Ultimate Travel Guide: Siargao, Philippines

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Siargao is an island along the northeastern coast of Mindanao in the Philippines. This island stole my heart and easily was my favourite destination I visited in the Philippines, I just kept extending my stay. And I’m pretty sure after visiting Siargao you will never want to leave either. It’s the surfing capital of the Philippines, home to the most friendly locals and has an aurora of beauty that I simply will never forget.

I stayed in Siargao for a couple of weeks back in 2019 and since then the island has massively grown in popularity and faced some pretty challenging times. In December 2021, just as tourism was opening up after COVID-19, Super Typhoon Odette/Rai devastated the island taking lives and destroying homes and infrastructure on the island. However, this was never going to stop the people of Siargao from rebuilding. Although there will be a lasting impact, Siargao is once again the incredible travel destination I remember from 5 years ago.

When to Visit Siargao, Philippines

Like most tropical islands, Siargao has two seasons, wet and dry. The dry season runs from March to October and the wet season from November to February.

During the wet season, the island does occasionally experience typhoons, with January typically being the wettest month. Also in these months, it’s common for any trips on the water to be cancelled/rescheduled due to bad weather.

For surfers visiting Siargao, you’ll find the best waves between July and December. Also, the Siargao International Surfing Cup takes place in 2024 between 25th October- 3rd November

I visited Siargao in early November and although there was a few rain showers, they quickly cleared up. So to answer the question I don’t think there is a ‘wrong’ time to visit just be prepared for different conditions depending on when you visit.

How to Get to Siargao, Philippines

The most common way to reach Siargao is by plane. You can find direct flights from Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB) airports to Siargao Airport (IAO). The flight from Cebu is around 1 hour and from Manila it’s about 2 hours 30 minutes. Sayak/Siargao Airport is small and like most flights in the Philippines, it isn’t super cheap to fly here. I’d advise booking a month or more in advance to avoid high last-minute prices.

There is the option of taking the ferry from Surigao Port with daily ferries to Dapa on Siargao Island. I don’t know too much about this and would advise flying unless you find yourself in Surigao City in which case ferry away.

Things to Do In Siargao, Philippines

There is plenty to keep you busy on this Island, it’s not the smallest island in the world however it’s relatively easy to get about. You could rent a scooter, use the local tuk-tuk taxis, join group tours or even rent a tourist van for the day.

Explore the area of General Luna

Taking a walk down Tourism Road is an activity in itself, with so many cafes, restaurants, shops and little spots to explore. Be sure to head to Bravo Beach Resort and grab yourself a drink and kick back and relax on the beachfront.

Three Island Hopping Tour

This is a popular day trip for tourists, jump on a noisy boat and head out to explore some smaller islands off the coast of Siargao. The 3 islands you will most likely stop at are Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island. All stops are cliche dream island paradises where you can swim in the turquoise waters and dry off with walks in the soft white sand. It’s a day trip you won’t regret taking.

Visit Sohoton Cove National Park

This area is a little further out of Siargao on a nearby island called Bucas Grande. Due to its proximity, you can take a day trip from Siargao to visit Sohoton Cave. However, if you have the time I recommend taking an overnight trip here, so you can get the most out of your visit. You can swim with stingless jellyfish in beautiful blue waters, explore the caves and lagoons all in this magical national park.

Pacifico Beach

Fancy a day to relax and read a book? Then this is the beach spot in Siargao for you. On the other side of the island to the busy tourist area of General Luna, it’s a bit of a trek but 100% worth it. If you opt to rent a scooter to do the journey you can even stop along the way at some beautiful viewpoints and the roads lined by coconut trees.

Surf at Cloud 9

Known for being the best surf break in the Philippines, if you’re a surfer I’m sure this is the main attraction of Siargao. However, surfing at Cloud 9 is not recommended for beginners. So if you are a beginner take a lesson on the smaller break just to the left, known as the Jacking Horse. Alternatively, stroll along the Cloud 9 pier and watch the surfers go.

Magpupungko Rockpools

These popular rockpools are about a 45-minute scooter ride away from General Luna and you will find tours that stop here too. Make sure to check the tides before visiting as if you come at high tide they won’t be much to see! With plenty of pools to explore here and even some spots for cliff jumping it’s a lovely half-day activity. If you have water shoes bring them here the rocks can be a little spikey.

Massin River Swing

If you have seen photos of Siargao online you would have likely seen a photograph of this rope swing. It’s a fun stop if you have rented a scooter, just be careful on the swing, I saw a few injuries. The roads between General Luna and Massin River Swing are incredibly scenic so the drive in itself is an activity too.

Sugba Lagoon

This was one of my favourite places I went to whilst in Siargao. I did a Land Tour that took me to the Magpupungko Rockpools, Massin River and Sugba Lagoon all in one day. We drove to the Del Carmen port and hopped on the boat for a trip through the mangroves which was unforgettable, the scenery on the journey there truly blew me away. Once you get to the lagoon there’s plenty to do, go swimming, rent a kayak or a paddleboard to explore. There is even a diving board to throw yourself into the turquoise lagoon.

Where to Eat and Drink in Siargao, Philippines

Siargao had plenty of spots to choose from, I have whittled down a list of my favourite places to try in the General Luna area.

Cafes

• Spotted Pig Cafe
• Crepes Siargao (Unsure if this is still open, it was along Tourism Road in General Luna, close to Bravo)
• Fili Bean Espresso

Restaurants

• Zicatela (temporarily closed)
• Mama’s Grill
• Kermit
• Bravo Beach Club

Where to Stay in Siargao, Philippines

The most common place to stay as a tourist is in General Luna in the southeast corner of Siargao. I would recommend this area for first-time visitors and those wanting to be near the famous surf spot Cloud 9. You’ll find many accommodations around Tourism Road in General Luna, which is just what it sounds like a road full of places for tourists; with cafes, restaurants, and shops as well as budget and high-end accommodations.

Another option is to stay in San Isdrio and more specifically the Pacifico Beach area. It’s a lot quieter than General Luna and has fewer accommodation options, but ideal for those wanting to relax on an idyllic beach and catch some waves.

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