5 Days in Siargao: Surf, Islands and Lagoons

PANA.PH Team · Philippines travel teamPublished June 5, 2026 · 2 min read

5 Days in Siargao: Surf, Islands and Lagoons

Siargao is the Philippines' surf capital - but if you have never touched a surfboard in your life, come anyway. The island has expanded far beyond its surf credentials. The vibe in General Luna, the main village, is hard to describe precisely: it is like Bali in the early 2000s, before the crowds, with better-than-expected coffee, an honest food scene, and a community of travelers who all seem to be having the best time of their lives.

Getting to Siargao

Fly from Cebu or Manila to Sayak Airport (General Luna) - the runway is surrounded by coconut palms. From the airport, habal-habal (motorbike taxi) to General Luna costs 200 PHP (30 minutes).

Day 1: Arrive and Get Your Bearings

Check in, rent a surfboard (400 PHP/half day), and paddle out to the beginner break in front of town. Evening: dinner at one of the open-air restaurants - try the grilled blue marlin, fresh catch at 350 PHP for a full steak.

Day 2: Cloud 9 and Surf Lesson

Cloud 9 is one of Asia's most famous surf breaks - a hollow barreling right-hander over shallow reef. Watch from the wooden boardwalk for free, or hire an instructor (1,000-1,200 PHP including board) and try the gentler channels around the main break. Afternoon: ride to Magpupungko Rock Pools (45 minutes north) - at low tide, the receding ocean reveals deep crystal-clear tidal pools in volcanic rock. Check tide charts before going.

Day 3: The Island Hopping Trio

The three-island trip to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island is the most popular tour on Siargao (1,200-1,500 PHP/boat). Naked Island is a pure sandbar - no trees, just white sand in the middle of the sea. Daku has coconut palms and a family running a fish grill. Guyam is a tiny circular island ringed by coral reef.

Day 4: Sugba Lagoon

Sugba Lagoon is 2 hours north of General Luna by motorbike (rent: 400-500 PHP/day). The lagoon is an enormous sheltered body of emerald water surrounded by mangroves. Entry 50 PHP; kayak rental 100 PHP/hour; SUP 150 PHP/hour. Most people spend 3-4 hours here.

Day 5: Sohoton Cove or Departure

If you have a flexible flight, Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande island is one of the Philippines' most spectacular hidden spots - a tidal cave system, jellyfish lake, and cathedral-sized lagoon you swim into through an underwater passage. Book a tour (1,500-2,000 PHP, 3-hour bangka ride from Dapa port). If your flight is morning, do a final paddle on the town beach and buy dried mangoes and local honey at the market.