Philippines Siargao is located at the northeastern tip of Mindanao, province of Surigao del Norte. This tropical and teardrop-shaped island which stretches for about 437 square kilometers has been the go-to destination for surfing in the Philippines. Its just one small island among the 7000 that make up the Philippines.
Siargao is also tagged as one of the best surfing spots in the world, there are two best surfing areas in Siargao, Cloud 9 which is well-known and the Pacifico, both provide heart-stopping waves and jaw-dropping sunset view. If you are new to surfing you can always have some surfing lessons with local instructors for 500PHP/10USD for one hour and that includes the rental fee of the board already. The waves are perfect for both beginners and experts.
The island also offers some unrivaled spots that are worth-checking such as lagoon, river, coconut plantation, natural tidal-pool, and white-sand islets that are all accessible.
HOW TO GET THERE & WHERE TO STAY?
Manila and Cebu have a direct flight into Siargao at Sayak Airport. It will take more or less an hour of flight to reach the island. On the Sayak Airport, there are two options to reach General Luna, you may ride a van for 150PHP/3USD per person or rent a motorbike for 500PHP/10USD which is good for two-person. Travel time takes 45 minutes.
General Luna, is the perfect place to look for accommodation since that is where most of the resorts, restaurants, and surf spots are. You’ll have a lot of options where to stay on your trip in Siargao from 5-star resorts, to budget-friendly hotels, up to hostels, and transient houses. We stayed at LH-Bri Lodge which is for me a wise place to stay as it is located in the middle of General Luna town which I find very convenient. It is near the market and some convenience stores. Just for 1200PHP/24USD, you’ll have a night of stay on a decent air conditioned-room which is good for two, plus free wifi. For the complete address, it is Purok 2, General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, you may reach them at +639565769778.
Tip: Book ahead of time for your preferred accommodation especially during peak season, which is between March and October as this is the dry season. Most of the hotels and accommodations in Siargao requires a minimum number of nights to stay to be accepted. Look for a place that will be best for your travel duration on the island.
Additional Tip: When you are on Siargao I highly recommend to rent a scooter if you know how to drive as this will give you the freedom to go wherever and whenever you want on the island, this will also maximize your budget rather than paying a driver to bring you on every spot, that will cost a lot of money and also time-consuming. Renting a scooter is available from local shops in General Luna and most of the hotels also provide scooter rental. It cost around 350PHP/7USD to rent scooter per day.
TIME TO ROAM THE ISLAND
Daku, Guyam, and Naked; The 3 islands beyond compare.
From where you are staying, go towards the General Luna market which is along the beachside. Ask the locals as to where you can avail of an island-hopping activity. Locals on the island are friendly and accommodating, you can always approach them. Then from there, you can pay 1500PHP/30USD which is good for 6 people for the whole day adventure. Get your perfect tan and soaked yourself on the crystal-clear waters of the 3 islands.
Naked Island is a bare and uninhabited island so you can go naked completely if you want and lay down on its golden white and silky sand. The water is crystal clear turquoise. Some locals do recommend to do snorkeling here so better to bring your snorkeling goggles.
Guyam Island is a small island with some little rock pools around it, a proud bearer of a vast stretch of white sand and palm trees. An incredible spot for some selfies and unwinding moment. This island is also uninhabited however some locals are selling some light snacks and beer on this island if you wish to chill and relax.
The last spot is Daku Island which is a bigger version of Guyam Island and also has a lot to offer. This for me is the best out of 3 islands. There are some locals who are residing on the island and you can order food here depending on the availability, we had our full lunch here. Daku Island is filled with coconut trees with alluring and powdery white sand. You can grab a fresh coconut fruit here, listen to your favorite song and just sit and relax on its shore while waiting for the frame-worthy sunset.
Tip: Please bring sunblock cream, bath towel, extra clothes, and drinking water. Don’t forget also to ready your camera for some amazingly surreal photos.
Additional tip: Usually some resorts and hotels do arrange the 3 islands tour for their customer’s convenience which includes lunch already. You may consult your accommodation with this.
Sugba Lagoon; A hidden jewel in Del Carmen
A majestic and hidden place covered with mangroves and limestones. Sugba Lagoon is simply breathtaking. From General Luna, you have to drive your scooter for about an hour to reach the town of Del Carmen. From the town, you have to rent a boat going to the lagoon which will take 45 minutes of a smooth sailing trip.
Boat rental fee is 1600 PHP/32USD per boat and each person must pay a 100PHP2USD for the environmental fee. The locals will ensure that each boat is full, normally about 6 people, and if you have less than 6 people in your party, you’ll be placed in with other people which I find wise and budget-smart.
You can do kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling or just swimming in the pristine waters of Sugba lagoon, there are also sting-less jellyfish roaming on the lagoon so don’t forget to bring your underwater camera. There’s a shack in the area which is available for everyone with a diving board, some hammocks, tables, and chairs if you wish to just chill and enjoy the stunning view of the lagoon.
Tip: Clean as you go. Make sure to leave the paradise trash-free. Bring extra clothes and a bath towel. Be friendly with the locals and respect other tourists.
Additional Tip: To avoid the crowd, the best time to visit Sugba lagoon is in the afternoon as most people visit in the morning.
Cloud 9; The surfing central of the island
I can say that this is the bread and butter of Siargao and where fun and waves meet.
Going to the popular Cloud 9 is easy, from the town, head north along Tourism Road, and you’ll find Cloud 9 after about 10 minutes. There is no entrance fee in the general area of Cloud 9 however if you wish to enjoy the Cloud 9 boardwalk you have to pay for 50PHP/1USD. A small amount in exchange of serene moment in the wooden hut which is over-viewing the gigantic waves and heart-melting sunset.
The atmosphere here is always wholesome free. Tourists and locals always come here to witness how surfers ride and roll until the golden hour. Cloud 9 also offers a stretch of remarkably fine white sand where you can just cool down while watching the surfers. There are also some food establishments in the area that serves meals and drinks so you don’t have to worry about getting hungry.
DONT FORGET TO CHECK ON THIS OTHER FASCINATING SPOTS IN SIARGAO
Due to a restricted schedule, we miss some highlights of Siargao. Here are other places worth visiting and a big reason for us to come back on the island.
Magpupungko Rock Pool
Magpupungko Rock Pool is surrounded by mind-blowing rock formations and it looks like an infinity pool that can be enjoyed only during low-tide This is humbly located in the town of Pilar which is 45 minutes drive from General Luna.
Maasin River
Maasin River has become an insta-famous site in Siargao because of its rope swing on the bent palm tree activity. Maasin River is not hard to find but usually being missed especially for an unplanned trip. From General Luna, this is a 17 km drive which takes about thirty minutes to reach the Siargao swing. It is located in a small village of Maasin, the landmark is the bright red Maasin bridge.
Tayangban Cave Pool
Tayabangan Cave Pool is alongside the main road going to Magpupungko Rock Pool and also located in the town of Pilar. This is an underground cave that offers everlasting blue water. You can try cliff diving or the most recommended is the spelunking in Tayangban Cave.
Pacifico
If you want to try the less traveled road, have some waves, and avoid the crowds, then Pacifico is a perfect spot. This is on the north-east part of the island and will take an hour or two drive from General Luna, specifically located in the town of San Isidro. A place where you can experience living an authentic island life. You can still have a doze of your beach and palm trees here.
THE ISLAND’S FLAVOR
Siargao is also diverse when it comes to your taste buds. There is a wide range of selections of restaurants and pubs on the island. Sharing some best places to fill your tummy and liver on a budget.
- Mama’s Grill – Great food and not wallet-breaking. The place offers a variety of street foods and other grilled foods which I did enjoy so much. Have yourself a pork bbq here and don’t forget to pair it with a mango shake as your drink. Best combo for me.
- Bebie’s Barbeque – Best grilled longganisa ever. This place is just a minute’s walk away from where we are staying, the place is simple yet the food is surprisingly tasteful and budget-friendly.
- RumBar – the island-famous place for those who want to party and drink till dawn. The place is loud yet strangely awesome. Best place to have some new friends and some memorable nights on the island. The price of food and drinks are reasonable.
- Nine Bar – is a typical beach bar, an ideal place to chill with upbeat music on the background. The price is budget-friendly for most of their drinks and foods. A must-visit party place on the island.
DEEPLY IN LOVE WITH SIARGAO
Been in some tourist destinations here in the Philippines but for me Siargao is incomparable and a place that I consider to live-in in the future. Siargao is something unique not only because it offers a variety of activities for everyone and provides a diverse selection of tourist spots to visit but also because of the laidback life locals are having and I honestly envy it.
I can’t stress enough the most enjoyable thing to do in Siargao and that is just rent and ride a scooter and get lost under the palm trees along the beach. I can’t wait to go back and feel Siargao again.