Siargao… Where to begin? Life on Siargao is so delightful that it’s hard to put into words. It’s a place where upon leaving, you always feel like you should have stayed longer, whether you’ve been there for 4 days or 4 weeks. Siargao is covered with at least a million palm trees, surrounded by the most beautiful beaches, and beyond that, you’ll find miles of azure blue sea. Just a few minutes by boat from Siargao are dozens of other small paradise islands, making it perfect for several days of island hopping. And then there are the endless rice fields, waterfalls, mangrove forests, lagoons, and coral reefs. Doesn’t sound too bad, right? Believe us, you’ll never want to leave!
How to Get to Siargao and Where Is It Located?
Siargao is located in the south of the Philippines, a 1 hour and 40-minute flight from Manila. By far the easiest way to reach Siargao is by flight from Manila or Cebu. Currently, both Cebu Pacific, Sunlight Air, and Skyjet fly to Siargao. With Skyjet, you can fly directly from Manila, and with Cebu Pacific, you’ll have a layover in Cebu.
What to Do on Siargao?
Siargao is the #1 surfing destination in the Philippines, but even if you can’t surf, there are no waves, or if you need a day of rest, you won’t get bored here. Besides spending the whole day lounging on the beach and swimming in the sea with a fresh smoothie, there’s plenty more to do. Here are some things you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Island Hopping around Siargao
The perfect day of island hopping looks like this: Sail from one tropical island to another, have fresh fish for lunch on a pristine white beach, and snorkel occasionally among the brightly colored fish and coral reefs. The most popular tour is the 3 islands tour, visiting Daku Island, Naked Island, and Guyam Island. You can book a group tour at Kermit in General Luna for 900 pesos / $17 per person or opt for a private tour for 1500 pesos/ $27. That $27 is per boat, so the more people you bring, the cheaper it gets. Besides the market in General Luna, you’ll find boats, and as soon as you arrive, you’ll meet someone within 1 minute who wants to take you on their boat. Easy peasy, right?
Naked Island is an enormous white sandbank without any trees or plants. This is the perfect spot to get a nice tan and chill in the clear water!
Daku Island is the largest island with an incredibly beautiful fishing village. Here, you can get a fresh fish for about $2, which they’ll prepare for you with a typical Filipino sauce and some rice. Snorkeling around the island is great, and don’t forget to take a stroll through the village to experience local life.
Guyam Island is, in our opinion, the most beautiful island because it looks exactly like what you would draw when picturing a deserted island. It’s a small round island with about 20 palm trees, a white beach, and the clearest water you’ve ever seen.
Watch the Sunset from Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is the most popular surf spot in Siargao with a simple wooden pier and a lookout point where you can watch the surfers and enjoy the brilliant sunset in the evening.
Rent a Motorbike and Go on an Adventure
The best way to explore Siargao is with a motorbike. You can rent one in General Luna, and often your hostel or hotel can arrange this for you. You don’t need a driver’s license for this, and the traffic in Siargao is very calm. If you have little experience, you can tour at your own pace on the side of the road. With a motorbike, you have all the freedom to discover the most beautiful places on this brilliant island. From hidden lagoons, deserted beaches, and the best surf spots to cute villages with sandy paths and simple houses of friendly locals.
Swimming in the Magpupungko pool
This is a natural infinity pool that forms when the tide is low. Surrounded by a large reef, this pool is separated from the sea and filled with extremely clear water displaying various shades of green and blue. So, before you go, check the tide schedule, and preferably visit on a clear day because that’s when this place looks its best. In the afternoon, it can get quite crowded, so try to go as early as possible to enjoy the beauty and tranquility. The Magpupungko pool is located in Pilar, about an hour’s drive from General Luna.
Explore the Tayangban Cave
When traveling from General Luna to the Magpupungko pool, you’ll pass by the Tayangban Cave, approximately halfway. You can recognize it by a small sign on the right side of the road that reads ‘Tayangban Cave Pool’. For 70 pesos / $1.20, a guide will accompany you through the narrow cave. You’ll first walk through a small canyon and stand in knee-deep blue water. Once inside the cave, turn on your headlamp (bring one!) and walk through the water in this stunning cave, passing under the road you were just on. The last part is deeper, and you’ll have to swim. After about 10 minutes, you’ll emerge from the cave and can swim in the canyon.
Transportation on Siargao
About 80% of travelers on Siargao rent a motorbike for their stay because it’s the easiest and cheapest way to get around the island. But if you don’t want to or can’t ride, there are other options. Tricycles and habal-habals are everywhere. The tricycle is a motorcycle with a sort of sidecar, and the habal-habal is a motorcycle with a roof. It might sound a bit strange, but in the Philippines, it’s as normal as taking the bus. You’ll see them everywhere on the island, and when you want one to stop, just wave. For very small amounts, you can ride on the back or in the sidecar, often with a few locals or other travelers. If you want to see multiple things on the island, you can also hire a tricycle for the whole day. Expect to pay around 1000 pesos / $18.
Best Restaurants on Siargao
The food on Siargao is fantastic! You’ll find cozy spots all over General Luna serving the freshest fish for a bargain. Here are some of our favorite restaurants: Kermit is the place to be if you want delicious food for not too much money. The menu includes both Western and local dishes. It’s often very busy in the evening, so it might be wise to make a reservation. A good alternative is Bravo. This restaurant is located on the beach, making it ideal for hanging out for an afternoon. For a super healthy lunch, head to Shaka, where they serve delicious fruit bowls and smoothies. They combine fresh fruit with superfoods like chia seeds, quinoa, and goji berries. At Kitya’s Place, the Arabic platter is a must-try, and you’ll find the tastiest tacos at Miguel’s Taqueria Y Cerveceria.
Nightlife and Parties on Siargao
You won’t find massive parties on Siargao, but almost every day there’s a small-scale party happening at a hostel or bar. On Mondays, it’s usually at the RumBar. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there’s a jungle party at the Tattoo Jungle Bar, which often lasts until 4 or 5 in the morning. And then there’s Viento del Mar, where you can usually find something happening on Fridays as well.
Best Time to Visit Siargao
The best time for surfers in Siargao is between July and November, while the best weather for island hopping is between March and May. The worst months are January and February when you’re most likely to encounter rain. The rest of the year, the weather is probably fine, but it’s always challenging to predict in tropical locations like Siargao. Checking the weather forecast is utterly useless because it never seems to be accurate.
Where to Stay on Siargao?
Most people stay in and around General Luna. Here you’ll find most restaurants, supermarkets, yoga schools, and it’s close to Cloud 9, the famous surf spot on Siargao. Don’t expect a bustling city or anything like that because it’s nothing more than a main road with sandy paths and small houses. One of the most beautiful hotels on Siargao is Ferra Resort Siargao. You’ll sleep in an idyllic bungalow on a beautiful beach full of palm trees. It’s in a wonderfully quiet location, just a little outside the town. If you’re on a smaller budget and prefer staying in a hostel, then Sinag Hostel is perfect! This hostel has a laid-back atmosphere, and the staff will make you feel right at home.
  Ferra Resort Siargao |
  Sinag Hostel |
