Siargao: Surf, Coconuts & Palm-Fringed Roads
The teardrop-shaped island that stole every backpacker's heart. World-class surf, empty beaches, and the kind of vibe that makes you cancel your flight home.
What Makes Siargao Different
Siargao isn't about ticking off sights. It's about renting a motorbike and getting lost on palm-lined roads. Stopping at a random carinderia because the smell of grilled fish is too good to ignore. Watching the sunset at Cloud 9 with a $1 San Miguel.
The island has one main road — a 60km loop that circles the southern half. You can ride the whole thing in a day, but you won't want to. Every few kilometers there's a coconut stand, a hidden beach, or a dirt path leading to something unexpected.
General Luna is the main backpacker hub. It's where the hostels, bars, and Cloud 9 surf break are. But the real magic is north — in Pacifico, where the surf is rougher, the tourists are fewer, and the vibe is pure chill.
Things You Actually Want to Do
🏄 Cloud 9
General Luna · 5 min from town
The reason Siargao is on the map. A thick, barreling right-hand reef break that's world-famous for a reason. If you can surf, this is the dream. If you can't, the boardwalk/viewing deck is free to watch the pros do their thing at sunset.
Beginner? Take a lesson at Jacking Horse (next break over, gentler waves) for $10-15/hour including board.
🏄 Surf lesson: $10-15 | 🍺 Sunset beer at the deck: $1
🏝️ Tri-Island Hopping
Depart from General Luna pier · 9am-3pm
The classic Siargao day trip: Naked Island (a 200m sandbar with zero vegetation — bring sunscreen, there is literally no shade), Daku Island (lunch stop with fresh grilled seafood), and Guyam Island (tiny tropical dot, perfect for photos).
Tour A costs $15-18 including lunch. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent for $3.
🚤 Tour: $15-18 | 🤿 Snorkel rental: $3
🪨 Magpupungko Rock Pools
Pilar · 45 min motorbike north of General Luna
Natural tidal pools carved into limestone — like infinity pools made by the ocean. Only accessible at low tide. Check tide times the night before. Entry is $1. The cliff-jumping spot next to it (8m drop) is free if you have the guts.
🎟️ Entry: $1 | 🏍️ Motorbike ride: scenic and free
🌴 Sugba Lagoon
Del Carmen · 45 min from General Luna
A turquoise lagoon surrounded by mangroves. Rent a paddleboard ($5) and explore the channels. There's a diving board. Water is calm — no currents, no waves. Great for non-surfers.
🎟️ Entry + boat: $10 | 🏄♂️ Paddleboard: $5
How to Get There
Fly into Sayak Airport (IAO)
Direct flights from Manila ($30-60) and Cebu ($25-50) on Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, or PAL. The airport is in Del Carmen, 45 min north of General Luna. Shared vans to GL cost $5.
Ferry from Surigao City
Budget option: fly to Surigao City (SUG, $20-40 from Manila), then 1.5h ferry to Siargao ($5). You land at Dapa port, 20 min from General Luna by tricycle ($3).
Getting Around
Rent a motorbike. $5-8/day. No license needed — just leave your passport at the rental shop. Roads are paved, traffic is light. The only danger is getting distracted by the scenery and driving into a palm tree.
Where to Stay
All prices for dorm beds. Private rooms with AC from $15-25.
Budget: Mad Monkey Hostel ($6, party vibe, pool), Happy Gecko ($5, quiet, AC dorms), Ilakai Hostel ($7, newer, great WiFi).
Mid-range: Vedya ($10, boutique hostel, best rooftop), Casavia ($15 private, near Cloud 9).
Pacifico (north): Buddha's Surf Resort ($5 dorm), Pacifico Beach Hostel ($7). Fewer options but worth 2-3 nights.