Siargao Ultimate Travel Guide: What to see and do? (2022)

With its dazzling beaches, breathtaking views, and stunning villas, Siargao is undoubtedly one of the most sought destinations in the Philippines.

Siargao is located on the Northern-Eastern coast of Mindanao and is dubbed as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines.” The island contains one of the enormous mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, covering an area of 4,871 hectares in Del Carmen.

Essential information:

Language: Locals can speak English, Tagalog and Siargaonan (the local dialect in Siargao).

ATM Machines: The closest ATM is located in Dapa. Before heading to Siargao, make sure to have enough money that you can use.

Best time to visit: Best time to visit: July and November are surfing seasons. If you plan to visit beaches, then go in March and May during the summer season.

PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE

1. Several airlines fly directly in Siargao – AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines. Turn on your notification for SEAT SALE or promos to score a cheap flight ticket. We get our roundtrip ticket for P4,000 only. 

2. Make a reservation for your accommodation ahead of time, at least three weeks before. Ensure that your accommodation is accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT). Find the lowest price in Booking App or Airbnb.

3. Prepare your negative result of RT-PCR (swab or saliva test). Results should be taken 24 hours before your flight.

4. Accomplish the health declaration form through this website: https://covid19.ssct.edu.ph/healthform to get the e-Health Pass.

5. Download the Traze app on Google Play or Apple Store before your flight.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

The airport transfer is PHP 300.00 per head (one way) to any resort in Central General Luna. Rates are subject to change if accommodation is not located in the main Siargao tourism area.

Contact person: Kuya Amat – 09650819971

WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO?

General Luna is the best location to stay in Siargao as it offers a wide array of homestay, villas, and beachfront resorts at a reasonable price. It is also the center for nightlife, shops, and restaurants. So whether you are a luxury or budget-friendly traveler, you might consider the following accommodation below:

Tres Islas Hostel is located in Catangnan, General Luna. Although the hostel is far from restos and some attractions, it is still ideal for solo and budget travelers. The room is spacious, the facility is good, and the staff is friendly. There is also complimentary breakfast and unlimited coffee. 

Note: We didn’t book this hostel since this is already included in our tour package. 

Book via Agoda: https://bit.ly/3tHB4CA

Hillside Resort Siargao is situated on Tourism Road and kind of Bali vibes. Each villa has a lanai filled with lush green leaves. The room is spacious, the amenities are good, and the pool is clean. Jacuzzi and resto inside the resort are not available when we get there. The road to the resort is under construction and a bit far from restaurants.

One problem we had here is the mobile signal; there is no Wi-Fi in the resort, although it’s indicated in the description on the Airbnb website. Overall, the place is awe-inspiring and homey.

Kawili Resort offers easy access to food restos, sari-sari stores, bike rental, souvenirs shops, night bars, and surfing sites. A few steps away from the resort is a beach where you can unwind and watch the sunset. The room huts are loft-type with a private bathroom and a hammock outside. The good thing here is they have a fully equipped kitchen that you can use for free. The pool is clean, the staff is accommodating, and the place is not loaded.

HOW TO GET AROUND GENERAL LUNA?

By Motorcycle – is the famous and cheapest mode of transportation in Siargao. You can rent a motorcycle for PHP 250 for one day. 

By Tricycle – The tricycle can accommodate up to 2-4 people. Fares depend on your location; it starts at PHP 20.00.

By Car Rental – You can rent a car for only P3000 per day (24 hours). I’ve also seen a lot of posters promoting smaller vehicles for rent for P2500 per day.

WHERE TO EAT IN SIARGAO?

On top of pristine beaches, incredible surf spots, and cozy villas, Siargao’s cuisine is also a must-try.

1. Kurvada – So far, the best local place on the island. All vegan choices and foods are exceptional.

2. Kung-Fu Ganda Siargao – The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from our resort. We dine here every night; the food is mouthwatering, and you can definitely enjoy each bowl.

3. Lamari Siargao is a restaurant with a pool and lounge area. A perfect go-to place for work and daily coffee fix.

4. Spotted Pig Café – We went to this café on our last day and enjoyed the morning brew. The modern and cozy interior is the best. Must try their Iced Caramel Macchiato and Puttanesca (gluten free). They also sell ground coffee as well as whole coffee beans.

RELATED POST: TOP 10 BEST RESTAURANTS AND CAFE IN SIARGAO ISLAND

THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN SIARGAO

TRI-ISLAND TOURS

Naked Island is one of the remarkable islands in Siargao. As the name implies, there is nothing you can see in Naked Island aside from pristine white sand surrounded by clear aqua water.

The island is an open area; thus, use sunscreen and bring lots of water before heading to the isle. From here, you can swim, walk or take tons of photos.

Daku Island is the largest among Naked and Guyam Island and is occupied by people. The beach is wide and known for its white powdery sand. There are also cottages in the area. You can swim or invite your friends for some beach activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and beach volleyball. 

Most of the tours head to Daku Island for lunch, and locals are the ones who prepare a boodle fight. 

Guyam Island is a small islet with a stretch of fine sands with lots of palm trees. You can do numerous activities on the island, such as playing basketball and volleyball with locals, swimming, and snorkeling. There is a tiny shack that sells burgers and shakes. If you are exhausted after island hopping, there are also hammocks on the island.

VISIT CORREGIDOR ISLAND

If you are into beach and hiking, Corregidor Island is the best place to go. Corregidor Island is bigger than tri-island and is usually not included in tours. I created a separate blog about our experience in Corregidor Island. 

LAND TOURS

COCONUT VIEW DECK

The coconut view deck is typically the first stop for a land tour —a perfect backdrop here in Siargao, located along Circumferential Road. How many palm trees do you see?

MAPUPUNGKO ROCK POOLS

Known as the ultimate natural swimming hole and a popular destination in Siargao. The powerful tides hitting the rock pool and incredible creatures roaming around it make it unique.

MAASIN ENCHANTED RIVER

Maasin Enchanted River is located in Brgy. Maasin in Pilar, Siargao. It has gone viral on Instagram because of its coconut tree rope swing. Although the swing was removed lately still, the river is stunning in its own way. You can take pictures in the raft and simply pay PHP 30.00 to the locals so that they can assist you.

SUGBA LAGOON

Sugba Lagoon is one of the hidden gems in Siargao. It is well-known for its emerald water, and it is located in the middle of the Mangrove forest. There are plenty of things to do in the lagoon, including kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, and snorkeling. Watching people jumping off the wooden diving board is really fun.

COCONUT ROAD SIARGAO

Do not leave Siargao without taking photos on Coconut Road! Just beware of the vehicles approaching you. Across the road is Pacifico Beach, which is a good site for surfing and this is also near Wantaw Restaurant.

CLOUD 9 SIARGAO

Cloud 9 Siargao has become a renowned surfing spot in General Luna. Tourists are seduced due to its massive waves and clear water. The surfing tower looks sturdy yet a perfect place to capture panoramic sunset views. Some locals offer surfing activities for PHP 500.00 per hour. Restaurants are also available in the area.

Beware of surf scams. Some “instructors” will approach you on the island, and please note that they are not real surfers but rather motorbike drivers.

WHERE TO BOOK YOUR TOURS?

You may contact GotMarked Tours on Facebook or Instagram for a hassle-free tour. They offer affordable packages whether you are traveling solo or with your friends. They will arrange everything for you to maximize your stay in Siargao, and they also have a private tour. It is better to contact them at least a month before your flight as they need to locate accommodation that fits your budget.

Due to an unfortunate event, one of my friends couldn’t join the land tours. Hence, we repeated our tours and decided to include Corregidor Island on our bucket list. You may contact Noy Cartatibo on Facebook.

ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS

In 3-days, you can complete the island hopping and land tours. You may also want to extend your trip and rent a motorbike or scooter to explore the other side of General Luna.

TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

1. Siargao remains a safe place to travel, especially for solo travelers.

2. Network signals are unstable on Siargao Island. If you are planning to work while traveling, I’d recommend you to stay on Tourism Road. Remember that not all accommodations have Wi-Fi, so plan ahead of time.

3. Exclusive tours are better than being a joiner, but it really boils down to your budget. 

4. When renting a motorcycle, always follow proper driving precautions. Wear a helmet all the time. 

5. Bring your own gear if you want to do beach sports like snorkeling and swimming.

6. Try to eat Siargao’s local foods. Do not miss their traditional Pandecoco. 

7. Bring more sunblock and lots of water during island tours to avoid sunburn.

I really wish this blog is helpful and useful! If you have any questions or things you want to share about Siargao, feel free to comment down below.