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Siargao

Swathed in coconut palms, this tropical island in the southern Philippines – named Best Island in Asia by Condé Nast Traveler in 2019 – is a dream for surfers and kite surfers.
Top 10 Activities

All you need to know about Siargao

Siargao’s focal point for visitors is General Luna (GL), while the island’s main town, Dapa Town, has grocery shops, a pharmacy, restaurants and cafés.

Outside these, the island remains largely untouched by tourism. Perfect for those that love kayaking, paddleboarding, cliff jumping, cave swimming, island hopping and plenty more besides with lots of eco-friendly accommodation.

Manila sunset

Why it’s more fun in Siargao

Named after a native mangrove, the surf capital of the Philippines is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors, whether you embrace adrenaline-fuelled adventure sports or gentler pursuits such as swimming in rock pools and caves. Life is centred on the white-sand beaches, so there’s also plenty of scope to lie back and relax.

General Luna Surf Town

Culture & Food

Attracting adventurous travellers from around the world – many on a tight budget – Siargao has an eclectic dining scene embracing international cooking, vegan and other healthy cuisine, and local recipes with or without a modern twist. Filipino favourites not to miss include the seafood boodle fight at Daku Island and the unique surfboard-shaped bread, Pan de Surf. Siargao has a lively nightlife scene focused on different bars on different nights of the week, so chatting to locals is the best way to find out where to head. Regular venues include Bravo, RumBar, Viento and the Jungle Shack. Another way to get to know locals is through their love of karaoke, both in their own homes and in dedicated bars.

Seafood Boodle Fight

Top Events & Festivals

  • Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament – April 
  • Siargao International Marathon – July
  • Siargao International Surfing Cup – September

    Part of General Luna’s yearly fiesta – the island’s biggest, with two weeks of parades, parties, live bands and discos. 

  • Other fiestas include Dapa in January, San Benito in March, San Isidro in May, Socorro in June, Del Carmen and Burgus in July, Santa Monica in August, Pilar in October

Climate

Tropical climate – very warm (28-31°C) and humid year-round, with considerable rainfall. July to November is the best time to surf.

Dapa
28°
Rain Shower
5:40 am5:46 pm PST
WedThuFri
29/25°C
29/26°C
29/26°C

Top 10 things to do in Siargao

Surfing in Siargao Edwardo Alciso

1. Surfing

Grab a board. For beginners, there’s Jacking Horse with its many surf schools; for pros, the thick, hollow ‘barrels’ at Cloud 9 have earnt it a place among the world’s top 10 waves.

2. Sunrise and Sunsets

Alternatively, admire the action – and watch the sun rise or set, or stargaze – from Cloud 9 boardwalk with its viewing area

3. Island hopping

Go island-hopping to Guyam, Daku and Naked Island.

Guyum Island

4. Sugba Lagoon

Head for mountain-rimmed Sugba Lagoon, where you’ll find a floating hut with a diving board plus SUP paddleboard and wooden raft hire.

5. Cliff jumping

Go cliff jumping and explore the caves and coves of Magpupungko Rock Pools, or try the Tarzan Jump on the Maasin River. Stop by the Maasin viewpoint to see the incredible sight of the island’s coconut plantation.

6. Tayangban Cave Pools

Go caving at Tayangban Cave Pools, swimming and floating by torchlight while bats flit around you.

7. Taktak Waterfall

Journey to Taktak Waterfall, for more cliff jumping, tree jumping and exploring, and to see the sun set from Santa Monica Pier or bask in the sun at the Alegria whitesand beach.

Magpopongko Tidal Rock Pool

8. Bucas Grande’s lagoon

Explore Bucas Grande’s lagoon with non-sting jellyfish, and do sea kayaking or cliff diving. Enjoy the water bungalow resorts in the island.

9. Pacifico Beach

Get off the beaten track at pristine Pacifico Beach with its small surf-town feel and a sprinkling of resorts and homestays. On Sundays, join in with beach clean-ups in aid of disadvantaged children.

10. Local community market 

Shop at LOKAL Tabo, a community market where local farmers and artisans sell their produce and crafts.

Where to stay in Siargao

General Luna: Most visitors stay in and around General Luna, where you’ll find most of the bars, restaurants and boat-trip departure points, along with more than 100 hotels, hostels and homestays.

Pacifico Beach and Del Carmen are quieter options. There are no global hotel chains here and most properties have banned single-use plastic.

Nay Palad Hideaway

Nay Palad Hideaway

Getting there & away

Air

Domestic air carriers serve the island from Cebu, Davao and Manila daily, taking about 1hr, 1hr 40mins and 2hrs 30mins respectively.

Land

Most people hire a moped or motorbike to explore, although there are also multi-person habal-habal motorcycle-taxis, tricycle-taxis or self-drive or chauffeured mini-multicabs.

Sea

If you’re on a very tight budget and have time to spare, there are also indirect ferries from Cebu (11hrs, including transfers).

More travel info

For more general information on travel to and around the Philippine Islands, visit our travel information section:

Maps, travel tips, information on visas, working holidays and health and safety.

 

Getting there & away

Air

Domestic air carriers serve the island from Cebu, Davao and Manila daily, taking about 1hr, 1hr 40mins and 2hrs 30mins respectively.

Land

Most people hire a moped or motorbike to explore, although there are also multi-person habal-habal motorcycle-taxis, tricycle-taxis or self-drive or chauffeured mini-multicabs.

Sea

If you’re on a very tight budget and have time to spare, there are also indirect ferries from Cebu (11hrs, including transfers).

More travel info

For more general information on travel to and around the Philippine Islands, visit our travel information section:

Maps, travel tips, information on visas, working holidays and health and safety.

 

Wake up in Siargao

As we wait for the day to travel once again, discover the wonders that await you in our 7,641 islands from the comfort of your home. Stay at home, dream, and wake up in the Philippines.

Siargao brochure

Download our Siargao brochure here

Find out more information about the destination. Maps, attractions, shopping, activities, eating out, nightlife, accommodation and other useful links and contacts.

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