Siargao
The surfing capital of the Philippines · Surigao del Norte
Once a sleepy fishing island, Siargao is now the Philippines’ surf and island-life capital. Think Cloud 9 barrels, palm-lined roads, lagoons, and rock pools — all on a teardrop-shaped island in the far southeast. It’s the kind of place where people book two weeks and stay for two months.
Things to do in Siargao
🏄 Surf Cloud 9
The legendary reef break with its iconic boardwalk — lessons for beginners (from around ₱1,500/hr), proper barrels for experienced surfers. Best from August to November.
🚣 Island hopping (Naked, Daku, Guyam)
A classic day trip to three tiny islands with white sand and grilled seafood straight off the boat. Book through your guesthouse — expect to pay ₱600–900 per person.
💫 Sugba Lagoon
Emerald water for kayaking and a diving board — a must-do half day. Get there early (before 9am) to beat the crowd. Day trip boats leave from Del Carmen.
🥚 Magpupungko Rock Pools
Natural tidal pools you can only swim at low tide — check tide charts before you go. About 45 minutes from General Luna by habal-habal (₱200–300 return).
Photos of Siargao
A visual taste of Siargao before you go.
Photos: Craig Sunter from Manchester, UK (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons · JupitReyes (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons · Wolfgang Hägele (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
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✈️ Getting to Siargao from Singapore
No direct flights from Singapore to Siargao — but the connection is easy and the total journey is 5–6 hours.
SIN → CEB (Cebu Pacific or Scoot, ~3.5 hrs) + CEB → IAO (~1 hr). Often cheapest — book both legs together on Aviasales.
⛴️ Book SIN → CEB transfersthen CEB → IAO
SIN → MNL (~3.5 hrs) + MNL → IAO (~2 hrs). More flight options on the SIN–MNL leg.
⛴️ Book SIN → MNL transfersthen MNL → IAO
🗓️ Best time to visit Siargao
March to October (dry season). Surf is biggest September–November. December–February brings rain and rough seas — ferries sometimes cancel.
✈️ How to get to Siargao
Fly into Sayak Airport (IAO) from Manila (MNL, ~2 hrs, ₱2,000–5,000) or Cebu (CEB, ~1 hr). Book early — flights sell out fast during peak season. From the airport to General Luna: habal-habal (~₱200) or van (~₱150).
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Frequently asked questions — Siargao
Do I need to be an experienced surfer to enjoy Siargao?
Not at all. Cloud 9 is world-class for pros, but there are mellow beginner breaks nearby. Most surf schools offer all-day lessons for around ₱1,500. If you’re not into surfing at all, the island hopping, lagoons and chill vibe are worth the trip on their own.
How many days do I need in Siargao?
Five to seven days is the sweet spot — enough for a surf session, island hop, Sugba Lagoon day trip, and a couple of beach sunsets without rushing. Many people end up staying longer.
How do I get around Siargao?
Rent a scooter (₱400–500/day) — it’s the best way. Habal-habals (motorbike taxis) go everywhere for ₱100–300. Tricycles within General Luna are ₱50–100.
Is Siargao good for non-surfers?
Yes. Island hopping, paddleboarding, yoga retreats, farm-to-table restaurants and some of the best sunsets in the Philippines make it worthwhile even if you never touch a board.
What is the best area to stay in Siargao?
General Luna (GL) is the hub — most accommodation, restaurants and nightlife. Stay on the Cloud 9 side if surfing is your priority. Tourism Road has mid-range guesthouses; Pacifico on the north side is quieter and emptier.
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First time in Siargao?
Quick essentials so you can hit the ground running.
Visa-free 30 days for most passports. Extendable to 59 days at any Bureau of Immigration office — the nearest one is in Surigao City.
Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD = ~57 PHP, 1 EUR = ~62 PHP, 1 SGD = ~42 PHP. Bring enough cash — ATMs in General Luna sometimes run dry during peak season.
No mandatory vaccines. Bring strong mosquito repellent — dengue is present. Tap water is not safe to drink; buy bottled water at any sari-sari store.
A few ATMs in General Luna (BancNet, Visa). Resorts accept cards but small guesthouses and surf schools are cash-only. Load GCash before arriving for local payments.
Very safe for tourists. Watch out for rip currents at surf breaks if you are not an experienced swimmer. Standard precautions: do not leave valuables on the beach unattended.
Local Stays in Siargao
Hand-picked homestays and guesthouses — book direct with local hosts. Add them to your trip plan.
Top Experiences in Siargao
Island hopping, diving, surfing and more — book instantly. Add them to your trip plan.