Things to Do in Siargao: Our Favorite Hidden Gems and Local Thrills
Written by Bianca Versoza
Siargao is a tear-drop-shaped island located on the northeastern coast of Mindanao, Philippines.
This island is popular for its reliable surfing conditions all year round, making it earn its reputation as the “Surfing Capital of The Philippines.” As such, it boasts over 15 established surf spots that have gained international attention among the surfing community worldwide.
Beyond being a surfing hotspot, however, Siargao also prides itself on its white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkeling and diving, waterfalls, lagoons, and caves.
So, if you are planning your next getaway, read on to discover the top things you must know and do in Siargao.
Best time to visit Siargao
The best time to visit Siargao Island depends on the purpose of your visit.
If you intend to surf, the best time to visit is from July to November. These months are the peak surfing season in Siargao because the surfing spots have great waves.
For non-surfers who are planning to go beach lounging and Siargao Island hopping, the ideal months to visit are March and September. This is the dry season in the Philippines, so the water is clearer. Plus, there is the least rainfall, so you’ll be able to fully enjoy any water activities.
On the other hand, if you want to avoid large crowds to enjoy the seascape and nature, visit during the shoulder months of April to May or November to December. These months tend to be less crowded because these are not the peak season in Siargao, but you can still enjoy its good weather and surf conditions.
In short, in order to know the best time to visit Siargao, remember to check the forecast before your trip!
Cheapest time to visit Siargao
The cheapest time to visit Siargao is between June and August. These months are the off-peak season, so airfares and hotel rates are lower. However, be aware that severe weather is possible at this time as this is the Philippines’ wet season.
22 Things every tourist must do in Siargao
There are a ton of things to do and see in Siargao—especially if you’re staying for an extended period. Here are some of our favorites:
Surf on the Famous Waves of Cloud 9
Cloud 9 surfing spot is situated in the municipality of General Luna, just 45 minutes away from Sayak Airport. It is the most well-known surfing spot in Siargao. In fact, it is rated as the best surf break in the Philippines, especially among the surfing community.
Its thick, hollow tubes and fast-barreling right-hand waves that break over a reef are what local and foreign advanced and professional surfers keep coming back to. These waves are described as “death rides,” because they crash into the shallow and sharp corals.
Additionally, these waves can reach up to 5 to 6 meters high which gives surfers short and smooth rides. The force of these waves underwater is said to be similar to the feeling of being vacuumed into a cocoon.
It is not a beginner wave, so think very carefully if you want to try it out.
The Cloud 9 wave gained the world’s attention through a feature story in 1993 in ‘Surfer’ magazine. However, traveling surfers had already been visiting here since the 1980s. This was the same year when it gained its name, “Cloud 9,” which was a popular local chocolate bar that was said to be the only snack available in Siargao at the time.
Today, Cloud 9 is home to the World Surf League event held every year between late September and early October. During this surfing peak, professional surfers worldwide compete against each other on barreling right-hand waves.
Wander on Cloud 9 Boardwalk and View Deck
Along the shallow pebbled shore of the famous Cloud 9 Surf Break is its Boardwalk.
This Cloud 9 Boardwalk and View Deck was originally built for the hundreds of spectators, judges, VIPs, tourists, and competitors during the 2014 Siargao International Surfing Cup, but now it is among the island’s top attractions.
For $1, you can stroll this 215-meter boardwalk where many world-renowned champion surfers like Philmar Alipayo, Alana Blanchard, Chris Zaffis, and Piso Alcala also walk.
This famous boardwalk offers a wide view of surfers dancing on the huge waves, making it a good spot if you just want to enjoy your time watching them. It’s an ideal location for those who want to relax with the fresh sea breeze and enjoy Cloud 9’s stunning landscape.
You can also do photo ops here, so if you are planning one, I recommend going in the afternoon. The view of the golden skyline during the sunset can be your perfect backdrop!
Learn surfing in Secret Beach
To discover the Secret Beach in Siargao, take a 15-minute drive south from General Luna. Then, head southeast along Malinao-Union Road towards Dapa Town.
Keep an eye out for a sign along Union Road that reads “Guiwan Surfing Area.” Once you arrive, follow the dirt trail for a 10-minute walk through scenic tall coconut palm trees from the main road to reach the shoreline.
Alternatively, if you are bad with directions like me, just type “Secret Beach Siargao” on Google Maps. It’s a common tourist attraction, so Google has its location pinned.
Despite its name, the beach is not actually a secret. It is hidden behind a peaceful landscape of clusters of coconut trees, bamboo, and other vegetation.
This secluded gem boasts white untouched sands, crystal-clear waters, and a calm atmosphere. Considered one of the best beaches in Siargao, the Secret Beach offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the crowd because as I’ve said, it’s hidden compared to others.
Many surfers, especially beginners visit here for surfing lessons and longboarding. You can also discover its underwater beauty by snorkeling, or you can just simply hang out under the shade of the coconut trees.
Go island hopping
Island hopping is one of the popular activities you can engage in to make the most of your Siargao experience.
When booking a tour, you can choose to avail yourself of a private or a shared/joiner one. Private tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off, the service of a guide, roundtrip boat transfers, and a set lunch. Meanwhile, shared/joiner tours offer ways for you to meet new people as you visit the different islands.
Thus, most island-hopping tours cost around $15 to $20. These island-hopping tours usually make the same circuit on the Islands. Then, you’ll have a max of two hours to enjoy each spot.
- Daku Island
- Naked Island
- Guyam Island
Dive on Guyam Island
Guyam Island is a tear-drop-shaped island that is a 2km boat ride away from General Luna. It is also referred to as “Ant Island,” as Guyam means ant in Cebuano Dialect.
Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by its clump of palm trees that are surrounded by white sand and crystal-clear water. You can also find a few small shallow natural pools with turquoise water on the island. Here, you can spend time appreciating its view for a while or do some photo ops with its amazing rock formations around as your backdrop.
Buy snacks like burgers and fresh fruit juices from the stalls run by locals between the palm trees after swimming. There are also a few swings and hammocks, perfect if you want to relax with the sea breeze for a few minutes.
Dip your foot in Daku Island
Daku Island is the largest of the three islands included in the tour.
It prides itself on its pointed beach stretching far out powdery white sand, lush palm trees, and sparkling blue water. It’s also one of the only remote islands in Siargao that is inhabited by a few families. Despite being home to locals, Daku remains untouched.
Lounge on the beach or swim and snorkel in the sea on your day trip to this amazing island. If you still have energy, try kayaking to enjoy the view of fishes and colorful coral reefs. It is also a great opportunity for photo ops because you can escape the beach crowd.
You may also spend time boogie boarding or surfing here because it is one of the few places around Siargao with giant waves. Although they are not as high as they are in other surfing spots, they’re still consistent, which surfers of all skill levels can enjoy.
Additionally, locals living on the island run several shops that sell local foods like seafood plates and offer instructional surfing classes that you can avail. You can rent surfboards and kayaks from them as well.
Make the most of your Daku Island visit by spending a night in one of their cottages. Book a cabin and immerse yourself in the serene nightlife with locals to feel like you have the entire island all to yourself!
Walk along the sandbar of Naked Island
Naked Island is a 200-meter-long strip of powdery white sand with no vegetation or structures around it, hence its name. This island is a bare sandbar that is surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Since there are no facilities around, you can have a peaceful time connected with the sea. The absence of distractions makes it a perfect spot to relax, unwind, and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Stroll along the sandbar barefoot so you can feel more of Naked Island’s soft grains and enjoy the gentle sea breeze caressing your face. Its scenic view is also a perfect backdrop for photographs, especially if you take your photos and videos through a drone as it can capture the entirety of the Island.
Surf in Pacifico Beach
If you are riding a motorbike from General Luna, follow the Siargao Circumferential Road to Pacifico Beach. This drive will take you 1 hour, without stopping.
Another way to get here, especially if you have company, is by renting a tricycle. The price ranges from $5 to $10, depending on the length of your trip.
Aside from Cloud 9, Pacifico Beach is one of Siargao’s surfing spots. It is a beautiful white stretch of sand with turquoise water surrounded by tall palm trees. Most tourists, especially surfers, keep coming back because the waves here, if the sea conditions align, can be bigger than Cloud 9 and offer a longer ride.
So, if you are planning to surf at Pacifico, one thing you must remember is that the waves here are left, whereas Cloud 9 has right waves. However, beginners are not recommended to surf here as well.
The best months to enjoy the waves are during September, October, and November. Meanwhile, the waves are flat in June, July, and August, the same as all around the island. Thus, if you visit here in December, November, January, February, or May, surfing is not guaranteed because of the wind.
For non-surfers like me, you can still enjoy your stay here by swimming and resting under the palm trees. The sounds of the waves and sea breeze offer total relaxation as the whole beach is not crowded most of the time.
However, you can rent a room at Pacifico Beach Resort if you plan to stay overnight. For a price starting at $30, you can stay in a villa right near the beach. This family-friendly hotel serves various delicious Filipino and international meals all day.
As a bonus, you can join their daily yoga classes to experience a relaxing stay at this resort.
Dip in Magpupungko Rock Pools
The Magpupungko Rock Pools is located in the municipality of Pilar, a 45-minute drive away from General Luna. One way to get here is by riding a scooter which you can rent for $7 to $10. Just keep in mind that there is a $0.40 parking fee in the area.
However, I recommend booking it online before coming to secure one, as Siargao is a popular spot.
Either way, you can join an island-hopping tour that includes Magpupungko Rock Pools as its destination.
Once you arrive, you have to pay a $1 entrance fee. You can also rent a snorkeling kit with goggles and a life jacket for $4 each.
Magpupungko Rock Pools are tidal, meaning that they are only accessible during low tide when they are exposed. If you are planning to include it in your Siargao itinerary, make sure to check the tide times in advance here.
It is definitely one of the most epic spots in Siargao because this turquoise natural pool is located between two limestone cliffs that have small caves. Here, you can cliff-jump, swim, and explore the surrounding rocky coastline, including the small caves.
The water in the Magpupungko Rock Pools is quite deep, up to 3 meters, so you need not worry about hitting the rocky bottom when cliff jumping. Wear anti-slip waterproof shoes as the rock formations can be sharp, rough, and unforgiving, making it difficult to climb up without proper footwear.
As the rock pools are one of the most popular tourist spots in Siargao, you will likely encounter a lot of people there. However, don’t let the crowds discourage you from visiting this amazing spot, as there is enough space for everyone to enjoy.
Cliff jump at Tayangban Cave Pool
Tayangban Cave is located in Pilar, approximately a 30-minute drive from General Luna. This unspoiled gem is near Magpupungko Rock Pools, so you can do a quick cave tour here before heading to your next destination.
The entrance fee to Tayangban Cave Pool costs $2, including the tour guide fee, as you cannot enter the cave without one accompanying you. The guide will lead you down a watery trail inside the cave and show you around to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Upon arriving, you’ll need to enter a tiny crack in the rock and go down into the freshwater pool caves in Siargao. This pool is about waist-deep, but there are some bamboo structures to help you get through some of its deeper sections.
Inside the cave, you can hear the bats hanging on the ceiling, and the ancient stalactites are in the shape of ice pinnacles. You have to do canyoneering through the cave for about 15 minutes to reach the emerald-green rock pool surrounded by hanging vines.
You can choose from two cliff-jumping spots at the rock pool. One is from a 2-meter-high rock, and the second is from the cliff edge, which is approximately 7 meters high. The water in the rock pool is 18 feet deep, so there is no chance of hitting the bottom. There’s a tour guide you can approach for assistance or questions.
Swing in Maasin’s Bent Coconut Tree Rope
Maasin’s Bent Coconut Tree Rope is along the Maasin Enchanted River in Pilar, Siargao. It is 30 minutes away from General Luna, and you can reach it by taking a land tour or riding a motorcycle.
Once you reach the red Maasin Bridge, you’ll know you’re near the iconic tree. From there, you can have its sight, but to make your travel worth it, make a 5-minute walk through the dirt path on the right side of the bridge to see it up close.
For $1, you can climb up on the bent coconut tree and get photographed as you swing to plunge into the calm waters of the Massin River. Aside from this one-of-a-kind experience, you can also rent a small boat from the locals so you can paddle around the Maasin River and appreciate the area’s unspoiled beauty.
Find tranquility in Alegria Beach
Alegria Beach, also known as White Beach Siargao, is a 1.5-hour boat drive away from General Luna. It is situated on the northern tip of Siargao so not many tourists come here, leaving it secluded and almost untouched.
Your long trip will be worth it once Alegria Beach’s tranquil vibe, powdery white sand, salty sea breeze, and turquoise water greet you. It is like stepping into a Pinterest photo with coconut palms lining the shore. Also, Alegria Beach is deep enough for swimming, which is not always common in Siargao.
This beach is perfect, especially if you want to relax and forget for a while the hustle of the city as the waves crash on the shoreline is the only sound you’ll mostly hear. Take advantage of its peacefulness, swim in the water, and take many photographs without worrying about photobombers. You can also rent a cottage here to make your visit more convenient.
Try tree jumping in Taktak Falls
Taktak Falls is the only waterfall in Siargao Island, located in Santa Monica. It takes around 1.5 hours to get there from General Luna and only 20 minutes from Pacifico Beach. To reach the waterfall conveniently, you’ll need to ride a motorcycle.
Upon arriving, you’ll need to pay $1 for entrance and parking fees.
The name “Taktak” is derived from the local dialect, which means “to drip.” Thus, it perfectly describes the fresh, cold water that gently drips from the rocks.
Taktak Falls is 15 meters high, and the water in its small blue-green pool is about 5 feet deep. It’s a perfect spot for cliff and tree jumping, which makes it popular among adventurous tourists.
Just make sure to ask locals where the safe spots are to make the jump. You can also dip in the cold waters of the pool, swim around, and snap some photos to remember your visit.
After swimming, you can rent a cottage to lounge and listen to the flowing water. It is a perfect spot to sit back, relax, and appreciate the serene ambiance of the waterfalls.
Dive in the Blue Cathedral
The Blue Cathedral is located in the waters surrounding Siargao Island. It is near Cloud 9 and features magnificent underwater rock formations that divers keep coming back.
This famous diving spot features a 20-meter diameter hole at a depth of 20 meters.
However, only experienced divers are allowed to access this underwater wonder as the currents here are strong, which can be challenging to navigate, especially for beginner divers. Also, diving here needs specialized equipment like dive computers and torches, which experienced divers are more likely to be comfortable using and managing.
Below is Blue Cathedral, which is a sliding slope that leads to its two caverns.
The first is North Cavern which features a sharp rock that has split off from the top ceiling, known as the Sword of Gabriel. When you go down this hole, you’ll be led to a 10-meter high and 30-meter-long cavern that spills out into the Pacific waters.
The other one is East Cavern, or as divers call it, “Devil’s Pipeline.” This cavern is 15 meters high and 40 meters long, and you’ll need a torch to appreciate the tunnel’s grand design.
At the end of Devil’s Pipeline is the “Arm of God,” which is a 30-meter-long rock hanging on three columns that reach out eastward to the Pacific Ocean. The spaces between the columns are known as the Eyes of God.
Overall, the Blue Cathedral’s size is similar to a large church, with sun rays entering the hole and welcoming schools of oceanic fish like jacks, tuna, barracuda, and sometimes sharks from the Pacific Ocean.
Non-divers can still appreciate its beauty by renting a boat from Cloud 9. From here, you can watch surfers play with the waves.
Try dive board jumping in Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon is located on Caob Island in Siargao. You need to ride a boat for about an hour from Del Carmen or an hour and a half if you are coming from General Luna.
Upon arriving, you’ll have to pay a $2 entrance fee and a $1 environmental fee.
It’s known for its crystal clear, turquoise waters that are surrounded by dense limestone hills. Another “landmark” that keeps tourists coming back is its wooden diving board made from coconut lumber. It may look unstable but this diving board is strong enough to support tourist after tourist.
Aside from dive-board jumping, you can also board paddling. Rent one of the wooden rafts and take photos while balancing a stand-up paddleboard out in the water. You can go kayaking and, of course, swimming.
Order brick oven pizza from Kermit Siargao
Kermit Siargao is a popular resort restaurant in General Luna that prides itself on its casual atmosphere. It is 2km away from the famous Cloud 9.
Kermit Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria is known for its authentic Italian recipes, which were created by the CEO himself, who is half Italian and half Swiss. They make sure that their ingredients are sourced from Italy and also add a local touch to it by using fresh ingredients from the local market and farm.
Their most popular item is their Four-Cheese Pizza, baked in a brick oven imported from Italy. This delicious pizza is made with parmesan, gorgonzola, brie, and fior de latte and costs just $11.
Kermit Restaurant also serves fresh homemade pasta, which is known to be some of the best in the country, offering familiar Italian sauces like Pomodoro, Carbonara, and Puttanesca.
Their menu also includes appetizers and salads. For beverages, they serve cold beer, local craft beers, fresh juices, and cocktails.
Aside from being a popular in-house restaurant, Kermit Siargao also boasts one of the best surf schools on the island. They are also the longest-running surf school and camp on Siargao Island, started in 2010.
Order a smoothie bowl in Shaka Siargao
Shaka Café Siargao is located in Cloud 9 along Tourism Road in General Luna. It is a popular hang-out place for tourists to stop for a refreshing drink or smoothie bowl while enjoying the calm beach atmosphere.
This vegetarian cafe serves tasty homemade smoothie bowls made from locally sourced organic produce, fresh juices, coffee beverages, and a wide variety of loose-leaf teas.
Their best seller is their smoothie bowls, which consist of fresh fruits and homemade granola. Some of these include the Super Bowl, a fruit medley with yogurt, and Cloud 9 Kook, an energy booster made of banana, peanut butter, cacao, and coconut milk.
Other favorites include fresh-pressed juices like John Lemon or Flu Fighter, an Island Dream smoothie, a Cafe Latte, and a Flat White.
Shaka Cafe also practices environmental sustainability. When serving customers, they use plastic alternatives like bamboo straws or wooden baskets whenever possible.
Dine in La Carinderia
La Carinderia is a popular open-air restaurant located along Tourism Road in General Luna, Siargao. It is renowned for its Filipino-Italian cuisine, providing guests with a homely ambiance that makes them feel right at home.
This restaurant offers Italian fusion cuisine with a local twist. Their vegetarian menu sellers are Pumpkin Polpetta, a pumpkin croquette, and the Panzerotto, a famous fried mini-folded pizza dish in southern Italy.
Meanwhile, their crowd favorites include familiar Italian staples like Mamma’s Lasagna and Carbonara, which are cooked using traditional family recipes and handmade pasta.
If you love fried rice, you should also try their three types of fried rice made with vegetables, chicken, and shrimp. They are the go-to comfort meals for Filipinos who are craving this classic Asian staple.
The restaurant also serves seafood favorites like the tuna sisig, a sizzling plate of marinated tuna bites, and the tuna carpaccio made with Italian extra virgin olive oil.
Drink at Viento del Mar Siargao Restaurant
Viento del Mar Siargao Restaurant is located in Poblacion, General Luna. It is also a part of a boutique resort that offers kiteboarding and surfing lessons.
The restaurant and bar serve a variety of delicious dishes and alcohol-laced beverages such as gin and tonic, as well as classic beachside food items like grilled pork and seafood, salads, buffalo chicken wings, burgers, fries, and sandwiches.
To complement your meal, the restaurant also offers an excellent selection of beer and wine from its well-stocked cellar. Make sure you try out their limited-time specials, including Texas chili beef, beef bourguignon, blackened Mahi-mahi with mango salsa and mashed potato.
Taste Filipino cuisine at Harana Surf Restaurant
Harana Surf is located in General Luna, near the famous Tuason Point surf break. This restaurant is named after a Filipino word meaning “serenade.”
Harana Surf specializes in Filipino fusion cuisine, which is a unique twist on traditional Filipino dishes. One of their best dishes is the Harana Halo-Halo, which is a popular island dessert made with seasonal fruits like iced watermelon, and yam which is served inside a fresh coconut, making it a healthier version of a sugary treat.
Another vest seller is their restaurant’s house specialty, the Bangsilog Rasta Silog. It is a rice meal with sun-dried fish, eggs, and a fruit slice on the side.
Other must-try dishes include their vegetable meals and local specialties like Rendang Mindanao, a beef brisket marinated in local spices and served on a sizzling platter.
Stay in Nay Palad Hideaway Resort
Nay Palad Hideaway is a luxury resort located in Malinao, General Luna, Siargao Island. It offers all-inclusive vacation packages and has gained recognition for its unique design by award-winning designers Daniel Pouzet and Jean-Marie Massaud.
Nay Palad Hotel is also known as one of the best honeymoon and beach resorts in the Philippines due to its luxurious accommodations and romantic location.
The resort is situated between two distinct marine ecosystems on Siargao Island. It has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and is located behind a white-sand beach that runs along a peaceful, private bay. On the other side, the resort faces ancient mangrove forests and natural waterways.
The resort offers luxurious accommodations with an outdoor pool and a children’s playground. Each room features a seating area and an iPad for guests’ convenience and entertainment. The private bathrooms in each unit offer high-pressure shower facilities, bathrobes, and toiletries as well.
You can also access the private beach area to enjoy complimentary sports and activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, island hopping, and cycling. These areas are perfect for spending time alone, with your partner, or with your group, as they are not crowded.
Thus, Nay Palad Hideaway Resort focuses on sustainability and comfort. This is evident in their villas: Perlah Villa, Deluxe Villa, Superior Villa, and Superior Family Villa, which all boast elegance and timeless beauty. Overall, this shows Nay Palad Hideaway’s commitment to providing a luxurious and environmentally friendly experience.
Sleep in Sandy Feet Siargao
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to stay, consider visiting Sandy Feet Siargao. This beachfront resort is located just two kilometers from General Luna. It boasts a private beach area that provides guests with a more serene environment, a great place to relax and leave the hustle of the city.
Sandy Feet Siargao has three villas: Bedroom Villas, ground-floor Family Loft Villas, and Upper-Floor Family Loft Villas. You can choose to get between a garden view and a beach view. Either of these offers stunning views of Guyam, Daku, and Naked Islands.
Main festival and 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. This prestigious surfing competition is held at Cloud 9, the well-known surf spot on Siargao Island.
The Siargao International Surfing Cup was initiated as a joint project by the Municipality of General Luna and the World Surf League in 1994. Since then, the event has gained worldwide recognition and has become a significant part of the World Surf League’s Qualifying Series, drawing professional surfers from all over the world.
This event features not only a top-level surfing competition but also a variety of other activities such as a street dancing festival, an agri-aqua trade fair and exhibits, a neo-ethnic dance competition, a fashion show, Ms. Siargao beauty pageant, and other sports activities.
How to get to Siargao
Traveling by air is the most efficient way to reach Siargao Island. You can directly fly from the main jump-off points in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao – three primary island groups of the Philippine archipelago – to Sayak Airport, Siargao’s own airport.
Alternatively, you can fly to Surigao Airport and then take a ferry to Siargao Island.
By flights
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Skyjet offer regular direct flights to Siargao from Manila, Cebu, and Davao. I recommend that you book your tickets months in advance, as prices can increase significantly closer to your departure date.
However, if you are coming from outside of the Philippines, you will need to travel to either the Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Luzon, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Visayas, or the Surigao Airport and Davao International Airport in Mindanao.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Luzon is the best option if you are connecting to a flight in Manila. NAIA is connected to several international destinations in Northeast and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, North America, and Europe. From NAIA, there are direct flights to Sayak Airport in Siargao.
You also have the choice to fly to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Visayas. You can then book flights from Cebu to Siargao from there. Actually, Cebu is closer to Siargao than Manila, so travel time is shorter, and plane fares are most likely lower. Mactan-Cebu airport is connected to 21 international destinations.
Another option is to fly to Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao, commonly referred to as the Davao International Airport in Mindanao. This airport connects Asian destinations like Hongkong, Singapore, and Taiwan. From there, you can also fly to Siargao.
By flights and ferry
Some tourists prefer flying from Cebu in the Visayas to Surigao City and taking the ferry to Siargao Island from Surigao Port. This is because it is a cheaper option than flying directly to Siargao from Cebu.
From Surigao City
To get to Siargao Island, you can fly from Mactan-Cebu Airport to Surigao Airport. From there, head to Surigao Port by land to catch a ferry. Cebu Pacific offers direct flights from Cebu to Surigao City.
Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport and Atlantis Yohan Express are the two main shipping lines that offer daily ferry trips from Surigao Port to Dapa in Siargao Island.
Evaristo & Sons ferries depart for Siargao at 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM, while Atlantis Yohan Express ferries leave at 6:00 AM and 10:30 AM. A ferry trip usually lasts around 2 hours.
Transportation to explore Siargao
There are various transportation options available in Siargao to explore the Island without hassle. Aside from local public transportation like the habal-habal (motorcycle), tricycle, and jeepney, you can rent a private car or even a tuk-tuk (motorized vehicle).
Below are brief details about transportation you can choose depending on your budget, accommodation area, and company to get around Siargao conveniently.
Habal-habal (motorcycle)
Habal-habal are local motorcycles in the Philippines that are used as the mode of transportation of locals around Mindanao.
In Siargao, you can hire a habal-habal driver to give you a ride through your land destinations or you can rent it to drive it yourself. Habal-habal are best option if you are alone or if traveling with a group as it will allow you to unlock another experience on your way to your target destinations, adding adventure to your overall Siargao experience.
Mini-multicab rental
Mini-multicab is a compact open-air vehicle perfect for a small group of three to four because it combines the convenience and comfort of a van rental with the excitement of exploring the island in an open-air vehicle.
You can rent one or hire a driver to drive for you from Binggo, the first and only private mini multicabs for rent services on the island. They also offer other services like the Siargao Multicab & Van for Hire located in General Luna.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer excursion, mini-multicabs are a great option for exploring Siargao’s beautiful landscape.
Van or car rental
If you prefer going around the island more privately and without being exposed to the scorching sun, you can rent a van or car and even a driver. There are several car and van rental companies in Siargao like Expedia and Travelocity.
It is more convenient because it is more cost-efficient and provides you with more space for your belongings. This is recommended especially when you’re traveling with a huge group and planning to do an inland tour of Siargao.
Tricycle
Tricycles are vehicles that are made locally by building a sidecar affixed to a motorcycle. These vehicles can accommodate 2-4 passengers only.
Riding one is a great option if you don’t have many belongings. Also, it is convenient because it can navigate through narrow roads and crowded areas, making it ideal for exploring the island. Plus, it is open-air, so you can enjoy Siargao’s landscape during your trip.
Climate and weather
Siargao Island has relatively stable temperatures throughout the year. The hottest month is May, which has an average high of 32°C and a low of 26°C. Meanwhile, January is the coldest month with an average low of 24°C and a high of 29°C.
The chances of rainfall on Siargao Island vary depending on the month. March to September has the least chance of rainfall, while April and May are the driest months. On the other hand, frequent rain can start in June and last until November, which is when the rainy season starts in the Philippines.
Best stories beyond the waves
Beyond being a surfing hotspot, Siargao Island is home to white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, caves, lagoons, and lush coconut vegetation. It is truly a tropical paradise that is continuously being known worldwide.
Indeed, its simple culture and friendly locals add to its charm, making tourists love it more.