Siargao Travel Guide: Things To Do, Siargao Itinerary Samples & Budget

Truly it’s emotional that I can finally share this Siargao Travel Guide. I have poured my heart in creating this to help you with your future plan of visit and introduce you to this hidden gem you may not know about.

I feel my heart beats getting fast the first time I’ve set my foot on this paradise. This place is extremely sending this tingling sensation and butterflies around my stomach. It feels like I’m experiencing “love at first sight!”. At least that’s my own definition of Siargao Island, my FIRST LOVE!

So.. *Drum Roll Please* Say hello to my Siargao Travel Guide! And did I mention it’s a budget travel guide too? *wink*

ABOUT SIARGAO ISLAND

What is Siargao Island Really?

“Surfing” + “Palm Trees” These two keywords have always been part of the equation when someone asks about Siargao. Little did many know that this tear-drop shape Island is one of the most beautifully crafted Islands within, I would say throughout the Philippine Island, or on Earth rather?

Truly one of the dream destination of many travelers out there. Amazingly this Island can make you go cry *Tears of joy!* by its gorgeous scenic visuals, crazy places to go to, and a series of activities to choose from.

And if Bali is perfectly known to have a large number of palm trees, needless to say that Siargao can offer you this amazing sea of palm trees throughout the Island too!

Where is Siargao Island located?

This island in the eastern most part of Mindanao is situated in the province of Surigao del Norte. Just right on the perfect spot with the Pacific Ocean making it perfect for Surfing.

Which is why this island was..

Hail as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” because of it’s natural occurring waves that emanates from the Pacific Ocean. It has a vast and large waves to hop on by surfing lovers out there.

Is Siargao only for Surfers?

Questioning yourself “Would Siargao and I not compatible anymore? Because I do not surf..” *cries alone*

Well, that’s where you are wrong, girl! Because this island isn’t just for surfers, it’s for you as well! (Yes You! No exceptions). There are a lot more interesting activities that Siargao Island can offer you, or just a normal girl who wants to relax and escape the city for a while(like me!).. Better wipe your tears now, sending you tissues virtually.

And if it’s your first time traveling here, great! That’s the very purpose of this article, to help you re-create your dream vacation with this DIY Siargao Itinerary!

As I am giving you a walk-through on this travel guide, I’ll also introduce to you the best Siargao Tourist Spots, what are the top things to do in Siargao, and many more!

As a bonus, you can also download my sample itineraries *wink* made just for you! Just keep on reading to know how you can get it 😊

4-Step to know when you decide to visit Siargao Island

1. What would be your goal? Island Hopping or Surfing? – So you can decide which month is the perfect time for your visit
2. How many days of stay?
3. How to get to Siargao from your place?
4. Booking for your flight and selecting a place to stay

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BEST TIME TO VISIT SIARGAO

Best month to visit is of course during dry season. Summer – March to June. However, you can still visit around June to November as it can serve a much larger waves for surfing lovers out there.

Just be mindful of the weather, same with Batanes Airport, Siargao also has a short runway and your not-so develop airport in the Philippines thus the planes to Siargao or Sayak Airport are smaller one. It is probably harder for smaller planes to seek flight with bad weather and this can potentially slash your dream of visiting the island.

HOW TO GO TO SIARGAO ISLAND?

There are a lot of ways you can reach this haven. See all possible options you can get.

By Air

From Manila to Siargao

Going to Siargao Island from Manila is a lot more accessible now. There are airlines now that offers direct flight to Siargao from Manila. And these are Cebu Pacific via CEBGO and Skyjet.

Though Cebu Pacific also have connecting flights via Cebu(Mactan Airport) which is a lot cheaper but the cons is you have to render layover in Cebu for 2 to 8 hours max.

PAL also offers connecting flights both via Cebu and Davao.

Travel Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

From Cebu to Siargao

As of mentioned above, PAL and Cebu Pacific have direct flight from Cebu International Airport (Mactan).

From International Country

There is no direct flight to Siargao, but the most efficient way is to get flight to Cebu Airport and then transit to flight to Sayak Airport.

By Air and Sea

This is what I’ve been telling you about another option of transportation. Just now I realize that this is the CHEAPEST option plus a slight adventure and you get a sight-seeing in Mindanao.

Manila – Butuan City – Surigao City – Siargao

Take flight from Manila to Butuan City, just right at the Airport of Butuan City, take private van or bus to Surigao City Port and Ferry Terminal and ride a ferry.

Here is the bus schedule for Butuan to Surigao City.

Manila – Surigao City – Siargao

Another option is getting a flight direct from Manila to Surigao City which is only 4.2 km away from the Surigao City Port and Ferry Terminal.

Ferry from Surigao City Port to Dapa Port in Siargao

Montenegro Shipping Lines and Evaristo and Sons Sea Transport Corp. offers ferry/Roro ride to Dapa Port.

For more information and updated schedules of ferry rides to Siargao, please check this page.

Great! Now that we have the basic and necessary things to know about Siargao.

Let’s now move forward to the highlight of this Siargao Travel Guide that you’ve been dying to know.

WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO ISLAND?

When it comes to accommodation, there is no greater place to stay than in the Municipality of General Luna. It is the most famous place where you can seek the best island experience. General Luna is probably the busiest town where all the stirs are and definitely loaded with best restaurants, stays, and hotels.

So finding for the best resort in Siargao wouldn’t be that much hard because there are a lot, as in a lot of choices to seek. So I would have to recommend you to check booking app sites such as Agoda, Airbnb, and etc.

But to make it easier for you, here are some of my suggestions and picks base on some of the articles I’ve read. I’ll be providing the links as well if there is someplace that eventually puts a tiny prick in your heart and says “choose me!”

Eddie’s Beach Resort

This is where we stay during our vacation. What I like in this simply resort?

• Bungalows with an area of 30 sq.m, offering with 1 queen size bed and a double deck.
• An air-conditioned room with private bath (with hot shower)
• A beachfront view with beautiful coconut trees and a solo swing at the beach.
• Breakfast, lunch or dinner are made to order and can be deliver to your respected rooms (not free though, per serving is around 120-150 php but it is worth it!)
• The resort is a little bit far from the center of the town which is a lot busier and probably louder at night because of the night life in Siargao, so you can enjoy and relax in peace.

Kermit Siargao

Kermit Siargao was the one our friends rented during our travel. We’ve booked later which is why there is no availability on our date of visit. But we have the chance to come over on their stay and the room is great! It looks like a combination of modern + tropical feels! And in their restaurant, they serve the best PIZZA in town. If you want to book here, make sure to have an early inquiry on their website.

Other Popular Siargao Hotels & Resort:

• Siargao Island Villas – Check it here!
• Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa – Check it here!
• Bravo Beach Resort Siargao – Check it here!
• Hillside Resort – Check it here!

Explore Other Stays/Lodging

If you want a different vibe or place to stay at, there are a lot available you can check online of course. You can check here in the Agoda site that offers several properties to book in Siargao.

Getting Around the Siargao Island

By Habal-habal

A lot of travelers surely know this type of transportation as it is most common in several provinces in the Philippines. It is simply just a motorcycle modified and design to take up at least 2 passengers. This is the common mode of transportation as well with the island locals.

By Motor (rental)

This is the most recommended for DIY travelers out there, motor rentals are widely available on the island and it only costs P 400 per day (+ full gas). Cheap right? This should be the best option in exploring the island of Siargao on your free will and no time pressure.

By Private Car(rental)

Recommended if you are traveling with your family and have your own free schedule. Check this link for the car rental rates.

What are the Top Things to do in Siargao Island?

Activities in Siargao are overflowing and you definitely mustn’t miss it. Here are the lists and don’t worry about me being general about these activities because you’ll get to know later where you can experience this exciting and unique experience.

• Surfing Lesson – If you are really adventurous and try something new, Siargao is the best place to learn for it.
• Cliff Jump/Dive – Another thrilling activity for fearless travelers out there!
• Rope Swing in Maasin River – Try this unique way of reuniting with water
• Deep Dive to Hagukan Cave – Definitely the most thrilling experience was to deep dive for 10-15+ seconds just to enter the magical cave!
• Island Hopping – Needless to say anything as island hopping is a must
• Snorkeling, Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
• Interacting or Swim with stingless Jellyfish
• Get your photo in the Sea of Palm Trees in Siargao, and many more!

Best of Siargao Tourist Spots

These are the list of top places to visit in Siargao Island. Just keep on reading as moments later we will start constructing our itinerary with the best combination of places to visit per day

Sohoton Cove or Bucas Grande Island

Sohoton Cove Tour is consist of this mentioned tourist spots – Blue Lagoon, Jellyfish Sanctuary, Magkuku-ob and Hagukan Cave

These famous tourist spots are located at the Municipality of Socorro, Surigao del Norte situated at the southwest of Siargao Island. Bucas Grande Island offers breathtaking scenery in this Siargao tour. You can see a natural scenic view of the lagoon envelop with a bluish body of water. I must say it is very much comparable with the lagoons of El Nido Palawan.

There’s also a place called the Jellyfish Sanctuary where you can swim around with the sting-less jellyfish. But I’m warning you to not use a chemical sunscreen as it can potentially harm different water species including our cute jellyfishes.

Recommended taking the morning tour in Bucas Grande Island. Its location is a 2-hours boat ride from the main island of Siargao. Also if you want to see the amazing and unique experience in the Hagukan Cave you will need to get there in the morning during high tide.

Hagukan Cave offers one of the most unique and thrilling experiences in our Siargao tour. During high tide, you can only reach this by deep diving because the entrance was submerged. But no worries because there are pro guides that will help you go through it, just endure your breathe by 10-15 seconds and you’re inside! Splash the water and you’ll see the water is glowing blue-green!

I wasn’t able to take a photo because I only have my phone during our travel, so how about you check this link to see how amazing the Hagukan Cave!

3 Islets of Siargao

This is not just your common island hopping tour because these islets can bring up your beach feels into high proximity level! The Islands has it’s own unique beauty though.

Naked Island – A bare looking island with no existence of any trees. This beautiful Island emerges during low tide, thus make sure to visit this by afternoon. Don’t forget to bring your beach hat as it is definitely hot with no place to shade from the scorching sun. An ideal place to do snorkeling too!

Daku Island – The largest island among the three and probably the most ideal place to have lunch plus they have cottages along the beach. Recommended to have a packed lunch or buy some fresh food and have them cook there.

Guyam Island – The last spot for the island tour, a tropical spot, and a place you can relax after the exhausting island tours. You can spend more time exploring the island while enjoying fresh coconut juice.

For your full Day 1 Siargao itinerary, usually, you can have a full boat package for Sohoton Tour plus the 3 islets.

Cloud 9 Resort

Catching the sunrise at Cloud 9 resort is one of the things you shouldn’t miss on your Siargao Travel. So better be heading there as early as 5:30 am and get your perfect spot.

Cloud 9 also serves the best waves in town. Get your own local surfer instructor and try out surfing if you want.

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Magpupungko Rock Pools

To make your way to this tourist spot, you need to travel for approximately 55 minutes to the Municipality of Pilar. It is best to visit the place in the afternoon to see the unique rock formations that emerge during low tide and reveals several rock pools on the coast.

Sugba Lagoon Tour

Located at the Municipality of Del Carmen. Sugba Lagoon is one of the highlights when visiting Siargao and is the most recommended place to seek another unique experience. This is the spot where you can perfectly enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, or even diving! If you’re afraid to dive, why not just take a nice pose at their diving board?

Mangrove Viewpoint

Another viewing spot in Del Carmen is the Mangrove View Deck. Ride a boat at the Port of Del Carmen and enjoy viewing one of the protected mangrove forests Surigao. Truly one of the unique experience to see vast of mangroves, incredibly gorgeous!

Kawhagan Island

No fluff guys! Del Carmen offers really the best Island tours in Siargao. This Island is composed of beautiful palm trees while extending its white sand creating a magnificent sand bar. Perfect to enjoy wide vast of pristine white sand emerging in low tide. The waves are beautiful indeed!

Sugba Lagoon, Mangrove Viewpoint, and Kawhagan Island are all located at the Municipality of Del Carmen. Thus for your second day of Siargao itinerary, you can have all these three plots out and dedicate your whole day in Del Carmen

Tayangban Cave Pools

Not many tourists knew about this and probably a hidden gem in the Island of Siargao. The experience to reach Tayangban Cave Pools is kind of a thrilling moment where you need to trek in a pitch-black cave with waters rushing inside before welcoming by a blue-green pool and dive your heart out. This can be a great spot for thrilling experience seekers out there.

Maasin River

One of the famous instagrammable spot in Siargao. Definitely famous for having a beautifully bent coconut tree crossing the Maasin River that is also surrounded by palm trees. Don’t miss to experience the famous rope swing adventure there!

Also on you way to Maasin River, take a full stop and find the great spot for photo shoot with the Sea of Palm Trees!

Get the Best Island Food Experience in this Restaurants

Mama’s Grill – Cheapest and has the best barbecue in town

Kermit Siargao Restaurant – An Italian restaurant but my best preference is the Four-cheese Pizza

Harana Surf – Perfect for a solemn atmosphere for dinner

Shaka Café – They serve the best smoothie bowls that is very Instagram worthy + quality of taste richness!

Enjoying our Siargao Travel Guide so far? Well, we’re not done yet! As I am yet to give you our very own Siargao Itinerary and also some sample itineraries that you can opt to try as well including the estimated budget for each drafted itinerary. And the downloadable itinerary too!

Before that, If you think it’s too hassle for you to think and create your own Itinerary I can offer you some Siargao Package Tour from Klook. Check them out below!

SIARGAO PACKAGE TOUR

SIARGAO ITINERARY AND EXPENSES

Our Comprehensive DIY Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Siargao!

11:00 AM – Arrive at Sayak Airport
12:00 PM – Hotel/Stay Check-in
02:00 PM – Rest, Unpack, Lunch(Hotel/Stay) and getting ready
04:00 PM – Explore town, find Motor Rental
05:00 PM – Walk-around or drive around General Luna
07:00 PM – Dinner (Mama’s Grill)
09:00 PM – Going Back to Hotel, Rest

Day 2: Bucas Grande + 3 Islands Tour

06:00 AM – Breakfast + Departure of Boat to Bucas Grande Island
08:00 AM – Arrival at the Bucas Grande Island
09:00 AM – Start of Tour: Sohoton Cove, Jellyfish Sanctuary, Magkuku-ob, Hagukan Cave
12:00 PM – End of tour, Depart for the 3 Islands
01:30 PM – Lunch at Guyam Island, Explore the 3 Islands
04:00 PM – Back to General Luna
04:30 PM – Back to Hotel, Rest, Prepare
06:30 PM – Dinner (Kermit Siargao Restau)
08:30 PM – Back to Hotel, Prepare to Rest, Sleep

Day 3: Cloud 9 + Land Tour

05:00 AM – Going to Cloud 9
05:30 AM – Sunrise at Cloud 9 Boardwalk
08:00 AM – Smoothie Bowl Breakfast at Shaka Café
09:30 AM – Going Back to Hotel to Prepare for the Tour
10:30 AM – Leave to Motor Ride to Municipality of Pilar
11:30 AM – Arrive at Pilar, Lunch
01:00 PM – Arrive at Magpupungko Tidal Pools, Explore, Swim
03:00 PM – Travel back to General Luna
04:00 PM – Hotel Arrival, Rest, Prepare
06:00 PM – Leave for Dinner, motor ride around the town
08:00 PM – Rest and Sleep

Day 4: Another Island Hopping Tour for our Last Day!

06:00 AM – Departure going to Del Carmen
07:00 AM – Arrive, breakfast at Canteen near Del Carmen Tourism Center
08:00 AM – Start of Mangrove Forest Tour
09:00 AM – Sugba Lagoon Tour
11:30 AM – Kawhagan Island + Lunch + Relax, Swim, Explore
03:00 PM – Going back to General Luna
04:00 PM – Rest and Prepare
05:00 PM – Explore Town and check some souvenirs + Dinner
08:00 PM – Rest and Sleep

Day 5: Bye Siargao!

06:00 AM – Depart to Sayak Airport
09:00 AM – Flight back to Manila

Computation of Overall Expenses:

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With Love,