siargao island tourist map

15 Must-See Siargao Tourist Spots (2024 Guide)

Looking for the best Siargao tourist spots? This is the only guide you’ll need!

There are so many awesome things to do on Siargao Island including white sand beaches, world-class surf breaks, unique cave pools, palm tree rope swings, island hopping, and much more!

Read on to discover the 15 Must-See Tourist Spots in Siargao!

Also in this guide, there is useful information on where to stay in Siargao, how to get around, and the best time to visit.

Table of Contents

 15 MUST-SEE SIARGAO TOURIST SPOTS

Let’s dive right into the best tourist spots in Siargao! From Cloud 9 and its surfing area to the iconic palm tree swing, you’re in for a treat!

Make sure to read until the end to know all the best tourist attractions in Siargao as well as the coolest tours and things to know before coming.

Cloud 9 is rated as the best surf break in the Philippines and it’s not to be missed on your list of Siargao tourist spots to visit.

Whether you are a die-hard surfer or not, a visit to Cloud 9 will definitely make your day, especially around sunrise or sunset.

WHERE IS CLOUD 9 SIARGAO

Cloud 9 Surf is located on the southeast corner of Siargao Island. Cloud Nine Surf can be found in the main tourist hub of General Luna, and that’s one of the Siargao places you won’t miss.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT CLOUD NINE

Cloud 9 is home to the ‘Cloud 9 Surfing Cup’ , a WSL surf event that occurs every year in the peak of the Siargao surfing season between late September and early October.

Each year, professional surfers from around the world compete against each other on the barreling right-hand wave at Cloud 9 Siargao. If you happen to be here around this time, you can expect big crowds and lots of parties. If you are not a big surfer and don’t like crowds, this wouldn’t be the best time to visit Siargao.

The best time to surf Cloud 9 is on a mid to high tide. It gets very shallow on low tide and the reef beneath the Cloud 9 wave is very sharp.

Be sure to wander out onto the Cloud 9 boardwalk to watch the sunset. Featuring a long wooden pier that stretches out across the reef and ends at a 3-story viewing platform overlooking the Cloud 9 wave.

Full Blog Post:  Cloud 9 Siargao

MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOLS

Magpupungko is a remarkable vista featuring natural rock pools that are best visited at low tide. Magpupungko is one of the more popular Siargao tourist spots and a must-see during your stay.

WHERE IS MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOL

Magpupungko Rockpool is a 45-minute drive from General Luna, located on the east coast of Siargao Island.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT MAGPUPUNGKO ROCKPOOL

Magpupungko Rock Pools are tidal, meaning that they are only accessible on low tide when they are exposed. If you arrive at Magpupungko at a high tide you will not be able to see or even be permitted access to the natural pools for safety reasons.

Be sure to time your visit to Magpupungko correctly or you will be disappointed. To check the Magpupungko tide times in advance, Click Here.

There is a small entrance fee of 50 pesos to visit the Magpupungko Rock Pools.

You could easily spend a couple of hours at Magpupungko and enjoy some cliff jumping, swimming in the natural pools, and exploring the surrounding rocky coastline.

Note: If you are planning to do some cliff jumping at Magpupungko, take a pair of waterproof reef shoes or old walking shoes to climb on the rock formations as they are very sharp and jagged.

The water in the Magpupungko Rock Pools is up to three meters deep so you won’t have to worry about hitting the bottom when cliff jumping.

Full Blog Post:  Magpupungko Rock Pools

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TAYANGBAN CAVE POOLS

Another best spot in Siargao is Tayangban Cave Pool, one of the best inland experiences I had during my visit.

Be sure to add this incredible attraction to your itinerary and discover the unique twin cenotes, bat caves, and emerald rock pools on a canyoneering adventure.

WHERE IS TAYANGBAN CAVE

Tayangban Cave is located in Pilar, a small village in the center of Siargao Island. To get to Tayangban Cave Pool from General Luna, it’s approximately a 30-minute drive in the same direction as Magpupungko Rock Pools .

WHAT TO EXPECT AT TAYANGBAN CAVE POOL

Tayangban Cave is managed by property owners who charge a fee of 150 pesos to explore Tayangban Cave Pool, including a must-have guide, but it’s totally worth it, as one of the best Siargao spots.

There are anchored ropes and some bamboo structures to help you through some of the deeper sections of the Tayangban Cave Pool. Inside the cave, you can hear the echoing sounds of bats hanging from the ceiling and spot ancient stalactites in the shape of ice pinnacles.

It takes about 15 minutes to reach the end of the cave and it emerges at a unique cenote featuring emerald green rock pools surrounded by vines and lush trees.

There are two cliff jumping spots to choose from at the rock pool, one is from a 2-meter high rock and the second is around 5 meters high. The depth of the rock pool is 3-4 meters so the chances of hitting the bottom are slim.

Once you’ve enjoyed swimming and rock jumping, it’s a short 5-minute walk back to the entrance. 

Full Blog Post:  Tayangban Cave Pool

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PALM TREE SWING IN SIARGAO

The palm tree swing in Siargao has gone viral on Instagram since it was discovered on the Maasin River in 2017. Since then, it has become one of the coolest Siargao Island tourist spots.

If you are looking for the ultimate adventure, be sure to add this epic palm tree rope swing to your itinerary.

WHERE IS THE PALM TREE SWING

The palm tree swing is not hard to find, but it can be easily missed.

From General Luna, it’s a 17km drive that takes around 30 minutes to get to this incredible Siargao tourist spot.

As soon as you get to the bright red Maasin Bridge stop here and don’t go any further. From the red Maasin bridge, you’ll be able to spot the Insta-famous palm tree poking out over the Maasin River.

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE PALM TREE SWING

When my friends and I visited, a few friendly locals from Maasin village offered us their small wooden boat so we could get some photos of the palm tree swing.

My buddy Jake took the trail along the right-hand side of the river to reach the base of the bent palm while Jade paddled out in the wooden boat.

Jake swung from the tree multiple times while I was standing back on the Maasin Bridge to shoot photos. After many attempts, we managed to get the shot we were after!

The river beneath the tree swing is around two meters deep so it’s safe enough to swing and jump without having to worry about hitting the bottom.

Full Blog Post: Palm Tree Swing Siargao

SIARGAO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR

The next thing you will want to add to your itinerary is a Siargao Island Hopping tour .

Spend the day island hopping between three tropical islands known as Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island, just a short boat trip off the coast of General Luna.

WHERE TO BOOK A SIARGAO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR

You can book a Siargao Island Hopping Tour online in advance with Viator.

This particular tour is the most top-rated Island Hopping Tour with great reviews.

The tour includes a full day of island hopping on an outrigger boat between Daku Island, Guyam Island, and Naked Island, as well as a trip around Siargao itself!

BEST TOUR IN SIARGAO

Check out this Full-Day Siargao Island and Inland Tour !

It includes entrance fees, hotel transfers, island hopping, land tours, and a fun guide!

NAKED ISLAND

The first stop of the day on the island hopping tour is Naked Island, arguably the best tourist spot in Siargao.

The name of this island gives it away, being nothing more than just a tiny naked sandbar in the middle of the ocean with no trees and no other signs of life.

Naked Island is surrounded by a colorful reef with some good snorkeling to be had. Other than walking around the island in a matter of minutes and swimming with the fish, there is not much else to do on Naked Island but it was a good spot to fly my DJI Mavic Pro Drone and get some aerial shots.

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DAKU ISLAND

Daku Island is the next stop on the island-hopping itinerary, just a short 20-minute boat ride from Naked Island.

Our captain beached the boat on the sandbar at Daku Island and my friends and I were quickly off on foot to explore.

Exploring Daku Island was one of my most memorable highlights during my visit to Siargao Island, and that’s saying something!

I had so much fun exploring around the island, climbing coconut palms, swimming in turquoise waters, and getting some unreal shots on land and in the air with my drone.

This island is insanely beautiful and I am still now trying to come to terms with the fact that Daku Island actually exists! You’re definitely going to want to add this island-hopping adventure to your itinerary.

GUYAM ISLAND

The last stop on the island hopping tour is Guyam Island. When I think of the words ‘tropical island’ and ‘ paradise’ , Guyam Island is the first thing that comes to mind.

This tiny little island in the middle of the ocean is covered in a miniature coconut palm tree forest and surrounded by glistening white sand and a shallow, rocky reef. I mean come on – how is this place even real?

Full Blog Post:  Siargao Island Hopping

SUGBA LAGOON

Sugba Lagoon is a popular tourist spot in Siargao Island and a natural vista that offers an unforgettable experience at one of the bluest lagoons I have ever seen!

A day trip to Sugba Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Siargao which is why I have added it to this list.

WHERE TO BOOK A SUGBA LAGOON TOUR

The easiest way to book a Sugba Lagoon Tour is online in advance with Viator.

This particular tour is the most top-rated Sugba Lagoon Tour with great reviews.

The tour includes a full day of island hopping on an outrigger boat and the places you’ll get to visit are Sugba Lagoon, Kawhagan Island, and Pamomoan Island.

MY EXPERIENCE AT SUGBA LAGOON

The longtail boat ride over to Sugba Lagoon takes approximately 20 minutes as it zig-zags in and out of the mangroves. You’ll know when you have arrived when you see a big sign reading ‘Welcome to Sugba Lagoon’ at the entrance to the cove.

There is a floating pontoon house in the middle of Sugba Lagoon which is a good place to leave your bags safely and go swimming. We rented a table for 50 pesos and left our bags there while we were off exploring the Sugba Lagoon.

My friends and I took turns throwing ourselves off the diving board into the lagoon. The diving board is not the only point of interest at Sugba Lagoon, there are also a number of other water activities to try. You can rent out kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bamboo rafts for as little as 300 pesos per hour.

Continuing on from Sugba Lagoon to Kawhagan Island, the trip takes around 20 minutes and our captain beached the boat on the sandbar on arrival. We had the entire sandbar to ourselves for a while before some other groups arrived at Kawhagan Island for lunch.

The glistening white sandbar is completely exposed at low tide and there is a small wooden hut to hang out in.

There is also a small local restaurant on Kawhagan Island selling traditional Filipino dishes such as pork adobo and grilled fish with rice for as little as 350 pesos. Drinks and snacks are also available for purchase.

The last stop of the tour is Pamomoan Island which was newly opened to the public (October 2019) and ultimately it is one of Siargao’s best-kept beaches.

Spend some time here enjoying the unspoiled sandy shores and azure waters before making the journey back to General Luna before dusk.

Full Blog Post:  Sugba Lagoon

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SOHOTON COVE NATIONAL PARK

A day trip to Sohoton National Park in Surigao Del Norte is a must-do day trip from Siargao!

WHERE TO BOOK A SOHOTON COVE TOUR

The easiest way to book a Sohoton Cove Tour is online in advance with Viator.

The tour includes a full day of island hopping on an outrigger boat to Sohoton Cove, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island.

All this for a great price at one of the best Siargao tourist attractions.

ARRIVING AT SOHOTON COVE NATIONAL PARK

As the boat entered Sohoton Cove we cruised through the Titikan Lagoon before docking at the pier at Sohoton Cove National Park. The water was bluer than I had ever imagined – and I mean SERIOUSLY BLUE!!

If you have a drone camera I would recommend sending it up from this spot. I flew my  DJI Mavic Pro Drone as soon as I arrived at the pier at the beginning of our Sohoton Cove Tour and captured some aerial shots of the phenomenal landscapes.

MY EXPERIENCE AT SOHOTON COVE

The first stop inside Sohoton National Park is the Hagukan Cave. This cave is insanely epic, to say the least.

To enter the Hagukan Cave we had to jump off the boat and dive down two meters, swim under a rock ledge, and then swim up into the cave pool on the other side.

I had to hold my breath for about five to ten seconds and my guide led the way into the cave. Once inside it was quite dark and hard to see but then our guides told us to start splashing around and the water started glowing an electric blue color.

The next stop on the Sohoton Cave tour is the Magkukuob Cave . This spot was super cool with a 5-meter diving board as the main attraction.

To get up to the diving board we had to swim through a small entrance and trek our way through the Magkukuob Cave which then emerges through an opening at the top of the cliff.

I took some photos of my friends throwing themselves off of the 5-meter cliff jump before joining in on the fun myself.

The next stop on the Sohoton Cove itinerary is the Jellyfish Sanctuary.  We were split up into pairs to jump on board a smaller wooden boat with a guide and they paddled us around the corner to the Jellyfish Sanctuary.

When we arrived we jumped into the water and spotted dozens of little orange jellyfish bobbing around in the water. They are safe to touch and they are non-stinging jellyfish.

The BEST Hotel in Siargao

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Continuing on, we cruised across Titikan Lagoon once again to the opposite side of the bay before tucking into yet another beautiful blue lagoon. Our captain beached the boat at the entrance to the Crystal Cave and we paid a small fee of 100 pesos to enter.

It was so dark inside the Crystal Cave that I didn’t manage to take any decent photos, though I can tell you that it was filled with impressive icicle-shaped stalactites and hundreds of bats.

Before leaving Sohoton National Park to make the journey back to Siargao our captain took us across the lagoon to the  Club Tara Resort Diving Board. 

The resort looked abandoned with no other tourists in sight and only a few local Filipinos hanging out on the deck. Our captain anchored the boat and we swam over to the 5-m diving board, that is attached to the resort, where we spent a good hour or so throwing ourselves over the edge, one by one.

After the copious amounts of fun we had on the diving board we found a dirt trail that leads behind the resort and over a small ridge to  Titikan Lake.

It is definitely worth checking out as the hike to the lake takes only 5 minutes and it was the quietest and most peaceful spot we had discovered that day.

Note: Crystal Cave, Club Tara Diving Board & Titikan Lake are not included in the Sohoton Cove Tour operated by Viator. If you wish to visit these add-on locations you will have to organize a private tour to Sohoton Cove at one of the tour desks in General Luna.

Full Blog Post:  Sohoton Cove National Park

CORREGIDOR ISLAND TOUR

Corregidor Island (also known as Casolian Island) is a dreamy tropical island only 45 minutes by boat from Siargao.

Make sure to add the Corregidor tour to your itinerary and explore the incredible landscapes and colorful coral reefs that this tourist spot Siargao offers.

WHERE TO BOOK A CORREGIDOR TOUR

I booked my Corregidor tour with  Secret Spot Siargao Hostel . Adi, the owner of the hostel, organizes Corregidor day tours with a private boat and skipper that will take you over to Corregidor Island Philippines for around 1500 pesos.

The tour includes a return boat ride to Corregidor Island, entrance fees, a guide, lunch, drinks, and good times!

Alternatively, you can book a Corregidor Island Tour online in advance with Viator which includes a full day of island-hopping to Corregidor Island, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island.

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MY EXPERIENCE ON THE CORREGIDOR TOUR

At 10 am, my friends and I jumped on our private boat that was waiting on the beach directly in front of the Secret Spot Siargao Hostel .

The journey over to Corregidor Island is 45 minutes, passing Naked Island and Hanoyoy Island along the way.

The skipper beached the boat on Corregidor Beach, a glistening white sand coastline complemented by a palm tree forest, turquoise water, and a colorful reef. 

The first few hours on the Corregidor tour were spent snorkeling in the azure waters, climbing palm trees, and enjoying a freshly cooked barbeque lunch and cold beers.

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After lunch, we hiked to the other side of the island, passing by a palm tree rainforest and a small village in the center of the island.

There were kids playing basketball, teenagers singing karaoke from their homes, and elderly people watering their gardens. The beautifully slow pace of life on this island is something else!

We continued past the village to a pebbly beach and followed a trail that led up a grass hill. At the top was one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen.

Coconut palm trees, rolling hills, long grass, herds of water buffaloes, and secluded beaches. I literally felt like I was dreaming… My friends and I were in awe and speechless about what lay in front of our eyes!

Full Blog Post: Corregidor Island Tour

PACIFICO BEACH

On the hunt for the perfect Siargao tourist destination to chill for a while?

Pacifico Beach is a cruisey surf town with white sand beaches, tropical palm trees, and world-class surf breaks.

WHERE IS PACIFICO BEACH SIARGAO

Pacifico Beach is located on the north-eastern coastline of Siargao Island. Pacifico Beach is approximately a 1-hour drive from General Luna. Follow the Siargao Circumferential Rd and you won’t get lost.

In my opinion, you don’t want to go directly to Pacifico Beach as there are so many awesome locations worth stopping at along the way. If you leave early enough from General Luna you can make a big adventure day out of it.

See below for an ideal one-day Siargao itinerary of things to see and do on the way to Pacifico Beach:

• Sunrise Palm Tree Viewpoint
• Palm Tree Road Siargao
• Palm Tree Swing Siargao
• Tayangban Cave Pool
• Magpupungko Rock Pools
• Pacifico Beach

WHAT TO EXPECT AT PACIFICO BEACH

Pacifico Beach is a sleepy surf town nestled beneath a coconut palm tree rainforest. This small coastal town is the perfect spot to surf, eat, sleep, and repeat!

Pacifico Beach is one of the best surf spots on the island. Many surfers flock here to surf the reef breaks just a short paddle out from the shoreline.

There are a small handful of surf breaks at Pacifico Beach, all within a couple of minutes’ walk from each other. Take your pick of left-hand or right-hand waves that are best surfed on mid to low tides.

Full Blog Post:  Pacifico Beach

SECRET BEACH

Secret Beach Siargao (also known as Guiwan Beach) is one of my favorite beaches on the island and a must-see during your visit.

A short 15-minute drive south of General Luna is this tucked-away slice of paradise waiting to be discovered!

WHERE IS SECRET BEACH SIARGAO

From General Luna, head southeast along Malinao-Union Rd towards Dapa Town. At first, the road leads inland and then back down the mountain to the coast road and you’ll find this Siargao tourist spot.

MY EXPERIENCE AT SECRET BEACH

It’s a 10-minute easy trek from the main road down to the shoreline at Guiwan Beach. We parked our scooters on the side of the road and followed the dirt trail that threads between a forest of tall coconut palm trees, eventually emerging at the beautiful Secret Beach.

We threw down a rug on the sand, waxed up the surfboards, and paddled out. When there is swell, there are two right-hand point breaks to choose from at Guiwan Beach which is more suited for longboarding.

After a surf, Jake climbed one of the palm trees and harvested us all a coconut! The palm trees have foot holes cut into the sides of their trunks making them quite easy to climb if you are willing to scale one to the top of one for a fresh coconut.

We spent a couple of hours at Secret Beach exploring the coastline, drinking coconuts, and then experiencing an unforgettable sunset over the horizon.

Full Blog Post:  Secret Beach Siargao

Doot Beach is one of my favorite chill spots on the island and a must-see on your itinerary. Doot Beach is one of the least popular tourist spots in Siargao.

Doot Beach is located just 10 minutes drive southeast of General Luna. Follow the coastal road right to the end and this is where Doot Beach can be found.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT DOOT BEACH

The drive down to Doot Beach is a scenic journey down a dirt trail lined with coconut palm trees. When you reach the end of the road you’ll see a sign reading ‘private property.’

We visited Doot Beach with a local Filipino who knew the property owner and said it was completely fine to access the beach as long as we took all of our rubbish away with us and left only footprints.

Palm trees are dotted around the beach perfect for climbing to the top for a fresh coconut, small boats lay in the bay, relaxing and secluded swimming areas can be found as well as an impressive mangrove forest across the freshwater river.

Doot Beach is best visited on high tide and it’s also one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Siargao!

Full Blog Post:  Doot Beach

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SUNRISE PALM TREE VIEWPOINT

The sunrise viewpoint overlooking the Sea of Palms is a remarkable vista and one of the best Siargao tourist spots.

My friends and I stumbled across this incredible viewpoint as we made our way towards the Instafamous Palm Tree Road and the Palm Tree Swing on Siargao Island.

We were stopped in our tracks when we arrived at this insanely beautiful viewpoint to witness an unforgettable sunrise and foggy mist settling in over the Palm Tree Forest.

WHERE IS THE SUNRISE VIEWPOINT

The Sea of Palms sunrise viewpoint is approximately a 30-minute drive from General Luna in the direction of Pacifico Beach.

I guarantee you won’t miss it as you come around a sharp bend on the Siargao Circumferential Rd that opens up to this elevated viewpoint above the coconut palm tree forest.

PALM TREE ROAD IN SIARGAO

Siargao Island has countless amounts of palm tree-lined roads but there is one road, in particular, that is Instafamous and makes for the ultimate photo.

This spot is best shot with a Mavic Pro Drone Camera to capture the surrounding landscape. Regardless of whether you have a drone or not, Palm Tree Road is still one of the most photogenic locations on the island.

WHERE IS THE PALM TREE ROAD

Palm Tree Road is located on the Siargao Circumferential Rd, just 30 seconds around the corner from the Sea of Palms Viewpoint and approximately 2 minutes before the Siargao Tree Swing.

If you are heading here from General Luna, it’s approximately a 30-minute drive.

NATURAL JACUZZI POOL ON HANOYOY ISLAND

The Natural Jacuzzi Pool on Hanoyoy Island (Jacuzzi Island) is up there with one of my favorite locations to visit on the island. It’s a spot that isn’t very well known but it’s equally as awesome as some of the more popular locations in this guide.

The Natural Jacuzzi pools on Hanoyoy Island are tidal, meaning that they are only accessible at low tide when they are exposed. My friends and I spent a couple of hours sunbaking and swimming in the Natural Jacuzzi Pool on Hanoyoy Island.

HOW TO GET TO HANOYOY ISLAND

The only way to get to Hanoyoy Island is to walk across the reef from the mainland at low tide. The best entrance point to walk across the reef is directly in front of Bayud Boutique Resort.

You can also check when low tide is before heading over to Hanoyoy Island by clicking here .

SANTA MONICA PIER

Last but not least on this list of things to do in Siargao is Santa Monica Pier which is one of only a few locations on the island that faces west to be able to watch the sun dropping behind the horizon.

The Santa Monica Pier stretches approximately 500m out off the mainland and it’s an awesome spot to send up the drone to get some aerial shots.

WHERE IS SANTA MONICA PIER

Santa Monica Pier is located on the northwest tip of Siargao Island. From General Luna, it’s a 50km drive that takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

If you are heading to Santa Monica Pier from Pacifico Beach it is a short 30-minute drive.

BEST SIARGAO TOURS

Siargao island hopping tour, siargao land tour.

The Siargao Land Tour is the best way to see the hotspots in one day. Visit the Coconut Tree Viewpoint in the morning, followed by the Palm Tree Rope Swing, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and ending at the famous Sugba Lagoon!

Sohoton Cove Tour

Sohoton Cove is a must-do day trip during your visit! The tour includes a full day of island hopping to Sohoton Cove, Bucas Grande, Jellyfish Lagoon, and Hagukan Cove, with lunch.

Sugba Lagoon Tour

Sugba Lagoon offers an unforgettable experience at one of the bluest lagoons you will ever see! The tour includes a full day of island hopping to Sugba Lagoon, Kawhagan Island, and Pamomoan Island, with lunch.

Corregidor Island Tour

Corregidor Island is a dreamy tropical paradise just off the coast of General Luna, and as a great tourist destination in Siargao, I highly recommend booking a tour.

Explore the grassy hills and colorful coral reefs on Corregidor Island before island-hopping to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island, including lunch.

SIARGAO TOURIST SPOTS – FAQ

Now that you have a better understanding of the tourist spots in Siargao, let’s go through some common questions from first-time visitors.

HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO ISLAND?

The easiest and best way to get to Siargao Island is by plane.

Domestic flights to Siargao from Manila or Cebu are available daily and they arrive at Siargao’s only airport in Del Carmen.

From the airport in Del Carmen to the main tourist hub on the island, General Luna, it’s approximately a 1-hour drive and the cost of the shuttle is around 500 pesos.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SIARGAO?

Siargao Island is a year-round destination although the peak tourist season is in the dry season which is between March and October.

The off-peak season is during the wet season, generally between November and February. This is when there are likely to be fewer tourists.

For surfers visiting Siargao Island, the best months for surfing are during the swell season which is August through to November.

HOW TO GET AROUND THE ISLAND?

The best way to get around the island is by renting a scooter . The cost for a scooter rental is around 300-400 pesos per day, or for a monthly rental, you’ll get a cheaper rate of 200-300 pesos per day.

Most accommodations will be more than happy to help you organize a scooter rental for the time you plan to spend on Siargao Island.

Petrol can be found on the side of the road out the front of small local houses/businesses in the majority of the main villages in Siargao. Petrol is sold in 1-liter glass bottles for 60 pesos per bottle.

SIARGAO TOURIST SPOTS MAP

WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO?

General Luna  is the place to be when searching for the  best places to stay in Siargao!

There are hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of luxury, mid-range, and budget travelers.

LUXURY: NAY PALAD HIDEAWAY VILLAS

Nay Palad Hideaway offers the most luxurious, all-inclusive island resort that you may be seeking, with choices of a sea view room, a garden view room, or a luxurious villa.

Features include an outdoor swimming pool, a private palm tree-fringed beach, an in-house restaurant, a games room with billiards and table tennis, and more!

Guests can also make use of the complimentary paddleboards, surfboards, kayaks, and bicycles, and even jump on board an island-hopping tour.

MID RANGE: FERRA RESORT SIARGAO

Ferra Resort Siargao is popular among most travelers visiting the island due to its prime beachfront location at an affordable price!

Features include well-kept gardens, a private beach area, and BBQ facilities, and all beachside bungalows have air conditioning and a balcony.

It’s the perfect accommodation to stay for couples, friends, or families on a mid-range budget after enjoying the best places to visit in Siargao.

BUDGET: MAD MONKEY HOSTEL

Mad Monkey is the most popular hostel in Siargao, centrally located in General Luna. It’s just a 7-minute walk from the famous Cloud 9 surf break and other nearby attractions.

The hostel features a tiki-themed bar, a restaurant, and a swimming pool, and the dorm rooms have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi for all guests.

For backpackers, solo travelers, and surfers on a budget, this is the place for you!

For More Options, See This Complete Guide On Where To Stay In Siargao

WHAT TO PACK FOR SIARGAO

When visiting Siargao, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

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FINAL THOUGHTS – TOURIST SPOTS IN SIARGAO

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Siargao Travel Guide: 40 Awesome Things To Do On Siargao Island

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: October 8, 2023

Categories PHILIPPINES

In the south of the Philippines is an island entirely covered with palm trees. It boasts the best waves in the country and attracts surfers from all over the world. It also happened to be my home for the last month of 2017. Siargao was my island home for 35 days.

I adventured on land and sea to create this bucket list of tourist spots in Siargao. While the island is known as a surfing hotspot there are so many awesome things to do in Siargao that don’t involve the waves. Here is the ultimate Siargao bucket list!

Wondering about the best spot to stay on Siargao? I wrote this guide that breaks down the island into the best regions with my personal hotel/hostel/resort recommendations:  WHERE TO STAY ON SIARGAO ISLAND

FIVE MOST POPULAR TOURS ON SIARGAO ISLAND

I thought I’d kick you off with the best tours. I’ve been to all these spots and I challenge you to head out to these locations and come back without a smile on your face. It’s pure magic on the land attractions and out on the island hopping!

All the links below go to Klook. Either book online with Klook or at a vendor. The other online sites are overpriced sometimes by triple or more for the same tour. 

ISLAND HOPPING – NAKED ISLAND, GUYAM & DAKU – Epic day of exploring the three closest islands to Siargao mainland. Unlimited palm trees, white sand and island vibes with a great, seafood lunch.

SUGBA LAGOON BOAT TOUR WITH KAWHAGAN – I love Sugba Lagoon. It’s truly a gem of a spot with a 5m and 10m diving board in the middle of a vivid blue lagoon! An incredible day.

JEEPNEY LAND TOUR WITH MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOL & TAYANGBAN CAVES – An epic day seeing the sights of Siargao as you explore caves, tidepools, palm-tree rope swings, and palm tree viewpoints.

PRIVATE LAND TOUR : Vist ten attraction in one day and hit all the Siargao hot spots with one trip. Beaches, caves, rock-pools, palm tree swings and viewpoints.

SOHOTON COVE TOUR : My favorite place in Siargao isn’t Siargao… it’s Sohoton. This is a must-do. The most incredible islands you’ll ever see and a 10/10 view from the sky for drone lovers.

Table of Contents

40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO

 #1 enjoy the best siargao surf spots.

This list of things to do in Siargao has to begin with the surf, it is after all the surfing capital of the Philippines. Siargao hosts the ‘Cloud 9 Surfing Cup’ each September, an official WSL Pro event. It also boasts waves almost all year-round, similar to surfing hotspots like Oahu, Hawaii . The Cloud 9 boardwalk and viewing area has become one of the most popular Siargao tourist spots.

The beauty of surfing on Siargao is that there is a surf break for all levels. Personally, I suck at surfing so I hit up the beginner waves at Jacking Horse. I did enjoy watching the seasoned surfers tearing up the bigger waves out at Cloud 9. This wave barrels and is not only one of the best waves in the Philippines but is ranked in the top ten waves of the world.

If the waves aren’t rolling in nicely at the beach breaks you can pay $4-5 USD to ride a boat out to an island break less than an hour from Siargao and surf the afternoon away in the middle of the ocean.

These are some of the popular surf breaks in Siargao and what you can expect at each of them.

Cloud 9:  This is the most famous surf break on Siargao and has some nice barrels. We spent many mornings watching the experts carve it up from the three-story hut that sits out over the water. This wave has singlehandedly made Siargao the surfing capital of the Philippines.

Jacking Horse:  The most accessible beginner wave on the island. A great spot for learning how to catch a wave but often crowded with surf lessons and it has a strong tide. Lots of paddling if you aren’t a gun. Some of the local long boarders tear it up here!

Stimpys:  A consistent left-hander, which is a great place for short-boarders to have a little fun.

Pacifico:  Although its a long drive (up to an hour) from General Luna, at Pacifico, you will find some of the biggest surf on Siargao.

Rock Island:  Take the boat out for a fast-moving right-hander. Best for experienced surfers.

Guyan (Secret Beach):  Head on past the trespassing signs and enjoy small rolling waves great for beginners. It’s about 30 minutes from General Luna.

If you don’t surf there are still plenty of things to do in Siargao! I only surfed three times in Siargao during the whole month but still had an action-packed adventure. If you are wondering what to do in Siargao and you aren’t a surfer this list has you covered with all of the best places to visit in Siargao. I took this below photo from the Cloud 9 pier with a 200mm lens.

#2 Cloud 9 Pier

One of my favorite things to do in Siargao was to wake up for sunrise and chill out on the end of the Cloud 9 pier. Sometimes surfers were tearing it up and watching that was awesome.

Other times I watched the sun slowly rise in the distance. Hardly anyone wakes up to head out there except for a few others, quietly enjoying the start of the day at Cloud 9. It could be something to consider when you are thinking about where to stay in Siargao.

Somewhere near Cloud 9 pier means you will have your sunrise spot sorted! If you had out here for sunset you will find yourself sharing the hut at the end of the pier with quite the crowd. It doesn’t get the perfect sunrise or sunset due to its location but it’s one of your best bets if you are in General Luna. I wrote a full blog post about the best sunsets spots on Siargao  best sunsets spots on Siargao .

#3 Magpupungko Rock Pools

Magpupungko Rock Pools on Siargao Island are one of the most popular things to do and easily my favorite tourist spot on Siargao. Just a 45-minute moped drive from the main tourist area of General Luna, the rock pools are exposed at low tide and are an awesome spot for hours of exploring and cliff jumping.

The crystal clear blue water had me speechless. This is an epic little area, with coves, caves, and cliff jumping spots aplenty. There are multiple spots to get your backflip on if you are into a bit of a jump. I advise wearing water shoes or just regular shoes like me as the rocks are very jagged and sharp to climb.

Make sure you check the tides in advance (they change daily), so that you don’t arrive during high tide. When you get the tides right, this is a truly magical spot and one of my favorite places to visit on Siargao Island.

PRIVATE LAND TOUR: A great way to explore the best locations on Siargao Island is with a private land tour starting at just $20 when booked online with Klook. The Land tour is customizable and includes all of the top locations like Magpupunkgo, Tayangban Cave Pool, Coco Rope Swing, and the epic palm viewpoint. You can really tick off most of the epic Siargao hot spots (the tour includes 10 attractions) with one big adventure day! Here is the link for the activity booking page on Klook: Siargao Island Land Tour

Full Blog Post: Magpupungko Rock Pools on Siargao Island

#4 Tayangban Cave Pools

Tayangban Cave Pool was one of the highlights of my many adventures throughout Siargao Island. It was one of the best caving experiences I have had in Asia. For 15 minutes you swim and float in darkness, only aided by torches. Bats fly around you until you finally emerge to the open cave pool where you can cliff jump from seven meters.

Immediately after descending through the opening, we were chest-deep in water. We swam through the dark caves, guided by a solitary torch. From time to time bats swooped down on us and eerie noises shot out from the distance. The water was mostly chest height so you could walk through in most sections if you prefer rather than swimming.

The cave opened up after fifteen minutes with a huge archway that helped to breach the darkness and welcome us back to the sunlight. It was then just a short swim to the open pool, which is the end of the tour. Many people finish here but there is a cliff jump spot into the 18ft deep water. That was a big bonus for us and made it one of our favorite places to visit in Siargao!

Full Blog Post: Tayangban Cave Pool (Cliff Jump)

#5 Coconut Palm Forest at the Top of the Road

This is a spot you will likely drive to without even planning on it. On the way to destinations like Pacifico, Tayangban Cave Pool or Mapgpupungko Rock Pool you will pass through an area we called ‘top of the road’. I’m not sure if this is a local/official name or something we came up with but by the end of our month on Siargao Island, we all knew it by this name.

It’s halfway to Magpupungko Rock Pool and you will know when you have arrived. You will veer around a sharp corner after about 30 minutes of driving from General Luna, and all of a sudden, you will be looking out over thousands of coconut palms. I think we pulled the mopeds over to the side of the road almost every time we came here to check it out.

One morning we even came for sunrise. Even though it is not a spot to see the sun come over the horizon, the colors were so beautiful as the light slowly broke out over the palms.

The Siargao region is just covered in palms it has to be the most palm trees per square meter in the Philippines! We did have to wake up at 4 in the morning for that mission. Sunrise in the palms is nice and at both sunrise and sunset, you can get some light rays shooting through the palms!

#6 Sugba Lagoon

Sugba Lagoon is one of the most popular things to do on Siargao. It’s a short day trip from General Luna, Siargao to a spectacular lagoon surrounded by epic mountains. A floating hut has a diving board and SUP rentals.

The day trip costs around 1500 pesos (30 USD) per person or more if you book it in the tourist area of General Luna. However, we managed to find a way to get to Sugba Lagoon for 300 pesos (5 USD) per person. You can read about that by clicking the link below for the full blog post.

Despite being recommended as one of the popular Siargao tourist spots, Sugba Lagoon isn’t overcrowded such as spots like  Kayangan Lake in Coron . You won’t have the lagoon to yourselves but it’s a big enough area to find your own piece of paradise to chill, take photos and hang out. It is a 4000-hectare sanctuary, which you will enjoy on the drive-in as well as while you hang out in the main lagoon. Activities at Sugba Lagoon include renting a big wood raft, SUP boards, diving board, swimming and relaxing in the cafe.

Sugba Lagoon is about an hour boat ride from Del Carmen or an hour and a half boat ride from General Luna. You can book a tour online pretty simply.

The best one I know if is online with  Klook  (all the others are overpriced). I’ll drop the link here to the activity booking page:  Sugba Lagoon Day Tour (+2 other islands) . The tour also includes a visit to Kawhagan and Pamomoan Island.

Full Blog Post: Sugba Lagoon from Siargao

#7 Siargao Island Hopping – Guyam, Daku and Naked Island

There are so many awesome things to do in Siargao Island but one of the most popular activities is to get off the island and go island hopping from Siargao. There are three beautiful islands only a short long-tail boat trip away from General Luna, which is the tourist part of Siargao.  Guyam Island ,  Daku Island , and  Naked Island  are the three stops along the tour, which includes pick-up, drop-off, and a seafood lunch. The whole Mindanao region is covered with beautiful islands

Guyam Island is a tiny island covered in palms. You can walk from one side to the other in about 50 steps! It’s a beautiful little Oasis!

Daku Island is the biggest island of the tour and a great place for a swim and lunch. Small huts line the beach, perfect for chilling in the shade and enjoying a seafood banquet!

Naked Island  is a small sandbar, which earned its name by literally just being sand. A few bits of grass are growing on it now but it is a great little stretch to hang out with mates!

To book your Siargao Island hopping experience online, the best price and most reliable one is  this activity on Klook . The price is very similar to what you will find at the street vendors (and likely on the same boat). For about $15-20 you get your full day of island hopping and lunch included. It’s hard to go wrong.

Full Blog Post: Island Hopping in Siargao

#8 Tak Tak Waterfall

Heading up to TakTak waterfall in Santa Monica is a full-day adventure to the north part of the island. From General Luna, the waterfall is a 1.5-hour drive but is well worth the effort. We enjoyed the waterfall to ourselves.

Cliff jumping, tree jumping, and exploration to the top of the falls were the highlights of the adventure. It’s one of the less touristy things to do in Siargao but definitely worthy of making it into my Siargao travel guide. It’s the only waterfall you will find on Siargao but a pretty damn cool one!

Full Blog Post: Tak Tak Falls – The Only Waterfall on Siargao

#9 Alegria Beach

The first thing I noticed at Alegria Beach on Siargao was the white sand and crystal clear water. Coconut palms lined the beach. It could have been a postcard.

This wasn’t one of the popular Siargao tourist spots with just a few locals hanging back on the grass behind the beach. It is quite a long drive to Alegria Beach from General Luna. It can take about an hour driving.

There is quite a bit of reef at this beach but there is still water deep enough to swim in, which isn’t too common on Siargao. One of the hardest things to do in Siargao is to find a beach where you can swim without being near a reef. Alegria isn’t perfect but you can get fully submerged in parts without stepping on sharp rocks.

Full Blog Post: Alegria Beach – The Best Beach on Siargao

#10 Santa Monica Pier

In the very north of the island is one of the least touristy things to do in Siargao. In the town of Santa Monica is a huge pier. We headed out here after a day of visiting Alegria Beach and Tak Tak Falls.

Siargao isn’t the best island for sunsets as the main Siargao tourist spots don’t really face west at the sun. However, this is one spot where you can watch the sun drop down over the horizon on the ocean.

Sitting out on the end of the pier, we watched as the fisherman packed up after a day of work and chatted with a few young kids. The drive back to General Luna in the dark isn’t too fun but we stopped halfway in the dark, turned off our moped lights. It was then that we were blown away by the epic blanket of stars. It was the best starscape I have seen in my entire life! Fireflies buzzed around us and we couldn’t have been more grateful to be on Siargao in those moments!

#11 Shaka Cafe Smoothie Bowls

This is not a food blog but there are a few spots that will make it into this Siargao travel guide that you need to try! Shaka is the standout and an obligatory acai bowl is required from this chill little cafe right by Cloud 9 surf break. With lots of different smoothie bowl options, you can’t go wrong especially with a coffee included for $5 USD. Not a bad way to kickstart your day!

Don’t forget to upload a photo of your bowl to Instagram because these bowls are works of art. If you didn’t gram it.. did you really have a smoothie bowl?

#12 Pacifico Beach

It may seem like a long drive but a visit to Pacifico beach is one of the things to do in Siargao that you will not regret. Far away from the crowded waves of Jacking Horse in General Luna, Pacifico gives you that North Shore, Oahu small surf town feel. A few resorts and homestays are nestled in the dense palm trees that line the pristine stretch of beach that is Pacifico.

The drive towards and past Pacifico is beautiful with winding roads leading you along the coast and in and out of palm tree forests.

#13 Beach Clean-up

Halfway through my stay on Siargao, I received an invite on Instagram from @thesuncrew.

The Sun Crew is an organization in Pacifico that has over 40 registered kids who they help in a number of ways. Some of the kids stay with The Sun crew, others came and hang out and do activities. Each weekend they organize a beach clean-up at 9 am on Saturday to help keep Pacifico Clean. More importantly, the kids learn early on that rubbish can have a negative impact on the environment and keeping it clean is instilled in them at an early age.

After the beach clean-up, the kids have a surf and a big lunch, which is kind of the reward for the clean-up, although they had just as much fun running around picking up the trash with us!

This was just one big family and was one of my favorite things to do in Siargao. Thanks so much to The Sun Crew for inviting us and to the 40+ kids for making us laugh for four hours straight.

#14 Siargao Nightlife – Hit one of the nightly parties

We didn’t party too hard on the island but we ventured out into the Siargao nightlife four or five times in the month. One of the most popular things to do in Siargao is to surf during the day and party at night then repeat that every day for the entire trip.

The bars in Siargao actually have a cool system that works well for the partiers but also the clubs and makes the Siargao Nightlife busy every night. Each night is a different venue and the bars share the nights of the week.

If you feel like partying just ask anyone where the party is at that night. They will give you the pre-pre location, pre-location and the actual party, which will kick off around 11 pm. Because of the surf and the nightlife, backpacking on Siargao is becoming more and more popular every year.

Bravo, Rum Bar and Viento seem to be the popular picks throughout the week but hands down you can’t leave Siargao until you have had the ‘Jungle’ experience. Each Friday night there is a wooden shed with open walls that fill to max capacity and becomes one hell of a party. During the day it looks like a place you would keep your horses but come Friday night you don’t want to be anywhere else!

#15 Secret Beach

I mentioned this spot earlier in the surfing section but I think it deserves its own bullet point. Secret Beach or Guyan Beach is about 30 minutes drive from General Luna. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see 20 motorbikes with surf racks parked in the middle of nowhere on the side of the road.

You’ll need to walk through the palm jungle for about 15 minutes up and down a few hills until you will reach the coast. Here you will find a small surf break with good intermediate waves. The walk to the beach is reason enough to visit but this whole experience just exudes island vibes.

#16 Dapa Town

While it might not be high on your agenda of things to do in Siargao, to visit the main town of the island, I always like to check things like that out. In Dapa you will get to see Siargao life beyond the tourists. We did some grocery shopping here, had to visit the pharmacy (none in General Luna), left from Dapa port to visit Socorro and had lunch here on the way up north several times. Life on Siargao is pretty relaxed whether by the surf or not.

Tip: We had a burrito and shake at the Mexican place in Dapa for $1.50 USD. No complaints.

#17 Sunset at the Secret Mangrove Wharf

Just before you reach Del Carmen, a small town in the northeast of Siargao you will unknowingly pass one of the best sunset spots on the island. This is one of my favorite things to do in Siargao and each time I visited this magic spot I was the only tourist around.

The wharf extends out towards the mangroves which are the focal piece of the view along with the perfectly still water. When we first saw this water so still, we knew it would be an amazing spot for a colorful reflection if the sunset blew up. We were in luck.

A local took us out in a small boat and we also sent the drone up on every occasion we visited this spot. From the sky, this complex mangrove system only gets more and more epic.

Full Blog Post: Secret Sunset Spot – Del Carmen Mangrove Wharf

#18 Visit Corregidor Island

It’s not a common thing to do in Siargao but it was one of my favorite spots in the region. Corregidor Island is about 30 minutes by longtail boat from General Luna. It isn’t normally included in the daily island-hopping trips. Often it is a stand-alone adventure with resorts like Kermit offering tours to Corregidor.

On Corregidor, a small number of locals live in the village. Beautiful beaches cover every inch of the coastline. It is one of the few islands in the area, which has an elevation. This means hiking. We hiked to the top of Corregidor, which is covered in long grass and palms. It’s a landscape you don’t see very often.

To book your Siargao Island hopping experience online, the best price and most reliable one is  this activity on Klook . This activity includes four islands all in one day. You get to visit Corregidor, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam. It costs slightly more than the regular three-island trip but that’s because you get four islands and visit them all in one day!

The price is very similar to what you will find at the street vendors (and likely on the same boat anyway). You get your full day of island hopping and lunch included. It’s hard to go wrong.

View the full blog post :  CORREGIDOR ISLAND TOUR FROM SIARGAO

#19 Try the best Coconut Ice-cream (in the world!)

Yes… big claim I know. However, where else in the world than the land of coconut palms would you expect to find the best coconut ice-cream. To find this little gem you will need to drive your moped to the small town of Burgos, near Pacifico. Here you will head to a small cafe called Lokal .

Aside from the coconut ice-cream (we had two each!), they also serve really high quality, fresh food, like vegetarian cold rolls, wraps and fresh smoothies which is not that common up north in Siargao. Let the guys know we said to say hey if you do drop by for a coconut ice cream or coco-coffee!

#20 Watch the Sunset at Cloud 9 Pier

I mentioned earlier in this post that the Cloud 9 pier can get a little busy at night but it’s all relative. You will have space to sit down on the edge of the hut and watch as the pastels in the sky burn and slowly dim. Watch the last surfers retire from the waves below as the sky darkens.

#21 Chill Sessions at Kermit Restaurant

Hanging out at Kermit was one of my favorite things to do in Siargao. The breakfast wasn’t necessarily cheap but for $5 USD you got a choice from french toast, a big bowl of fresh fruit, bacon, and eggs etc. Also included was a coffee and a fruit smoothie. Pretty decent value if you ask me.

The Wifi on Siargao is pretty unreliable all over the island. Kermit wasn’t perfect but better than most and it was always a good place to start the endless wifi search. Out the back, they have a few pull-up bars and a slackline. We tried very hard to learn to slackline but that shit is hard!

My mate and I would work out on the bars at Kermit and then jog the 3 kilometers down to Cloud 9 for sunset. Island life! Kermit is a chill resort and it looked like the place I would want to stay if I wasn’t a tight-ass budget backpacker!

#22 Visit Sohoton Cove in Socorro

Our favorite day on Siargao… wasn’t actually on Siargao. We island hopped on the ferry from Dapa and then a few small boats to Socorro then Sohoton Cove.

There’s a day-tour to Sohoton Cove offered on Klook for about $50 including lunch was is pretty reasonable considering it is about a 1.5-hour journey out there! It will be a shorter/compressed version of my trip below (my trip was an overnight stay) but you will still get a great look at the area. The link to the activity booking page is here: Sohoton Cove Island Hopping Tour

We visited so many cool spots in one day on our tour that I will list each one individually:

Blue Lagoon (Titikan Lagoon)

Water so blue it reminded me of Kawasan Falls. I don’t understand how something can be so milky blue right next to crystal clear water around the corner. We arrived at the Blue Lagoon and took a short tour in a private boat up and down the lagoon. It’s similar to the lagoons in El Nido.

Tip: this is the most epic place to drone from. You won’t see it until you are in the air!

View the full blog post:   SOHOTON COVE NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Crystal Cave

  Venture deep into this epic cave system. I mean really deep. We walked several hundred meters into the cave with our guide. Watch out for stalagmites and bats.

You can also squeeze down a small tube for several hundred meters. It’s so tight that we all came out covered in mud! This is not one for claustrophobes!

Hagukan Cave

This was the craziest damn cave ever! To start with you swim in an entire way to the back, which extends over 30m. Once inside Hagukan Cave, if you splash the water you will soon discover why this is labeled as the luminescent cave. The water will glow electric blue as you splash. We were like a big bunch of kids splashing about, fascinated by the glow!

Magkuku-ob Cave

We thought the Hagukan Cave would be by far the best cave and the highlight of the day but shortly after we visited Magkuku-ob Cave. You swim into the cave then climb up into the cave before emerging at a 5-meter cliff jump back into the lagoon where you began! What an adventure spot this is.

Club Tara Resort Diving Board

Our tour guide parked the bought at a pier to a bit of a random-looking resort. However, it had a 5-meter diving board. They knew us too well. 30 flips and crash-landings later my head was full of water and we had the best time! Definitely, try and stop here if your guide is up for it.

Behind the resort is a huge lake, which I am having trouble locating the name of. Definitely, make the five-minute walk over the hill to check out how peaceful it is.

Sunset in Sohoton

Finally, you should end your day on a beach or in your boat like us, enjoying this epic region as the sky lights up. We were blessed with an absolute belter of a sunset. Fiery red marked the end of the best day ever!

#23 Go Cliff Jumping in Siargao

Siargao is a small island in the Philippines that from first glance may seem to have no cliff jumping opportunities and maybe cliff jumping is just not of the things to do in Siargao. In fact, when I first arrived I thought there would be no jumping for my next 30 days on the island. Throughout our adventures, during the month we ended up finding quite a few spots ranging from 3m to 8m.

Tayangban Cave Pool: 7 meters

Magpupungko Tide Pools: 4 meters

Magkuku-ob Cave: 5 meters

Sugba Lagoon Diving Board: 3 meters

Secret Cliff Jump Sugba Lagoon: 8 meters

Club Tara Diving Board: 5 meters

Tak Tak Falls: 3-6 meters

Full Blog Post: 6 Awesome Cliff Jumping Spots in Siargao

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#24 Smoothie at the local

In the heart of General Luna, you’ll find a couple of local stores with fruit hanging from the ceiling creating an entire wall at the shop-front. For around $1 they will make you a pure fruit smoothie. It’s just goodness.

Have it in-house and they serve it in a glass with a bamboo straw. The perfect way to refresh and leave no trace!

#25 Go Off-Road on Random Roads into the Jungle

The beauty of Siargao is that is so raw and the island atmosphere is so real! General Luna is touristy but 90% of the island is not touristy at all.

Jump on your moped and go for a drive. Turn off onto some random dirt tracks during golden hour and watch the light rays shine through the palms as you get eaten alive by mosquitoes. Getting lost in the jungle was one of our favorite things to do in Siargao during the golden hour.

#26 Shoot Photos on Siargao’s Most Epic Road

At either sunrise, sunset or just whenever head down just pass ‘Top of the Road’ and you will be on a long stretch of road. Coconut palms line this road and it’s not till you send a drone up that you will fully understand how awesome this road is. If you don’t fly a drone then no worries. It’s still the best road on the island for photos.

We shot both from the air and down on ground-level and they are my favorite shots of the trip. It’s becoming quite popular two years on now from when I added this photo but don’t be an idiot and set up your tripod in the middle of the road. Remember it is a road with cars and trucks who will either plow through your camera or swerve off the road and lose control to avoid it. Be smart and enjoy the views.

#27 Climb a Coconut Palm to the Top

If you love a challenge, try to copy the masterful locals who scale a coconut palm in seconds. The first few steps up the cuts in the tree are easy until you find yourself tired and 10-meters high in a palm. This might just be one of the hardest things to do in Siargao, unless your a local.

#28 The Bent Palm (Now The Maasin River Rope Swing)

While there are many palms that have grown sideways on Siargao (They can’t all be perfect!), there is one that has had an extra little bit of attention than the others. We had a blast in this cool little spot taking some photos and getting glass in our feet while wading down the river! There has been a rope swing installed and it is a Siargao tourist spot with the locals hanging out there. 

Here’s my epic fail on the swing!

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Jackson Groves (@jackson.groves) on Nov 25, 2019 at 1:56am PST

#29 Coconut Palm Forest for Sunset or Sunrise

Hanging out inside the coconut palm forest is so damn cool. I was just overwhelmed no matter which way I turned. Thousands of palms, small pools of water, light rays shining through, small fires burning off rubbish, pet pigs squealing and small wooden huts.

It’s an amazing place to explore and once again if you drone, send it up here and look around. It’s not one of the commonly suggested things to do in Siargao but you won’t regret it!

#30 Secret Cliff Jump at Sugba Lagoon

There are actually two lagoons at Sugba Lagoon, the crowded one with the diving board and another hidden, empty one around the corner. Swim or paddle the 500m there and then at the top of the tree is a nice wooden platform, which I would see is about 7-8 meters high. It has epic views of the lagoon and you can see how deep the water is from up there. We never touched the bottom once but do your own depth check in case rocks or branches lurk below the surface.

The jump was awesome and easily the BEST cliff jump in Siargao and easily the highest official jump! Here’s a little video of my jump.

#31 Mam-On and La Januza Island Hopping

Mam-On Island and La Januza Island are found just off the coast of Siargao. They several beautiful beaches and coves and are covered in palm tree-covered hills. The reef surrounding both islands and in the channel between the two is truly remarkable.

You can now do these two islands as part of a day-trip as an alternative to the regular tri-island hopping. I highly suggest it as it’s not as busy and equally as beautiful. 

View Full Blog Post:   MAM-ON ISLAND AND LA JANUZA ISLAND NEAR SIARGAO

#32 Kawhagan Island and Pamomoan Beach

These are two great beaches separated by just a few hundred meters of water. You can visit both as part of the Sugba Lagoon tour, which is how I visited them also. Pamomoan Beach is part of Caob Island and is a chill place for lunch with nice white sand, palm trees and hammocks.

Kawhagan Island is a small, palm-tree covered island that has an epic sandbar at low tide. It’s a pretty sweet spot for late afternoon or sunset.

You can book a tour to Kawhagan and Pamomoan online pretty simply. The best one I know if is online with  Klook  (all the others online seem overpriced). I’ll drop the link here to the activity booking page for the tour I went on:  Sugba Lagoon Day Tour (Kawhagan & Pamomoan) . You can also book at one of the vendors or tour operators in General Luna.

View Full Blog Post:   KAWHAGAN ISLAND & PAMOMOAN BEACH NEAR SIARGAO

#33 Discover Poneas Island and find the Hidden Lake

Up in the north-west of Siargao is a town called San Benito. Here you can hire a boat and head out to Poneas Island. When you arrive you will take a small hike up over the hill and down the path until you find the hidden lake.

The lake is truly incredible. Hidden from the ocean and the outside world, you are truly in a secret paradise it feels. As I took to the air to get a better understanding of the region it was quite impressive to see the small mountains of Poneas Island, which had a resemblance to the terrain of the nearby Caob Island. Details of how to book with my local guide are in the blog post linked below.

View Full Blog Post:   DISCOVER THE HIDDEN LAKE OF PONEAS ISLAND, SIARGAO

#34 Visit Kangkangon Island and Pagbasayan Island

After visiting nearby Poneas Island, we visited Kangkangon Island, which was a quiet little patch of paradise in the middle of the ocean. Just one caretaker was on the island in a little hut as we played about in the sand and took a short walk around the entire island. This island-hopping experience won’t be as busy as visits to the islands near General Luna. We didn’t see any other tourists for the entire day.

And after Kangkangon Island, our final stop of the day was Pagbasayan Island, which had a lot more going on. A number of cottages, a bar and play equipment for children were scattered amongst the several hundred coconut palms that are tightly packed onto this small island. 

We sat on the beach and enjoyed a coconut before setting off to explore the rest of the island. There is one really unique feature of this island that many probably don’t know. Pagbasayan Island has its own natural, private swimming pool amidst the reef that surrounds most of the island.Details of how to book with my local guide are in the blog post linked below.

Watch the big surf at Pacifico

If the surf starts to get big you can either head down to cloud nine or drive up to Pacifico to watch the show. The latter is advised. A typhoon hit Siargao both times I visited so on the second typhoon, I rode my bicycle up to Pacifico and spent the day watching the huge swell smash the coastline. It was clean enough for a few hours that several locals even managed to grab a few epic waves.

Hanging out at Pacifico Beach Resort guarantees good food and front row seats to the waves while laying back on their lounge chairs.

#36 Ride around the island

While you can do it on a motorbike, this bucket list item is referring to a bicycle. Josh and I rented a mountain bike from The Greenhouse in General Luna and rode all the way around the island with a night stay in Burgos to break up the journey. It was 65km one day and 70km the second day as we completed the loop.

The roads are fantastic and with little traffic and much to see along the way it is really one of my favorite things to do on Siargao. People think there is one or two epic palm-tree roads on the island. Wait till you pedal around it.

There are literally fifty incredible spots worth a photo or a drone flight. It took us 2 hours and 15 minutes from Burgos to General Luna so get pedaling and message me if you beat our time from GL to Burgos on the mountain bikes.

#37 Santa Fe Beach

Head across the newly constructed bridge near Cloud 9 that links General Luna to Libertad and you will escape the crowds of Cloud 9 and enter Siargao bliss. Libertad in itself has some great sunset spots, albeit facing the wrong direction.

However, my favorite spot is just near Santa Fe. If you just chuck Santa Fe into your google maps, there is no specific spot but just pick a bit of beach and enjoy it all to yourself. No-one else comes out here as they just take the lazy option of General Luna for sunset but I used to ride my bicycle down here in just twenty minutes and found it very peaceful!

#38 Libertad Beach

Libertad is just across the bridge from General Luna. In the past, there was no bridge so it was a 40-minute drive but now in just 10-minutes, you can be in Libertad and far away from the crowds of Cloud 9. The beach isn’t amazing for swimming but the palm trees as a backdrop and the glow over the ocean are very peaceful and a great way to end the day.

#39 The Bridge to Libertad

The newly constructed bridge that links General Luna to Libertad is definitely going to be one of the top new alternative sunset spots on Siargao. Why? Because it actually faces the sun. The big problem on Siargao for sunsets is that everyone is on the wrong side of the island for the sunset but now with just a little walk or drive you can hang out on the bridge and watch the sun setting over the mangroves.

I had to shoot a photo there before the colors popped as I was on my way to Santa Fe so there is no pastel sky in my photo below, but take my word for it and hang out on the bridge during sunset.

#40 Hang Out with the Locals

No matter how many awesome things there are to see or how many waves you will ride, the most important thing in each destination I visit, is the locals. You are visiting their home. Not only should you treat every inch of their land with respect but these are the people you want to hang out with if they give you the chance.

This is one of the best things to do in Siargao and I encourage you to go out of your way to meet a local at karaoke, a surf, a chat at breakfast in the hostel, a beach cleanup or a full-day adventure. Think not what can they do for me but how can you help them. Our favorite day on Siargao was the beach clean-up we did at Pacifico with all the local kids and surfers. The people in Siargao are pretty chill and happy to share a joke with them.

Siargao is a beautiful island. Treat this island with respect. Leave it better than you found it and be proud of your actions. Make a positive impact during your visit. I hope this Siargao travel blog has given you an idea of just how beautiful Siargao is!

Here is some more useful information about Siargao to help you plan your trip and itinerary the best you can. I hope this blog post really does help you explore the island and enjoy one of the best places in the Philippines.

WHERE I SUGGEST TO STAY ON SIARGAO

Budget Hostel in General Luna: The White House :  The best budget option for dorm style/hostel accommodation on Siargao Island is called  The White House  in General Luna. For just $10 a night you can grab yourself a dorm bed.

Value Pick in General Luna:   Lampara Siargao Boutique Hostel : Lampara Siargao is an oceanfront boutique hostel conveniently situated on the exotic island of Siargao. 

Luxury Pick in General Luna:  Nay Palad Hideaway : Nay Palad Hideaway is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the Philippines. With its beautiful outdoor pool, terrace with either garden or ocean views, comfy seating areas, and is the resort you will see featured on Instagram all the time!

WHERE I STAYED ON SIARGAO ISLAND

Siargao is pretty straightforward when it comes to picking a region to stay. 90% of people choose to stay somewhere near General Luna. All of the bars, restaurants, tours, ports, and hotels are near General Luna and Cloud 9 surf break.

There are a couple of other regions you could stay in like Pacifico but unless you are purposely looking for isolation, General Luna is your spot. So what are my suggestions for where to stay in General Luna?

First, I’ll tell you where I stayed. Because I stayed for over a month, I managed to find an Airbnb . It was 4 blocks back from the beach, had wi-fi, A/C, a private bathroom, patio and inside were just two bunk beds.

It was super basic and I stayed here with two mates and my sister. It was 900 USD for the entire month, which we split four ways so it was just $225 each.  There’s a photo below of our sweet Airbnb pad on Siargao Island.

Save money in Siargao by staying at an Airbnb! Get a  FREE $40 Airbnb Coupon  by using  my code  when you book! 

Best time to visit Siargao Island

The best time to visit Siargao depends on what you are looking for. Many consider the best time of year when the weather is best but that also means crowds. I will give you a few options below about when is the best month to visit Siargao Island :

September: Siargao hosts the ‘Cloud 9 Surfing Cup’ each September, an official WSL Pro event

July – November: The best time period for surfing in Siargao is July until November. The easterly Mindanao current provides the islands with waves that came from the deepest regions of the Pacific.

March-May: If you aren’t as interested in the surf but are craving that sun. March until May should bring you guaranteed sunny days. But it’s the Philippines so you can’t guarantee it.

Where is Siargao Island Located

Siargao is located in the region of Mindanao in the Philippines. Mindanao is the southern region of the Philippines.

How to get to Siargao Island

When I visited in 2017 there was only one flight a day from Manila and one from Cebu. Now there are 10-15 flights a day so the question of how to get to Siargao has become much easier. Without going into deep detail on every single option. These are the options for how to get to Siargao:

• Fly from Manila $90-$100
• Fry from Cebu  $90-$100
• Ferry from Surigao City to Siargao Island $5

There are ferries that leave from Manila and Cebu but they go to Surigao City first and then Siargao Island.

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY SIARGAO SERIES OF BLOGS

Sunset:  11 AWESOME SUNSET SPOTS ON SIARGAO ISLAND

Cliff Jumps:  9 CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS IN SIARGAO

Where to Stay:  WHERE TO STAY ON SIARGAO ISLAND

Island Hopping:  SIARGAO ISLAND HOPPING – GUYAM, DAKU & NAKED ISLAND

Ultimate Guide:  40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON SIARGAO

Itinerary & Expenses:   SIA RGAO ITI NERARY & EXPENSES ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE

Sohoton Cove Itinerary:  SOHOTON COVE NATIONAL PARK TOUR – CAVES AND LAGOONS

Visit Sugba Lagoon:   SUGBA LAGOON FROM SIARGAO ISLAND

Hidden Lake on Poneas Island:   DISCOVER THE HIDDEN LAKE OF PONEAS ISLAND, SIARGAO

MORE PHILIPPINES BLOGS

I have also visited many other places in the Philippines that you may want to add to your itinerary and remove one of the locations I visited. There is no right way to travel to the Philippines. The reality is that you will miss some awesome places no matter what Philippines backpacking route you take. You can check out the links below to my other Philippines backpacking guides.

Caramoan:  CARAMOAN ISLAND HOPPING

Romblon Island:  ROMBLON TRAVEL GUIDE: 17 AWESOME THINGS TO DO

Tablas Island:  TABLAS ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE: 20 AWESOME THINGS TO DO

Sibuyan Island:  SIBUYAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE: 9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO

Sohoton Cove:  SOHOTON COVE NATIONAL PARK TOUR – CAVES AND LAGOONS

Carabao Island:  CARABAO ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE: 5 THINGS TO DO

Cebu Itinerary:  CEBU 5-DAY ITINERARY – DETAILED ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDE

Cebu Things To Do:  16 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON CEBU

Philippines Backpacking Guide:  PHILIPPINES BACKPACKING: 2019 BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE

Ultimate Philippines Itinerary:  ULTIMATE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR 3-4 WEEKS

Exploring the Stunning Siargao: A Paradise for Nature Lovers – IccyTravels

Friday 24th of May 2024

[…] Journey Era – Siargao Travel Guide: 40 Awesome Things To Do On Siargao Island https://www.journeyera.com/things-to-do-in-siargao/?need_sec_link=1&sec_link_scene=im […]

Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

nice photos man! curious what gear you were sporting as I love the wide angle and colors, same with the drone We'll go there in a few weeks after pasing Cebu and Palawan first. Really looking forward to it and hoping the surf is still up in this time of the year

Kendra Mijatov

Tuesday 16th of May 2023

This blog was amazing Im planning a trip to Philippines and I’m really adventurous so this blog was everything I was looking for! Thank you so much I will just love that you have one for best food spots that will be also asome.

Feel free to reach me out and I can ask you more things about this destination 😊

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Thank you for sharing such a super informative post.

CEBU TO SURIGAO BY FERRY (Schedule and Rates) - Jon to the World

Saturday 14th of August 2021

[…] City is the gateway to Siargao, so if you’re in Cebu, you need to travel to Surigao City first either via plane or ferry. I know […]

How to plan a Siargao Island Trip

Siargao island: plan your trip.

Embark on an unforgettable trip to Siargao Island. From must-visit attractions to insider recommendations, this guide is your roadmap to crafting the perfect itinerary and making the most of your time on this enchanting island paradise.

DESTINATIONS

Siargao Island Hopping by Private Boat

Siargao Private Land Tour

Palawan & Siargao Discovery Tour | 8 Days

Come to palawan, when to visit siargao island:.

You can visit Siargao all year round.

Peak Season

The peak season on Siargao Island falls during the holiday season in December, Easter, and essentially the summer months from the beginning of March until May, when the days are typically hot and sunny, with minimal rainfall.

Surf Season

For expert surfers seeking optimal conditions with powerful waves breaking offshore, the best time to visit Siargao is from late September to late November. During this period, the southwest monsoon, locally referred to as Habagat, brings consistent swells, generating impressive waves reaching heights of up to 12 feet. It’s an ideal opportunity to tackle the renowned Cloud 9, celebrated as one of the world’s premier surf breaks, offering exhilarating tube rides. The Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, an international surf competition, takes place towards the end of October or early November. However, if you’re a novice surfer, it’s advisable to avoid the peak wave season from September to late November. Instead, consider planning your trip between March and May when the waves are gentler, and the weather is generally good.

From June until October, there are fewer visitors in Siargao.

Bad Weather

December, January, and February typically experience the highest precipitation levels on Siargao Island. However, it’s important to note that unless there is a tropical storm/ typhoon or a low-pressure area, the rain typically manifests as short, heavy showers. The typhoon season spans from June to December, with August being the peak month for tropical storms in the Philippines. Activity tends to decrease by October.

During a tropical storm/ typhoon, all tours, island-hopping and other activities are canceled.

Attractions You Should Consider Visiting:

• Dako Island
• Naked Island
• Magpupungko Rock Pools
• Guyam Island
• Sugba Lagoon

Classic Siargao Island Tour Options:

A comprehensive land tour of Siargao Island departing from General Luna, showcasing key highlights such as Magpupungko Rock Pool, Cloud 9, Coconut Mountain View, Maasin River, and Tayangban Cave. As you explore these scenic spots, you will immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wonders of Siargao.

Siargao Island Hopping tour is a must-do activity when visiting the island. You will spend the entire day exploring three tropical paradises: Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island. These stunning destinations are just a short boat ride away from General Luna in Siargao.

Discovering Siargao Island in 4 days:

Day 1: Arrive Siargao Island Upon your arrival at Siargao Airport, you’ll be greeted by the warm tropical breeze and the welcoming ambiance of this beautiful island. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your chosen accommodation, where you can settle in and unwind after your journey. Whether you choose a beachfront villa or a charming boutique hotel, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the serene beauty of Siargao.

Day 2: Siargao Land Tour Get ready to explore the stunning landscapes and cultural treasures of Siargao on a comprehensive land tour. Your adventure begins with visits to iconic landmarks such as Magpupungko Rock Pools, where you can marvel at the natural rock formations and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. Next, journey to Cloud 9, renowned for its world-class surfing waves and panoramic ocean views. Your tour continues with stops at Coconut Mountain View, Maasin River, and Tayangban Cave, each offering unique insights into the island’s enchanting beauty.

Day 3: Siargao Island Hopping

Embark on a island-hopping adventure to discover the hidden gems scattered throughout the pristine waters of Siargao. Cruise along turquoise lagoons and explore secluded beaches, where you can swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun. Visit captivating destinations like Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island, each offering its own slice of paradise and opportunities for unforgettable memories. Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine life as you snorkel among colorful coral reefs and encounter exotic fish species in their natural habitat.

Day 4: Depart Siargao Island As your unforgettable trip comes to an end, enjoy the turquoise waters and white beaches before your departure from Siargao Airport.

Where to stay:

Siargao Island offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are a few suggestions:

General Luna: This area is popular among travelers for its vibrant atmosphere, proximity to surfing spots like Cloud 9, and a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

Cloud 9: If you’re a surfing enthusiast, staying near Cloud 9 can be a great option as it puts you within walking distance of the famous surf break. You’ll find beachfront resorts and cozy guesthouses in this area.

Pacifico: For those seeking a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere, Pacifico offers beautiful beaches and a more secluded setting. Accommodation options here tend to be more rustic and eco-friendly.

Malinao: Located away from the bustling tourist areas, Malinao provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. You’ll find boutique resorts and eco-lodges nestled among coconut palms and lush vegetation.

Burgos: This area is ideal for travelers looking to explore Siargao’s rugged landscapes and pristine beaches. Accommodation options range from beachfront cottages to budget-friendly guesthouses.

Nestled along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Isla Cabanas Resort is a distinguished 4-star retreat boasting a private beach area that offers breathtaking views of the azure waters. The resort features spacious villas and cottages, each thoughtfully designed to provide guests with comfort and luxury while enjoying the stunning ocean vistas. Conveniently located just 1.9 miles from Cloud 9, renowned for its world-class surfing waves, Isla Cabanas Resort offers easy access to this iconic destination. Whether you’re an avid surfer or simply seeking relaxation by the sea, the resort provides an ideal base for exploring the beauty of Siargao Island.

Located in the heart of the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Cloud 9, Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa is a 4-star retreat that epitomizes luxury amidst the laid-back island atmosphere. Situated along the coastline, the resort offers unparalleled access to the best waves of Tuason Point, Pipeline, Matanjak, and Pesangan Surf, making it a haven for surf enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Boasting a prime beachfront location, Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island while indulging in luxurious amenities and world-class hospitality. The resort features elegant villas and suites, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost comfort and privacy, with stunning views of the sparkling ocean waters.

Nay Palad Hideaway is an exclusive 5-star resort nestled on the southeastern tip of the island where guests can experience a serene retreat surrounded by breathtaking marine ecosystems. The resort is perfectly positioned between two distinct marine landscapes, with one end overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the other bordered by ancient mangrove forests and natural waterways. Embracing the barefoot state of mind, Nay Palad Hideaway invites guests to unwind and reconnect with themselves amidst the tranquil island setting. Whether seeking absolute privacy or personalized attention, the dedicated staff is committed to fulfilling every guest’s desires, whether it’s organizing non-stop adventure or ensuring total relaxation.

What to bring along:

Are you planning a trip to Siargao? Don’t forget to pack these beach essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.

• Swimsuit: Pack one or two depending on how often you plan to swim.
• Shorts and Cotton T-Shirts: A few lightweight, breathable shirts and shorts are perfect for casual daytime wear.
• Flip Flops: Essential for any beach vacation, flip flops are perfect for the sand.
• Beach Bag: essential for carrying all your beach gear.
• Beach Towel: Pack a lightweight, quick-drying beach towel to dry off after a swim or lounge on the sand.
• Beach Pareo: Pareos are versatile and lightweight cover-ups that can be used as a scarf and shawl.
• Sunhat and Sunglasses: Stay protected from the sun's harmful rays with a sunhat and sunglasses.
• Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day with a refillable water bottle.
• A good book/Kindle: Relax and unwind with a good book or Kindle on the beach.
• Insect Repellent: Keep mosquito away with a good DEET insect repellent, especially during the evening.
• Raincoat: Pack a lightweight raincoat just in case of an unexpected rain shower during your trip.
• Waterproof phone case : to take underwater pictures without damaging the phone.

Useful information:

Getting around bohol and panglao island.

There are many ways to get around the island of Bohol. All vehicles with a “rainbow plate” are accredited by the Department of Tourism. Public transportation options include tricycles, which are the most popular mode of transport in Bohol and can take you to most locations within Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island.

Tricycles are motorbikes with carriages on the side and a luggage compartment at the rear and can carry up to three passengers. Longer routes to neighboring towns are served by multicabs, buses, and jeepneys.

Bohol offers a range of dining options. Higher-end restaurants are located within beach resorts, while many restaurants in Tagbilaran City and Alona Beach offer inexpensive dishes that combine classic Filipino delicacies with western food.

For a unique dining experience, try a “dampa” in Alona Beach, where you can choose your own selection of fresh seafood and have it cooked by a local chef. The seafood can be grilled right off the hook for an authentic gourmet treat, and San Miguel Beer is a popular choice to wash down your meal. Most nightlife is found along Alona Beach, where the majority of tourists prefer to stay.

Shops, Markets, and Crafts

Bohol is known for its handicrafts, including mats, baskets, raffia woven cloth, fashion accessories, woodcraft, processed food, and ceramics. There are countless gift shops all over the island where you can buy native delicacies and souvenirs.

Special buys include Peanut Kisses (a famous Bohol delicacy shaped like the Chocolate Hills but made out of peanuts), purple yam (locally known as Kinampay or Ubi), and baskets from the town of Tubigon made from local fibers and buri leaves.

Bohol is a top destination for diving, with impressive coral gardens teeming with colorful marine life. The island’s unique dive sites were created by continental shifts during prehistoric times, resulting in deep, steep walls. Diving is close to most resorts, so you don’t have to travel far from the dive shop to the actual dive site. The majority of Bohol diving is concentrated around the southwestern end of the Bohol mainland.

The islands of Panglao, Balicasag, Pamilacan, and Cabilao are all synonymous with excellent diving year-round. Panglao is a great place to base yourself, but resorts are also available on the outlying islands. Whichever you choose, diving is close to shore and very accessible.

• PRIVACY POLICY

Siargao Island Visitors Guide

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

Every surfing enthusiast in the country knows about Siargao.  After all, it’s the Surfing Capital of the Philippines so surely it’s on their bucket list.  A tear-drop shaped island in the province of Surigao del Norte in Mindanao, Siargao faces the Pacific Ocean therefore influencing the winds, currents, and waves which make surfing more thrilling and challenging.  Apart from being a premier surfing destination in the country, Siargao also boasts of waterfalls, caves, lagoons, and scenic islands with whitesand beaches and blue-green waters.

Named by Conde Nast Traveler readers as the Best Island in the World in 2019, Siargao is definitely a destination not to miss when in the Philippines.

This brief guide to Siargao Island will let you know how to get there, what to do, eat, and drink, where to stay, and must-see spots.

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season .  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April .  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May .

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  This guide recommends that booking for Siargao Island summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Siargao Island in April-May or in November-December , just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Getting Here

There are many ways to get to this destination depending on your starting point. This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while in Siargao Island:  Rome2Rio and PHBUS .  We have provided the major ports of entry for this destination below.

Sayak Airport

BUS TERMINAL

Dapa Terminal

Dapa Seaport

Tourists from abroad can get to Siargao via Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) or Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport). From these airports, you can fly direct to Siargao via commercial airlines.

Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have at least two direct flights daily to Siargao from Manila and Cebu. Travel time between Manila and Siargao is around two hours while only one hour between Cebu and Siargao. Fare varies depending on the airline and the date of booking. The earlier you book, the cheaper the fare will be.

Alternatively, you can also book a flight via SkyJet Airlines, a regional airline in the Philippines or Sunlight Air, a boutique airline providing domestic non-scheduled flights.

Sayak (Siargao) Airport (IATA: IAO) is located in Del Carmen, 35 kilometers from the town of General Luna, the main tourist area on the island. From the airport, you can take a van, car rental, multicab, or motorcycle (habal-habal) to get to your resort in General Luna. These vehicles are available outside the airport but you can also book in advance or arrange with your resort to include airport transfer.

Find Flights to Siargao

Tourists from Surigao can take a RORO or fastcraft to get directly to Dapa Port in Siargao. Trips from Surigao start as early as 4:00 AM while Dapa to Surigao starts at 5:00 AM. Travel time for the fastcraft is around 2 hours while RORO usually takes around 4 hours. Fare ranges from P260 ($5.2 USD) to P500 ($10 USD) depending on the vessel and type of accommodation/class.

Dapa Port is 18 kilometers from General Luna. From Dapa, you can ride a van, car rental, multicab or motorcycle (habal-habal) to get to your resort in General Luna. You can find these vehicles outside the port or book in advance via your resort.

Dapat Port also serves vessels departing from Socorro, Bucas Grande Island. The first trip from Socorro to Dapa is at 5:00 AM and the last trip is at 1:00 PM. Travel time is around one hour and the fare is about P100 ($2 USD).

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available in Siargao Island …

Motorcycles

Motorized Outrigger

SEE & DO

The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while in Siargao Island.

1 | Beaches

Siargao is not only for surfers as it also has stunning beaches that non-surfers will surely enjoy.  If you have a thing for white sand beaches, don’t miss Pacifico Beach, Doot Beach, and Alegria Beach, with the latter being hailed by several other travelers as the most beautiful beach in the island.  Secret Beach is also an interesting spot as one needs to walk through the palm jungle to get to this hidden gem.

2 | Cliff Jumping

To make your trip more thrilling and unforgettable, find the courage to try cliff jumping.  The highest and most popular in this part of Surigao del Norte is Secret Cliff Jump Sugba Lagoon but it isn’t located exactly in Siargao Island.  The credit falls to Tayangban Cave Pool where you can jump off a 7-meter cliff after navigating a dark cave with chest-deep water.  Other spots where you can cliff jump are in Magpupungko Rock Pools (4 meters) and Taktak Falls (3-6 meters).

3 | Coconut Trees Viewpoint

Marvel at thousands of coconut trees from the top on this part of the island.  Located somewhere in between Siargao Airport and Tayangban Cave Pool, this viewpoint which is one of the most photographed spots in Siargao is simply a road in which its elevation is higher than the palm trees.  There’s nothing much to do here but to enjoy the amazing view and take beautiful photos.

4 | Dive Sites and Island Hopping

Go island hopping to see the beautiful beaches and interesting marine life in nearby islands and islets.  Blue Cathedral is the best diving spot in the area but it is recommended for advanced divers as it is at over 20 meters with a 20-meter wide hole.  Staghorn reef at Daku Coral Beach is at 9 meters while Seeco Reef Coral formation near Naked Island is at 11 meters.  The latter is good for certified open water divers.  Other islands near Siargao mainland that are popular island hopping destinations are Guyam, Mam-on, and Lanuza.

5 | Natural Pools

Why limit yourself to man made pools when you can also enjoy natural pools?  Tayangban Cave Pools and Magpupungko Rock Pools may just be what you need for a refreshing dip into those tempting bluegreen waters.  And if swimming isn’t enough, you can unleash your adventurous spirit by cliff jumping which these two gems are also famous for.

6 | Surf Spots

The island isn’t called the Surfing Capital of the Philippines for nothing.  Aside from Cloud 9 which is a famous surf break in the area, there are other surf spots for various skill levels.  For beginners, Jacking Horse and Guyan are the best options.  For short boarders, Stimpys is a great spot to have fun while experienced surfers likely find the thrill they seek in Pacifico and Rock Island.

7 | Taktak Waterfall

The only waterfall in Siargao, Taktak Waterfall is a great place to enjoy the peaceful ambience as it is less touristy compared to other popular spots in the island.  It is surrounded by lush greenery so it is perfect when you are looking to escape the scorching heat of the sun and dip into its cold bluegreen waters.  You can even cliff jump too or just lounge around.

8 | Nearby Attractions

Though not exactly in Siargao mainland, these destinations are commonly part of almost everyone’s Siargao itinerary.  Further away lies Bucas Grande Island that is blessed with wondrous natural attractions like waterfalls and caves including Hagukan Cave where you’ll need to hold your breath for a few seconds to enter as you will need to swim through the entrance and is inaccessible during high tide.  The famous Sohoton Cove is also found in Bucas Grande.  The cove, which has been declared a national park, is home to spotted stingless jellyfish.  On another island is Sugba Lagoon, popular for its diving board but it also boasts of cliff jumping at 8 meters.

NOTE: The Siargao Cup occurs annually in Siargao Island in late September or early October.

EAT & DRINK

The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while in Siargao Island.

1 | Azuete Siargao

If you’re craving authentic chicken inasal, Azuete Siargao is just what you’re looking for.  In addition to great food made with the freshest ingredients, their prices are reasonable and customer service is impressive.  Don’t miss their chicken inasal, of course, as well as their pork BBQ, vegetable skewers, and eggplant salad.

2 | Bravo Restaurant

Bravo Restaurant serves a variety of Spanish favorites and some Asian dishes like pork curry, paella valenciana, patatas bravas, chicken teriyaki skewers, and chorizo iberico.  And if you’re looking to experience Siargao’s nightlife, you need not look further.  The restaurant also offers vegetarian dishes and a great selection of cocktails .

Found at one of the most popular resorts in Siargao which is the Buddha Surf Resort, Buddha Siargao is known for its Asian offerings particularly Thai cuisine as well as vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes.  Popular dishes to try include pad thai, mahi-mahi, spring rolls, satay, tom yum, and red chicken curry.  They have the best milk tea on the island too!

There’s nothing like CEV in the island for it is the only restaurant in the island that specializes in ceviches and kinilaw (Philippine ceviche).  With their freshest catch of the day transformed into unforgettable flavors, CEV has become one of the most-loved dining spots in Siargao.  Some of their dishes are named after the towns in Siargao and the bestsellers include Pacifico, General Luna, Santa Monica, and Santa Fe.

5 | Greenhouse Cafe

For freshest and healthiest dishes, Greenhouse Cafe is a great option.  It is located in Greenhouse Siargao, a private boutique guest house in a beachfront setting.  Make sure to try the bestsellers which include homemade banana bread, Why Not Coconut (brown rice porridge in coconut milk), Barrel City 2.0 (cheesy garlic bread), and coconut cold brew.  However, dining is available to checked in guests only so you need to reserve a house/villa to be able to eat there.

6 | Kermit Restaurant and Pizzeria

Looking for the best pizza in town?  You’ll find it in Kermit Restaurant and Pizzeria.  They even offer make-you-own-pizza, homemade pasta, and buy 1 take 1 cocktails.  With reasonable prices and a great setting, Kermit is one of the restaurants you’ll keep coming back to when on the island.

7 | Kitya’s Place

There are a handful of cozy yet photogenic restaurants in Siargao and Kitya’s Place is one of them.  The restaurant serves all-day breakfast, smoothie bowls, desserts, and Asian dishes.  They have some options for vegetarians too!  And if that isn’t enough, know that they’re eco-friendly as well.  The restaurant was built with upcycled materials and practices responsible and sustainable tourism.

8 | Mama’s Grill

Tasty BBQ on a budget? There’s no other place to be but Mama’s Grill.  They serve pork, chicken, and seafood BBQ as well as other Filipino favorites like spring rolls, sinigang, and adobo.  It can get crowded especially during peak hours so make sure to come early, or at least be prepared to wait for around an hour to be seated.

9 | Shaka Cafe

Another spot in the island that offers all-day breakfast is Shaka Cafe.  They serve Instagrammable smoothie bowls, fresh fruit shakes and juices, specialty coffee and healthy versions of burgers and tacos.

KNOWN FOR: Sayongsong, a cone-shaped delicacy made from finely-ground glutinous rice mixed with coconut milk and sugar.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following is your guide to our top choices for each range in Siargao Island.

1 | Point 303 Resort (Budget)

2 | cherinicole beach resort (mid-range), 3 | siargao island villas (luxury | resort).

When doing research online of where to stay in Siargao Island or a for specific destination, this guide recommends using the following sites to conduct research:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:

TIP: Cherinicole Beach Resort is the best property to experience this destination.

Book Online & Save Money

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Suggested Budget

This chart is your guide to get an idea of how much to budget daily in Siargao Island.  The actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind that these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

Travel Costs

Accommodation.

A bed in a  hostel  dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).

Most  budget hotels  begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast. For  a three-star hotel , prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.  AirBnB  is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations  vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using  HostelWorld ,  Agoda , and  Expedia . 

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using:  Skyscanner ,  momondo ,  Kayak ,  kiwi.com .

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs on Siargao Island in 2023 :

• Hostel Dorm Bed: 500-1000 PHP ($9–18 USD) night
• Budget Hotel:  1100 PHP ($20 USD) night
• Mid-Range Hotel:   1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
• Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
• Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
• Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
• 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
• Tricycle Ride:   20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
• Public Ferry Ride: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) ride
• Domestic Flight: 2,500-3,500 PHP ($45–65 USD) flight
• Island-Hopping: 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD) trip

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The following is some of our best advice on traveling to this destination.  This is your guide on what you need to know BEFORE you go to Siargao Island!

Tips & Hacks

The following are this guide’s Top 10 Tips when visiting Siargao Island:

• Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
• Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
• Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
• Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
• Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
• Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
• It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
• Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
• Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
• Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD : The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

Health & Safety

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Siargao Island, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

• 6 Common Accidents to Avoid   
• How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
• Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
• Motorbike Safety Tips
• Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
• Sun Safety Tips   

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet
• Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
• Get Plenty of Rest
• Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
• Keep Active
• Sanitize Often 
• Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
• Take Your Vitamins
• Practice Safe Sex
• Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE:   Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

This list will serve as your guide to Top 10 most useful travel apps on your smartphones when traveling in Siargao island or the Philippines in general:

• Grab (taxis/ride shares)
• Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
• WhatsApp (phone calls)
• Skyscanner (flights)
• Rome2Rio (transportation)
• Agoda (accomodations)
• Booking.com (accomodations)
• AirBnB (accomodations)
• Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
• Klook (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

READ MORE:   The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW : Siargao Island 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list.  This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing.   To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD : Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

This guide recommends to take note of the following while traveling in Siargao Island or in the Philippines in general.

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE : Practical Information about the Philippines

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

I always carry a Camelbak Hydration Pack with me when traveling. Not only does it allow me to pack all my daily gear and snacks, but it also has a 3-liter water bladder which holds enough water to get me through the entire day.

Bluetooth Speaker

Compact yet mighty, a bluetooth speaker setup is a breeze, and the sound quality it delivers for its size is nothing short of impressive. Beyond its audio prowess, it boasts exceptional durability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.

UV Shirt is an essential when travelling in a tropical country. Providing reliable protection during long hours in the water, not only comfortable but also ensures a secure shield against the elements.

Snorkel Gear

For my island-hopping escapades, a snorkel gear set has become indispensable. Designed to enhance the joy of snorkeling and free diving, each piece ensures comfort and functionality. Together, they create an immersive and enjoyable underwater experience.

Adventure Camera

As a long-time enthusiast of GoPro cameras, I can attest to their user-friendly nature, excellent image stabilization, and impressive footage quality. Waterproof and rugged, the GoPro is my reliable companion for capturing adventures in any environment.

When it comes to beach footwear, aqua shoes offer exceptional support, breathability, and overall comfort. Well-crafted and sturdy, it provides effective protection against rocky terrain, quick drying for added convenience, and easy maintenance. A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

CLICK FOR MORE TRAVEL GEAR

Don’t Forget …

Download your free guide.

FREE Siargao Island Guide

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We have dozens of guides to destinations throughout the Philippines. Download your FREE copy for your next trip today.

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About the Author

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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13 Things to do in Siargao + Tourist Spots

Boasting of the best waves in the Philippines, Siargao is often dubbed as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines.” Once a hidden gem for surfing enthusiasts, this unspoiled tropical paradise has now attracted tourists from all over the world.

Siargao isn’t just for surfers! Its breath-taking beaches lined with swaying palm trees and turquoise waters are more than enough to keep you in awe for days. The teardrop-shaped island’s natural beauty can fill your days with fun activities — from beachcombing through secluded beaches, swimming with “non-stinging” jellyfish, exploring hidden lagoons to paddle boarding, cave hopping and so much more. So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach trip or a more adventurous getaway, here are my top picks of places to visit and activities to try in Siargao.

Siargao Tourist Spots

What to do & where to go in Siargao? I got you! Here are places to visit, interesting attractions & things to do in Siargao for your bucketlist/itinerary.

1. Surfing at Cloud 9

2. cloud 9 boardwalk, 3. siargao three island tour (tri-island hopping), 4. sohoton cove & bucas grande island, 5. non-stinging jellyfish sanctuary (tojoman lagoon), 6. club tara resort, 7. tiktikan lake (tiktikan lagoon), 8. crystal & buletas cave, 9. magpupungko tidal pools, 10. palm tree swing (maasin river), 11. coconut trees view deck (coconut mountain view) & palm tree road, 12. general luna poblacion, 13. sugba lagoon, surigao city, enchanted river, tinuy-an falls.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

View more travel tips in:   Singapore ,  ALL Destinations .

Find this guide helpful? Share the love & follow Detourista for travel inspo on:  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Tiktok ,  Pinterest .

Cloud 9 surfing in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

A trip to Siargao wouldn’t be complete without surfing. Try it out and ride the waves at Cloud 9’s legendary surf break or simply enjoy watching the pros battle the waves. If you want to go on surfing lessons, you can easily find certified surfing instructors to teach you some tricks. Apart from the waves at Cloud 9, which are better suited for advanced surfers, there are spots nearby with more gentle surf breaks that even first-timers can enjoy, perfect for beginners to try out.

Location  — General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. Save on Google Maps .

Cloud 9 Boardwalk surfers in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 Boardwalk, Siargao Island

Cloud 9 Beach in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Cloud 9 is about an hour away from the airport. You can find it near the town/poblacion of General Luna. Even if you are not a surf enthusiast, the magnificent barreling waves at Cloud 9 are breathtaking to see especially during sunrise or sunset. The best viewpoint is the Cloud 9 Boardwalk, a wooden walkway that leads to a three-story observation deck. It’s perfect for watching surfers and enjoying the ocean breeze. Cloud 9 is famous for the Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, which usually happens between late September to early October. The event attracts competitors and tourists from all over the world. If you like big crowds and parties, this is the best time to visit. If not, don’t worry because Cloud 9 is enjoyable at any time of the year.

Location  — General Luna, Siargao Island. Save on Google Maps .

Cloud 9 Boardwalk, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 Boardwalk, Siargao

Cloud 9 Boardwalk sunset in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Sunset at Cloud 9 Boardwalk, Siargao Island

Pro-tip:  To make your trip planning easier, I’ve added links to the pin locations on Google Maps. Use the ‘save’ feature on the app to see all your saved locations on one map, visualize your itinerary, and know the best areas to stay near the places you want to go.

Siargao Travel Essentials

Before we go with the rest of the list, here are travel essentials you might need for a hassle-free trip. Click below to see discounts & read traveler reviews.

Where to stay in Siargao:

Book here Compare rates

Recommended Siargao Hotels:

Travel tip : Use promo code “ KLOOKDETOURISTA ” to grab up to 5% OFF your next booking on the Klook app. Tap below to book & compare rates with these trusted & legit booking apps.

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Siargao Land Tour (Daily) – Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko, Maasin River

Sohoton Cove & Siargao Island Hopping Day Trip

Siargao Island Hopping (Daily) – Daku Island, Guyam Island, & Naked Island Day Tour

Siargao Surfing Lessons

Tours + discounts Flights

Guyam Island in General Luna, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

One of the top ways of spending your day in Siargao is by going Island hopping to three of the nearby islands – Naked Island, Guyam Island, and Daku Island. These islands are just a short boat ride from each other, but each one has its own charm.Naked Island, true to its name, is a bare sandbar of powdery white sand enclosed by crystal clear waters. Daku Island is the largest of the three and is a great stop for a seafood banquet under that swaying palm trees. You can also enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the surrounding waters. The smallest is Guyam Island. Its intimate atmosphere is just about perfect for a relaxing picnic, for lazing around the beach and for enjoying the sunset.

Siargao Island Hopping – Daku Island, Guyam Island, & Naked Island Day Tour

See discounts

Location  — Near Poblacion, General Luna. Save on Google Maps .

Guyam Island, in Siargao, Philippines. Photo by Alejandro Luengo . Guyam Island, in Siargao, Philippines

Naked Island, in Siargao, Philippines. Photo by Michael Louie . Naked Island in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Sohoton Lagoons in Bucas Grade Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Sohoton Cove National Park in Bucas Grande Island is among my favorite spots in the entire Philippines, so don’t miss it if you’re in Siargao. Sohoton Cove can be visited together with the tri-island hopping tours or on a separate day, so you can explore more of Bucas Grande too. Located a lot farther than the other islands, it’s the perfect getaway from the main areas of Siargao.Sohoton Coves unique landscape features secluded beaches and hidden lagoons surrounded by lush mountainous forests. You can dive into its numerous mesmerizing lagoons and go cave hopping. Explore the luminescent waters of Hagukan Cave. Swim into the Magkukuob Cave & find your way to a 5-meter high diving board overlooking the lagoon. Spend the night in Sohoton Cove National Park & enjoy the mesmerizing sunset. The easiest way to get to Bucas Grande Island is by booking a island hopping package tour. Boats usually depart from General Luna.

Sohoton Cove & Siargao Island Hopping Day Trip

Location  — Sohoton Bay, Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte. Save on Google Maps .

Sohoton Lagoons in Bucas Grade Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Sohoton Lagoons near Siargao Island

Tojoman Lagoon non-sting jellyfish in Sohoton Lagoons, Bucas Grade Island, Philippines

Another enthralling experience at the Bucas Grande Island is swimming with no-sting jellyfish at the Tojoman Lagoon. To get to the Jellyfish Sanctuary, you would have to transfer to a smaller boat and paddle into the lagoon because motorized boats aren’t allowed in the area. The turquoise waters are crystal clear and you can easily see the reefs and sea creatures below. The no-sting jellyfish start to flourish from March to May, but if you want to experience their full bloom, then you should schedule your visit around July to August.

Location  — Near Sohoton Cove, Sohoton Bay, Bucas Grande Island. Save on Google Maps .

Tojoman Lagoon in Sohoton Lagoons, Bucas Grade Island, Philippines Tojoman Lagoon, Sohoton Lagoons

Tojoman Lagoon non-sting jellyfish in Sohoton Lagoons, Bucas Grade Island, Philippines Tojoman Lagoon non-sting jellyfish, Sohoton Lagoons

Club Tara near Siargao & Sohoton Lagoons, in Bucas Grande Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. Photo by Rene Padillo .

Club Tara Resort is a world-class hotel in the Bucas Grande Island that’s isolated from big crowds. Highly Instagram-able, the resort’s water cottages give off a Maldives’ vibe and have become a tourist attraction. It’s a great place for honeymooners and vacationers that want a more intimate experience with the island. The resort has a lagoon where you can go kayaking and paddleboarding. You can enjoy taking photos here too even if you are just passing through.

Book your stay at Club Tara Resort

Check room rates online

Location  — Near Sohoton Cove, Bucas Grande Island. Save on Google Maps .

Tiktikan Lagoon is another hidden gem in Bucas Grande Island, especially with its magnificent blue waters. The lagoon is often compared to Coron’s Kayangan Lake and to El Nido’s blue lagoons. It’s the perfect spot for cooling off in the still waters, for lounging in the boardwalk or for setting up drone-worthy shots.

The Crystal and Buletas Caves are two caves that meet at the same opening, and you will enjoy spelunking in them. Crystal Cave is an extensive open-ended cave filled with shimmering columns, stalactites, and stalagmites that appear to be speckled with crystals. You can easily trek through its big chambers or squeeze through small tunnels, or even try both to get to the other side. Buletas Cave is a close-ended cave that’s named after its appearance. It’s filled with small, rounded pellet-like stones or “buletas” in Filipino. It’s also home to the “balisasayaw” – a rare bird whose nest is a famous ingredient in Chines soups.

Crystal Cave in Bucas Grande Island (near Siargao), Surigao del Norte, Philippines Crystal Cave, Bucas Grande Island

Crystal Cave and Bolitas Cave in Bucas Grande Island (near Siargao), Surigao del Norte, Philippines Crystal Cave and Bolitas Cave, Bucas Grande Island

Magpupungko tidal pools in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Visiting the Magpupungko Tidal Pools is a fun experience and you can easily incorporate it in your itinerary. You can rent a van or a motorbike to get there, or you can book a land tour that includes it together with other fascinating hot spots.The Magpupunko Tidal Pools are rock pools that are only visible during low tides. I recommend that you check the tide schedules ahead of your trip and try to get there about an hour before the peak of the low tide. If you time it just right, you will absolutely enjoy swimming through the caves and ledges of scenic pools. You can even go cliff jumping into them. Don’t forget to bring a dry bag to keep your stuff in.

Siargao Land Tour – Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko, Maasin River

Location  — Pilar, Siargao Island. Save on Google Maps .

Magpupungko tidal pools in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Magpupungko tidal pools, Siargao Island

Maasin River, in Siargao, Philippines. Photo by Eibner Saliba .

The Palm Tree Swing at the Maasin River was once a secret spot among locals and kids who love swinging from the tree and perfecting their backflips, but, nowadays, it has become very popular among tourists. You can easily get there from General Luna by motorbike or through a land tour. From the red bridge at Maasin River, this famed angled palm tree is quite easy to spot. If being Tarzan for a day is not your thing, there are bamboo rafts that you can lounge on and take scenic photos. You can also hire a small boat and paddle up and down the river. If you have some time, you can even hire a guide to take you to a secret lagoon. The Maasin River opens at 6 in the morning, and if you want the place to yourself, you should go there early.

Location  — Brgy. Maasin, Dapa, Siargao Island. Save on Google Maps .

Palm Tree Road, in Siargao, Philippines. Photo by Alejandro Luengo .

On the way to the Maasin River, the Coconut Trees View Deck is an excellent stopover, especially if you happen to pass by them around sunrise or sunset as the colors breakthrough an endless view of coconuts. Don’t take too much time at the view deck though, because just up ahead is the Palm Tree Road, and you might want to spend the golden hour there. This perfectly straight stretch of the highway is lined with thousands of coconuts on both sides. There’s minimal traffic here at these hours – making it a great spot for taking stunning photos. But be careful, because there are vehicles zooming through.

Location  — Near Brgy. Maasin Proper, Dapa, Siargao Island. Save on Google Maps .

Beachfront in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

The town of General Luna is the perfect jump-off point to all the beauty and attractions that Siargao has to offer. From there you can easily book land tours and island hopping tours. There are plenty of hotels and resorts here as well. The town proper is also bursting with restaurants that offer meals catering to all budgets and from a variety of cuisines. The town exudes a laid back lifestyle and is an excellent place to go for a more local atmosphere compared to Cloud 9.

General Luna beachfront, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines General Luna beach, Siargao

Surfer at General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Surfer at General Luna beach, Siargao

General Luna Church (Sto. Tomas De Villanueva Parish Church) in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines General Luna Church, Siargao Island

A bit farther from other attractions, but unquestionably worth the travel time, is Sugba Lagoon. About an hour away from General Luna is the town of Del Carmen, and from there, Sugba Lagoon is about 20 minutes away by boat. It’s a scenic view as you’ll be zigzagging through the Del Carmen mangroves. Alternatively, you can also get there directly by boat from General Luna, which takes about an hour and a half.What makes Sugba Lagoon a well-liked attraction is that despite its popularity among tourists, you won’t feel that it’s overcrowded. The lagoon is so massive and you will enjoy swimming and diving into it. There’s even a diving board on the floating hut. You can also enjoy lounging on wooden rafts and relaxing in cafes or go try stand-up paddleboards in the tranquil waters.Half a day at Sugba Lagoon is ample time to enjoy it, and if you want to make the most of your travel time, you should book it through a tour that also includes the Kawhagan and Pamomoan Islands and spend the rest of the day on these islands. If you love unspoiled beaches, then you will want to include them in your itinerary.

Location  — Caob Island, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. Save on Google Maps .

Where to go beyond Siargao

Location  — Surigao del Norte. Save on Google Maps .

Surigao City Travel Essentials

Where to stay

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Location  — Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. Save on Google Maps .

Location  — Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Save on Google Maps .

Location  — Northern Mindanao region

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May 13, 2020 at 7:48 am

I spent a month in Siargao in February, right before the lockdowns. I loved the laid back island life. It is a bit on the more expensive side of traveling the Philippines but I am not normally a budget backpacker. Funny me, I don’t like surfing but still enjoyed the island a lot! I missed some hiking or waterfalls though. If you want to see those, you have to go elsewhere, Moalboal maybe.

April 7, 2021 at 3:34 pm

My usual siargao itinerary almost always includes island hopping and going to the rock and cave pools there because they’re beautiful. Also, watching the sunset at the piers like in cloud 9 and pacifico.

April 16, 2021 at 6:20 pm

I can’t wait to travel in the Philippines. There’s just so much to see, discover and enjoy. The people are also just as amazing.

May 6, 2021 at 3:27 pm

really want to go in Maasin River!!!! looking forward! is there a restaurant nearby?

Information about Siargao Island

Among its various surfing spots, Cloud 9 is considered the most popular of all. It has also gained worldwide recognition due to its thick, hollow tubes and fast-barreling right-hand waves that break over a reef.

Aside from its surfing areas, Siargao Island also boasts white sand beaches, picturesque islands, azure waters perfect for snorkeling and diving, waterfalls, lagoons, and caves. 

Best time to visit

Since most of Siargao's best tourist attractions and activities are located outdoors, access to them largely depends on weather conditions. To ensure that you get the most out of your visit, it is best to plan your vacation during the dry months in the Philippines and check weather reports prior to your visit.  

Cheapest time to visit Siargao

Take advantage of the off-peak season, which runs from June to August, when airfares and hotel rates are lower. However, be aware that severe weather is possible at this time.

Weather in Siargao

The dry season, which runs from March to September, is the best time to head to Siargao if you plan on visiting non-surfing spots such as Naked Island and Sugba Lagoon. For surfers, the swell and wind conditions between July to November create the best waves. The annual Siargao International Surfing Cup is also held every September.

Peak Season in Siargao

The months of March to April, and June to August, will be particularly crowded since most residents choose to visit islands and beaches during these months. If you plan on visiting during these months, it is strongly recommended to schedule your trips in advance. If you are in a large group, you may even arrange for private excursions if you want exclusivity.

Main festival/events in Siargao

As the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, one of the biggest events on the island is the annual Siargao International Surfing Cup that takes place every September.

When to avoid visiting Siargao

For non-surfers, it is better to avoid planning trips to the island during monsoon season, which generally starts in June and continues for about four months. However, surfers, on the other hand, would best avoid visiting between March to September when the surfing conditions are not yet at their peak. 

How to get to Siargao

You can get to Siargao by taking a flight. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and Clark International Airport in Angeles City, Pampanga, are two of the most important departure points on the island of Luzon. The major departure point in Visayas is the Mactan-Cebu International airport while the Davao International Airport serves as the main departure point in Mindanao. 

You can also fly to Surigao Airport from Mactan-Cebu airport and then catch a ferry heading to Siargao at the Surigao Port.

Safety in Siargao

Because it is a heavily populated province, Siargao is full of crowds, especially on weekends. Keep your belongings near to you at all times, and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid wandering around unknown beaches, streets, and other areas late at night.

Getting around Siargao

You will have many options for getting around Siargao. Aside from local public transportation like the habal-habal (motorcycle) and tricycle, you can also rent a mini-mulitcab or a private car.

Motorized tricycles, or simply tricycles, are open-air public utility vehicles that are usually made locally by building a sidecar affixed to a motorcycle. They can accommodate 2-4 passengers only.

Meanwhile, habal-habals are local motorcycles that you can hire for a private ride around the island. You can either hire local motorcycle drivers, or you can drive them yourself. 

Another vehicle you can rent aside from the typical car or van is the mini-multicab, which is best suited for groups of three to four. You can drive this open-air vehicle on your own or hire a driver to help you get around as well. 

Food and Drinks

Siargao Island's cuisine is similar to that of the greater Surigao del Norte province, as the island itself has no distinct delicacy. One of the most popular dishes common in Surigao del Norte is the Sayongsong, a type of puto (Filipino rice cake) wrapped in banana leaves. 

It is made from glutinous rice, brown sugar, roasted peanuts, calamansi juice, and coconut milk. These delicacies are often sold in various stalls and public markets found all over Siargao Island. 

Along with Sayongson, another well-known dish on the island and in other Philippine provinces is the Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche). This dish is made by deboning and rinsing a fish before adding vinegar, ginger, onions, salt, and chili. Afterward, the dish is immediately ready to serve and requires no heating. This dish is available in any Filipino restaurant on the island. 

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Siargao

As a famous surfing and beach destination, there are various seaside properties on the island that offer easy access to stunning shores. 

Several 4 and 5-star beach resorts and hotels can be found on the island, all of which provide world-class amenities and services. The bulk of them are in the vicinity of General Luna. Another great option is the municipality of Del Carmen, where the Sugba Lagoon and the Sayak Airport are located.

Meanwhile, the municipality of Pilar has also risen in popularity thanks to the Magpupungko Lagoons and Rock Formations you can find here. Aside from these, a less crowded surfing spot called Caridad is situated here as well. 

Popular Tours to Siargao Island

Siargao sugba lagoon tour with kawhagan island & pamomoan beach, siargao island hopping & land tour to cloud 9, magpupungko rock pools & more with hotel transfers, sohoton cove bucas grande island tour with lunch & transfers from siargao, attractions nearby.

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15 Best SIARGAO TOURIST SPOTS (Surfing Capital of the Philippines)

The beautiful island of Siargao is definitely one of the rising tourism giants in the Philippines and it is truly a must-visit summer destination. Mentioned with big names like Boracay and Palawan , more and more tourists from different parts of the world crave everything that Siargao has to offer!

From stunning white sand beaches, enchanting lagoons, secret coves, and gorgeous islands, Siargao really is the perfect place for your grand escape to nature. But what really stands out is Siargao are the world-class surfing sites that inevitably attract international surfing enthusiasts. Hence, the perfect waves of the island eventually led to Siargao’s iconic nickname, “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines”.

Imagine waking up and realizing you’re surrounded by powdery white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and coconut palm trees. That feeling of living in a tropical paradise is exactly what you’ll get during your stay here in Siargao. Aside from the island’s breathtaking natural features, Siargao is also known for the countless fun and exciting water activities that it offers to adventure seekers out there. Moreover, the laid-back culture and beautiful people living on the island will surely make you feel at home anytime! Well, no wonder why more and more tourists decide to live here and settle for good. A breathtaking place, with awesome culture, and beautiful people. What more can you ask for?

So are you ready? Come and join me as we both explore the hidden beauty of one of the world’s beautiful islands! Today, let’s discover the 15 Best Tourist Spots in Siargao!

Cloud 9 Siargao is the number one attraction on the island and it served as the iconic face of Siargao for many, many years. Aside from being voted as the most popular place to hang out in Siargao, where you can watch the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset, Cloud 9 is also rated as the best surf break in the Philippines! So when you’re here, expect to witness a lot of amazing surfing stunts by professional surfers taming the tides of Siargao.

Photo by Joel Vodell on Unsplash

The trademark of Cloud 9 Siargao is the wooden walkway and surf tower standing above the crystal clear waters of the island. This picturesque view is what the tourists and all of the people of Siargao treasure the most. Unfortunately, this very landmark was heavily damaged when Typhoon Odette hit the island in 2021. But don’t worry! Because a bigger and stronger Cloud 9 Siargao is being built right now and it will undoubtedly surpass the beauty brought by its predecessor.

So when you visit Siargao anytime soon, make sure to still drop by one of the famous landmarks of the surfing mecca itself, the all-new Cloud 9 Siargao! CHECK – BEST RESORTS IN SIARGAO

2. Guyam Island

Another amazing island destination you shouldn’t miss in Siargao is the small but absolutely stunning Guyam Island . It is actually part of the group of islands consisting of other famous attractions, Naked Island and Daku Island. What separates Guyam from the rest is its tropical paradise feel that will make you love the shallow turquoise waters, stunning rock formations, and white sand beaches surrounding the island.

Photo by Andreea Petruti on Unsplash

If you want to escape the noise and just appreciate the beauty of nature in peace and serenity, then having a simple picnic on Guyam Island is more than enough for you to fall in love with its picturesque natural features.

3. Sugba Blue Lagoon

Sugba Blue Lagoon is another amazing attraction in Siargao known for its clear, emerald waters surrounded by a beautiful lush forest called the Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve. It’s almost totally enclosed in a small island and when you view Sugba Blue Lagoon from the air, it looks like a complicated maze of blue-green water separated by small islets and stunning rock formations. Aside from the breathtaking beauty of Sugba Blue Lagoon, it also offers fun and exciting activities like cliff jumping, SUP or stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking!

Are there crocodiles here in Sugba Blue Lagoon? Well, yes there are! But these are called Philippine Crocodiles which are perfectly harmless to humans. So don’t be scared and just enjoy Sugba Blue Lagoon’s spectacular beauty!

4. Naked Island

Ah, and there it is! I’m sure the name of this natural landmark also tickled your curiosity, am I right? Well, Siargao’s Naked Island got its name from its mind-blowing features. The whole island is only filled with white sands and crystalline turquoise waters all over. It doesn’t have any type of shade or trees around! The Naked Island is like a huge body of white sand where tourists can enjoy swimming, diving, and beach bumming all they want!

Photo by Michael Louie on Unsplash

Amazing, isn’t it? This huge white sand bar spans more than 200 meters long! So if you’re planning to visit and witness the awesome nakedness of this island, I suggest that you put a lot of sunblock on you because it’ll be extra hot and you won’t have any shade to hide on. Well, it’s worth it anyway so enjoy!

5. Magpupungko Rock Pools

The Magpupungko Rock Pools is definitely another must-visit destination in Siargao Island known for its breathtaking rock formations. Situated almost 40 minutes from General Luna , these stunning natural pools are a sight you shouldn’t miss. The main attraction in Magpupungko is the dramatic and huge boulder that appears to be squatting on another boulder. This is actually the origin of the name of the place! “Pungko” means “to squat” in the Visayan Dialect, so there you go!

Photo by Dale de Vera on Unsplash

The huge squatting boulder is only a taste of what Magpupungko Rock Pools has to offer because what really stands out in this place are the clear, warm, and emerald waters where tourists can swim, dive, and just relax. Oh, and the waters are also deep enough for you to try jumping off from the huge rocks too!

6. Sohoton Cove National Park

The iconic Sohoton Cove National Park is actually about an hour away from the island of Siargao. It’s located in Bucas Grande Island in Surigao Del Norte. But we still included it in this list because the enchanting beauty of this natural wonder is indeed worth witnessing especially for first-time tourists! This hidden gem is known for clusters of green, sparkling islands surrounded by emerald waters and white sand coves. So instead of the usual island hopping tour, you’ll go on an amazing cove hopping tour when you visit the amazing Bucas Grande Island .

And definitely, the major highlight of that tour is no other than the breathtaking Sohoton Cove National Park. Beautiful limestone formations, stunning cave systems, and mesmerizing waters will surely make you fall in love and want to come back over and over again. You can also try swimming, kayaking, and going on boat tours during your visit!

7. Daku Island

Ah, yes. The hidden paradise of General Luna, the famous Daku Island itself! Just like what I’ve mentioned earlier, this island belongs to the major island hopping tour in Siargao together with Guyam Island and Naked Island. A lot of people say that out of the three islands, Daku will always be their favorite! The island got its name from the Visayas term “Daku” which means large or big. And indeed, this beautiful island is huge and full of stunning natural features.

Daku Island is best known as a world-class diving and snorkeling destination where tourists will have the chance to venture deeper into its crystalline waters and meet the abundant species of marine and aquatic animals of Siargao. And with the island’s huge beach, I’m sure it is the perfect place to watch the mesmerizing view of the setting sun.

8. Shaka Cafe’s Smoothie Bowls

Number 8 on the list is no other than the iconic café that originated from the island paradise of Siargao itself, Shaka Café’s Smoothie Bowls! This incredible café serves delicious food and memories made only with the freshest ingredients you can ever find.

Located in the famous Cloud 9 Siargao, expect to feel like you’re in heaven when you taste Shaka Café’s ultimate bestsellers! There are several options ranging from Loose Leaf Teas, Fresh Pressed Juices, Bliss Cups, Coffee Selections, and of course, the blockbuster Smoothie Bowls. These bowls are perfect for your health because only the freshest fruits and homemade granolas are used to create these fantastic delights. Some of the top-selling flavors include the Bakunawa, Cloud 9 Kook, and UBeautiful which is a combination of ube, banana, blueberry, and kiwi!

Shaka Café’s Smoothie Bowls also expanded its branches to different famous tourist attractions in the country such as Panglao Island in Bohol, Moalboal in Cebu, and also the concrete jungle of Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila.

9. Corregidor Island

Another dreamy island destination in Siargao you shouldn’t miss is the beautiful Corregidor Island. Like the other enchanting islands of Siargao, this hidden gem is also only accessible by boat from General Luna. It usually takes about 45 minutes to reach this island but don’t worry because it’s undoubtedly worth it!

Corregidor Island or sometimes called Casolian Island is known for its stunning landscape featuring palm tree-covered hills, white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters. In fact, the water on this island is very clear that you’ll be able to see the landmass of the island all the way through! Incredible, right? Corregidor Island is actually part of several island hopping tours in Siargao and it’s something you definitely don’t want to miss. Feel free and enjoy exciting activities here like swimming, snorkeling, and diving!

10. Pacifico Beach

If you want a peaceful and quiet getaway from all the noise and hype, then I suggest that you book a room in the northern part of Siargao where you’ll be able to unwind and relax at the stunning Pacifico Beach! With a long stretch of powdery white sands, crystalline waters, and strong waves, Pacifico is indeed a haven for nature lovers and hardcore surfers! There’s also a famous surf break here called the Big Wish which is a sought-after diving destination in our country.

Oh, and you don’t have to worry even if you’re not a surfer because you will still enjoy your awesome stay here at Pacifico Beach! Just chilling in an afternoon nap on the traditional duyan while enjoying the cold sea breeze, smell of the ocean, and the rustling waves are more than enough to take your mind off the hustle and bustle of the city!

11. Alegria Beach

Claimed by many as the “Best Beach in Siargao” is no other than the famous Alegria Beach, also situated up north away from the dazzling nightlife of General Luna. This stunning white sand beach became the favorite of a lot of tourists because of the peace and serenity it brings to everyone. Just sitting back under the shade of coconut palm trees and enjoying the crystal clear waters rustling down your feet has got to be one of the most beautiful and addicting feelings in life, right?

12. Maasin’s Bent Coconut Tree Rope

Maasin’s Bent Coconut Tree Rope is that one thing that every tourist must do in order to claim that they’ve really been to Siargao! Situated right beside the beautiful Maasin River, one of the country’s most beautiful rivers filled with breathtaking blue waters, taking on this challenge will definitely be one of the highlights of your Siargao adventure! You’ll just have to climb up the coconut tree, get on the swing, take a deep breath, and dive for it!

Oh, and don’t forget to take some pictures because this awesome moment will be one of the most beautiful memories you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

13. Tayangban Cave Pool

Tucked secretly within the enchanting rock formations of Pilar, Surigao Del Norte is a hidden gem of nature called the Tayangban Cave Pools. Visiting this famous natural attraction in Siargao promises a lot of fun and exciting activities that will surely become the highlight of your trip! The beautiful rock formations with the cold, blue-green waters in the middle are the main attractions of the Tayangban Cave Pools where you can enjoy swimming, climbing, and cliff diving all you want!

These enchanting cave pools are about 35 minutes away from the main tourist hub of General Luna. It’s actually near Magpupungko Rock Pools so make sure to visit them both if you can!

14. Taktak Falls

The sparkling beauty of Taktak Falls is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Siargao and it is considered to be a fan favorite among tourists and locals! The cold and clear cascading waters running down the awesome rock formations are perfect for swimming and picture taking as well. Moreover, the place is already well-developed so you can easily spot several cottages where you can rest and eat during your tour.

15. Siargao’s Palm-Lined Roads

Ah, and there it is! Another iconic landmark in Siargao that you definitely have to visit and take pictures of is the beautiful Palm-Lined Roads of the island. The view is simply breathtaking and picturesque. Standing in the middle of the road to take some Instagrammable photos seems to be irresistible!

The best way to experience this is by riding a bike or a motorcycle so you can happily enjoy both the fresh air and the amazing view at the same time!

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• Top 20 Siargao Tourist Spots: Home of Waves and Beaches

Looking for the best Siargao tourist spot for your travel itinerary? Find out in this article. Learn what makes the island a top destination for surfers, beach bums, and nature lovers. Read on.

Nestled in the province of Surigao del Norte in the Philippines, Siargao Island has gained international acclaim as a premier destination for travelers seeking a slice of tropical paradise.

Boasting unspoiled beaches, azure waters, lush greenery, and vibrant island culture, Siargao has captivated the hearts of adventurers, nature lovers, and surf enthusiasts alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a mesmerizing journey through the top Siargao tourist spots, showcasing the island’s undeniable charm and enchantment.

From world-renowned surf breaks to hidden lagoons and captivating landscapes, Siargao promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Here we go!

1. Cloud 9 – The Iconic Surfing Mecca

No visit to Siargao is complete without exploring Cloud 9, the legendary surf break that put the island on the global surfing map. It is a must-visit Siargao tourist spot.

Known for its thick, hollow tubes and challenging waves, Cloud 9 is a paradise for surfers seeking the ultimate thrill.

The adrenaline rush and the spectacular backdrop of lush palm trees and turquoise waters make Cloud 9 an ideal spot for both seasoned surfers and enthusiastic spectators.

For those new to surfing, the Siargao Surfing Academy offers lessons, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of riding the waves.

2. Magpupungko Rock Pools – Nature’s Hidden Oasis

Located on the eastern side of Siargao, Magpupungko Rock Pools is a natural wonder formed by giant rock formations and tidal pools.

During low tide, the crystal-clear pools emerge, creating a surreal landscape perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring marine life.

The captivating rock formations also offer an incredible backdrop for photography enthusiasts, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers.

3. Sugba Lagoon – A Serene Escape

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life by venturing to Sugba Lagoon, an idyllic paradise surrounded by lush mangroves.

To reach this tranquil oasis, visitors can take a serene boat ride through the mangrove-fringed channels, enhancing the overall experience.

Sugba Lagoon invites travelers to indulge in various activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and even cliff jumping into the refreshing waters.

For those seeking solitude and connection with nature, Sugba Lagoon is a hidden gem worth discovering. Today, it is one of the most frequented Sirgao tourist spots.

4. Guyam Island – A Tropical Dream

A short boat ride away from General Luna, Guyam Island is a tiny tropical dream come true.

With its powdery white sand and swaying palm trees, this island is perfect for a day of relaxation, beachcombing, and soaking in the serene ambiance.

Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant marine life that surrounds the island, offering a kaleidoscope of colors beneath the crystalline waters.

This Siargao spot is rapidly hitting the spotlight due to its pristine condition.

5. Daku Island – The Perfect Picnic Spot

Adjacent to Guyam Island is Daku Island, a larger island known for its wide stretch of white sand beach and laid-back atmosphere.

The island is an ideal spot for a relaxing beach picnic with family and friends. Feast on freshly caught seafood, take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline or simply bask in the island’s natural beauty.

Daku Island promises a day of leisure and connection with the sun, sea, and sand.

6. Naked Island – A Secluded Beauty

As the name suggests, Naked Island is uninhabited, leaving only its pristine sandy shores to admire.

This strip of sand emerges during low tide and is surrounded by clear waters, offering a unique and picturesque sight. It’s an excellent spot for sunbathing, beachcombing, and taking postcard-worthy photos.

Naked Island is a reminder of simplicity and raw beauty. Truly, it is a tourist spot in Siagrao worth visiting.

7. Pacifico Beach – A Surfer’s Paradise

For surfers seeking a more laid-back experience away from the crowds, Pacifico Beach is the place to be.

This secluded paradise boasts powerful waves that attract surfers looking for a quieter and more intimate connection with the sea.

Surrounded by coconut trees and green hills, Pacifico Beach offers a refreshing escape from the daily grind, allowing visitors to recharge their spirits amidst nature’s splendor.

8. Maasin River – The Enchanted River

Listed among the thrilling Siargao tourist spots, Maasin River is not your typical waterway; it is believed to be enchanted by the locals.

The clear, emerald waters make it an inviting spot for a refreshing swim, especially during the scorching summer months. Don’t miss the chance to experience the traditional bamboo raft ride, providing an enchanting and tranquil journey along the river.

Maasin River is a sanctuary for those seeking serenity and a deeper connection with nature.

9. Corregidor Island – Historical Treasures

For history buffs, Corregidor Island offers a fascinating journey into the past.

This uninhabited island was a significant battleground during World War II, and its ruins stand as a testament to the island’s storied past. Explore the remnants of the war, visit the lighthouse, and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers while enjoying the panoramic views of the ocean.

Corregidor Island is a place of remembrance and reflection, allowing visitors to honor the island’s history while immersed in its natural beauty.

10. Coconut Palm Forest – A Tropical Paradise

A visit to Siargao would not be complete without wandering through the enchanting Coconut Palm Forest.

This awe-inspiring sight showcases endless rows of tall coconut trees forming a captivating canopy that provides shade and relief from the tropical heat.

Take a leisurely bike ride or stroll through this lush green paradise and connect with nature at its finest. The Coconut Palm Forest offers a tranquil escape for those seeking respite from the modern world.

11. Tak Tak Falls – A Hidden Gem

Tucked away in the heart of the island, Tak Tak Falls is a hidden gem that awaits intrepid adventurers.

The trek through the dense forest is a thrilling experience, and the reward is the breathtaking waterfall that cascades into a cool natural pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.

Surrounded by verdant foliage and the sounds of nature, Tak Tak Falls offers a peaceful retreat away from the touristy areas.

12. Alegria Beach – Serenity Unplugged

Escape the crowds and find tranquility at Alegria Beach, a serene spot known for its calm waters and powdery white sand.

With fewer visitors, Alegria Beach is a hidden gem where one can unwind, bask in the sun, and enjoy the soothing sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore.

It’s an excellent place for beachcombing, enjoying a peaceful swim, or simply unwinding in a hammock under the swaying palm trees.

13. Tayangban Cave Pool – An Underground Oasis

For a unique adventure, head to Tayangban Cave Pool, an underground pool located within a cave.

This natural wonder is perfect for those seeking a refreshing dip in the cool waters while being surrounded by stunning stalactite formations.

To reach the pool, visitors will venture through a series of passageways, adding to the excitement of this extraordinary experience.

Tayangban Cave Pool is a captivating gem that showcases the wonders of Siargao’s hidden underground treasures.

14. Del Carmen Mangrove Forest – An Ecological Wonder

The Del Carmen Mangrove Forest is the largest mangrove forest in the Philippines and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Explore the labyrinth of winding mangrove tunnels on a kayak tour and witness the diverse ecosystem supporting an array of wildlife. The mangrove forest serves as a crucial breeding ground for various marine species, including fish and birds.

Del Carmen Mangrove Forest is a haven for nature lovers, offering an opportunity to connect with the environment and understand the significance of mangroves in maintaining the ecological balance.

15. Pilar’s Viewing Deck – A Panoramic Vantage Point

Pilar’s Viewing Deck offers a bird’s-eye view of the coastline and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

The viewpoint is especially popular during sunrise and sunset, providing an unforgettable moment to capture the beauty of Siargao from above.

The panoramic vista is awe-inspiring, and visitors often find themselves mesmerized by the vastness of the ocean and the rugged coastal landscape.

16. Union Beach – A Secluded Retreat

Union Beach, situated on the northern side of the island, offers a secluded and tranquil escape from the bustling tourist spots.

With fewer visitors, Union Beach provides a serene ambiance, perfect for those seeking solitude and relaxation. It is an excellent spot for beach camping, bonfires, and stargazing under the clear night sky.

The pristine beauty of Union Beach is a reminder of the untouched and unspoiled charm that Siargao offers its visitors.

17. Corazon Island – A Hidden Sanctuary

Corazon Island, also known as “Daku Island’s smaller sister,” is a lesser-known gem with raw and untouched beauty.

Accessible by boat, this secluded island is a sanctuary for travelers seeking solace and tranquility. The tranquil waters surrounding the island make it an ideal spot for snorkeling and exploring the vibrant marine life beneath.

Corazon Island offers a serene retreat, allowing visitors to connect with nature and recharge their spirits. It ranks among the best places to visit in Siargao.

18. Malinao Beach – Nature’s Bounty

Touted as one of the best Siargao island tourist spots, Malinao Beach is a haven of natural beauty, showcasing crystal-clear waters, a gentle breeze, and a peaceful ambiance.

Far from the bustling crowds, Malinao Beach offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a moment of solitude and reflection. It is an ideal spot for beachcombing, picnicking, and swimming in the clear waters.

Malinao Beach presents the perfect opportunity to unwind and immerse oneself in the serenity of Siargao’s coastal splendor.

19. Pacifico Surf Beach – Paradise for Surfers

For surfers in search of big waves and adrenaline-pumping experiences, Pacifico Surf Beach is a must-visit destination.

Located on the northeastern coast of Siargao, this surfing haven offers challenging waves and powerful swells that attract experienced surfers looking for a thrilling ride amidst nature’s splendor.

With fewer crowds, Pacifico Surf Beach provides a more intimate and authentic surfing experience.

20. Siargao Boulevard – Local Flavors and Vibe

Finally, end your Siargao adventure with a stroll along Siargao Boulevard, where you’ll find an array of local restaurants, bars, and shops.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant island culture, indulge in delectable Filipino dishes, and take home some souvenirs to remember your time in paradise.

Siargao Boulevard offers a glimpse into the island’s local life and provides an opportunity to interact with friendly locals who warmly welcome visitors to their beloved island.

Siargao Island, with its top tourist spots, has truly captured the hearts of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The island’s unrivaled beauty, rich culture, and adrenaline-pumping activities make it a destination that promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

From the iconic surf breaks of Cloud 9 to the hidden sanctuaries of Corazon Island and the tranquil retreats like Sugba Lagoon, Siargao’s tourist spots have woven a tapestry of enchantment that continues to attract wanderers from all over the world.

Have you been to this remote island? Feel free to share with us your favorite Siargao tourist spot and why!

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Hi there fellow traveler! My name is Daniel although you can call me Kumafor. That's my indigenous name. I grew on a remote village called Lias in Barlig, Mountain Province.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Philippines » Siargao

EPIC SIARGAO Itinerary! (2024)

From the moment you arrive on the island or even glimpse Siargao from above, you will find yourself awestruck by this natural paradise. Being one of the most charming and secluded islands that the Philippines offers, Siargao’s undeveloped beauty has been at the forefront of the backpacker world for a little while now.

Siargao island offers a wide array of activities from great surf to enticing beaches, island hopping, and even empty roads that take you through pure nature. Since everyone that visits this slice of paradise leaves saying how stunning it is, our complete travel guide is crafted to provide the most kick-ass Siargao itinerary around!

Read on and let the stress of planning melt away, it’s time for your  EPIC  island dream to become a reality.

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Best Time To Visit Siargao

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Year-round warm tropical temps are one of the many allures Siargao island has to offer! Pumping surf is the other main reason people visit Siargao, the island is designated as the surf capital of the Philippines.

The best surf swells happen between July and December, peaking in September-October.

Dry season occurs from March to November, during these months the perfect way to spend your day is by soaking up the sun on one of Siargao’s many beaches.

For a more secluded getaway, without crowds, then November to February is when you will find this marvelous island turn into a quiet sanctuary.

Curious where to stay on Siargao ? No worries we got you!

If waves are what you seek then kicking it on Cloud 9 is for you. This little surf hub, located north of General Luna, is one of the best areas to stay for those spending extended time in the water or on the beach.

General Luna, the main city on Siargao, is the restaurant and nightlight hub of the island. If you are looking to experience the island’s social scene here is your best bet. A lot of Siargao homestays are situated here.

For tranquil vibes set your sights a little more north around Pacifico or Burgos. Up here you connect deeper with nature and the local culture. Although a little remote, both areas offer a couple of great restaurant choices and easy access to some fun Siargao activities.

Best Hostel on Siargao – Footprints Homestay

If you’re looking for a place for yourself or your group to stay that will provide you with warmth and laughter, then Footprints Homestay is the place to be. This lively hostel has made it to the top of our list for most amazing hostels in Siargao ! Built by an American and Filipino husband and wife team their love for Siargao shines throughout their care of the hostel and every guest.

Best Airbnb on Siargao – This beach view open loft with beach views

Located just off the beach, by the best shopping and eating stretch of General Luna, this wood built bungalow provides everything you would need during your trip to Siargao.

The ample deck and hammock area is perfect to relax, kick back and enjoy those nice island views.

Best Budget Hotel on Siargao – Viento Del Mar

Direct beachfront access, surfing, kitesurfing school, and weekly events make Viento Del Mar our budget hotel of choice on Siargao.

Found on the outskirts of General Luna, just off Tourism Road, in a prime location, you can either spend the day out doing activities or on the property enjoying the on-site restaurant & bar and other hotel amenities.

Best Luxury Hotel on Siargao – Kalinaw Resort

Looking for a remote yet luxurious experience on Siargao? The Kalinaw Resort is going to be it.

Private beach, individual villa infinity pools, spacious room design, on site restaurants and pool bar are why the is our choice of best luxury hotel on Siargao.

Featured by Travel + Leisure as one of the best hotel, resort and spa’s in the world, this lavishly designed resort will leave you wanting nothing, other than never wanting to leave.

Are you ready to experience the best that Siargao island has to offer?

Our EPIC Siargao travel guide will share with you all the highlights and hidden gems that you can experience on this nature rich island. Island hopping, lagoons, rope swings, surfing, beaches, waterfalls, Siargao literally has it all and it’s a must-visit on any Philippines backpacking itinerary !

Before we dive into our itinerary here are some quick notes when planning a Siargao trip. Firstly this island is pretty big and underdeveloped. What that means is outside of the main city, General Luna, there is not a whole lot happening. As for roads and infrastructure Siargao has some of the best in the Philippines. If you don’t know how to ride a scooter learning here is one of the easiest places in the world. Scootering around the island is half of the fun and the main way to experience everything on this Siargao itinerary. Habal-Habal, motorized tricycle taxi’s, are another option for traveling around the island but they are quite expensive if you plan to visit anywhere other than the area around General Luna.

Guyam Island | Daku Island | Naked Island | General Luna

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Guyam Island

• Why it’s awesome: It may be petite but Guyam island provides big fun, there is even a basketball hoop.
• Cost: There is a 30 peso entry fee per person, because it is a private island. (Usually covered by the tour company)
• Food Recommendation:  Only one food stand and restaurant on the island but that is all you need.

Our Siargao day 1 itinerary is actually taking you off Siargao for some island hopping! Boats and tours are booked from the main pier in General Luna, next to the market or you can go through your accommodation. You can hire your own boat for 1,600 pesos, fits 6 people, or join a tour for about $15-20 USD. Tours include lunch, environment and entry fees. Hiring your own boat allows you to be more flexible for how much time to spend on each island.

The day starts out at Guyam Island, which is quite small but exquisite! Only a 10 minute boat ride from Siargao, this picturesque beachscape offers placid shallow waters, soft sand and swinging hammocks. There are also a few “Instagrammable” objects added to the island for you to show off your Philippine vaycay.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Daku Island

• Why it’s awesome: Daku Island is the largest out of these 3 island-hopping destinations.
• Cost: 100 PHP per boat, if not part of a tour, and 200-250 PHP for a shaded hut.
• Food Recommendation: The few food stands on the island all cook the same, check out the ceviche.

This modestly sized island is full of lazy lazy coconut palm trees and an amazing stretch of sand. Even though it is the largest of these 3 island-hopping destinations you can still easily walk from one side of this island to the other in no time.

Daku Island is definitely the most popular stop. It boasts a small village that you are able to explore, comfy beach huts, great food and cheap rum. The beach is the biggest of the 3 island, you can easily spend hours enjoying the sand and sun. Play in the shallow blue water, have a drink, take a nap and then do it all again.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Naked Island

• Why it’s awesome: Despite the name, this is not a nude beach, but more of a bare island getaway!
• Cost: Entrance onto the island is free.
• Food Recommendation: Hopefully you packed some snacks because this island is nothing but sand.

This stretch of white sand has earned its Naked name by literally being just and island of sand. Imagine as you step off the boat how it would feel to be deserted on an empty island like this, it’s kind-of surreal, but also thrilling as you turn around and in every direction all you can see is shallow turquoise water expanding into the vast ocean!

Try to end your tour here for sunset! The colors are out of this world and make sure to bring an extra bottle of rum and snacks for it.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – General Luna

• Why it’s awesome: The main town on the island and where the nightlife is!
• Cost:  Plenty of free activities to do around town, beach, church, pier, etc.
• Food Recommendations: Miguel’s Taqueria…you never can go wrong eating delicious burritos and tacos!

After a day of epic island hopping you are dropped back off at the pier in General Luna, from the pier you can either head directly back to your accommodation, for a shower or wander the few streets to shop. There is so much packed in this quaint little town so make sure to explore around. This is the perfect city to find some new surf swag or head to the local market for a taste of authentic life on Siargao island.

Make sure to check out the General Luna nightlife. Even though the city is small every night there is a unique party happening. Different restaurants and bars across the city have a designated night where the crowd goes, which means it’s possible to let loose any night of the week.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Coconut Overlook | Coconut Road | Maasin Bridge | Tayangban Cave | Del Carmen | Sugba Lagoon

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Coconut Tree Overlook

• Why it’s awesome: Because there are over 10,000 palm trees planted around here!
• Cost: FREE.
• Food Recommendation:  Guy on the street sells amazing coconut dim sum, it’s best to grab two.

It’s an EPIC good time to scooter around Siargao, which is why our day 2 itinerary focus on mostly that! You will experience the best the central part of the island has to offer. It is possible to cover all of these activities in one full day but if you plan to be on Siargao for a while, which we definitely recommenced, you could take things slower and match a few of these activities with others.

The Coconut Tree Overlook is unmistakably the best view on the island. The feeling is so surreal as you drive up the hill, reach the overlook and just see the whole island open up to you. Don’t be too awestruck and forget to stop. It’s easy to sit here for a little while and just stare at the expanse of lush palm trees.

Coconut farming is a major economic industry on Siargao. The whole island is covered in coconut trees, which has helped keep development down, leaving most of the island untouched and mostly wild.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Coconut Road

• Why it’s awesome: Either you want the Insta selfie or you want to watch the people try and take one with the traffic.
• Food Recommendation:  No food on this palm lined straightaway. A few local kids hang out and sell hand-cut bamboo straws.

Continuing just past the Coconut Overlook this little stretch of road has become quite the popular spot on Siargao. Nature is amazing and free activities are always fun, so combine those two with a small photoshoot and you have yourself a great travel memory.

If you want to avoid most of the crowd sunrise or early in the morning are good times to get to this part of the island. Depending on how much time you have to visit Siargao sunset is stunning both here and the Coconut Overlook. They do get little busy but its kind-of funny seeing what other people do for this beautiful palm tree photo. Also if you are scootering solo sunset might be the best time to ask someone if they wouldn’t mind taking a photo for you.

Just before the corner there is a little trail that is perfect to explore around!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Maasin Bridge

• Why it’s awesome:  It’s the perfect place to cool off and river swims and rope swings are always fun.
• Cost: 20 PHP entrance fee.
• Food Recommendation:  There are some small food stands in town, just before the bridge.

Don’t scoot by this amazing Siargao activity! Maasin Bridge is painted bright red but it’s small and easy to miss. Once you get off the bridge the river opens up providing you with some awesome jungle fun.

You can find loads of activities here! Hire a boat to paddle around, rope swing, jump off the shaky palm tree and of course swim in the river. The nature around Maasin Bridge is pristine and a great place to just have some jungle fun!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Tayangban Cave

• Why it’s awesome: Wading in a river through caves!
• Cost: Entrance to the pool with a guide is 100 PHP.
• Food Recommendation: Nothing really around the best is to eat in Del Carmen before the afternoon lagoon tour.

After a little bit of swimming in complete darkness, lit only by your guides torch, Tayangban Cave opens up into a stunning emerald pool. It’s such a crazy feeling to be completely surrounded by the jungle. You feel like you are on a whole different planet as you swim in this pool with these ancient looking vines and trees.

If you have never done it before here is the perfect place to try your hand at some cliff jumping!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Del Carmen

• Why it’s awesome:  Cool little town, nice church and entry point into the mangrove forest and Sugba lagoon!
• Food Recommendation: Krokodeilos Restaurant and Bar is not only an awesome spot to chill out with friends, it is also a wonderful restaurant with fresh food and cold drinks!

The main entry point to the western islands of Siargao, Del Carmen has a fair bit going on. There is a beautiful church as you head into town, a few shops and restaurants and a cool boat area to wander around. Here is a great place to stretch from all the driving you have been doing.

It’s best to park the scooter just off the main street before the pier. If you are planning on doing any boat activities from here make sure to spent a few minutes looking at the small museum in the building.

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Sugba Lagoon & Mangrove Forest

• Why it’s awesome: Stunning turquoise waters, snorkeling, mangrove trees!
• Cost: 1600-2800 PHP to rent a whole boat, fits up to 6 people, price depends on which tour option you choose.
• Food Recommendation: Hit The Waffle House for some unforgettable sweet waffles.

Located off the west coast of Siargao, just outside Del Carmen, this 4000 hectare nature sanctuary should not be skipped. Home to the Philippines largest mangrove and quite a few stunning islands Scuba lagoon is one of the best and most beautiful Siargao adventures.

Once you arrive to Del Carmen you can hire a boat at the pier on your own. For those of you that have time beyond this 3 day Siargao itinerary you could set aside a full day and pre-book a tour that picks you up at General Luna, takes you to Sugba lagoon plus two other neighboring islands.

When hiring a boat in Del Carmen you have the options to just visit Scuba lagoon, 1600 PHP or you can add-on, like exploring more of the mangroves or stopping at an extra island in the lagoon. Each additional stop adds to the overall price. If you are arriving to Scuba lagoon in the afternoon, after doing the rest of our day 2 itinerary, you have a great chance of finding someone at the pier who wouldn’t mind sharing boats to save on cost! Every boat fits up to 6 people.

Get lost in the beauty of Scuba lagoon, enjoy the mangrove, jump from the overwater board, snorkel and enjoy the calm waters!

Footprints Homestay

If you’re looking for a place for yourself or your group to stay that will provide you with warmth and laughter, then Footprints Homestay is the place to be.

• Free Parking

  Pacifico | Magpupungko Pools | Burgos | Taktak Waterfall | Cloud 9 | Algria Beach

Whether you plan on spending 3 days in Siargao or 30, here are a few other must-do items when visiting Siargao island.

• The up-and-coming stretch of Siargao island.
• Stunning beaches and great surf breaks.
• Great area for jumping off to do other activities.

Pacifico in central Siargao is a relaxed old school surf town with long stretches of white sand beaches, tropical rows of palm trees and world-class surf breaks.

If you are looking to escape the bustle of General Luna, Pacifico is the perfect place for you. Spend your days just surfing and soaking up the sun on some of Siargao’s best beaches and breaks. The peace and quiet perfect here, breath in the cool ocean air and relax.

There are some great surf breaks found around Pacifico and all of them are within a couple of minutes walk from each other! Take your pick of left-hand or right-hand waves, and remember that they are best surfed at mid to low tide.

Magpupungko Beach and Tidal Pools

• The Magpupungko Beach and Tidal Pools provide rich turquoise ocean water and rock pools just waiting to be enjoyed by you!
• There is a parking fee of 20 PHP and an entrance fee of 50 PHP but you also get access to a beautiful stretch of beach, which is perfect for spending a few hours laying around.
• Grab a cold coconut or some food from the lineup of food stands.

The Magpupungko Beach and Tidal Pools is a must-visit and favorite of most travelers. Whether you are here for low tide and access to the pools or high tide and enjoying the beach here is a great stop to relax and grab some Instagram snaps.

This is a very popular spot which can get busy. However, that means its also a great place to make some new friends.

Swim or surf amongst coral fringed rocks and multi-colored fish as they glide along the rock pool floors!

Get your foodie on in Burgos

• Although Burgos is located on the northern section of Siargao that does not mean this town is lacking, in fact Burgos is the new hotspot on the island.
• There is a great group of local artists that live in this area and the community is focused on sustainability.
• Like most of Siargao beaches and surf-breaks can be found just outside of town.

The latest on the radar, Burgos, has some amazing things going for it. Cafe Lokal and its associated market provide a food co-op and artistry mix. Lokal focuses on community while providing some amazing food and hand designed products. Dinner at the Isda fish market is an experience on its own.

Here you can support local fisherman by actually wandering around the fish stalls and selecting someones catch before heading upstairs to a modern designed restaurant. The atmosphere and overlook view are spectacular. Also there is a full veggie menu with products sourced from local farmers.

Taktak Waterfall

• It is the only waterfall known to Siargao island!
• Entrance is 25 PHP but if you arrive early in the morning you can avoid this and have the waterfall completely to yourself.
• The pool isn’t too big but it does get pretty deep for playing in the water.

If you like fresh air and lush, tropical vegetation then Taktak Falls is just for you! The waterfall itself is about 15 meters tall with a wide pool below to swim around.

Depending on the season, the pool might only be waist deep but the water is always falling and mesmerizing to see.

There is a small pathway to the left of the Taktak waterfall that will lead you up to the top to enjoy a nice overlook view.

Insider Tip: Do not jump off from the cliff, or from high points surrounding the waterfall’s base. There are only a few parts of the pool that are actually deep enough for you to dive in, so it’s better not to chance it and wind up spending your vacation with a broken ankle or worse.

Cloud 9 Surfing Area

• This is the best area for surfers, the break is a short boat-ride away from shore.
• If you are waiting for the swell, or keen on a mid-day rest you can relax on the soft beach.
• Cloud 9 is perfect to connect with other surfers or chat with locals and ask for some advice.

This legendary area is known for hosting the one of the most famous breaks in the world, something that has put Siargao on the map for every pro surfer. The waves provide hollow tubes and an epic swell that lifts you above the otherwise perilous coral reefs.

If surfing is not your thing you can watch surfers try their luck to catch the iconic Cloud 9 wave from the 3 story overwater observation station.

Insider Tip: If you are a beginner at surfing, we just want to remind you that it is unwise to attempt surfing the Cloud 9.

Calm Waters Perfect for Swimming at Alegria Beach

• There are sections within the ocean where you can fully submerge yourself without the worry of sharp rocks!
• Alegria beach is one of the few stretches of sand where you don’t have to worry about waves so you can leisurely float around and relax.
• It’s away from the main area and surf breaks but up here on the norther tip of Siargao things are super peaceful.

Laze about and sunbathe surrounded by pristine white sand and crystal clear blue sea! This beach is the best beach on the whole of Siargao for swimming, as it is less dense with rocks and coral reefs.

It is not usually very populated with tourists, and you’ll probably find only a few locals hanging around and chilling behind the grass of the beach. This adds a sense of peace and privacy to your afternoon, and you can find a bar along the coastline to order some refreshingly delicious sundowners!

Siargao, and the Philippines in general are safe to visit, few tourist have any problems here but just in case our list of  Safety tips are good to keep in mind wherever you travel.

As everywhere in the world try not to leave valuables unattended along the beach and be wise when walking alone late at night. Siargao is a very small island and the locals try to keep it crime and drug free, everyone on the island just wants to enjoy the surf.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Siargao

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re looking for some more inspiration or ideas of where to visit after Siargao here is a great list of possible day trips!

Cebu and Mactan Twin City Tour

Cebu, the main island and entry point to Siargao, offers plenty to see and do. We recommend at least spending a day to discover the best Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines has to offer!

Full to the brim with history, heritage and culture, this tour takes you to the neighboring cities of Cebu City and Mactan, both of which are bound to surprise you. The buildings are masterpieces and the culture is unique to this region. Admire Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica of the Holy Child, and a few other 16th century historical sites while you are here.

Mactan Island Hopping

Skim the crystal clear ocean waves in a Filippino Banca, a motorized canoe, as you tour 3 stunning tropical islands. Located just off the main island of Mactan the islands of Hilutungan, Nalusuan and Pandanon are a unique experience and perfect for the ocean lover.

At each of these islands, you will get the chance to indulge in all of the most amazing water-sports! Jump on into the welcoming waters and go snorkeling, swimming or diving off the coastline of the small islands within the channel.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, dig into a flavorsome grilled lunch complete with a picnic setting, and served on a white sand bay as you soak up the sun!

Pescador Island Marine Sanctuary

From Cebu City head down to Moalboal , where you can hop over to Pescador Island to experience world class snorkeling! This little island sanctuary is packed full of multicolored fish, bright corals, and of course turtles!

As you boat to and from the island make sure to keep your eyes open for dolphins playing along side you.

Half-Day Panglao Island Tour

Another small, fantastic island to visit after Siargao is Panglao Island. Located on the southern side of Bohol, Panglao Island is reputed to have the most stunning white-sand beaches in all of the Philippines. You can also get lost in mysterious underground caves and visit a Spanish church with a unique past.

Bohol Island: Full-Day Countryside Tour with Buffet Lunch

Since you are around this area of the Philippines we have to recommend a trip from Cebu city to Bohol itself! Close Cebu Island, Bohol is an astounding place to explore, make sure that you have camera charged up for some epic shots! Bohol’s famous for it’s Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Conservation Ara and the Loboc-Loay River.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Siargao itinerary.

What is there to do in Siargao for non surfers?

Heaps! Heading out on a day trip island hopping around some of the most incredible and remote little paradise islands is just idyllic.

What is Siargao best known for?

Siargao is known for it’s world class surfing, tranquil turquoise waters and white sands beaches.

Is Siargao expensive?

Siargao is super cheap and great for backpackers, but there’s resorts too if you’re feeling a bit extra.

What are some great water activities in Siargao?

There’s soooo many, but the most incredible has to be exploring the stunning Sugba Lagoon & Mangrove Forest.

Siargao is one of those precious places that has preserved its rich heritage, culture, and lifestyle, whilst still remaining a popular tourist destination. Seeing how damaging tourism can be to a small islands like Boracay, the people of Siargao have really stepped in to preserve to natural beauty of this island and keep away from massive chain-like overdevelopment. Recycling is a huge part of the island, everyone is working towards increasing sustainability through tourism and local life. Siargao is a truly unique island adventure, one filled with an infectious rhythm that will linger with you long after you leave!

Rhenz Caguioa

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SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary

The huge waves look ominous the first time you see it.

I asked my boatman, Jojo, what I’m seeing. Is that turbulent area dangerous? Is it inaccessible to fishers and swimmers? Should I, um, tighten my life jacket?

He chuckled. “Oh, that,” he said in a voice that suggested he’s had this conversation many times before. “Those are the Cloud 9 waves. Surfers love those.”

And then it hit me like ’em big kahunas: this is Siargao, Glenn. There are supposed to be waves.

While the uninitiated like me may feel uneasy, for the people of who call Siargao home, these waves are the most familiar thing. As the name implies, it’s their piece of heaven.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING SIARGAO ISLAND

Siargao is an island located off the northeastern coast of Mindanao. It is within the jurisdiction of Surigao Del Norte province, and composed of nine municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica and Socorro. Around the main island are smaller islands, included as part of the Siargao Group.

Siargao is known today as a surfing mecca, a place where thrill-seekers the world over gather to ride the waves. For the local population, however, Siargao is their simple, non-assuming hometown, with vast swaths of coconut farms, thick mangroves, and secluded coves. If it’s your first time here, it’s hard to ignore the contrast between the adventuring, wide-eyed tourists and the simple, stoic ways of the locals. Case in point: me and Jojo.

The island is a relatively sheltered surfing destination until around the early 2010s, when word of the island’s majestic waves exploded in the surfing world. Today, surfing culture is pretty much a staple in the island. This is particularly true in General Luna, where the island’s best waves can be found.

More info about Siargao Island:

• Language: Surigaonon is the dominant language, but Tagalog, Cebuano, and English are widely understood and spoken.
• Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time). Same time as Singapore and Malaysia; one hour behind Japan.
• Currency: Philippine peso (PHP, ₱). PHP 100 is around USD 1.85, EUR 1.60, or SGD 2.55 (as of October 2018).
• Mode of payment: Cash preferred. Large establishments often accept credit cards.

WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO

You’ll never run out of options when it comes to accommodations in Siargao. The island attracts tourists within the full spectrum of budget preferences. Whatever your own budget is, there is a hotel, hostel, or resort to fit your needs.

If you’re looking for a place that’s close to surfing sports and other major attractions, we highly suggest that you book a place within General Luna, somewhere along Tourism Road. Here most attractions like the Cloud Nine and Quicksilver surfing camps, Mama’s Grill, and the General Luna public market, are just a habal-habal ride away.

Top Siargao Resorts and Inns

On our recent trip, we stayed at La Luna Island Resort and had an fabulous time. Its rooms are spacious, beds huge, and location excellent, close to a wide selection of dining spots.

It’s also one of the best-rated resorts on Agoda, as reviewed by actual customers. Here are some of the top resorts and lodges in the island (not in order).

• La Luna Island Resort. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• LaVillas Homestay. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Balay Hayahay. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Siargao Island Villas. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Lukay Resort Siargao. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Alpas Siargao. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Apsaras Tribe- Siargao. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Top Siargao Hostels

• Ilakai Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Let’s Gold Hostel(Kanijugan Homestay). Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Tres Islas Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Siargao Resorts!

How to get to siargao island.

Siargao has its own small yet serviceable airport, named Sayak Airport. Traveling by air is the most efficient way to get to the island.

In the past, the usual route (from Manila) is to first take a flight to Cebu City or Surigao City, then take another flight to Siargao. This has changed, however, since Siargao Airport now offers direct flights to and from Manila, as well as Clark and Davao.

• Manila to Siargao: Cebu Pacific and Skyjet
• Cebu to Siargao: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines
• Clark to Siargao: Philippine Airlines
• Davao to Siargao: Philippine Airlines
• Surigao City to Siargao: Cebu Pacific

From Manila, it usually takes two hours to get to Siargao (one hour if you fly from Cebu). The fare will vary, with the cheapest average at around PHP 3,000 for Cebu Pacific (non-promo) flights.

Book Cheap Siargao Flights Here!

You can also get to Siargao via Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) ferries. These ferries leave to and from Surigao City. The main seaport in the island is located in the municipality of Dapa. Boat and ferry rates vary, between PHP 200-300.

SIARGAO AIRPORT TO GENERAL LUNA

Most of the hustle and bustle occur in the municipality of General Luna. Here is where Cloud 9, Quicksilver and other surfing camps are located. Many hotels, resorts and restaurants are also found here.

Sayak Airport, however, is located in another municipality, in Del Carmen. To get to General Luna, head outside the airport, where vans for rent are parked. Traveling by van is your fastest and cheapest option to get to General Luna, but you may have to share the van with other passengers.

Travel time: 45 minutes Fare: PHP 300

By Motorbike (Habal-habal)

If you’re feeling adventurous, or you’d like to travel privately, you can get to General Luna on a motorcycle, either via habal-habal (hired motorcycles), or for-rent motorbikes you operate yourself. These are also available outside the airport. Of course, if you have lots of luggage with you, this isn’t a viable option. Or maybe it is, provided you have very dextrous teeth.

Habal-habal fare: PHP 500 Motorbikes for rent: PHP 500 per day Travel time: 45 minutes

By Multi-cab

Another popular form of transport is the multicab, small multi-seater vehicles that look like bonsai trucks. Multicabs have enough space for luggage, and the ride is relatively more comfortable than the two-wheeled options.

Travel time: 45 minutes Multicabs for rent: starting at PHP 1500

HOW TO GET AROUND GENERAL LUNA

• By Habal-habal. The habal-habal motorcycle, a common sight in rural Philippines, takes center stage in Siargao as the primary mode of transportation. These motorcycles bear a quirky design: riding a habal-habal is like riding a car frame on two wheels. Getting around on these icons of rural ingenuity is cheap and fast. If you only want to get around General Luna proper, it only costs PHP 20 per ride.
• By Tricycle. Tricycle are usually on par with the habal-habals.
• By Rented Motorcycle. You can also rent motorbikes for PHP 500 for 24 hours.
• By Bike. Bikes cost PHP 150 for 24 hours.
• By Car Rental. On one of our trips, we have rented a Toyota Avanza for only P3000 per day (24 hours). We’ve seen also seen posters advertising smaller cars for rent for P2500 per day.

THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO

Siargao land tour.

You can explore the main island and see the wonders it keeps in its jagged corners and lush landscapes. Here are the usual stops of the land tour (not in order):

• Magpupungko Rock Pools. During low tide, the receding coastline reveals rock formations and natural pools perfect for some leisurely swimming. It’s an all-natural infinity pool, so to speak. Entrance fee: P50.
• Sugba Lagoon. Within the lagoon is a two-story docking area where you can stay and rent a table for PHP 50. The cool, turquoise waters seem to invite everyone to explore the lagoon’s site, and there’s equipment available to do just that. There are paddle boards, canoes, and snorkeling paraphernalia available onsite for rent. There’s also a diving platform you can use for free. Entrance fee: P50.
• Coconut Mountain View. Siargao is carpeted with almost endless rows of coconut trees. It makes exploring the island more fun because of the relaxing green scenery and the various Instagrammable spots along the way.
• Maasin River. A picturesque river, especially the spot with the bent coconut tree extending over the river. There’s a rope attached to the tree where you can swing and plunge into the river. The water is about 6-foot deep. Entrance fee: P20.

Although I indicated the entrance fees above, these are already included by land tours. The one offered by Klook also includes lunch.

3 Islands Tour

This tour follows the three islands nearest General Luna: Guyam Island , Daku Island , and Naked Island .

You can do this tour in two ways: charter a private boat or join a group tour.

If you’re a group, you can go to the wharf and charter a private boat for P1500 – P2000. That’s per boat, not per person. However, this does not include lunch. Fresh fish are available at Daku Island (that you can have the locals cook for you), but if you’re in a tight budget you can always bring your own food. It doesn’t include the additional entrance and docking charges once you set foot on the islands, which are:

• Guyam Island : P30 per head
• Daku Island : P100 per boat
• Naked Island : free of charge.

If you’re traveling alone, you don’t want to deal with finding a boat or preparing food, or you simply want to make friends, we recommend joining a group tour instead. Klook offers this tour. The price covers the boat fees, all the entrance fees, and a boodle-style lunch buffet.

Sohoton Cove (Bucas Grande Island)

Sohoton Cove is part of Bucas Grande Islands, an intricate network of stunning karst hills and islands that nestle breathtaking lagoons, beaches and even caves. The crystal clear water of some lagoons carry stingless jellyfish, something tourists can swim and interact with if their timing is right. Jellyfish season begins in March but reaches its peak in July and August.

Located in Socorro in Surigao del Norte, Sohoton Cove is a bit detached from Siargao but still easily accessible if you have the time or money. Boat tours from Siargao cost P3000, but some boatmen and operators merge it with the 3 Islands Tour to create the ultimate island hopping adventure. This Sohoton Cove + 3 Islands combination tour usually costs P4000. If you want to save a lot, find other travelers to split the cost with.

If you’re solo or you don’t want to plan anything, you can join a group tour instead! A Sohoton + 3 Islands Combo Tour is available on Klook!

Surfing is Siargao’s biggest draw, hands down (and on opposite rails, as the surfing instructor tells us). The island’s picture-perfect waves, the famous “Cloud 9” swell, entice surfers from all corners of the globe. These waves occur along the General Luna coast: the best places to catch them will be the Cloud 9 and Quicksilver surfing camps.

The surfing camps offer surfboard rentals and surfing classes for beginners and intermediates. Beginner surfing classes are at PHP 1000 for 2 hours. That’s enough for about 2 dozen epic wipeouts.

Cloud 9 Boardwalk

Also located within the Cloud 9 beach is the famous Boardwalk and Tower. This three-story wooden structure, and the promenade that leads to it, greets visitors when they enter the vicinity. It offers an exemplar view of the Cloud 9 beach, the waves, and the Pacific Ocean. You need to shell out PHP 50 for the entrance fee.

Here’s a tip: Make sure you arrive before the break of dawn, as the Tower is an ideal place to catch some breathtaking sunrises.

Secret Spot

Siargao has a place locally known as the “Secret Spot” or the “Secret Place”. Contrary to its name, it’s not a heavily guarded secret. Rather it’s a place that seldom receives attention compared to other Siargao attractions.

But make no mistake, the place should be high on your Siargao checklist. It has two sides: Doot Beach, a tranquil beachfront with fine, semi-white sand, and the mangrove forest, where you can rent a small paddle boat and explore the floating foliage. It’s out of the way from the general hubbub of the surfing areas, a half-hour’s ride from General Luna proper.

SAMPLE SIARGAO ITINERARY

Here are two sample Siargao itineraries, both for a 4-day, 3-night stay. The first version is for a couple who want a more convenient stay, while the other is for a group on a budget. In both itineraries, you are assumed to have P100-150 allocation per meal.

Feel free to adjust depending on your length of stay and budgetary preferences.

Itinerary A: Convenient (Party of 2)

This itinerary prioritizes convenience more than savings. It assumes you’re a party of two (2) travelers sharing a twin or double room that costs P3000 per night (P1500 per person per night).

DAY 1: ARRIVAL 02:00 pm — Arrival, van to hotel, P300 03:00 pm — Check-in, rest, walk around 07:00 pm — Dinner, P150 + P20 fare 08:00 pm — Drink at a bar, P300 10:00 pm — Return to hotel, P20 fare

DAY 4: DEPARTURE 05:00 am — Leave for Cloud 9 surf camp, P20 fare 05:30 am — Sunrise at the Tower, P50 07:00 am – Swimming, FREE! 09:00 am — Souvenir run, back to hotel, P20 fare 10:00 am – Freshen up, pack up, check out 11:00 am — Lunch, P150 12:00 pm – Leave for airport, P300 for van fare 03:30 pm — Flight out of Siargao

The itinerary above will cost you around P9900 (USD 196, EUR 171, SGD271) per person excluding airfare, tips, and souvenirs, but including accommodations and a P500 allowance for miscellaneous purchases and other expenses we might have missed.

If you have bigger funds, you can do the 3 ISLANDS + SOHOTON COVE combination tour instead to maximize your stay and see more wondrous spots!

Itinerary B: DIY Budget (Group of 4)

The itinerary below is for a group of four traveling on a budget. This assumes that you’re splitting boat rental costs and spending P500 per night at a dorm or hostel. This also assumes that one on the group can drive and has a license because you’ll be renting a car on Day 2.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL 02:00 pm — Arrival, van to hotel, P300 03:00 pm — Check-in, rest, find car rental + boat 07:00 pm — Dinner & beer at Mama’s Grill, P300 + P20 fare 08:00 pm — Return to hotel, P20 fare 09:00 pm — Sleep!

DAY 2: DIY SIARGAO LAND TOUR 08:30 am — Car rental, P625 (P2500/4pax) 09:00 am — DIY Land Tour, Total entrance fees: P100 11:30 am – Lunch, P150 12:30 pm – Continue tour 02:00 pm – Arrival at Del Carmen, P30 parking fee 02:30 pm — Boat to Sugba Lagoon, P400 (P1,600 fare/4 pax) 03:30 pm — Sugba Lagoon, P50 entrance fee 06:00 pm — Back to hotel, freshen up 07:30 pm — Dinner, P150 09:30 pm — Back to hotel

DAY 3: 3 ISLANDS TOUR 08:00 am – Return car, refuel: P250 (P1000/4 pax) 09:00 am — 3 Islands Tour, P400 (P1600/4pax) 10:30 am – Naked Island 12:00 nn — Daku Island, P100 entrance fee 12:30 pm – Lunch at Daku, P150 + P75 cottage fee (P300/4) 02:30 pm — Guyam Island, P30 entrance fee 04:30 pm — Back to Boulevard, travel to hotel, P20 fare 05:00 pm – Back to hotel, freshen up 07:00 pm — Dinner, P150 + P20 fare 09:00 pm – Back to hotel

The itinerary above will set you back around P5900 (USD 117, EUR 102, SGD162) per person excluding airfare, tips, and souvenirs, but including accommodations and a P500 allowance for miscellaneous purchases and other expenses we might have missed.

Of course, you can still bring the cost down if you’re part of a bigger group.

OTHER SIARGAO TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

• Leave no trace . Don’t leave trash on the beach. Whatever you bring to the place, take them with you when you leave. Leave nothing but footprints!
• Use coral-friendly sunscreen. Surfing is all fun and games until you get home and you see how burnt you are. Wearing sunscreen is not just for cosmetic purposes, too. UV rays are harmful to one’s skin and are known to cause skin deformities. But choose sunscreen that doesn’t contain chemicals like oxybenzone, benzophenone, and parabens, which are harmful to marine life.
• Befriend your habal-habal driver. Siargao locals are friendly and helpful to tourists. The most informative person you’ll meet in Siargao is your own habal-habal driver. Befriend him and you may get privy to a lot of wonderful new discoveries in the island, and even a few discounts!
• Practice sustainability. Siargao is home to vibrant mangroves and a diverse marine ecosystem. Let’s do our small part and ensure the island remains pristine by practicing sustainable travel hacks, like bringing our own water and soap bottles.
• At nighttime, look up! It wouldn’t hurt to remind ourselves of the simpler things. The skies are darker here because of the lack of strong nightlights. Being a city guy, it’s the first time I saw the Milky Way again in a very long time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SIARGAO

Is siargao safe.

Siargao is very safe. NOT all of Mindanao has security issues. Siargao is very far from the places you see on TV. In fact, in Siargao, many domestic and foreign tourists have stayed long enough to start living like the locals. It’s not unusual to see white guys in dreadlocks speaking Surigaonon.

However, you should also be careful when swimming in the open, as Siargao has a seasonal jellyfish population. Always ask around before taking a dip.

Don’t sweat safety. Wear life vests when on the boat. Don’t leave gadgets plugged in when going out. Wear aqua shoes on beaches and rocky shores. These small safety measures can go a long way to ensure you enjoy every moment in paradise.

When is the best time to visit Siargao?

Siargao Island has a dry and wet season: it’s relatively dry between March and November, while the rest of the months are frequented by monsoon rains.

If you’re going to Siargao solely for surfing, then these seasons don’t really matter. The waves are strong year-round. However, September to November are particularly enticing since various activities take place at these times, most prominent being the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup.

If you’re going to Siargao for other leisurely activities aside from surfing, then the dry season between March and November is your best bet. Take into consideration that most travelers have the same mindset, too, and Siargao might get more crowded than usual during these months.

Are there ATMs in Siargao?

Yes, there are ATMs in Siargao, BUT, and it’s a big but, signal losses make them unreliable. Most of them are also incompatible with foreign cards. It’s best to bring enough cash with you or use credit cards for major transactions. Convert your cash to Philippine pesos before traveling to the island. An alternative is to get cash via money transfer facilities like Western Union, M Lhuillier, etc.

What is the power plug / socket used in Siargao?

220V, 60Hz. Socket Type A.

There were a couple power outages during our stay, but these were during daytime, when we were in the middle of our day trips.

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 3️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Hi, me & my husband are going to siargao this coming may 9-12,2019! balak namin mag-habal-habal nalang need pa po ba ng driver’s license? ksi po wala kami preho. thankyou so much po.

If you’re driving, need ng driver’s license talaga. Pwede naman kayo na magbayad na lang ng habal-habal per ride (kasama ung driver) instead of renting the vehicle.

Good day, Sir! I would like to ask if Siargao is a kid-friendly destination. We would like to travel there with our 1 1/2 years old kid and were wondering if island hopping is feasible. Thank you in advance for your response and more power to your blog.

Hi Rogee, Glenn here. Island-hopping with a kid is feasible in Siargao, I met an Aussie family there that brings their kids to surfing. But of course extra care and attention is always needed when traveling with children, especially as young as yours. So maybe instead of habal-habal you should opt for trikes instead, and make sure the boats you rent provide small lifevests. Some attractions can also take 30 mins to 1 hour of travel time so that may affect the kid’s mood. Also, bring insect repellant.

Im wondering, knowing Siargao is famous for its big waves… how about during Island hoping? how rough or steady the water while on the boat?

Nice blog, can you mention where to get this tours? Like the 3 islands tour.

Hello po.. may we know po sankayo nag stay and nag avail ng tours? Contact person etc.. thanks so much!!!!!!

So informative Yoshke. Very detailed, thanks.

hi ask ko lang kaya ba pag sabayin sa halfday tour ang magpupungko and sugba since 12pm ang arrival namin sa siargao most probably maka start kami 2pm, kasi sa 2nd day namin gawin island tour ..sabado kasi arrival namin and monday uwi

If you were to choose between Option A and B, which one will you choose? Anong pros and cons between the two? Kasi I can only afford one. HAHA thanks for the input!

We are planning to have a tour in Siargao and other sites. How many can be carried by the boat that ferry tourist to Sohoton Cove + 3 islands and how much?

May I know kung san kayo nagstay?

Punta kasi kami March 19-23. Baka may marerecommend ka na mura na pagsstayan and tri-island hoping. Thanks.

Where can i get the tour package? planning to visit siargao with my husband.

Hi can u give me more information about the pckage

Hi! Where can we get the contact details of the tour packages / rental of boat for the island hopping? Thank you!

Hello Good Evening.. Can we have your contact number or any page or travel agancy page if you have so that we can ask for more details because we’re planning to go in siargo this coming april 17. Thank you po!

Hi Kirsty, our friend Mark Roa operates a tour agency in Siargao. You may contact him at https://www.facebook.com/gotmarkedtours/

We have yet to try them. Next month pa, but we trust him. haha

It was really nice. We are planning to have a tour in Siargao and other sites. The pictures were really amazing. Thank you very much for the post

may bike rentals po ba sa siargao?

Yep, pero wala pa kaming details. Balik kami soon so mauupdate namin ito. :)

Hello po, may I know if meron po kayong contact person or like tour guide, we just want to go there without agency. thanks.

Thank you dito very informative. Will visit Siargao next year and I’m so excited na! :D

Enjoy!!! :)

Hi! Do you know a cheap tour package (contact)? Will be going solo kasi. Im planning to visit Siargao this coming November. Thank you!!!

Try GotMarked Tours! :)

kaya ba pag sabayin sa halfday tour ang magpupungko and sugba since 12pm ang arrival namin sa siargao will start 1 or 2pm, 2nd day which is sunday island tour and monday uwi

we will be going to siargao over the weekend will arrive saturday morning. can we go to 2 places in just half day like magpupungko and sugba lagoon? we will be staying at asteria and on sunday we will have our 3 island hopping then go home monday. also what’s the night life in siargao on a weekend?

Hi, thank you for these informations. I would just like to confirm if they won’t let those who aren’t licensed to rent a motorcycle, right?

And I will be going solo this coming November, may you suggest a nice and cheap tour package (preferably a local agency).

Thank you very much.

hello po. may i ask if pwde ba namin madala ang van namin sa siargao mismo para di nalang kami mag rent nang van we have a plan to travel this coming december po.any idea?tnx!

Hi, This is very informative. Well done :) I just want to ask if you could help me make an itinerary. Ang travel ko kasi is next year April 10,12nn ang arrival ko up to April 15, 12nn ang departure. Mejo mahaba lang po ng konti dun sa ginawa nyong itinerary. Since I’m going to travel alone for the first time and go to Siargo for the first time as well, I would appreciate if you could help me with my itineraries.

Hi, I’m searching for my boss travel in December 2019, pero hindi sila nagsesurf. Saan kaya Best Tour Spot for them na pwede nilang mapuntahan. Thanks in Advance! :)

Please check the Things to Do section po. Marami po dyan ang for non-surfers.

Hi! The Sohoton + 3 islands has enough downtime? I know its more to see for one day & less expensive. Hindi ba ito bitin sa time lalo na sa Sohoton ay 2.5 hrs na each way?

Hi☺️ Anyone here na may CONTACT number / contact info ka sa management ng 3 island hopping sa gen luna boulevard? Nawala kc smart watch & slipppers ko while paying the boat/banka baka sakaling malost and found nila.☺️ Help po.

Hi Glenn, thank you so much for this article! It is well organized and filled with exactly the information which my friend and I are looking for. It will our first time in Siargao next month (Jan 2020). I have already checked the resorts you mentioned and they are what we had in mind as well. Blessings to you and a wonderful New Year, brother!

Hi april, how and where can i get the Sample siargao itenirary?which travel agency?

hello po. pwede po ba magdala ng motor patungong siargao?

at kung pwede po, magkano po ba ung barge para ung motor maidala sa isla.|

salamat po sa sagot! magandang araw

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WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO? Hotels & Beach Resorts in Siargao

Hotels and resorts in siargao.

• Apsaras Tribe-Siargao - Check rates and availability
• Siargao Island Villas - Check rates and availability
• Reef Beach Resort - Check rates and availability
• The Hillside Resort Siargao - Check rates and availability
• Himaya Siargao - Check rates and availability
• Tropical Temple Siargao Resort - Check rates and availability
• Buddha Resort Siargao - Check rates and availability
• Romantic Beach Villas Siargao - Check rates and availability

HOSTELS AND BUDGET HOTELS IN SIARGAO

• Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao - Check rates and availability
• Tres Islas Hostel - Check rates and availability
• Lukay Resort Siargao - Check rates and availability
• Alpas Siargao - Check rates and availability
• Little Nap Inn Siargao - Check rates and availability
• Balay Hayahay Siargao - Check rates and availability
• Harana Surf Resort - Check rates and availability
• Patrick On The Beach Resort - Check rates and availability

AWESOME DEALS! Hotels and Resorts in Siargao (Discounted Stay Packages)

• Up to 20% Discount! - Kalipay Resort Siargao Experience
• Up to 30% Discount! - Single Fin Siargao
• Up to 30% Discount! - Himaya Siargao Stay with Breakfast, Scooter & 1 Day Surf Board Rental
• Up to 25% Discount! - Casa Bianca Siargao Stay with Breakfast, 1 free Dinner at Wild Siargao & 20% Discount Coupon at KudoSurf
• Up to 30% Discount! - G Villas Siargao Stay with Lunch and Island Hopping

TOP THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO, TOURIST SPOTS, TOURS & ACTIVITIES

1. Siargao Tri-Island Hopping: Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island

Sample island hopping itinerary:.

• 09:00 am - meet up at the Boardwalk along the Boulevard
• 09:15 am - departure
• 09:40 am - visit Naked Island
• 11:00 am - visit Daku Island
• 12:30 pm - have lunch prepared fresh on the island
• 03:00 pm - visit Guyam Island
• 04:30 pm - arrive at the Boardwalk along the Boulevard

2. Siargao Land Tour

Sample siargao land tour itinerary:.

• 07:00 am - 07:30 am - hotel pick-up
• 08:00 am - departure (start of tour)
• 08:15 am - 08:30 am - Coconut Mountain View
• 08:30 am - 09:30 am - Maasin River
• 10:00 am - 01:00 pm - Magpupungko Rock Pools
• Lunch in Magpupungko
• 01:30 pm - proceed to Sugba Lagoon
• 02:30 pm - Sugba Lagoon Tour
• 05:00 pm - travel back to General Luna
• End of Tour

3. Surfing in Siargao's Cloud 9

4. Sohoton-Bucas Grande Tour in Siargao

5. Corregidor Island, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island Day Trip

Sample itinerary:.

• 06:30 am - meet up at The Boardwalk at the Boulevard
• 07:00 am - depart for Corregidor Island
• 08:00 am - trek to the hilltop at Corregidor Island
• 11:00 am - lunch
• 01:00 pm - visit Naked Island
• 02:00 pm - visit Daku Island
• 04:00 pm - return to The Boardwalk at the Boulevard

6. Siargao Wakepark

7. SweetEscape Photoshoot in Siargao

8. Sohoton Cove, Daku Island, Guyam Island, and Naked Island Day Trip

• 07:00 am - depart for Sohoton and Bucas Grande Group of Islands
• 09:00 am - arrive at Bucas Grande
• Tour around Sohoton Cove: Hagukan Cave, cliff jumping area, jellyfish sanctuary
• 12:00 pm - lunch
• 1:30 pm - travel back to General Luna
• 03:30 pm - start of Tri Island Tour (Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands)
• 05:30 pm - return to The Boardwalk at the Boulevard

4D3N SAMPLE SIARGAO ITINERARY (4 Days and 3 Nights)

Day 1: arrival in siargao.

• 02:00 pm - arrival in Siargao
• 02:30 pm - take a van to your resort/hotel √ Click here to see the list of hotels and resorts in Siargao!
• 03:00 pm - check-in and rest
• 06:00 pm - have dinner
• 07:00 pm - bar hopping, have some drinks
• 09:00 pm - sleep

DAY 2: ISLAND HOPPING (NAKED, DAKU & GUYAM ISLANDS) [ JOIN THIS TOUR! ]

• 07:00 am - breakfast
• 08:00 am - leave the hotel
• 05:30 pm - back at the hotel, freshen up
• 07:00 pm - dinner

DAY 3: SIARGAO LAND TOUR [ JOIN THIS TOUR! ]

• 06:00 am - breakfast
• 07:00 am - leave the hotel
• 08:00 am - meet up at Loose Keys
• 08:30 am - start of tour
• 08:30 am - 10:00 am - travel to Sugba Lagoon
• 10:00 am - 01:00 pm - boat ride to Sugba Lagoon
• 01:00 pm - 01:30 pm - visit a secret waterfall
• 01:30 pm - visit Little Hawaii
• Visit Burgos Million Dollar View
• Go to Pacifico
• Head to Coco Rope Swing
• Enjoy sunset at Sea of Palm Trees
• 06:30 pm - drop off at Loose Keys
• 07:30 pm - back at the hotel, freshen up
• 08:30 pm - dinner
• 10:00 pm - sleep

DAY 4: SURFING AND SOUVENIR SHOPPING

• 05:00 am - breakfast
• 06:00 am - leave for Cloud 9 Surf Camp
• 07:00 am - learn how to surf √ AVAIL SURFING LESSONS HERE!
• 08:00 am - souvenir shopping
• 09:00 am - back at the hotel, prepare for check-out
• 11:00 am - check-out of the hotel, take van to Sayak Airport
• 03:00 pm - departure from Siargao

√ For more Sirgao Sample Itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6 days or more - PLEASE CLICK HERE !

Is Siargao safe?

Are there atms in siargao, do i need to book my hotel in advance, how to save on travel expenses when traveling to siargao, siargao travel requirements what do you need to travel to siargao, do you have any questions please leave a comment below and i will try to answer them., so, there you have it my top things to do in siargao, tourist spots and best places to visit for your siargao itinerary i hope this siargao travel guide blog help you plan an unforgettable siargao island getaway enjoy and happy travels.

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Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.