Siargao has become the “it” destination today, it seemed like everyone’s there.

I already created a similar post about this tear-shaped island after my first visit but a lot has changed since. That’s why I feel the need to post a newer “version”, an updated Siargao travel guide. There are probably lots of similar entries by now.

Why am I still posting this then? I created this blog to share my experiences, it doesn’t matter if they’re mainstream or off-the-beat.

So here’s to the people who prefer to wing their travels. I hope I will be able to help you plan your future trip to the isla!

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#1 HOW TO GET THERE

First things first!

✈️ Siargao By Air

Siargao has gained popularity over the years, most especially after Boracay closed down for rehabilitation and after the release of Siargao, the Movie. Siargao’s Sayak Airport has opened several flights from several airlines which includes Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and SkyJet.

You can fly directly to Siargao from Cebu, Manila, and Davao, with Cebu as the most popular entry and exit point to and from Siargao.

🚌 Siargao By Land

There are several buses to and from Surigao City from Butuan, Davao, Southern Leyte, and RoRo buses from Manila. Take these buses heading to Surigao. From Surigao, go to Pilar port and ride a RoRo, Outrigger Boat or Fast Ferry to Dapa or Del Carmen Port.

🚤 Siargao By Sea

Surigao City is another jump-off point to Siargao Islands. There are several options of RoRo, Outrigger Boat or Fast Ferry to Dapa or Del Carmen Port.

The earliest boat heading to Siargao leaves at 5:00 AM and the last boat leaves at 12:00 NN. The earliest boat heading to Surigao leaves at 5:00AM and the last boat leaves at 12:00 NN. The boat fares range from 100.00 PHP (2 USD) to 200.00 PHP (4 USD).

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#2 WHERE TO STAY

🏠 Lodging

Where to stay in Siargao?

There are lots of resorts, hostels, surf camps, and guesthouses on the island. Unlike before, it was easier to book accommodations once you arrive because most of the establishments don’t have online reservation access.

But now, even if some of the resorts, hostels, and guesthouses still don’t accommodate online reservations, getting a place to stay in Siargao seems to be challenging.

If you know someone from Siargao who can do the reservation for you then that would be perfect. If not, make sure to reserve a place to stay before going to the isla.

Before, rates start from 500PHP a night. Now, you can get a decent and clean bed starting from 900PHP a night. Just to be safe, allocate a budget of 1,000.00 PHP a night especially when you’re travelling solo. If you will be travelling with a group, then good for you! You can get a private room and divide the total cost among yourselves.

A private room good for two people could cost 1,800.00 PHP a night. If you want to stay by the beach you can get a room for as low as 2,000 PHP a night. If you’re travelling with a group of 4 or more, you can get a room for as low as 3,000 PHP a night. You just need to do your research. Don’t forget to read REVIEWS too!

Personal Recos:

For Solo Travellers:

• Lampara Siargao (Dorm Room) – Beachfront
• Arka Hayahay (Dorm Room) – Beachfront
• Harana Surf Resort (Dorm Room) – Beachfront
• Bravo Beach Resort (Dorm Room) – Beachfront
• Lotus Shores (Dorm Room) – Non-beachfront
• Matanjak Tropical Guesthouse (Private Room) – Non-beachfront
• Pacifico Beach Resort (Private Room) – Beachfront

For Group Travellers:

• Matanjak Tropical Guesthouse (Private Room) – Non-beachfront
• Ocean 101 (Private Room) – Beachfront
• Payag Suites (Private Room) – Beachfront
• Tuazon Vella (Private Room) – Non-beachfront, but just a few steps away
• Arka Hayahay (Private and Dorm Rooms) – Beachfront
• Reef Beach Resort (Private Room) – Beachfront, perfect for bigger groups
• Lampara Siargao (Dorm Rooms and Glamping Tents) – Beachfront
• Harana Surf Resort (Private and Dorm Rooms) – Beachfront
• Bravo Beach Resort (Private and Dorm Rooms) – Beachfront
• Lotus Shores (Private and Dorm Rooms) – Non-beachfront
• Hillside Resort Siargao (Private Rooms) – Non-beachfront
• Pacifico Beach Resort (Private Room) – Beachfront

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#3 WHAT TO DO

🏝  Island Activities

The quickest answer would be “SURF AND CHILL” but I know not everybody loves water activities as much as I do.

Don’t fret. Siargao is not all about surfing. More than its famed waves, there are other attractions dotting the island. Here are some of the things you might want to do or places you might want to see when you visit the island:

• Tres Marias Island Hopping

Siargao is home to some of the postcard-perfect beaches in the Philippines. If you have plenty of time, arrange a boat to take you to Daku Island, Naked Island and Guyam Island. Some resorts offer to arrange trips like Kermit Surf and Dive Resort, Turtle Kite & Surf Camp, Harana Surf Resort, and Bravo Beach Resort. Boat rental rates ranges from 1,000.00 PHP to 10,000.00 PHP. You can either do it DIY style or join a group tour with food and drinks included.

• Corregidor Island

Located right next to Siargao, Corregidor Island is a dreamy tropical island much less known to tourists. Corregidor, also known as Casolian Island, is a little paradise in itself. It is a stand-alone island and you will have to arrange your boat ride or book a tour to get there. It’s only accessible by boat and it will take 45 minutes to reach the island from General Luna.

Go on a hike, snorkel, enjoy the majestic landscapes, and bask in the amazing and secluded beach. Bring food and drinks on the island as there are no shops there. You can book your Corregidor tours with your resort or simply ask around.

• Pilar’s Magpupungko Beach and Tidal Flats

Siargao boasts of many interesting attractions including the small stretch of white sand beach in Pilar. It takes an hour or two to reach Pilar from General Luna. You can either hail a habal-habal, rent a motorcycle for less than a thousand pesos, or rent a car for 2,500.00 PHP for 8 to 12 hours.

Magpupungko is no usual beach. During low tide, the enclosed underwater cracks on the shore creating natural water pools that seem like infinity pools. The wide underwater boulder serves as a wall that separates the placid green pools to the crashing waves of the Pacific. The spot is decorated by amazing rock formations created by nature itself.

• Pacifico Beach

Right after visiting Magpupungko, you can do a pitstop at Pacifico Beach. Enjoy the scenic view of the coconut plantation on your way to Pacifico.

Tucked away in the north of Siargao Island, Pacifico Beach has been known to surfers for its famous big waves, also known as “Big Wish”. Pacifico Beach has been one of my favorite chill spots in Siargao. Unlike the famous Cloud 9, Pacifico Beach is less crowded simply because it’s further from the tourist-infested General Luna.

• Sugba Lagoon

The lagoon got its name “Sugba” from how it appeared to visitors when it is covered with fog, making it look like smoke is coming off the lagoon.

The LGU of Siargao recently implemented a rehabilitation project for Sugba after it gained popularity. They close the lagoon from time to time for “cleansing” which I think is also necessary. 

Before, you can have a meal of freshly caught fish and relax at one of the most peaceful and truly stunning places in Siargao. But now, you can no longer bring in food or have your meals cooked there. This has something to do with waste management which is very important to help maintain the area. (Good job!)

• Bucas Grande Island (Sohoton Cove) 

If you have more time, you can hire a boat to take you to Bucas Grande in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. It is compared to the archipelago in Palawan but it is beautiful in its own way.

The cove is accessible only during low tide. It is home to hundreds of stingless jellyfish. There are also several caves and sand bars in the area including Hagukan Cave, Magkukuob Cave, Bolitas and Crystal Cave. 

I don’t usually recommend this to travellers with limited time but if you’ll be in Siargao for a week or more, then include this on your list.

• Party with the Locals

It’s a tourist spot itself. Many visitors flocking Siargao come for this (not me).

Nightlife on the island revolves mostly around two things: music played at full volume and lots of booze. Locals are very warm in Siargao. They’d invite you to drink and dine with them the moment they know you’re a visitor. 

It started with Fridays at Viento del Mar and the Jungle. Now, as establishments keep on rising, the community somewhat has created an agreement in hosting night parties. It’s their way of supporting each others’ businesses. Just ask around to know the party schedule as the venue changes everyday.

• Food trip

This is my favorite part! Lol.

There are lots of food options in Siargao. From budget meals to fancy and expensive dishes, name it. Every time I visit, my tastebuds get a treat.

If you want to know more about where to eat in Siargao, click here.

• Surf

The mere mention of Siargao Island associates images of surfing.

I didn’t know I’d get hooked when I first tried it. I wasn’t really a fan of extreme sports especially when I know I can get my bones broken.

But here I am, always coming back for more [bruises].

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#4 PLANNING THE TRIP

Sample Itinerary – 4D3N

Day 1

• Arrival
• Lunch
• Chill at Cloud 9
• Sunset Surf (Optional)
• Dinner
• Party (If you like)

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Day 2

• Sunrise Surf (Optional)
• Breakfast
• Tres Marias Island Hopping
• Chill
• Dinner
• Party (If you like)

OR

Day 2

• Breakfast
• Corregidor Island Hopping
• Lunch
• Sunset Surf (Optional)
• Dinner
• Party (If you like)

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Day 3

• Breakfast
• Magpupungko Rock Pools
• Lunch
• Pacifico Beach
• Surf (Optional)
• Dinner
• Party (If you like)

OR

Day 3

• Breakfast
• Sugba Lagoon
• Lunch
• Pacifico Beach
• Surf (Optional)
• Dinner
• Party (If you like)

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Day 4

• Breakfast
• Surf (Optional)
• Chill by the beach
• Lunch

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I hope, this time, I get to help you plan your trip. My past Siargao posts have been more about “my experiences”. That’s why I decided to do something generic and informative. Also, friends have been asking about this, so here ya go!

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xo,