Guide to Siargao
a lush island paradise boasting world-class surf, a buzzing town with hip restaurants, bars, and nightlife in the south, and a local, peaceful vibe in the north
Siargao, 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 one and a half years, that feeling had finally crept in, and for the first time, I started to feel like maybe I was ready to call it an end.
Though I was running out of energy for traveling, I had decided that that since I was already all the way out in 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 in 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 and make it home for the next couple months while I figured out my life and next moves. I didn’t really have a plan B, and just hoped that everyone would be right and it’d be a place I’d love enough to call home for a while.
I spent my first week in General Luna, the main tourist hub of the island, located in the south. General Luna is what people described as every backpacker and surfer’s heaven. But surprising to me, because of how much people had talked it up, it turned out to not be my favorite despite how much I tried to love it. General Luna is a very hip town lined with tons of bars and restaurants, and boasts an extremely 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 like it was hard to feel at peace.
And so after a week, I made my way to the far north. I had heard the north was more peaceful, such as in Pacifico, but hadn’t heard about anyone going to the far north yet. I found a random little hostel with availability called Sun & Surf Hostel, which at the time had 1 Hostelworld review and didn’t exist on Google Maps yet, 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 of 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 emphasis on immersing with local community, the remoteness and the 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 share my vibe and values, that make me feel at home. It was also here that I ended up meeting someone who I quickly moved in with and dated for what ended up being my 4 months there (and still counting!), and getting to know people that became a living inspiration for me to pursue my dreams.
While I had my fair share of ups and downs during my time in Siargao, 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
What to do in Siargao
Surfing in Siargao
South Siargao versus North Siargao
Guide to General Luna and South Siargao
Guide to North 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. I would highly recommend Morenta Scooter Rental. They have a large selection of good quality, new scooters, and for the best price I found. The daily rate is 350php ($6). 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).
Another option is Lola's Rentals. This is General Luna’s most popular scooter rental shop. They perform more extensive scooter checks and require more “professional” paperwork, but the scooters are in the same condition in my experience, and the rentals are more expensive - 450php ($8) per day.
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 has a very heavy rainy season in January and 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 throughout. 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 January and February, it rains heavily for a majority of the day with occasional sunny breaks. Throughout the rest of the year, it’s similarly hot with less rainy spells, though still very humid. During the summer, it’s a bit hotter and less humid.
Siargao seasons
Siargao’s high season is spring (April and May). During this time, the best accommodations will be booked out, and General Luna will be crowded with people. Low season is in winter (January and Febraury), which you’ll want to avoid for the heavy rains, and in summer (July and August). Summer is actually completely fine and even nice to visit if you want to experience a less crowded Siargao. Advanced surfers coming for the biggest waves should visit during peak surf season (late September to early December).
What to do on Siargao
Guide to General Luna & 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.
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 from 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. 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 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 day trip to see the landscapes and to get a little bit of a vibe of the north.
Visit Pacifico
A continuation of the last point, if you don’t stay in the north, you should at least make it up to Pacifico! Pacifico Beach is one of the nicest on the island. It’s a large stretch of beach that’s great for lounging, swimming, surfing, and having a coconut on the beach. The town of Pacifico is also small, quaint, and cute, with some great cafes and restaurants.
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.
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) sees the cleanest, biggest waves of the year and is the best time for the advanced surfer. Meanwhile, spring (March to June) sees smaller but still good, clean waves, perfect for the intermediate surfer.
Guide to Siargao Surfing
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. You know those picture perfect shots of a perfectly barreling Cloud 9? This is when you’ll find them. For advanced surfers looking for the biggest waves, this is the best season 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.
South versus North Siargao
South Siargao: a lively crowd of tourists, hip restaurants and bars, and an energetic nightlife scene
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.
Guide to North Siargao
North Siargao: for a peaceful, laidback environment where you can relax and just enjoy
On the other hand, 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 to it. The travelers that visit the north tend to be looking for a more peaceful and relaxed experience, a respite from the craziness of the south. People that go to the north also tend to spend more time there, oftentimes extending their stay for over a week. Once you get there, you realize what a breathe of fresh air it is to just relax, enjoy the nature and slower pace of life, and to connect with other travelers in this way.
While there are not nearly as many restaurants and cafes, there are still plenty around to enjoy. The beaches in the north are also better for lounging and swimming. There’s big white sand beaches, whereas beaches in the south are mostly rocky. The surf breaks are equally as nice in the north as the south, but the north is far less crowded. Overall, if you’re looking for a more laidback and relaxed experience, the north is the better place for you. There’s still quite a social scene here, but imagine more family dinners and meeting friends for live music or at a cafe, as opposed to a vibrant nightlife scene in the south.
The north is also comprised of several very local villages, so if you’re looking to immerse in local culture, you’ll be able to find this much more in the north.
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 do some day trips, explore around the south of the island, 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 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, 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 enjoy great surf and take cheap lessons if you’re a beginner. The entire island is lush and stunning, and you’ll enjoy driving around the island soaking in the scenery from everywhere. In the south, you’ll get to enjoy plenty of good food options and a lively nightlife scene, with the energy of tons of people around you. In the north, you’ll be able to relax, take it slow, take some time for yourself, and just 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.
5 days in north Siargao
Day 1 – Lunch at Kolekbibo (cafe overlooking the ocean) or Coconut Nut (cafe on the beach). Visit Alegria Beach or Secret Beach, catch sunset at Secret Beach. Dinner at Beshie’s (good local food, lively spot in town).
Day 2 – Drive around and explore the north - drive to Secret Beach and around to Santa Monica and San Benito for a taste of local life. Stop along the way at Hagukan Spot (cliff jumping and nice spot on a bluff) and Magda Cold Springs. Then loop all the way through Pacifico, stopping to eat and see the town. Make your way back north and stop by Secret Mountain Viewpoint on the way.
Day 3 – Brunch at North Dirty Kitchen (my favorite spot with beautiful views). Go for a surf or surf lesson. Or, have a relax day at the beach or a cafe, or get a massage. Sunset at Das Monument or Secret Beach. Catch live music if it’s a Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday night.
Day 4 – Rinse and repeat day 4! Go for another surf, visit places in the north you didn’t go to yet (Marvelous Somyot Cave is very cool if caves are your thing), or spend the day relaxing at the beach or cafe. Go for a massage or yoga. Get dinner at Coconut Nut - order pizza and eat on the beach! (Last call for food orders are at 7pm).
Day 5 – Have a last breakfast at your favorite spot. I recommend Kolekbibo, Coconut Nut, or North Dirty Kitchen.
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.
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.
