Guide to North Siargao
A lovely, peaceful environment in the slower, laidback part of Siargao that offers a chance to unwind and relax
I arrived to Siargao planning to spend hopefully a couple months there. After a year on the road in Southeast Asia, I was really looking forward to settling down for a bit somewhere, getting into a routine, and feeling grounded again. Everyone told me how much I would love it there (referring to General Luna in the south), and that was really what I was hoping for.
Well, after 1 week in General Luna where I didn’t totally feel the place but was trying to convince myself to love it, it was unfortunately not the case. I found General Luna far too crowded for me and with too hipster of a vibe. In hopes of finding somewhere on the island I’d love, I wandered up to the north after a week.
I stumbled upon a random hostel called Sun & Surf Hostel, that at the time only had 1 Hostelworld review and wasn’t on Google yet. It was going to be a complete mystery what the north and this accommodation would hold, but I decided what the hell, why not see what it’s about! The 1 night I initially booked there turned into extending for 1 week, and then into me volunteering at the hostel because it was a place I loved and supported so much. Eventually, I ended up enjoying my time in the north so much, that I stayed for 4 months! It’s a place I really loved, and part of me want to keep that a secret, and part wants to share with other travelers, what makes this relatively unknown place so special.
The north is incredibly peaceful and has a very relaxed vibe. It attracts the right kind of people there. The kind of people that appreciate a slower pace of life, that want to take some time to relax and just soak it in, and who aren’t looking to be in the center of the party at the moment. The north also offers a beautiful glimpse in local life. It’s a very local area, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse in the culture. Lastly, the nature is stunning and uncrowded. The beaches in the north are more beautiful, and the surf breaks are far less crowded. Overall, the north is for someone that wants a respite from the hecticness of General Luna, or that traveling can bring in general. It’s for someone that’s looking for a slower pace of life and to just be for a little while. For someone that wants to be around beautiful nature, local life, and around others looking for the same.
Contents
How to get to North Siargao
When to visit Siargao
Where to stay in North Siargao
What to do in North Siargao
Where to eat in north Siargao
How long to spend in Siargao and the North
5 and 10 day Siargao itineraries
Other useful Siargao information
How to get to North Siargao
Getting to Siargao
While Siargao is a bit of a remote island, it’s actually quite accessible due to its quickly increasing popularity. There are two ways to reach the island:
By plane: The fastest and easiest option is to fly to Siargao. Siargao has a domestic airport, and you can fly there from Manila or Cebu. One-way flights can be as low as $35 and as high as $200. Booking flights in advance can end up saving 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 on the ferry. I’ve taken it twice and found it fairly comfortable to sleep on. 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 which will take you to Siargao. You can buy tickets here in-person for the next available ferry, no need to buy tickets in advance. The cost is 200php ($3.50) and takes about 2 hours.
Getting to north Siargao from the airport and ferry port
From the airport: You can rent a scooter at the airport and drive yourself, or you can a tuktuk for ~800php ($14). It takes about 45 minutes to drive from the airport to the north.
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 north Siargao
You’ll definitely need a scooter to get around the north and to explore Siargao in general. I recommend going to Ella’s Hauz, a cafe that also rents scooters. The owner, Ella, is very nice and has scooters for rent for 350php per day ($6).
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 and May to be around the most people, June to August to be around the least people, and September to November for the surf season. Avoid January and February, when rainfall is at its heaviest.
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.
Where to stay in North Siargao
Click here for 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
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.
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 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 in Siargao
How long to spend in North Siargao
The north is the place to go to slow down, unwind, and take a break from the hustle and intense socialization that oftentimes comes with traveling. Many people come to the north looking for peace in a beautiful, laidback environment, and that’s exactly what they get.
People do the north in so many different ways. Some people spending only 1 week on Siargao want to spend most of their time experiencing the action, and they do 5 days in the south with only a couple days up north. Some people do it the opposite, where they want peace and local experiences and just a taste of the action, and spend most of their time in the north and only a couple days in the south.
It really comes down to what you want. I would recommend:
2-3 days if you only want to see the major sights and quickly soak in a vibe, and you don’t surf (surfing itself can let you enjoy several days in the north)
5 days if you want to see the major sights while also giving yourself time to relax and absorb the vibe of the north, and/or if you want to surf for a few days
1 week+ if you’re looking to really slow down and enjoy the peaceful life, and you want to build a bit of a community here (it’s a very social community, but in a more relaxed way compared to the south)
Many slow travelers also find a wonderful little home for themselves in the north, staying for weeks and even months at a time. It’s a very pleasant place just to live life, amongst so much natural beauty and things that come along with a small town pleasant environment. Despite how peaceful things are, there’s still a very warm social scene in the north. Many people that come spend quite a bit of time here, and all share prioritizing relaxation and a slower pace of life at the moment. There’s a lovely community and it’s easy to meet like-minded people here.
How long to spend in North and South Siargao
Most likely, if you come to Siargao and you visit the north, you’ll also be visiting the south of the island. I would recommend a minimum of 1 week to explore the whole island, with 3-4 days in the south and 3-4 days in the north. If you want to take it at a more leisurely pace, 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. You’ll also be able to drive around the island soak in the scenery everywhere. In the south, you’ll get to indulge in 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, take it slow, and just soak in the environment and friendly people there.
The Ultimate Siargao Itinerary
5 days in north Siargao (staying in Burgos area)
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.
5 days in north Siargao (staying in Pacifico)
Day 1 – Lunch at Manu Brew, go for a surf or lounge at Pacifico Beach. Dinner at Lebron & Dwayne Tapsihan (good, popular local food spot).
Day 2 – Go for a surf at Pacifico Beach and have a cold coconut on the road right outside the entrace. Lunch at Manu Brew or Coco Beach Cafe. Get a massage at Lilo Massage. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the beach. Dinner at Pacigao (Mexican food).
Day 3 – Explore the north! Drive north and visit Secret Mountain Viewpoint and Marvelous Somyot Cave. Stop for lunch at Kolekbibo, Coconut Nut, or North Dirty Kitchen. Continue to Secret Beach and around to Santa Monica and San Benito (very 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 down and back through to Pacifico.
Day 4 – Go for a surf, morning yoga at Common Ground, or have a beach day. Beach day at Pacifico Beach, or if you feel like spending time more north again, go to Alegria Beach, Secret Beach, or Coconut Nut (cafe on the beach). Or, go to Yapak Resort to spend the day at the pool overlooking the beach there. Dinner at Pipeline Burgers (burger food truck).
Day 5 – Have a last breakfast at your favorite spot!
10 days in north and south Siargao
Same as Day 1-5 above
Day 6 – Have another chill, relax, explore, or surf day in the north (or, if you want to be around more people and see more things, head to the south).
Day 7 – Head down to General Luna. Explore the main town of General Luna. Lunch at Cat & Gun. Walk the Cloud 9 pier and catch sunset at Pop Up Bar by Cloud 9. Dinner at Nattribu.
Day 8 – Brunch at Vedya. Explore the sites in the south: Magpopongko Rock Pools, Beto Cold Spring, Coconut Plantation Viewpoint. Dinner at CEV.
Day 9 – Go for a surf or take a surf lesson! Lunch at Shanti Shanty. Enjoy the beach and catch sunset at Ocean 9 (peaceful) or Sunset Bridge (busy and lively). Dinner at Nattribu again (it’s really that good haha), Alma for a fancy dinner, La Carinderia for Italian, or Meze Grill for mediterranean.
Day 10 – Enjoy your last morning in Siargao at your favorite brunch spot.
Where to eat in 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. 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!
Chill Out Cafe – Nice indoor cafe with AC with good and cheap coffee, breakfast, and lunch food.
Manu Brew – Nice 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 lots of people here for dinner every night.
Lokal Hub – Delicious Filipino fusion food with 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.
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 – Fancy and nice resort restaurant with expensive but delicious food. 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 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.