Siargao Travel Guide

In a nutshell

Dubbed the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is famed not only for its awesome surf breaks but also for its natural wonders both under and above the water surface.

Why go to Siargao

Faced with a question like this, the temptation to type a hundred words a minute is too high. So, you're not a surfer –Great! There's just about a thousand and one other thing to do here besides chasing your Cloud 9, literally and figuratively.

First, there are islands to explore. Go island hopping and get tanned (or sunburned) at Naked island, marvel at a pint sized tropical island called Guyam which is dotted with coconut trees and surrounded by turquoise blue water, experience the same but on a bigger scale at Daku Island, visit Sugba Lagoon for more crystal clear waters, stingless jellyfishes, mangroves and limestone cliffs. We're pretty sure you're still up for more tropical awesomeness so charter a boat and tour the islands of Bucas Grande for the Sohoton Cove National Park.

Go cliff diving, spelunking, snorkelling, and more.

Now, head over to Magpupungko tidal pools during low tide and wonder how such a paradise can exist on earth.

Now, this is highly unlikely but assuming that you've had enough of salt water, it's time to hop on a bike and explore the island. Drive the scenic roads along rice paddies and into the villages. Interact with the locals. Check out Tak Tak falls and Tayangban cave pool, spend hours on deserted beaches, indulge on the freshest sea food. Dive. Stand up paddle. Swim. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Really, you can spend weeks here and may not ever want to leave.

When to go to Siargao

Deciding on when to go depends largely on what you intend to do. If you're planning surfing, then it is best to come here between the months of August to November. The Annual Siargao International Surfing Competition is usually held around September so expect a price surge in fare and accommodation so plan accordingly. The summer months of March to May are perfect for island hopping.

Where to stay in Siargao

Accommodation in Siargao is incredibly varied with plenty of options for shoestring travellers and those who like splurging in posh resorts. No matter what type of traveller you are though, there is pretty much one rule of thumb here. Unless your primary goal is to conquer the huge swells during the surfing season, try to avoid the months of June to October. This period is when all the surfers seem to congregate on the island causing the prices to skyrocket.

Hotels and guesthouses are concentrated in and around General Luna where you can find an array of accommodation to suit your budget and preferences. If you're here during off peak season, we recommend shopping around when you're already on the island. This is because most budget places are not available online. To give you a general idea on the prices, you can score a fan room for as low as PHP500 while the other end of the spectrum costs tens of thousands per night.

Where to eat in Siargao

Unlike other island destinations where the dining options are extremely limited, Siargao has a thriving culinary scene that is sure to satisfy even the most fastidious eater.

There is no street food alley here but you can always check out the local market in General Luna. While you're there, we suggest that you treat yourself to the freshest seafood ever. Most hotels would be happy to cook these for you for at a nominal fee.

Filipinos also love their barbecue and we recommend trying their take on grilled meat by joining the long queue outside Mama’s Grill one evening.

If you are a vegan, we're sure you find the lack of decent vegan restaurants in the country extremely frustrating. Fortunately, Siargao has none of this issue. Most restaurants, in fact, offer vegetarian-friendly and vegan choices. Just as many offer delectable international dishes.

And last but not least, there also lots of excellent breakfast places and coffee shops. Really, you'll be eating like a king from daybreak to sun down.

How to get around Siargao

The most common modes of transportation around the island are the habal-habals (motorcycle taxis) and the tricycles. Habal-habals are everywhere and if you need a ride, just stand by the roadside until one stops by. One-way fare normally costs around PHP20 but be aware that the price can go up late at night for as much as PHP50.

If you have bags with you or if it's raining, you're better off riding a tricycle. A short distance trip normally costs PHP10 per person.

If you're staying for a week at least, we highly recommend renting a motorbike so you can explore the rest of the island at your own leisure. Motorbike rental starts at PHP350 per day. If you're renting it only for a day or two though you'll be charged around PHP400 per day. Make sure to shop around because some places charge as much as PHP600 per day.

Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle

How to get to Siargao

The quickest way to get to the island is by air. It used to be that there's only one airline flying directly to Sayak Airport (also known as Siargao Airport) but fortunately, a budget carrier now offers the same route.

If you're flying from Manila, Cebu Pacific Air can get you there in just an hour and twenty minutes for approximately PHP4000 to PHP6500. If you're coming from Cebu, it will take about an hour with the fare ranging from PHP2500 to PHP3400.

SkyJet Airlines also flies to Siargao. Flight time normally lasts an hour and forty minutes while tickets cost somewhere between PHP4000 to PHP6000. From the airport, you can ride a motorbike taxi for approximately PHP200 or take the van for PHP300. You should be in General Luna in roughly 45 minutes.

Alternatively, you can fly to Surigao with Cebu Pacific Air. However, there are no direct flights from Manila. You can fly from Cebu via Cebu Pacific Air for PHP1800 to PHP2500 or via Philippine Airlines for PHP2300 to PHP4000. Flight duration with both airlines is about 45 minutes only.

From Surigao, you can board ferries bound for Dapa Port in Siargao Island. On the average, prices for the ferry tickets go for PHP280 while the trip takes about 2 to 4 hours depending on which type of ferry you choose. The ferries depart from Pier 1 with the earliest departure at 5.30 am and the latest at 12 noon. Depending on what time you get to the pier, you may get on these ferries: Montenegro RoRo, Dapa Expres, MV Fortune Angel, MV Britphil, M/V DCL, and MV LQP.

Is Siargao a safe place to visit?

Siargao is technically a part of Mindanao and this is what concerns most potential visitors to fear abduction or kidnapping. It is, however, an island off the Northern coasts of Mindanao far from the turbulent Southern parts. Although recently, an entire city situated northwest-central of Mindanao have been taken over by the Maute terrorists, Siargao itself remains very safe. Almost 90% of resort owners there are foreigners and there have been no reports of crimes targeting tourists.