Siargao Travel Guide, Philippines

If you are searching for things to do in Siargao, surfing comes first. The island is a teardrop-shaped landmass in the Philippine Sea, about 196 kilometres south-east of Tacloban, and is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Its east coast has reefs, small points and white sandy beaches, and the island has been named the best island in Asia in a reader poll by a travel magazine in 2021.

Siargao is part of Surigao del Norte province and has eight municipalities, though most visitors stay in and around General Luna, the main tourist town near the famous Cloud 9 break. It is known for relaxed beach culture, scooters and shops selling surf gear.

You do not need to surf to enjoy it. The island has lagoons, rock pools, island-hopping boats, mangroves and coconut groves. Prices have risen in recent years as more visitors arrive, so budget a little more than on less visited islands. Parts of Mindanao are subject to government travel warnings, so check current official travel advice for the Philippines and your route before you book.

Cloud 9

The most famous surf break on the island has a raised boardwalk with a viewing platform, and an international surf contest is held here each year. It is for experienced surfers when waves are big, though lessons are possible at smaller breaks nearby. Allow a morning, and check tides.

Surf lessons

Beginner and advanced spots are both available. Several surf schools run lessons at suitable breaks, depending on the tide and season. Choose a school that gives a safety briefing, and ask about board hire and reef conditions. Allow two to three hours for a lesson.

Island hopping: Naked, Daku and Guyam

Day boat trips from General Luna stop at three small islands for sand, swimming and a beach lunch. Prices vary, so compare options. Allow most of a day, and bring sun protection and a dry bag.

Sugba Lagoon

This turquoise lagoon on the north-western side is a popular spot for swimming and kayaking. It usually needs a boat trip from a port, so it is best booked as a tour. Allow most of a day, and check the weather first.

Magpupungko Rock Pools

Natural tidal pools form at low tide on the north-east coast. You can swim in them and explore the rocks. Timing matters, so check tide tables and arrive at the right time. Wear water shoes, as the rock is sharp.

Scooter loop and coconut road

A scooter is the usual way to explore the island, and a long road lined with palms is a favourite photo stop. Wear a helmet, drive carefully and avoid riding at night. Allow half a day for a loop.

Mangroves and Del Carmen

The island’s mangrove forests are a distinctive feature, and you can take a boat or kayak through channels near Del Carmen. Allow a couple of hours. It makes a calm change from the surf beaches.

Siargao has a tropical climate. The main surf season runs roughly from September to November, when swells are strongest on the east coast. Calmer, drier weather, better for island hopping and swimming, tends to fall from around March to May. The wetter months bring rain and occasional typhoons.

Weather patterns vary from year to year, so check the forecast and tide times. Book early for the surf contest and holiday periods.

The island has one airport, Sayak Airport (IAO), in the municipality of Del Carmen. Flights run from Manila and Cebu, and the runway has been extended for larger planes. Check which routes are operating when you travel. From the airport, vans take you to the main accommodation areas around General Luna in roughly 45 minutes. Ferries from Surigao City on Mindanao to Dapa are another option for travellers who want a sea crossing, though they are slower.

On the island, scooters are the main way to get around, and you can hire them cheaply, though you must be careful on the roads. Tricycles and vans work for shorter trips and tours. There is limited public transport, so many people book tours or hire a driver for longer distances. Always carry some cash, as ATMs are limited and can run out.

General Luna is the hub for visitors, with the widest choice of hostels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars and surf shops. It suits first-timers and surfers who want everything nearby. It can be noisy at night.

Areas just outside General Luna, towards Tuason Point or Cloud 9, offer a quieter setting and beachfront rooms, while still being a short scooter ride from the town. They suit couples and people who prefer calm evenings.

Del Carmen and the north have a more local feel, with mangroves, simple stays and few crowds. They are better for travellers who want peace and have their own transport. Book ahead for the surf contest and major holidays. Check what is included, such as breakfast, scooter hire and airport transfers.

Four to five days gives you time to surf or relax, take an island-hopping trip and ride around the island. Three days is the minimum if you are short on time. A longer stay suits surfers and remote workers.

1. Day 1: Arrive, settle in at General Luna, and watch the sunset at Cloud 9.
2. Day 2: Surf lesson in the morning and a rest or scooter ride in the afternoon.
3. Day 3: Island hopping to Naked, Daku and Guyam islands.
4. Day 4: Scooter loop to Magpupungko rock pools and the coconut road, or Sugba Lagoon.

Keep a spare day in case weather cancels a boat trip, and avoid tight flight connections on departure day.

Cebu City

Cebu City is one of the two main flight gateways to Siargao. Many travellers spend a night or two there before or after the island. It is a useful base for Bohol and Moalboal.

Manila

Manila is the other main gateway and the main international hub. Direct flights to Siargao run most days. Check schedules, and keep a buffer for connections.

Bohol

Bohol is known for the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, and is reachable by flight and ferry connections through Cebu. It suits a longer island-hopping route.

Surigao City

The port city on Mindanao is the ferry gateway to Siargao. Most visitors pass through only if they take the sea route.