Why Siargao Deserves a Spot on Your Philippines Itinerary
- Marianne Belanger
- Nov 3, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2024
Planning a Trip to Siargao?
Have you been planning to go to Siargao in the Philippines or hesitating to put it in your itinerary ? Read bellow to learn all about why you should put it in your travel plan, how to get there, where to stay and what to do in Siargao, spoiler there a lot more than just surfing.
If you’re curious about other destinations in the Philippines, check out our articles on Bohol, Siquijor, Moalboal, and Palawan.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Siargao?
Siargao is famously known as a surfer’s paradise, offering waves for everyone—from beginners to pros—along with affordable surf lessons and board rentals. But the island has so much more to offer beyond surfing. You can explore stunning islands on island-hopping tours, relax in natural rock pools, try wakeboarding at the wakepark, and discover coconut trees everywhere you look.
The island is located on the East side of the Philippines, so make sure to check the weather before booking your plane. The weather is usually the opposite of the previous destinations! Our flight was canceled twice because of a huge storm !
How to go and get around Siargao ?
There are a few ways to get to Siargao, with the quickest being by plane from Cebu or Manila. There are only two operating airlines, Philippines Airlines and Cebu Airlines.
If you are following our Itinerary in the Philippines then you must be coming from Moalboal. We got to Siargao by flying from Cebu, it's a 2-hour cheap flight.
TIP : If you are travelling with bags heavier than 7kg, make sure to buy the extra checked bag or carry on luggage before your check in online, it will be cheaper than buying at the airport and Yes they weight and check the dimensions of your bags !
Once you arrive at Siargao, private vans will be waiting at the airport to escort you to your accommodation. No tricycle is allow to the airport so you will have to pay the extra bucks for the 40 min shared van. Just make sure to bargain well.
We highly recommend renting a scooter from one of the local shops once you are in the city for at least a day to explore the island at your own pace.
Flight roundtrip from Cebu to Siargao with Cebu airline : 5470 PHP (92 USD) per person.
Van from the airport to the city : 300 PHP (10 USD) per person
Scooter rental at our Hostel : 400 PHP + 120 PHP of gas (total : 8,9 USD)
Where to Stay in Siargao
Mad Monkey Hostel
We had a great experience at Mad Monkey Hostel, which has a fun, lively vibe with plenty of activities and a chance to meet some amazing people. While it's definitely known as a "party hostel", we were pleasantly surprised that a lot of guests were serious surfers, up early to catch the waves, so we didn’t have any issues with noise at night. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the Cloud 9 surf area.
They also offers guided activities that you can book but it's basically everything we will discuss in the next session.
Accommodation fee : 3780 PHP (64 USD) for 3 nights and two people
Mahajab Homestay
If you're looking for something quieter and more relaxed, Mahajab Homestay in General Luna is a great choice. It’s in a fantastic spot, close to restaurants, shops, and the beach. The room was much more luxurious than some of the other places we stayed, which made for a comfortable experience.
Accommodation fee : 300 PHP (5 USD) for 1 night and two people
What to Do in Siargao
We’ve put together a map summarizing all the activities and sights we experienced. We condensed everything into three days due to our travel style, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can extend your stay and spread the activities over additional days.
Day 1 - Surfing at Cloud 9
Cloud 9 Surfing area
Your first stop in Siargao should definitely be surfing! Head to the Cloud 9 area, where you’ll get stunning views. It’s also where you can rent surfboards or even sign up for a lesson if you're just starting out. There are different surf spots for all skill levels, so no matter what your experience, there’s something for you. We had our first surfing experience there, but unfortunately, the waves weren’t as strong that day, so it was a little challenging to catch them without some help, especially for beginners like me. Make sure to be at the Cloud 9 boardwalk at sunset, the views are amazing. Check out our article on what to bring to the Philippines.
TIP: Don’t forget to bring a rashguard for your surf session. The sun is intense, and depending on the board you’re using, the friction can get uncomfortable without one.
Surf rental fee : 500 PHP for the day (8,55 USD)
Day 2 - Land Tour
Cloud 9 Surfing Area
The next day, we kicked off with an early morning surf session (around 7 am), and it was a huge improvement from the day before. With fewer people in the water, the waves were much more fun and consistent.
Surf rental fee: 200 PHP for an hour (3.40 USD)
Coconut Tree View Deck
Next we took our bike and started our land tour. Our first stop was the Coconut Tree View Deck, and the view was pretty amazing. You get a sweeping look at millions of coconut trees stretching as far as the eye can see—a great spot to stop, take in the scenery, and snap some photos.
Maasin Bridge River Swing
Then we made our way to the Maasin Bridge River Swing. Unfortunately, the swing was closed during our visit due to a recent typhoon, but the river itself was still beautiful to see. You can sign up for a canoe tour. We didn't do it but people said it was quite a magical experience.
Magpupungko Rock Pools and Flats
Magpupungko is small town area where you can relax on the furthest stop on your road trip. Right next to the ocean, you can find those natural rock formations where people swim and enjoy watching the strong waves crashing 100m away from you. The water as seen in the picture below is crystal clear blue and when the water level is high enough you can cliff jump or even swim.
There are also a few local shops around where you can grab a snack or a meal before getting back. Don't forget to try their mango juice !
Entrance fee : 60 PHP per person + 20 PHP scooter parking fee (Total : 1,37 USD)
TIP: Be sure to visit the Rock Pools during low tide when the pools are fully exposed—at high tide, they’re submerged and you won’t get to experience them as fully.
Siargao Wakepark
This wake park offers both group and private lessons, making it a great option whether you're new to wakeboarding or just want to give it a try. It's an affordable way to experience the sport—much cheaper than back home! Just make sure to reserve your spot in the morning or the day before because they are always fully booked.
Fee for a group lesson (1 hour): 1,200 PHP (about 20.42 USD) per person.
Day 3 - Island Hopping
Island hopping is a must-do activity in Siargao. The islands are stunning, and the day is packed with sun, beaches, volleyball, basketball, music, and snorkeling—so don’t forget your sunscreen! We recommend a tour that includes the three main islands: Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island, starting from General Luna. They will also stop in the middle of the ocean where you can go snorkling. We recommend to bring you own snorkeling equipment. Check our article on what to bring to the Philippines
Naked Island
This will likely be your first stop on the island-hopping tour. No, it's not a nudist island—it's called "Naked" because it’s just a bare patch of sand in the middle of the ocean. It's pretty impressive to see, surrounded by nothing but the sea. If you opted for a more expensive private tour you might get there before everyone. Just imagine !
Daku Island
This is usually where you'll have lunch. You can relax on the beach and swim before being served a delicious seafood feast on a large platter, maybe even with "SIARGAO" written on it in rice (like we had). You'll dine in the shade under one of the huts, making it the perfect spot to refuel and take in the view.
Guyam Island
The smallest but one of the most charming islands we visited. You can walk from one side to the other in about a minute. The island has lots of coconut trees and offers a variety of activities, like basketball and volleyball courts, a little dining area, and swings. We were lucky enough to listen to a beautiful live performance by a local singer, which made the atmosphere feel extra special. It really felt like we were on a different planet.
Island hoping fee (with a group) : 1300 PHP (22,2 USD) per person
TIP: We recommend starting the tour as early as possible to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful, less touristy experience. You can also opt for a private tour, where you pay for the whole boat and can bring up to 5-10 people, depending on the boat size. This gives you more flexibility, allowing you to visit the islands at quieter times, though it usually comes at a higher price.
Budget
Type | Total (PHP) |
Accommodation | 4080 |
Transportation (flight, tricycle, scooter, gaz..) | 7420 |
Activities - Entrance fee | 6540 |
Food | 5350 |
Total | 23360 (396 USD) for two people |
Conclusion
Siargao is more than just a surfing destination—it’s a tropical paradise brimming with diverse experiences that cater to adventurers, beach lovers, and relaxation seekers alike. From the exhilarating waves of Cloud 9 to the serene beauty of island hopping and the unforgettable sights along the land tour, every moment here has something special to offer.
Whether you're meeting fellow travelers, dining on fresh seafood, or watching a breathtaking sunset, Siargao invites you to immerse yourself fully in its charm. Pack your bags, embrace the island spirit, and let Siargao be one of the highlights of your Philippine journey!
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