Welcome to our guide, all about Things To Do In Siargao. We have created this travel guide to help you explore the palm tree forests, surf spots and rock pools that this paradise island has to offer. We have broken this guide down into simple steps for you to follow. From our favourite places to eat in Siargao to the best island hopping tours in Siargao, we have it all covered.
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🏖️ Things To Do For Non-Surfers
✔️ Travel Tips
How To Get To Siargao ✈️
In recent years it has become a lot easier to get to the island of Siargao. Now, with daily ferries and flights from international airports, it is easy to see why the island has become more popular with tourists. A word of warning, if you are flying the landing is HELL, I mean…it can get bumpy.
Cebu to Siargao
A quick 1-hour flight from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Siargao Airport is the route we took to get to the island. Your other option is a 14-hour ferry ride from Cebu City to Siargao, this is the cheapest way to get to the island. At £23 per person, the ferry will stop briefly in Surigao before continuing to Siargao.
Manila to Siargao Flying
One of the most convenient ways to get to Siargao is to take the 2 1/2 hour flight from Manila. Most people will arrive or leave the Philippines via this airport which is called the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Whether you make it the first or last port of call on your trip this route is one of the most popular ways of getting to the island.
Areas Of Siargao 🗺️
The tear shape island of Siargao has 9 main towns. The most popular with tourists is Genera Luna in the southeast of the island. The journey from Siargao Airport to General Luna is a 45-minute drive. In General Luna, you will find some of the best food and accommodation on the island. It is also close to Cloud 9, one of the most popular surfing spots on the island.
Another popular surfing spot is the small town of Pacifico. You can find Pacifico Beach on the North East of the island. This area is a lot quieter and has a super chilled-out vibe.
Getting Around Siargao 🛵
Whether you are in the Philippines, Vietnam or anywhere else in Asia, you can’t beat jumping on a moped with the wind in your hair and exploring. This is how we got around Siargao most of the time.
We hired our moped for 24 hours, the evening before we planned to set off. Make sure you do this so you can get up nice and early and not have to worry about finding somewhere to hire a bike from. The bike cost us 400 peso’s for the 24-hour period. Most bikes will come with no fuel, 150 pesos worth of fuel will be more than enough for the day.
We understand that some people are not keen on riding a moped, do not worry we have the perfect solution for you. There is an amazing Land Tour run by Klook which will take you to all the top spots on the island. These include The Palm Tree Lookout, Magpupungko Rock Pools and Subga Lagoon. This full-day tour is run daily
Things To Do In Siargao For Surfers 🏄
If you are a keen surfer, we have put together a little list of some of our favourite surf spots we visited around the island of Siargao.
Cloud 9
Siargao is best known as the surf capital of the Philippines. All around the island, you can find beautiful surf spots, but none can beat Cloud 9. This section of waves is more for the advanced surfers, but if you are a beginner head to Jacking Horse. This is where you will find more forgiving waves. Whether you just want to walk along the Cloud 9 Boardwalk or chill with a Shaka Bowl this small town in Siargao has some of the best vibes in the Philippines.
Secret Beach
The secret beach is becoming evermore less secret. But it is still a cool place to practise your surfing or sit on the beach with coconuts and watch the sunset. It is quite far out and can be hard the exact location on google. If you are coming from General Luna you will see the sign on the left-hand side of the road next to a hut. If you reach the town of Dapa you have gone too far.
Pacifico Beach
You can find Pacifico Beach on the North of the island away from the main tourist trail. It is known for its long white sandy beach, chilled-out vibes and surfing. This slice of paradise has something for everyone, whether you are a surfer or a palm tree forest explorer you will love it here.
Things To Do In Siargao For Non-Surfers 🏖️
We have tried to include as many attractions as we could visit whilst we were on Siargao Island. Unfortunately, our trip was cut short due to the Coronavirus. But we still believe we have managed to capture some of the best places to visit in Siargao.
Palm Tree Lookout
The Palm Tree Lookout in Siargao has the best views on the Island, stretching out as far as the eye can see. Palm trees fill the island of Siargao, whilst surfers fill the shores. Siargao has recently become our favourite island in the Philippines, you will soon see why. The Lookout is a 30-minute drive from the town of General Luna.
Magpupungko Rock Pool
The Island of Siargao isn’t all about surfing and palm trees, it is also homed to the magnificent Magpupungko Rock Pools. These huge rock pools are one of the biggest, with the clearest water we have ever come across. After living on Rottnest Island in Western Australia where there are lots of rock pools, we think we are quite good judges.
Exploring Rock Pools is one of our favourite things to do whilst travelling. Sometimes it can be dangerous due to the constant moving tides and sharp rocks. If you are planning to visit the Magpupungko Rock Pool then make sure you come at low tide.
Palm Tree Rope Swing
One of the top spots to visit on the island is the Palm Tree Rope Swing. We got here for sunrise to beat any crowds and to capture the sun hitting the tops of the palm trees stretching out over the river. In order to get here head towards the Maasin River. As you approach, you will cross a red bridge, this is where you will find the famous Siargao Palm Tree Rope Swing.
Tayangban Cave
Here you can pay the 100 peso entrance fee which includes a mandatory guide to take you through the cave systems. Once you reach the end of the system you are greeted by the lagoon, this is when you can cliff jump into the pool below. The Tayangban Cave Pool can be found between the Palm Tree Rope Swing and Magpupungko Rock Pool.
Palm Tree Road
Descend into the palm forest which covers the whole of Siargao. As you approach the Maasin River you will reach a straight stretch of road. Lining each side are coconut palm trees, branching out to create an amazing canopy. The Palm Tree Road is where you can take some amazing pictures standing in the middle of the road, we took our shots with a drone.
Sunset At Santa Monica Pier
You can find this 500-metre long pier at the North West tip of the island. It is, for this reason, it is an epic place to watch the sunset. It is a long drive if you are coming from General Luna. But if you are at Pacifico Beach it is only a 30-minute ride to the pier.
Island Hopping Siargao 🛥️
One of the most popular activities in Siargao, which technically isn’t even on the island is Island Hopping. Although a long day, you can’t beat jumping on a boat and cruising around a selection of paradise islands. With the ocean breeze in your hair and one of the best lunches we have had on an island hopping tour, this activity is a must!
Sohoton Cove Tour
Arguably the best and most popular island to visit is Sohoton Cove. Unfortunately, we were not able to take it to Sohoton Cove Tour due to the Coronavirus outbreak. But from friends and family that have been here, we haven’t heard a bad thing. You can book your Sohoton Cove Tour here with Klook.
Corregidor Island
Experience the Corregidor Island Tour in Siargao with the One Love Boat Tour. Also known as Casolian Island, this tropical paradise is where you can experience true island life. Join the One Love crew planting coconut trees, cooking up an island feast and meeting the locals.
This day tour is all about giving back to each other, enjoying the smaller things in life and having an epic day out in the Philippines.
Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island
Some of the best Island hopping in the Philippines is around Siargao. Spend the day with Klook exploring islands with white sand beaches, clear blue water and of course lots of palm trees. The tour encompasses Naked, Daku and Guyam Island and departs daily from The Boardwalk at the Boulevard.
Subga Lagoon
If you want to visit the beautiful Sub Lagoon you can take the Siargao Land Tour. This tour combines all the best Siargao tourist spots for the ultimate day out.
Alternatively, you can ride to the Port Of Del Carman on the west side of the Island. This is where you will take a boat from in order to reach Sub Lagoon. There are plenty of private boat operators around the town where you can agree on a price to get you to the lagoon.
Once you are at the lagoon you can call off with swimming in the lagoon, or if you are more of a daredevil jump of the diving board.
Where To Eat In Siargao 🍕
Isla Cabana restaurant – A little pricey Western food, but the best we have had in a long time.
Kook Cafe – Vegan brunch spot.
Shaka – Breakfast & smoothie bowls.
Catch Seafood Restaurant – You have to try to muscles!!
Bravo – Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful open-air setting.
Altrove Siargao – The best pizza on the island, (they also have restaurants in El Nido & Coron).
Where To Stay In Siargao 🏠
Siargao has some of the best hotels and hostels that we have seen in the Philippines. Here are our top recommendations, starting with the traveller who wants two splash the cash or just had enough of hostel life for a few days. Followed by something in between and then the budget traveller.
Luxury:
Something in between:
Tropical Temple Siargao Resort
Budget:
Siargao Travel Tips ✔️
A few handy top tips to make you might want to know about Siargao Island.
Best Time To Visit Siargao🕒
Like most of the Philippines Siargao has a wet and dry season. Luckily the dry is a lot longer than the wet, however, it is the Philippines so anything can happen.
March – November: The dry season is the best time to visit Siargao. The waves get bigger for the surfers between September-November.
December – February: The wet season, we recommend you avoid these dates.
Wifi & SIM Cards Philippines📱
The Wifi in Siargao is renowned for not being good, much like the rest of the Philippines. So most people rely on their phones. If you need to get a Sim Card whilst you are in the Philippines you can organise one right here.
Siargao Surf Competition 🏄♂️
Every year Siargao Island hosts an international surfing competition. This is typically around September-October and means the Island becomes a lot busier. If you are a keen surfer then this is the time to visit, for others you might want to avoid the competition.
Our Best Meal In Siargao 🍕
Although defiantly not the cheapest place on the Island, in this case, you get what you pay for. At the Isla Cabana restaurant, the food was out of this world, you can order a mixture of local or western dishes.
Best Area To Stay In Siargao 🛏️
The most popular area of Siargao is General Luna, here you will find everything you need from bars and clubs to healthy breakfast spots. The main stretch of road is funnily enough called Tourism Road.
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What Camera Gear Do We Use
- Main Camera: Panasonic G80
- Go To Lens: Panasonic 12-60mm
- Tripod: Manfrotto Adventure Tripod
- Camera Bag: Manfrotto Backpack
- Underwater Camera: GoPro Hero 8
- Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- Power Bank: Anker Power Bank
- Hardrive: WD 1TB hard drive
