Guide to Siargao

Contents

Getting to and around Siargao

When to visit Siargao

South versus North Siargao

Where to stay in Siargao

What to do in Siargao

How long to spend in Siargao

5 and 10 days in Siargao itineraries

Where to eat and drink in Siargao

Other useful Siargao information

Getting to and around Siargao

Getting to Siargao

You can reach Siargao either by plane or by ferry. While it’s a bit of a remote island, it’s quite accessible due to increasing popularity.

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

2. 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 immediately. 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.

Getting 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 about a 45 minute drive to the north. You can also take a tuktuk (~800php / $14) to General Luna or the north. If you’re going to General Luna, there are also shared AC minivans for 300php ($5). When you arrive at the airport, you’ll find options for scooter rentals, tuktuks, and the shared AC minivans.

• From the ferry port in Dapa: You’ll need to take a tuktuk to reach General Luna or the north from the ferry port. There aren’t really places you can rent a scooter from there. A tuktuk to General Luna costs about 300php ($5) and takes about 30 minutes. To the north costs about 1800php ($30) and takes around 1 hour.

Getting 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. I did a lot of research on scooter rental companies and would highly recommend Morenta Scooter Rental. They have a large selection of good quality, new scooters for the best price I found. The daily rate is 350php ($6) and if you rent for 1+ week, you can usually get it for 300php per day. Monthly rates are around 7000-8000php per month ($120-$140).

When to visit Siargao

Siargao weather and seasons

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 has a very heavy rainy season from December to February, and 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 scattered throughout.

For best weather, the best time to visit Siargao is between April and November. Siargao’s high season is April and May. Visit April to May if you want to be around the liveliness of people and crowds, June to August for less people and crowds, and September to November for the surf season.

Siargao surf season

The peak season for Siargao surfing is from September to December. However, the surf here relies on irregular typhoons and storm systems that aren’t clockwork. Sometimes you can get normal 1+ meter waves for weeks, and then suddenly they turn into a mega overhead set that lasts 48 hours. Other times, it’s the other way around. For advanced surfers looking for the biggest waves, the best season to visit Siargao is during peak surf season.

Aside from peak season, you can still surf Siargao almost year-round. There’s rarely a totally dead time. Spring and early summer (March to July) generally has nice, mellow waves, perfect for beginners and intermediates. July to August sees the flattest waves of the year, though you’ll still have occasional good days.

South versus North Siargao

The south: for nightlife and the energy of being around tons of people and things going on

The south and the north of Siargao are night and day to each other. The south (General Luna) is much more crowded with tourists, boasts tons of hip restaurants, cafes, and bars, and has a very lively nightlife scene. There is a lot to do here, but the environment is chaotic and hectic, and surf lineups can be very crowded. If you’re wanting to be around a lot of people and be in a lively nightlife scene, this is the better place for you.

The north: for a peaceful environment, local experiences, and being around other fellow slow, laidback travelers

On the other hand, the north is incredibly peaceful, local, and has a much more 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 to it. The travelers that visit the north tend to be looking for a more local and relaxed experience, looking for a respite from the craziness of the south. People that go to the north also tend to spend more time there. Once you get there, you realize what a breathe of fresh air it is to just relax in nature enjoying a slower pace of life around like-minded people, and to actually get to experience local life. Many people end up extending their stay in the north, oftentimes staying 1+ week in the north. Lastly, the beaches in the north are nicer for relaxing at, swimming, and catching sunset. The surf breaks are also just as nice as the south and less crowded, that I personally prefer surfing in the north.

Where to stay on Siargao

South Siargao (General Luna)

Which area to stay in

• Main General Luna area – The busiest area of GL. 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 walking places, or prefer to be right in the heart of the action all the time. I personally really don’t enjoy staying in this area, as it’s much too busy for me.

• Catangnan & Cloud 9 area – Still busy, but much less busy and crowded than the main GL area. It’s a bit more peaceful here and still has plenty of restaurants and cafes around. I prefer staying in this area to the main GL area. Going between Catangnan area and the main area is very easy - about 7 minutes away by scooter. Stay here if you want a bit more space and peace, can drive a scooter to easily explore the whole GL area, and still want to be close to all that’s going on 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 a good area for people that want even more peace and quiet, while still being accessible to GL for more 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.

North Siargao

Which area to stay in (in order, from south to north)

• 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 – A small community comprised of locals and a few accommodations, surrounding a nice surf break in the north. Best to stay here only if you plan to surf Tangbo a lot, otherwise it will feel a little far from the main town of Burgos.

• Secret Beach – The same as Tangbo - another small community surrounding a very nice surf break, made up of locals and a few accommodations. Also best to stay here only if you plan to surf Secret Beach a lot.

Accommodation recommendations

• 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 in Pacifico.

What to do in Siargao

General Luna and South Siargao

• 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. But whether you’re just learning, an intermediate, or a pro, there will be something everyone can enjoy most times of the year. See my full guide to surfing in Siargao here (coming soon).

• 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. My friend went on an island hopping 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. 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 is a massive rock, which serves as 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

  A popular spot to take 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 popular, 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 View Point

  A nice stopping point for a very nice, expansive view over tons and tons of coconut trees.

• 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 just drive around the island and take it all in. If you’re not planning to stay in the north (which you should), you should at least do a daytrip to see the landscapes along the way and to get a little bit of a vibe of the north. It’s worth a trip up to at least Pacifico to see the beach and experience the town.

• 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 and doesn’t stand out in beauty, but’s nice to explore away from the crowds.

Ocean 9 Beach

Ocean 9 is a large expansive beach and also a popular beginner to intermediate surf spot. It’s in Santa Fe, about a 10 minute drive from General Luna, and is a very nice beach to lounge at. It’s beautiful and peaceful, away from crowds of General Luna. You can only swim (and surf) at mid to high tide, otherwise you’ll be met with a lot of exposed reef.

Sunset spots:

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

• Sunset Bridge – Siargao’s most iconic sunset spot. 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 very lively spot to check out.

• Ocean 9 Beach – A very nice sunset spot on the beach that’s more peaceful and secluded.

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 Siargao surfing here (coming soon).

• 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.

• Pacifico Beach

Pacifico is a very nice white sand beach that you can enjoy surfing and lounging at for the day. 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 a cute little town. There are several restaurants, coffee shops, and beachside resorts that you can enjoy spending exploring as well.

• 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.

• 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!

• Secret Mountain Viewpoint

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

• 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.

• The Marvelous Somyot Cave

  A very cool and large cave to visit! It’s an adventure experience where you’ll have to climb, crawl, and squeeze through some tight spaces. There’s also a nice small pool of water in the middle where you can go for a cool dip. Wear sneakers and clothes you’re okay with getting a little dirty. Entrance costs 400php ($7) per group and includes a guide for the group and helmet and gloves for each person.

• Firefly watching tour

  Something really cool about Siargao, are the fireflies you can see at night around the island. You’ll more likely find them nestled amongst trees and in hidden spots. This is a very nice firefly watching tour that will take you to various spots to see them.

• Sunset spots:

  • Das Monument – Very nice spot with a big grassy area and nice beach where you can swim, picnic, and watch sunset from.

  • Secret Paradise Beach – Also a very nice spot with a nice beach to watch sunset from (but more rocky beach). Also a great surf spot

How long to spend on Siargao

South Siargao only: 5 days

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

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. If you only want to see the highlights of both parts 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 in the north), I would recommend at least 10 days. You could spend 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 take surf lessons and enjoy great surf. You’ll also be able to drive around the island soak in the scenery from everywhere. In the south, you’ll get to enjoy a lively nightlife scene, have the energy of a lot of people around, and enjoy plenty of good food options. In the north, you’ll be able to relax, cook, spend the day at a cafe, and soak it all in.

The ultimate Siargao itineraries

5 days in south Siargao

• Day 1 – Assuming you only have a half-day, get lunch in General Luna, visit Ocean 9 beach to relax and catch sunset or go for a surf. Dinner in General Luna, followed by drinks if you’d like.

• Day 2 – Brunch at Cat & Gun or Vedya, check out Cloud 9 area and go for a surf or surf lesson, visit Cloud 9 area again or Sunset Bridge for sunset and drinks, have dinner in General Luna.

• Day 3 – Go on a day trip island hopping tour, dinner in General Luna.

• Day 4 – Explore around the island - visit Magpopongko Rock Pools, Beto Cold Springs, and Coconut Plantation Viewpoint. Sunset at Cloud 9 area for a relaxing drink on the beach after a long day of exploring. Dinner in General Luna.

• Day 5 – Have a last brunch at your favorite spot (mine are Cat & Gun and Vedya) and get ready to leave. If you want to explore somewhere new, I recommend Shanty Shanty, a very nice cafe just a little bit out of town.

10 days in south + north Siargao

• Same as Day 1-4 above.

• Day 5 – Have a last brunch at your favorite spot. Mine are Cat & Gun and Vedya, but if you want to explore somewhere new, I recommend Shanty Shanty, a very nice cafe just out of town. Drive or take a tuktuk to the north. Depending on time, go to Coconut Nut for a nice cafe on the beach, or catch sunset at Das Monument. Dinner at Beshies 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 (last call for food is at 7pm), or Gala for local food.

• 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 Lokal Hub on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Day 8 – Explore the north - drive south to Pacifico and have lunch there 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 – Enjoy brunch/coffee at Coconut Nut, Chill Out 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, go get a massage! Catch sunset at Das Monument or Secret Beach. Dinner and live music at Kanaway (on Wednesday nights), or at Beshies for the classic go-to.

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

Where to eat and drink on Siargao

South Siargao (General Luna)

Coffee, breakfast, lunch

• Vedya – Delicious breakfast and lunch food in a very nice environment. A peaceful respite within General Luna, I love to go here when I want nice breakfast food in a peaceful, slower surrounding.

• The Cat & Gun – They have a large menu of 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 – Very nice cafe with good food in a nice setting. Owned by a French guy, so you know they have their bread and pastries down! They make their own bread (and are one of the main bread suppliers to other restaurants in General Luna), and have a delicious menu of breakfast and lunch items. The upstairs space is very comfortable to relax and spend a few hours at.

Dinner

• 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. CEV (below) is known for its kinilaw, but I think the one here is better.

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

• Isla Panciteria – Pancit is a very traditional Filipino fried noodle dish. In most places, it’s a fairly ordinary dish. But here, they only make pancit and focus in on a few different styles, doing them exceptionally well.

• La Carinderia – Good Italian food

• Meze Grill – Very good mediterranean food, mezze style

• Kurvada – Popular carinderia with good local food

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

• Alma – Very nice spot if you want a fancy, expensive dinner experience. Great food

Drinks

• Last Chance – Good cocktail bar, but pricey

• 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 but from a bit further away.

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

Parties & nightlife

Aside from surfing, the nightlife in General Luna is the other main reason that draws people to Siargao. The clubs all coordinate such that there is a party every night of the week, each night at a different spot. The party ends at midnight, and then everyone goes to Siargao Beach Club after.

North Siargao

Coffee, breakfast, lunch

• Kolekbibo – Very nice cafe overlooking the ocean. My favorite place if I want to read a book or spend a few hours working or lounging around. They have a few tables and a small couch area indoors, and a nice patio overlooking the ocean. The food is delicious, healthy, Filipino-Western fusion and the menu is full vegetarian.

• 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 go for a swim here and it’s also a nice spot to chill at for a few hours. They also have good pizza!

• Chill Out Cafe – The only indoor cafe with AC in the area. They have cheap but good coffee, breakfast, and lunch options.

• Manu Brew – Nice cafe in Pacifico.

Lunch and dinner

• Beshie’s – Everyone’s favorite go-to place with delicious and cheap local food for lunch and dinner. The most popular place in the north, you’ll find lots of people here for dinner every night.

• Lokal Hub – Delicious Filipino fusion food offering a healthier menu and interesting spins off Filipino food. Live music Friday and Saturday nights.

• Ella Hauz Cafe – Small, family owned cafe/restaurant with breakfast and local food options for lunch and dinner. The owner Ella is very sweet and friendly!

• Gala – Good local food for lunch and dinner.

• Da Rosa del Mar – A resort restaurant with good local food and a few Western options. A bit more expensive and fancy than the other local places around.

• Women’s Kitchen – Good carinderia style local food.

• Kitchenette – Good local food for lunch and dinner. In a nicer setting than most local places.

• Izustarri – Spanish food at a resort restaurant. Good for a fancy treat.

• Kanaway North – Good local food with a few Western options. Live music Wednesday nights!

• Trogon's Perch – Very fancy and nice resort restaurant. Quite expensive but delicious food with a Western and seafood forward menu. Good for a special date night out.

• Pacigao – Good Mexican food in Pacifico

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

• Pipeline Burgers – Burger food truck with very tasty burgers in Pacifico. You can pick one up and eat it across the street at the beach, or eat in the limited seating area by the food truck.

Drinks & nightlife

North Siargao is not known for nightlife. Instead, it’s known for peaceful, relax time! There’s not much in the way of bars and nightlife, but there are a few places that do 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

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, you will again need to go to an immigration office where you can extend your visa for 1 or 2 months this time. 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. You’ll need to go to the ATM regularly, but luckily there are ATM’s all over the place. In General Luna, there are ATM’s all over the place. 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 0 ATM fees! Trust me, this has been a life changer for me abroad.

Power outages

Siargao experiences regular, but short, power outages that are more exaggerated during rainy season (January and February). Generally speaking, these regular power outages don’t interfere too much with your day since they are very short. However, there are occasional full-day power outages planned by the electrical company on the island. Accommodations usually try to warn guests of these. During the planned full power outage days, plan to go somewhere with a generator, or it’s also a great chance to go for a day trip outdoors.