Guide to Siargao

A beautiful, tropical island paradise known for its surf. Visit the south for a buzzing town filled with tons of hip restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Or, the north for a laidback, relaxing, local experience.

 
 

Siargao, to me: the beautiful island I called home for 4 months

November 2025

I set off for an open-ended backpacking trip in November 2023 and said I would go until I ran out of energy and/or money. After a year and a half, that feeling had finally crept in, and for the first time, I felt like maybe I was ready to call it quits.

Though I was running out of energy for traveling, I had decided that since I had already made it all the way out to Asia, I was at least going to make it to Siargao, the place everybody had told me I would love and would want to stay for a while. The “Siargao curse” they called it.

So after 2 months of backpacking through the Philippines, my plan was to get to Siargao, make it home for a couple months, and figure out my life and next moves. I didn’t really have a plan B, and just hoped that everyone would be right and that it’d be a place I’d love enough to make home for a while.

I spent my first week in General Luna, the main tourist hub located in the south of the island. General Luna is what people described as every backpacker and surfer’s heaven. But surprisingly, because of how much people had talked it up, it turned out to not be my favorite despite how much I had tried to love it. General Luna is a very hip town lined with tons of bars, restaurants, and surf shops, and boasts a very lively nightlife scene. It’s crowded with tourists, with the streets especially coming to life at night. And somehow, I just didn’t love this crowded, hipster, touristy vibe. It felt chaotic and hard to find peace.

And so after a week, I made my way to the far north. I had heard the north was beautifully peaceful, such as in Pacifico, but hadn’t heard about anyone going to the far north yet. I found a random little hostel called Sun & Surf Hostel, which at the time had 1 Hostelworld review and didn’t exist on Google Maps, and had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. It turned out, staying at that hostel and in that little town of Garcia in the north, would change the course of my time in Siargao, and possibly even my life.

I fell in love with the north at first sight. The slow way of life, the chilled out, like-minded travelers, the getting off the beaten path, the immersion with the local community, the remoteness and countryside feel of it, and the small but strong sense of traveler and expat community that was there. All of that surrounded by the extreme natural beauty that is Siargao. I felt like I found exactly what I had been looking for there: a place to slow down and focus on my life, and an environment and people that shared my vibe and values, all of which made me feel at home. It was also here that I ended up meeting a guy that I formed a beautiful and deep connection with, and dated for what ended up being my 4 months here (and counting!), and getting to know people that became an inspiration for me to pursue my dreams.

While my time in Siargao had its fair share of ups and downs, it’s a place that I feel so grateful to have found and to have called home for a while. A very special place along the road of my travels.


Contents

How to get to Siargao

When to visit Siargao

Where to stay in Siargao

What to do in Siargao

What to do in South Siargao

What to do in North Siargao

Surfing in Siargao

What to eat and drink in Siargao

How long to spend in Siargao

5 and 10 days in Siargao itineraries

Other useful Siargao information

How to get to and around Siargao

How to get to Siargao

While Siargao is a bit of a remote island, it’s actually quite accessible due to its increasing popularity. There are 2 ways to reach Siargao:

  • By plane: The fastest and easiest option is to fly to Siargao. You can fly directly to Siargao (IAO) directly from Manila or Cebu. One-way flights can be as low as $35 and as high as $200. Siargao is a popular airport, and booking flights in advance can save you quite some money.

  • By ferry: You can take a 10 hour overnight ferry from Cebu to Surigao City, followed by a 2 hour boat ride from Surigao City to Siargao.

    The overnight ferry departs Cebu at 9pm and arrives Surigao City at 7am. You’ll have a small bunk bed and fresh linens. I took the ferry twice and found it fairly comfortable to sleep on, but my tall boyfriend had a hard time. Tickets cost 1600php ($28) and can be purchased online.

    Once you arrive in Surigao City, exit the port to the right and you’ll see the next ferry port right next to it. Buy tickets here to Siargao. No need to buy tickets ahead of time - just go to the port when you arrive and buy tickets for the next available ferry. The cost is 200php ($3.50) and takes about 2 hours.

How to get to town from the airport and ferry port

  • From the airport: You can either rent a scooter at the airport and drive yourself with your luggage to town. It’s about a 45 minute drive to General Luna in the south, and also about 45 minutes to the north. You can also take a tuktuk, which fit 2-3 people and costs ~800php ($14) to General Luna or the north. To General Luna, there are also shared AC minivans for 300php ($5) per person. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll find all 3 options there.

  • From the ferry port: The ferry will arrive in the town of Dapa, about 30 minutes from General Luna and 1 hour from the north. You’ll need to take a tuktuk to reach General Luna or the north from the ferry port. There are no scooter rental places nearby. A tuktuk to General Luna costs about 300php ($5) and to the north costs about 1800php ($30). You can get a tutkuk directly at the port, or arrange one from your accommodation to pick you up.

How to get around Siargao

You’ll definitely need a scooter to get around and explore Siargao. Within General Luna, it’s possible to pay for tuktuk rides to get around, but it’s much more convenient to drive yourself. Outside of General Luna, you’ll definitely need a scooter to get around the island and explore around both the south and the north.

To get between north and south Siargao, you can either drive yourself by scooter, or take a tuktuk and rent a scooter when you arrive to the other part of the island. The tuktuk ride between General Luna and the north costs around 2000php ($35) and can fit 2-3 people.

Scooter rental recommendations:

  • I would highly recommend Morenta Scooter Rental in General Luna. They have a large selection of good quality scooters for the best price I found. The daily rate is 350php ($6), weekly rate is 300php per day, and monthly rate is 7000-8000php per month ($120-$140).

  • Another option is Lola's Rentals. This is General Luna’s most popular scooter rental shop. It’s a more extensive and “professional” process (more paperwork and checks on the scooter) if that’s what you’re looking for. The scooters are the same as other companies’ in my experience, but they cost more - 450php ($8) per day.

  • In the north, I recommend going to Ella’s Hauz, a cafe that also rents scooters. Chat with the owner, Ella, a super nice lady who can help you organize your scooter rental. The cost is 350php ($6) per day or 6000-7000php per month.

When to visit Siargao

Siargao weather

Season is very important to consider when planning your visit to Siargao. Note that Siargao does NOT follow the same weather patterns as the rest of the Philippines!

Siargao’s rainy season is approximately from December to March, with a very heavy rainy season in January and February. Siargao does not have a full dry season. Instead, the rest of the year sees a dry and rainy mix, with generally sunny skies and occasional rainshowers throughout. In January and February, it rains heavily for a majority of the day with only occasional sunny breaks. For best weather, the best time to visit Siargao is between April and November.

It’s hot year-round in Siargao (average high of 85°F / 30°C and low of 77°F / 25°C). In the summer months of June to August, it’s a little more hot and dry. In the winter / rainy season between November and February, the temperature cools down a little bit.

Siargao seasons

Siargao’s high season is spring (April and May). During this time, expect accommodations to be booked out, and General Luna to be very crowded with people.

Low season is winter (January and February) and in summer (July and August). During winter, you’ll want to avoid this time because of the frequent and heavy rains, which will limit what you can do on the island. During summer, the weather is hot and dry and a completely fine time to visit weather-wise, but there are no (or minimal) waves around the island. It could be a nice time to visit then if you want to experience a less crowded Siargao, so long as you aren’t coming to surf. Advanced surfers coming for the biggest waves should visit during peak surf season (late September to early December).

Where to stay in Siargao?

Beto Cold Spring

South Siargao: a lively town filled with tourists, hip restaurants, bars, and nightlife

The south and the north of Siargao are night and day to each other. The south is much, much more crowded with tourists compared to the north. In the south, there’s the main tourist town of General Luna. General Luna has a very busy town center lined with tons of hip restaurants, cafes, bars, and surf shops. It also boasts a very lively nightlife scene. During the day, the town won’t feel that crowded as most people will be out exploring or surfing, but at night is when you can really see the town come to life and streets fill with people. There is a lot to do here, but it can also feel hectic and chaotic. It’s really for those that want to be around the energy of a lot of people, have lots of restaurants and cafes around, and enjoy a lively nightlife scene.

Aside from town itself, there are also a number surf breaks in the south, including the famous Cloud 9. Many breaks are accessible from town, while others require about a 15 minute drive or boat ride to reach. Expect surf lineups to be very crowded in the south, especially the beginner spots. There are also many nature attractions you can visit within about a 30 minute drive from town. For lounging at the beach, the south is not the best. There are only a couple spots, Ocean 9 being the best, for spending the day at the beach. Most beaches have a lot of rocks as opposed to white sand, and have shallow reef preventing you from going at a swim unless at high tide.

  • The main town of tourism in Siargao is General Luna, located in the south. General Luna is a very busy and bustling small town lined with hip restaurants, cafes, bars, and surf shops. Here is a map of the General Luna area. There are 3 main areas:

    • Main General Luna area – The busiest area where lots of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops are located. You should stay here if you don’t drive a scooter and want to rely on being able to walk places, or prefer to be right in the heart of the action. Most people don’t prefer to stay here, as it is a very busy area and can feel overwhelming to spend all your time in.

    • Catangnan & Cloud 9 area – Still busy, but much less so than the main General Luna area. It’s a bit more peaceful here with still plenty of restaurants and cafes around. Most people prefer staying here for this reasn. Going between Catangnan area and the main area is very easy by scooter. Stay here if you want a bit more space and peace, can drive a scooter to easily get around, but still want to be close to everything in the main area.

    • Santa Fe – About 10 minutes north of Catangnan area. There’s a nice, small community here near the Ocean 9 surf break. This is noticeably more removed from the General Luna area, though still not too far and has a few of its own restaurants and cafes. This is a good area for people that want even more peace and quiet, while still being accessible to General Luna for food and nightlife options.

  • Accommodation recommendations

    • Vedya Hostel – Beautiful space and a little pocket of peace amidst hectic General Luna. Still a social place, it’s good for travelers that want a more peaceful vibe while still being able to connect with other travelers. Also connected to Vedya Cafe, one of my favorite cafes.

    • Sunlit Hostel – Nice hostel with friendly staff and a social crowd. There’s a new pool and rooftop bar with billiards and ping pong tables. They do family dinners and host events regularly. This is a good hostel if you want a social environment that’s not a full party.

    • Ilakai Hostel – Nice hostel with a homey social atmosphere and friendly staff. There’s even a gym there!

    • Tropical Temple – Beautiful place but not the most social. Good to stay here if you want a pleasant and comfortable place to stay at a cheap price, but are okay with finding your socializing outside of the hostel.

    • Harana Surf Resort – Beautiful property with private rooms and dorm rooms. Good if you’re looking for more luxury while still being around other backpackers that value the same type of comfort.

    • Hostels me or my friends have stayed at that are decent, but not my top recommendations:

      • Sinag Hostel – Friendly staff and nice guests that all create a homey, social atmosphere. Very large and comfortable dorms.

      • Dawn Patrol – Decent place and nice staff, but not the most social - people didn’t really just hang out there. A totally okay option for a few nights but don’t expect the best hostel experience.

      • Single Fin – There are a few private rooms and a dorm room surrounding a pool on beautiful grounds. Not really a social hostel, but if you’re looking for a nice, peaceful place to stay while you do your own thing, this would be a nice place. Also good for couples looking for a good private room option.

      • Yellow Banana – Perfectly decent place with friendly staff and guests. Not a bad place to stay but also didn’t stand out.

    • Wayans Homestay – Located in Malinao, a 15 minute drive from General Luna. If you’re visiting Siargao for a short time, chances are you won’t stay here. But if you’re looking for somewhere more calm and peaceful but still accessible to General Luna, Malinao is a great option. This homestay is absolutely perfect - large and comfortable guest rooms, nice property, friendly staff, and good price.

Secret Paradise Beach, North Siargao

North Siargao: a peaceful, laidback environment to relax and unwind

The north is incredibly peaceful with a very pleasant and relaxed vibe. There are still many travelers that visit the north, so don’t be afraid that you’ll be alone. In fact, I think the north attracts the right kind of people. The travelers here tend to be looking for a more peaceful and relaxed experience, a respite from the craziness of the south. People that come to the north also tend to spend more time here, oftentimes extending their stay for over a week. Once you get here, you’ll realize how nice it is to just relax, enjoy the nature, embrace the slower pace of life, and connect with other travelers in this way.

While there are far fewer restaurants and cafes compared to the south, and virtually no bars, there are still plenty around to enjoy. The beaches in the north are more pristine and better for lounging and swimming. There’s nice white sand beaches, whereas beaches in the south are mostly rocky. The surf breaks are equally good in the north and south, but the north is far less crowded. Overall, if you’re looking for a laidback and relaxed experience, the north is the better place for you. There’s still quite a social scene here, but it’s more meeting friends for dinner or at a cafe, as opposed to a vibrant nightlife scene in the south. The north also offers immersion into the local culture. It’s made up of many small, local villages, where travelers and locals alike live amongst each other.

  • The north refers to Pacifico and all the small towns north of it. Pacifico is the tourist hub of the north, with plenty of travelers there for the surf. The towns more north have a more relaxed vibe and a nice mix of locals and slow travelers. Here is a map of North Siargao towns.

    • Pacifico – The first main town as you reach the north, and the most popular town of the north. Compared to other towns in the north, Pacifico sees the most tourists, but compared to General Luna, it’s nothing. Pacifico is a cute, small town. There are 2 very nice surf breaks, a nice beach, and several restaurants, cafes, and surf shops. This is a good area to stay if you plan to surf Pacifico frequently, or if you want to be around lots of other tourists while still being in the more peaceful area of the north.

    • Burgos – Burgos and further north, are what I call the “true north” of Siargao. Pacifico is more of a tourist town, whereas these small villages further north, are more local and integrated with true Siargao life. Burgos is the largest town of the north, and the most central and convenient place to stay. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes popular amongst tourists of the area, markets, grocery stores, and even surf breaks in town. Stay here if you want to experience the peaceful and local environment of the north, while still being in the most populated and convenient area of the north.

    • Garcia – This is where I live, and my favorite place of the north. It’s a small, local village with just one local restaurant, Ella’s Hauz. It’s very peaceful, quiet, and slow, with a friendly small village feel. It’s a nice respite from the busyness of Burgos, but still very accessible to everything there, as well as to the surf breaks further north.

    • Alegria – A nice small village with a few restaurants and vegetable stands. It’s very local and not too many tourists stay here. Most people go there to visit Alegria Beach and Coconut Nut, a popular cafe on the beach. You won’t find many accommodations here.

    • Tangbo & Secret Beach – Small communities comprised of locals and a few accommodations, located at their respective surf breaks. Best to stay here only if you plan to surf Tangbo or Secret a lot, otherwise it’s a little far from the main town of Burgos.

    • Sun & Surf Hostel – My favorite place to stay in the north! This place has a piece of my heart. I initially booked only 2 nights here, but it turned into 1+ week, and eventually into me volunteering here for months because I loved it so much. The hostel is located in Garcia, a small village 5 minutes north of Burgos (the main town). The concept of the hostel is to integrate into the community, providing travelers a chance to connect with locals and to create a cozy little home away from home with other like-minded travelers. They take you to local community events and host weekly family dinners. It’s a small and social hostel, in the best way possible. The common areas are spacious and there’s a full kitchen, making it easy to cook, relax, and hang out with people.

    • Kaha Island Stay – A very nice hostel with a more luxury feel in the Tangbo area. They have nice private rooms and a dorm room and is convenient for surfing at Tangbo, but the hostel has less of a family and community feel. Nice for couples looking for a more private and luxury stay.

    • Lawi Haven Stay – A nice hostel in Burgos with comfortable private rooms and dorm rooms. Centrally located in Burgos with many restaurants around. However, there’s also less of a family and community feel.

    • LOA Stay – A very nice homestay for couples looking for a more private stay. In a good location on the edge of Burgos, close to all the restaurants in Burgos but not right in the middle of the action. Has a nice kitchen where you can cook your meals.

    • La Finca Hostel– A nice hostel in Pacifico with very nice facilities and rooms. There’s a fairly social atmosphere and it’s a good place to meet others.

    • Guava House – A beautiful, newly built Airbnb located on a quiet street in Garcia surrounded by nature. My good friend lives above the Airbnb and owns it, and provides a very welcoming stay. A good option for couples wanting their own comfortable space.

What to do in Siargao

What to do in South Siargao

Coconut Plantation Viewpoint

  • Go surfing!

One of the things Siargao is most known for, is surfing! General Luna is home to the world famous surf spot, Cloud 9, the break that put Siargao on the map. You’ll find amazing surf breaks all around the island, with the breaks in the south being more crowded than in the north. Whether you’re just learning, an intermediate, or an advanced surfer, you’ll find waves you can enjoy almost year-round. See my full guide to surfing in Siargao.

  • Go on an island hopping tour

    Siargao is surrounded by many other beautiful small islands, and an island hopping tour is a wonderful way to experience them! If you’ve already done the Coron to El Nido expedition, this pales in comparison, but my friend who went on the expedition plus a handful of other daytrip island hopping tours throughout the Philippines, said this was his favorite daytrip. He did a tour out of General Luna with Kuya Loloy (+63 905 503 2181) and highly recommended it. They visited 3 islands: Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands on a day trip.

  • Magpopongko Rock Pools

    These are a series of natural pools surrounded by rugged rock formations. The pools are revealed during low tide to create swimming areas so it’s best to visit during low tide when the tide pools are exposed. During high tide, the waves crash over the tide pools, making it difficult and dangerous to explore the area. In the middle of the main tidal pool, there is a big rock, that makes for a popular cliff-diving spot.

  • Beto Cold Spring

    Many of the cold springs in the area feel over-touristy and developed, but Beto Cold Spring was one that was not too touristy and surrounded by nice nature. It makes for a very refreshing cold dip on those hot Siargao days!

  • Maasin River Bridge

    This is a popular spot to go for a dip along the Maasin River. There’s a platform you can jump from and kayaks you can take to explore down the river. It’s a decent spot for a swim but very touristy, so expect crowds! I personally much prefer Beto Cold Spring for a cool dip, but put this on here as many people still enjoy it.

  • Coconut Plantation Viewpoint

    A nice stopping point for a breathtaking, expansive view over a giant valley of coconut trees.

  • Secret Beach

    About a 15 minute drive from General Luna, Secret Beach is a nice beach to lounge at if you’re wanting to escape the bustle of General Luna. It’s a pretty average beach but’s nice to explore away from the crowds.

  • Ocean 9 Beach

    Ocean 9 is a very wide, beautiful beach and a popular beginner, intermediate, and longboard surf spot. It’s in Santa Fe, about a 10 minute drive north of General Luna. It’s very peaceful, away from crowds of General Luna, and is a great beach to also lounge and swim at. Note that you can only swim (and surf) at mid-high tide, as the reef is too shallow otherwise.

  • Go on a firefly watching tour

    Something stunning on the island, is to watch the fireflies that light up in the trees at night. This firefly watching tour in the north or this one in the south will take you to see a stunning display of them at night.

  • Catch sunset around General Luna

    • There are a few small “bars” in the Cloud 9 area with small seating areas on the beach. It’s a nice spot for a sunset beer. My favorite is Pop Up Bar.

    • Perhaps Siargao’s most iconic sunset spot is Sunset Bridge. You’ll see Catangnan Bridge lined with food vendors and people at sunset time. It’s not my favorite place because of the crowds, but it’s a lively spot to check out.

    • Ocean 9 Beach is a very nice place to catch sunset on the beach if you’re looking for peace and seclusion.

  • Drive around the island and visit the north

    Siargao is a seriously stunning and lush island. It’s green everywhere with so much untouched beauty, and one of the best things you can do is drive around the island and just take it all in. I would recommend spending at least a few days in the north, but if you’re not able to stay overnight, you should at least do a day trip to see the stunning landscapes and get a bit of the vibe.

What to do in North Siargao

  • Go surfing!

    I personally enjoy surfing in the north much more than in the south. It’s infinitely less crowded, more accessible (you don’t need a boat to get to any of the breaks), and the waves are just as good. I think the north is great both for learning since you’ll be in the water with less other beginners, as well as for experienced folks, as there are some great breaks there. See my full guide to surfing in Siargao.

  • Go on an island hopping tour

    There are also beautiful small islands off of Siargao in the north. A day trip island hopping tour is a great way to experience all the beauty the surrounding islands have to offer, and it’s much less touristy and crowded to take island hopping tours from the north than from the south. You can check with the San Benito Tourism Office for information on island hopping tours from the north.

  • Visit Pacifico

    Pacifico is about a 1 hour drive north of General Luna. If you don’t stay in the north (which you should!), you should at least make it up to Pacifico on a day trip. Pacifico Beach is a very nice white sand beach that’s great for swimming, surfing, and just lounging around. The north has several nice beaches, but from the south, it’s probably the nicest beach to spend the day at. Pacifico itself is also cute little town with some nice cafes and restaurants. I recommend Pacigao for Mexican food, Manu Brew for coffee, Lebron & Dwayne for local food, and taking a look at Downtown Surfshop for some shopping.

  • Visit beautiful, hidden beaches of the north: Alegria Beach, Secret Paradise Beach, and Das Monument Beach

    Hidden in the north, Alegria Beach is one of my favorites around the island. It’s far less touristy compared to beaches in General Luna and Pacifico, and has beautiful white sand, perfect for swimming and relaxing at. You can also go to Coconut Nut, a wonderful little cafe right on the beach. Secret Paradise Beach is a stunning spot to surf, with a small stretch of beach you can lounge at. You’ll truly feel like you’re looking out at paradise from there. Das Monument is another great hidden beach with the fewest people and is a great sunset spot.

  • Catch sunset in the north

    Secret Paradise Beach and Das Monument (it says closed on Google but it’s open) are my favorite places to catch sunset in the north. They are superbly peaceful, beautiful spots where you can also go for a swim when the water is at mid-high tide.

  • Secret Mountain Viewpoint

    A nice viewpoint with beautiful, expansive views of the coastline.

  • Visit The Marvelous Somyot Cave

    Probably the coolest cave on the island, it’s an adventure experience where you’ll have to climb, crawl, and squeeze through some tight spaces to explore this large and unique cave! There’s also a nice small pool in the middle of the cave where you can go for a dip. Make sure to wear sneakers and clothes you’re okay with getting a little dirty. Entrance costs 400php ($7) per group and includes a guide, helmet, and gloves.

  • Hagukan Spot

    A nice spot where you can spend some time relaxing and enjoying the view from the bluff. And, it’s a great cliff jumping spot!

  • Madga Spring Pool

    A cold spring pool that makes for a nice refreshing dip. It’s not particularly beautiful, but it’s a nice place for a cold dip with only few people and locals around.

  • Danjug Cave

    Reviews are mixed for this cave. It’s actually a series of 3 caves - one has bats, one has turtles, and one has some history in it. If you love caves, this could be an interesting visit, otherwise I’ve heard people say it can be skipped. It costs 100php and includes a guide who will take you through the 3 caves, ending at a nice viewpoint. These caves are easy to walk through and don’t require any sort of special fitness.

  • Take a yoga class at Common Ground

    Common Ground is a cafe with a beautiful outdoor yoga studio in Pacifico. They have yoga classes daily at 8am and yin yoga at 5pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Classes are 1.5 hours and cost 500php ($8.50).

  • Get a massage at Calm Cove Massage

    Calm Cove Massage is a wonderful, relaxing little massage studio in Garcia. It’s a small space but there are 2 massage beds, so it’s possible to book a couples massage. The masseuses are professional, the space is comfortable and relaxing, and massages are very good. They cost 700php ($12) for 1 hour and they can also do home service massages.

Surfing in Siargao

Surfing is what put Siargao onto the tourism map. Siargao is known for world-class waves amidst a stunning tropical backdrop, and depending on the time of year, you can find great waves for all different levels. Peak season (late September to early December) has the cleanest, biggest waves of the year and is the best time for intermediate to advanced surfers. Spring (March to June) has smaller but still good, clean waves, perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers.

The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Siargao

  • Peak season (late September to early December): Waves working everywhere! At this time of year, the winds are light or offshore and the swell is large and consistent. This is when you’ll find the most consistent, biggest, and cleanest waves of the year. For intermediate and advanced surfers looking for the best waves, this is the best time to visit Siargao.

  • Winter (late December to mid-March): Rainy season with windy weather and messy waves. This is Siargao’s rainy season. During this time, winds pick up and are onshore, making most spots too windy and messy to surf. There is still good swell though, so in the few wind protected spots, it’s still possible to surf. Since so few spots work at this time, the ones that do get crowded.

  • Spring (mid-March to Mid-June): Second best surf season. This is Siargao’s second (though smaller) surf season. During this time, the winds drop and there is still some good swell. It’s perfect for intermediate surfers, where you can expect nice, clean waist-head high waves. It also coincides with Siargao’s high season, and is a good time for beginners to learn.

  • Summer (late June to early Sept): Low season, mostly flat. This is the time of year with the flattest waves. There are still some spots that work, but you’ll generally see no more than waist high waves. There are occasionally decent days, and beginners and longboarders can find a good time during this period.

Where to eat and drink in Siargao

Surfer’s Plate at North Dirty Kitchen in north Siargao

Top 5 places to eat on Siargao

  1. Nattribu – My favorite restaurant of General Luna. Very good local food and decent prices. Must try the sizzling fish, sizzling squid, veggie mango curry, and kinilaw.

  2. Beshie’s – Everyone’s favorite spot in north Siargao for delicious and cheap local food. Must try the veggie and fish curry.

  3. Vedya – Wonderful breakfast and lunch spot in General Luna in a peaceful, garden setting.

  4. The Cat & Gun – Delicious breakfast and lunch spot in General Luna offering a menu of bagels and sliders. Must try the falafel sliders, fish and chip sliders, and dirty matcha.

  5. North Dirty Kitchen – Absolutely delicious breakfast and lunch spot in north Siargao. Located on a hill with breathtaking views over the ocean, it’s incredibly peaceful here. Must try the Dirty North Sandwich (ask for it vegetarian) and the chocolate chip cookies.

  6. Shanti Shanty Café – A wonderful cafe just outside of General Luna with comfortable upstairs seating and delicious breakfast, lunch, and coffee. Also the place to buy a loaf of artisan bread on Siargao!

  7. Coconut Nut – A cafe directly on the beach in north Siargao. They have delicious smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and pizza, and it’s a great spot for relaxing on the beach.

Full guide on where to eat and drink on Siargao

  • Coffee, breakfast, lunch

    • Vedya– Good breakfast and lunch food in a nice setting. A peaceful respite within General Luna, I come here when I want breakfast/lunch in a peaceful, slower surrounding.

    • The Cat & Gun– A selection of delicious bagels, sliders, and a few other items. Everything I’ve tried has been very good. My favorites are the falafel sliders, fish and chip sliders, and dirty matcha. Highly recommend for lunch!

    • Shanti Shanty– Nice cafe with good food in a relaxing setting. Owned by a French guy, so you know they have their bread and pastries down! They make their own bread and have a delicious menu of breakfast and lunch items. The upstairs space is very comfortable to relax and spend a few hours in.

    Dinner

    • Nattribu– My favorite restaurant of General Luna. Very good local food at decent prices. Must try the sizzling fish, sizzling squid, veggie mango curry, and kinilaw. CEV is a restaurant known for its kinilaw, but I think the one here is actually better.

    • CEV: Ceviche & Kinilaw Shack– One of the most popular restaurants in Siargao - expect a wait! Knwon for its ceviche and kinilaw (Filipino style ceviche).

    • Isla Panciteria– Pancit is a traditional Filipino noodle dish. In most places, it’s a fairly ordinary dish. Here, they dedicate their menu to only a few pancit dishes and they do them very well.

    • La Carinderia– Good Italian food

    • Meze Grill– Good mezze style mediterranean food

    • Kurvada – Popular carinderia with good, cheap local food

    • Backside Burger– Casual joint for solid burgers. Good for lunch, as a snack, or dinner

    • Alma– Very nice spot if you want a fancy, expensive, delicious dinner.

    Bars

    • Last Chance– Good cocktail bar, but expensive

    • Borracho– Popular live music bar

    • Strum Music Cafe– Popular live music bar. Sometimes when there’s too many people, I like to go across the street to Siargao Corner Cafe and get a drink on their balcony where I can still enjoy the music from here but from a bit further away.

    • Barbosa – Nice rooftop bar. They have a big party once a week, but besides then, it’s a nice spot for a casual drink.

    • Brow – There are a couple popular mobile bars along the street known for their cheap 50php rum & cokes. This is one of them, and you can walk along this area to find the others.

  • Aside from surfing, the other main thing that draws people to Siargao, is the nightlife. The nightlife scene in General Luna is incredibly lively. There’s a party every night of the week, and the clubs all coordinate so that there’s a party at a different place each night. The party at the designated spot ends at midnight, and then everyone heads to Siargao Beach Club for the afterparty.

    General Luna Party Schedule (as of April 2025):

    • Monday: El Lobo (pop edm), Mama Coco (retro night)

    • Tuesday: Barbosa (funky)

    • Wednesday: Goodies (techno/house), Mama Coco (reggaeton)

    • Thursday: Bed and Brew (top 40 and mainstream EDM)

    • Friday: Barbosa (mix of funk and house), Mama Coco (house/techno night), El Lobo (hip hop and top 40)

    • Saturday: Harana (2 stages: a top 40/hip hop stage and a house/techno stage), Siargao Beach Club (top 40 and pop EDM, followed by a foam party at midnight)

    • Sunday: Happiness (2 stages: a house/techno stage at their beach bar and a hip hop/top 40 stage across the street at their hostel)

    Siargao Beach Club is open every day until 2-3am. It’s one of the very few places allowed to be open after midnight, so everyone usually goes there for the afterparty. Two Brown Boys is also an afterparty place.

    Note that the party schedule changes once or twice a year, so check with your accommodation for the latest schedule.

  • Coffee, breakfast, lunch

    • Kolekbibo – Nice cafe overlooking the ocean. My favorite place if I want to read a book or spend a few hours working or lounging around. Delicious, healthy, vegetarian, Filipino-Western fusion food.

    • North Dirty Kitchen – Delicious breakfast and lunch spot on a hill with breathtaking views over the ocean.

    • Coconut Nut – Nice breakfast and lunch spot right on the beach. You can even go for a swim directly here. They also have good pizza, and it’s nice to get a pizza and catch sunset on the beach here.

    • Kalma – Good Western food options featuring toasts, salads, and delicious burgers. A nice spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They even have a nice indoor seating area with AC!

    • Manu Brew – Good cafe in Pacifico.

    Lunch and dinner

    • Beshie’s – Everyone’s favorite go-to place with delicious and cheap local food. The most popular place in the north, you’ll find it buzzing with people every night (by the north’s standards).

    • Lokal Hub – Delicious Filipino fusion food with live music Friday and Saturday nights.

    • Kalma – Good spot for burgers and beers for dinner. Open late till 10pm (the latest restaurant in the north)

    • Ella Hauz Cafe – Small, family owned cafe/restaurant with breakfast and local lunch and dinner options. The food is not necessarily the best, but it’s decent and owner, Ella, makes up for it with her sweetness.

    • Gala – Local food for lunch and dinner.

    • Women’s Kitchen – Carinderia style local food.

    • Kitchenette – Local food for lunch and dinner in a nicer setting than other local spots.

    • Kanaway North – Local food for lunch and dinner with a few Western options. Has live music Wednesday nights.

    • Trogon's Perch – Nice, fancy resort restaurant with good but expensive food. Has western food and lots of seafood options. Good spot for a special date night out.

    • Pacigao – Good Mexican food in Pacifico.

    • Lebron & Dwayne – Popular spot with local food along the street in Pacifico.

    • Pipeline Burgers – Burger food truck with tasty burgers in Pacifico.

    Drinks & nightlife

    North Siargao is not known for nightlife. Instead, people come here for peaceful, relaxing time. There’s not much in the way of bars and nightlife, but there are a few places that have live music in the evenings throughout the week and offer a chill night out.

    • Kanaway North – Live acoustic music on Wednesday nights

    • Lokal Hub – Live acoustic music on Friday and Saturday nights

    • Kalma – No music, but they have a good selection of beers and are open until 10pm daily.

How long to spend on Siargao

South Siargao only: 5 days

If you’re only going to stay in General Luna and visit the south of Siargao, 5 days gives you enough time to explore around the south of the island, do some day trips, surf, and just lounge around.

South and north Siargao: 10+ days

If you want to visit both the south and the north of Siargao (which I would highly recommend), you should take at least 1 week. Preferably, 10+ days. If you only want to see the highlights of the island, 1 week could be enough, with 3-4 days in the south and 3-4 days in the north. But if you want to take it at a more leisurely pace, which you will especially appreciate when in the north, I would recommend at least 10 days, with 4-5 days in the south, and 5+ days in the north.

There are plenty of things to do and see all around the island. In both areas, you’ll be able to find great surf, including surf lessons if you’re just starting out. The entire island is lush and stunning, and you’ll enjoy driving around the island soaking up the scenery all around. In the south, you’ll enjoy plenty of good food options and a lively nightlife scene, with the energy of having tons of people around you. In the north, you’ll relax, read a book, take it slow, and just soak it all in.

The ultimate Siargao itineraries

5 days in south Siargao

5 days in north Siargao

10 days in south + north Siargao

  • Same as Day 1-4 in South Siargao above.

  • Day 5 – Have a last brunch at your favorite spot. My favorites are Cat & Gun, Vedya, and Shanti Shanty. Drive or take a tuktuk to the north. Check into your accommodation and visit Coconut Nut to relax at a nice cafe on the beach, or catch sunset at Das Monument. Dinner at Beshie’s in Burgos for delicious, cheap local food.

  • Day 6 – Go for a surf or take a surf lesson. Lunch at Kolekbibo, a nice cafe overlooking the beach. Relax for the day. Dinner at Coconut Nut for pizza on the beach, Kitchenette or Gala for local food, or Kalma for burgers.

  • Day 7 – Catch another surf! Or, go to North Dirty Kitchen for brunch with the best food and views, and spend the day relaxing at the beach. Dinner and live music at Kanaway on Wednesday nights and Lokal Hub on Friday and Saturday nights.

  • Day 8 – Explore the north - drive south to Pacifico, have lunch at Pacigao, and visit the beach. Or, drive north to Secret Beach, all the way around to Santa Monica and San Benito to get a real taste of local life. Then, loop back around through Pacifico, stopping to check out the cute surf town, before making your way back north.

  • Day 9 – Get brunch at Coconut Nut, Kalma Cafe, North Dirty Kitchen, or Kolekbibo. Go for another surf or visit places in the north you didn’t go to yesterday. Or, simply enjoy the day relaxing at the cafe or beach. Or, get a massage at Calm Cove. Catch sunset at Das Monument or Secret Beach. Dinner and live music at Kanaway on Wednesday nights and Lokal Hub on Friday and Saturday nights. or at Beshie’s for the go-to delicious and cheap local meal.

  • Day 10 – Enjoy your last morning in the north! Visit your favorite brunch spot and get ready to go.

Other useful Siargao information

Immigration

Many people end up staying in Siargao for a long time, which means eventually you’ll need to get your visa extended. There’s a Bureau of Immigration in General Luna that makes it quick and easy to do this. Remember to bring your passport and your most recent visa paperwork.

For Europeans and Americans, when you arrive in the Philippines, you are granted a 1 month stay. 1 week before your visa expires, you can visit any immigration office to get your visa extended for 1 more month. After your first visa extension, you then have the option to get your visa extended for 2 months at a time. So, 1 week before your next visa expires (which would be at the 60 day point), you will again need to go to an immigration office where you can extend your visa for 1 or 2 more months. Note that after you’ve stayed in the country for 60+ days (so on your 2nd visa extension), you’ll also be required to get an Alien Registration Card. This is not significant in any way, except that you have to pay extra for it with your 2nd visa extension.

Cash and ATM’s

Almost all places in Siargao take cash only, including places where you may run large balances, such as accommodations. Expect to hit the ATM regularly, but fortunately there are ATM’s all over the place. In General Luna, there are ATM’s all over. In the north, there are ATM’s in the main towns of Pacifico, Burgos, and Alegria.

You’ll want to withdraw the maximum possible with each ATM withdrawal, to minimize the number of times you have to pay ATM fees. The standard maximum withdrawal on the ATMs is 10,000php ($170) and the fee is 300php ($5) for each withdrawal. If you’re from the US, I highly recommend the Charles Schwab checking account, which reimburses any ATM related fee from anywhere in the world. Not only are there no foreign transaction fees, you’ll also be reimbursed for any fee charged by an ATM, meaning you’ll have completely zero ATM fees! Trust me, this has been a life changer for me abroad.

Power outages

Siargao experiences regular power outages. Generally speaking, these power outages don’t interfere too much with your day since they are relatively short, ranging from just a few minutes, up to a couple hours. They happen around once a week. However, there are occasional full-day power outages planned by the electrical company, which can significantly disrupt your day. Accommodations usually try to warn guests of these ahead of time. During the planned full power outage days, plan to go somewhere with a generator, or it’s a great chance to go for a day trip outdoors. During rainy season (December through February), power outages can be much more frequent (a few times a week).