Siargao: The Surfers’ Paradise in the Philippines

Siargao, known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, is a true paradise for all wave lovers. But this stunning island has much more to offer than just first-class surfing conditions. Discover the hidden treasures of Siargao in this comprehensive guide.

You can get to Siargao either by plane from Cebu City or Manila, with several daily departures from both airports. Alternatively, travellers can also take a ferry from Surigao City in Mindanao. The ferry connections run several times a day, and tickets can be bought on the spot. Depending on the boat and the waves, the crossing from Surigao City takes about 2-4 hours.

 

There are many beautiful places to stay on Siargao. Booking in advance is not always necessary, as the island is not yet overrun with tourists. However, all accommodation is fully booked around the time of the international surfing competition in September, so you should book early if you want to visit Siargao then. Our preferred accommodations include La Luna Island Resort and Siargao Inn.

 

Transportation on Siargao
General Luna is the main town on Siargao and is home to all the bars, cafés and shops. While you can walk along the main road, the main surf spots and other places are a little further away, so we strongly recommend renting a scooter. The standard price for more than one day is 350 pesos (about 7 US dollars). Remember to take one with a board rack if you want to surf.

 

Gastronomy on Siargao
There are a variety of restaurants and bars in General Luna. Here are some that we have visited frequently and that cater to a different budget:

La Santa – Spanish/Filipino twist (280-400 pesos per plate) – good food and there’s a great shop downstairs!
Kiniana – Cocktail bar (280-300 per drink, but they also offer jugs) – this place has delicious cocktails, but be careful, they sneak up on you!

 

Siargao is known for its waves and attracts many professional surfers. But don’t be put off by that! There are many surfing spots and many locals offer lessons. Jacking Horse is an excellent place for beginners, where you can rent boards and get instructors.

 

Island hopping

Some places offer this for 1500-1900 pesos ($30-$37 USD) for three islands, including drinks and food, from 10 am to 5 pm. We definitely think you should do this. The tour includes the three islands: Guyam, Naked, and Daku. You can also take a local ferry to Daku.

 

Tarzan swings in the Maasin River – just a short stop after the coconut palm streets, you will find a red bridge. Park on the side of the road for 20 pesos and pay the entrance fee of 20 pesos per person to see this beautiful site.

 

Sugba Lagoon – this is about a 2-hour drive from General Luna, but it’s definitely worth it. You can get there by bike (350-500/day + petrol) or by rented van (3000/day for 12 people).

Island hopping around Siargao.

More and more travellers are discovering the beautiful islands through island-hopping tours. There are several islands around Siargao, such as Guyam Island, also called “Hamburger Island” for its round shape. “Dako Island” and numerous sandbanks with the finest sandy beaches. The starting point for the many island-hopping tours is the village of General Luna or “GL”.

 

Visit one of the most unspoiled villages called “Union”. In this village, the locals live day to day without worrying about what is happening in the Western world. Here, you can really get an awareness of how beautiful and simple life can be.

If you visit Siargao, plan for 3-5 days, as there is a lot to discover. A tour of the island, mangroves and much more are waiting to be explored. Siargao is said to have the largest mangrove forest in Mindanao, where alligators are said to roam around. A trip to the island of “Bucas Grande” is also a must.

Trip to Del Carmen

In the west of Siargao lies the small village of Del Carmen (formerly “Numantia”). There, you can take beautiful trips through the mangrove forests.

 

We absolutely love Siargao. The island is growing and developing rapidly, so expats are moving there in fast instalments. Overall, the island is still affordable and super fun.