Siargao Travel Guide 2024

Siargao is often hailed as one of the best islands in Asia.^[1]And there are a myriad of reasons for such recognition—turquoise waters for relaxing dips, beautiful sunsets as romantic backdrops, towering swells for surfing, and warm, friendly people.

If you’re planning to visit this Mindanaoan island, don’t go without reading this Siargao travel guide. We’ll help you make your tropical vacay memorable with useful details and helpful recommendations. Get ready to ride the waves!

Siargao Travel Guide: An Overview

siargao travel guide - overview

Located northeast of Mindanao, Siargao is a small island dubbed the country’s surfing capital, thanks to its towering waves. It’s part of the Surigao del Norte province and is composed of nine municipalities.

Because of its natural beauty and laidback culture, the island is a favorite holiday destination among local and international tourists. Last year, the island saw more than 520,000 tourist arrivals, a 323% increase from 2022’s 125,088 arrivals.^[2]

The best month to travel to Siargao will depend on your plans. If you’re a surfer after big waves, go during the months of July through November. Beach lovers and island hoppers, on the other hand, will love the calmness of the island from April to September.

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Are There Travel Restrictions in Siargao?

Locals can freely go to Siargao since there aren't any travel restrictions in place. Similarly, foreigners traveling to the Philippines with plans of visiting Siargao aren’t subject to COVID-19-related restrictions, such as proof of vaccination and testing.

However, foreigners need to present the following upon entering the country:

A valid passport
A valid visa if applicable
Return/onward ticket

How to Get to Siargao

How to travel to Siargao? Foreigners and those living in Luzon can book flights from Manila operated by the Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and SkyJet.

The Manila to Siargao travel time via plane is less than two hours. However, note that Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer trips to Siargao on a connecting flight basis.

If your starting point is Cebu, both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operate flights from this city to the island. The travel time takes a little over an hour if you’re flying directly to the island.

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How to Get Around in Siargao

Getting around in Siargao is relatively easy with a range of options to choose from. Public transportation options include tricycle, jeepney, and habal-habal (motorcycle).

If you want to tour the island at your own pace, you can rent either a car to drive or a van with a driver. You can even rent your own scooter or motorcycle. Just make sure you are licensed to drive such vehicles.

How Much to Budget for Your Siargao Trip

Your Siargao budget will depend on the length of your stay and the types of activities you’re partaking in. Nevertheless, life on the island is relatively affordable.

For instance, a Siargao travel itinerary for 3 days may cost you between ₱7,000 to ₱10,000. Meanwhile, a Siargao itinerary for 5 days may cost between ₱9,000 to ₱15,000. Take note that both estimates exclude airfares and pasalubong.

Expect a lower budget estimate if you’re traveling as a group.

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Where to Stay in Siargao

Photo: Kawili Resort & Hostel Siargao (Facebook)

As a tourist haven, Siargao offers a wealth of accommodations for different types of travelers. Here are some of them:

🌊 Cheap Accommodations in Siargao for Budget Travelers

If you have a limited budget, here are some affordable Siargao accommodations:

Kawili Resort and Hostel Siargao
Harry’s Hostel
Three Little Birds
Sunlit Hostel
Tropical Temple Siargao Resort
Single Fin
Sinag Hostel
Kermit Siargao
Mad Monkey Hostels
Riad Masaya

🌊 High-End Accommodations For Luxury Travelers

Looking for a lavish Siargao accommodation? Consider these choices:

Las Palmas Villas and Casitas Siargao
Kalinaw Resort
Mango Tree Siargao
Siargao Island VIllas
Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa
Nay Palad Hideaway

Places to Visit in Siargao

Here comes the most exciting part of this Siargao travel guide—the best destinations to visit! Check out the following:

🌴 Cloud 9

Your Siargao travel itinerary won’t be complete without this iconic surfing spot. The destination is instantly recognizable, thanks to the long boardwalk and three-story hut over the waters. This structure serves as a viewing deck for tourists who want to watch the surfers or simply admire the beauty of their surroundings.

🌴 Naked Island

Lounge on this stretch of sand and admire the clear waters of Siargao. Since the place is flat with no trees, you’ll easily notice the contrast of colors between the blue skies and the turquoise waters. You can either swim in the sea or get your tan under the sun.

🌴 Guyam Island

Alongside Naked Island and Daku Island, Guyam Island is part of the island-hopping packages in Siargao. While incredibly small, it’s packed with memorable charm, giving you those “Castaway” vibes. The tiny sand island is littered with palm trees, providing a breezy shade as you enjoy the relaxing view.

🌴 Daku Island

Perhaps the most popular island in Siargao island-hopping tour packages, Daku Island stuns tourists with its crystal clear blue waters and pristine white sands. Since it’s the biggest island, there’s room for everyone and you can find a nook to lounge in.

Daku Island also has columns of coconut trees through which you can walk and explore. Popular activities here include diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

🌴 Pacifico Beach

If you’re a surfer who wants to explore the island’s many different surf spots, include Pacifico Beach in your Siargao itinerary. Many head here to escape the crowds in Cloud 9 and other popular beaches. The trip to this destination may take a while, but you'll be treated to the natural views, like thickets of towering palm trees, along the way.

🌴 Sugba Lagoon

Located in the quaint town of Del Carmen, Sugba Lagoon is a gigantic pool perfect for swimming and kayaking. If you have friends who’ve been to Siargao, they might have posted stunning pictures of jumping off a plank into turquoise waters. That’s likely Sugba Lagoon!

🌴 Alegria Beach

Tourists who go to Siargao usually stick to General Luna since the town already teems with white sand beaches, cozy hostels, and dining spots cooking up scrumptious dishes. But if your heart yearns for some peace and quiet, head up north and lounge in Alegria Beach.

The Alegria Beach is popular among slow travel enthusiasts since the area is unspoiled. The only catch is that it takes an hour and a half to reach it. This shouldn’t be an issue if you rent your own vehicle.

🌴 Palm Tree Viewpoint

Siargao is popular for its sea of crystal-clear waters. But if you’re looking for a sea of greens, the Palm Tree View Deck is worth visiting. The sea of palm trees is just beside the provincial road, which you can access via a rented motorcycle or a guided tour. Pro tip: Come early in the morning if you want the place to yourself.

What to Do in Siargao

Enjoy the island life on your own terms. If you’re looking for ideas, this Siargao travel guide lists some of the most exciting activities on the island:

Surfing – It should go without saying that surfing is a must-do on the island. If you know nothing about the sport, you can always hire an instructor and take beginner lessons.
Swimming and snorkeling – With clear waters surrounding the island, swimming should be an automatic activity. But if you want to explore the underwater world, then try snorkeling. Thankfully, a lot of accommodations offer snorkeling gear.
Island-hopping – As mentioned above, you can book a Siargao island tour to visit Naked Island, Guyam Island, and Daku Island.
Motorbiking – Whether you’re riding habal-habal or your own rented motorbike, you can roam nearby towns and admire the roads lined with towering coconut trees. Don’t forget to stop for some pictures.
Partying – Siargao is not just about surfing, lounging on the sand, and swimming. Bars and restaurants also offer an energetic nightlife.
Food trip – With local and international tourists flocking to the island, expect the cuisine to be diverse. Where to eat in Siargao? Here are some of the most popular Siargao restaurants:
- Warung Siargao – Ideal for those exploring Indonesian cuisine
- Harana Surf Restaurant – The place to be for those craving Filipino dishes with a twist
- Kurvada – For those who want to enjoy home-cooked meals
- CEV: Ceviche and Kinilaw Shack – Serves creative kinilaw dishes
- Shaka Cafes – Serves vegetarian/vegan dishes
- La Carinderia – For those interested in trying Filipino-Italian dishes
- Kermit – Popular for its Italian dishes, especially pizza;^[3] also provides accommodations

Siargao Travel Tips for a Memorable Trip

Make your trip more exciting with these tips:

Don’t rush your stay. Siargao is an island full of natural attractions, and the best way to enjoy them is by slow travel. Don’t cram a lot of activities into one day. Let yourself breathe.
Bring cash. Some establishments may accept credit and debit cards, but stay on the safe side by bringing enough cash. Some local shops still prefer it.
Get yourself a dry bag. You’ll be engaging in a lot of water activities, so keep your belongings safe and dry with a waterproof bag.
Wear sunscreen. This is a must before swimming, surfing, and island hopping.
Deal only with Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited tour operators. Avoid getting scammed.
Stay safe and be vigilant. Always keep your belongings close. Listen to your surfing instructors. Wear a helmet when motorcycling.

Final Thoughts

Siargao is a paradise where time slows down, giving you the opportunity to rest and appreciate life more. Plan your tropical holiday with this Siargao travel guide. For more tips, ask friends who’ve already visited the island.

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Sources:

^[1] Siargao named best island in Asia by Conde Nast Traveler (GMA News, 2021)
^[2] Surf’s Up: Siargao’s Tourism Rides High With 323% Surge (Rappler, 2024)
^[3] Kermit Restaurant

Siargao Travel Guide: Where to Go and What to Do

Jay Pagkatotohan