of the trendiest spots in the Philippines, and prices can be sky-high. If you don’t want to be stuck with the leftovers, book your Siargao accommodation in advance.