Table of Contents
SIARGAO ISLAND: YOUR GUIDE FOR THINGS TO DO & WHERE TO STAY!
I have a confession to make: I fell in Love. No, I am not talking about guys this time. I fell desperately in love with a beautiful place in the Philippines:
SIARGAO
For days I cluttered my Facebook fan page with pictures, statuses, and ecstatic comments on what to do, where to stay, and where to go in Siargao. I know, I know when I’m obsessed over something, I’m a real nightmare…(same as for Sardinia, basically!)
So after three days and countless hours of work, here is the Ultimate Travel Guide to Siargao Island, packed with things to do and activities you should check out! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed living it!
- Do you want to do island hopping on the amazing deserted Islands surrounding Siargao in the Philippines?
- Do you like Surfing and snorkeling in crystal clear waters on a cheap, affordable budget?
- If the answer is yes, then keep reading! You are about to experience the Paradise island of Siargao for less than 20 USD (15 Euros) daily!
BUT WHERE EXACTLY IS SIARGAO?
Let’s ask Wikipedia!
“Siargao is a tear-drop-shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. It has a land area of approximately 437 square kilometers. The east coast is relatively straight, with one deep inlet, Port Pilar. The coastline is marked by a succession of reefs, small points, and white, sandy beaches.”
This Siargao travel guide will help you to discover one of the most incredible Islands on Earth and how you can experience it for a very cheap price, so here’s what you’ll find:
CHAPTERS:
Click on the chapter you want to read and skip the rest!
TOP 3 THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO
TIPS TO SPEND AROUND 20$ PER DAY
SIARGAO GUIDE FINAL TIPS
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES TO SEDUCE THE SURFER OF YOUR DREAMS:
Just kidding 🙂 But I bet you wanted to read about it… So let’s get started!
TOP 3 THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
What to do in Siargao?
A deserted beach in Daku Island during our Island Hopping day around Siargao.
Actually, the header should be “what can’t you do in Siargao” the list would be so much shorter. Siargao is so full of interesting activities and wonderful places to visit that I find it hard to narrow down the list to just the basics. Still, I’ll give it a try, and I list the three main things to do/activities/itineraries around Siargao you don’t want to miss.
1 | Surfing At Cloud 9
My first attempt as a surfer in Siargao!
If there is a spot that surfers worldwide shouldn’t miss, it is undoubtedly Siargao’s Cloud 9, rated among the top 10 spots for surfers worldwide.
Even if you are not a surfer but more of a beach bummer (just like me), a visit to Siargao is definitely worth it. The scenery is incredible, with the soothing sound of the waves and the famous surfer’s boardwalk where you can admire the acrobatic moves of some of the coolest surfers around.
Even Anthony Keidis, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ lead singer was spotted riding the famous waves at Cloud 9
Too bad I just missed him, as I left Siargao Paradise a few days before he arrived!
Tip: Cloud 9 is for advanced /professional surfers only. If you want to experience the thrill of riding the waves, there are plenty of other spots for beginners, as even the most skilled surfers can get injured sometimes as the coral reef is quite sharp.
2 | Siargao Island Hopping Tours
Guyam Island during our Island Hopping tour. Totally deserted!
So you are not into surfing? Don’t worry; Siargao offers plenty of other beautiful things to do and options for those lazy people (like myself) who just enjoy sunbathing on a beach or exploring the beauty of the sea and snorkeling or swimming in turquoise waters.
But now I want you to open your eyes and ears as I’m going to reveal to you one very important secret 🙂
My Biggest dream before my departure was to find an Atoll or Island so small that I could walk around it in a few minutes…
Ladies and gentlemen, I finally found this place and realized my dream in the Philippines. I’d like to introduce you to Guyam: the perfect Island!
Look at the picture below: I will give you 100$ if you can find anyone who wouldn’t love to be there right now. This is quite something, right? And yes, it is obviously among the top things to do in Siargao. Put it in your itinerary!
Panoramic view of Guyam Island- Photo credit: www.outoftownblog.com
You can reach it by boat in just 20 minutes from General Luna Pier, and -hold onto your seats- for only 150 pesos per person ( less than 3 $ or 2 Euros) for a return ticket to paradise.
Still not satisfied? What about a boat trip that will take you to Daku Island, Naked Island, and Guyam for only 350 pesos per person (7$ or 5 Euros), including lunch? Yes, it is totally possible in Siargao!
To know more about this tour, you can read a post on Island Hopping around Siargao, written by Melo Villareal, a Filipino Travel blogger and friend, on his “Out of Town” travel blog.
In the article, you can also find some of the pictures taken on the day of the trip. Together with the coolest crew of bloggers, we celebrated two very important occasions: Melo’s Birthday and my first year of travels!
3 | Siargao Sohoton Caves – Bucas Grande Island
Sohoton Caves Entrance – Photo credit: journeyingjames.com
Many people visiting the Philippines will head straight to Palawan and El Nido (also on my wishlist) for its underwater river and stunning natural beauty.
Siargao offers something similar to Sohoton Caves Bucas Grande Island (located south of Siargao). The place is described by the Filipinos as “Paradise on earth.” Below is an extract from a blog entry by James from Journeyingjames.com on this spectacular place:
Various coral formations can be seen because of the crystal clear waters. The place would leave every visitor with mesmerized clean lakes, secret coves and enchanting lagoons. Palawan is charming, Bucas Grande is way better and more pristine.
How to get to Bucas Grande (and Prices):
Usually, the resorts organize boat trips to Bucas Grandes for around 1000/2000 pesos ( 22/45$-16/32Euros), including lunch. You need to catch a boat early in the morning from General Luna pier, which will take 3/4 hours before you arrive, and you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of this place. A must-see if you visit Siargao!
Curious Facts:
Stingless Jellyfish. Photo credit: blog.luciolespress.
In the waters of the Sohoton caves live the rare “Stingless Jellyfish”, play with them as, for once, they are totally harmless!
If you want to know more about Bucas Grande and the peculiar Stingless Jellyfish? You can read more here:
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
My loveliest moments in Siargao!
There are so many activities and things to do & enjoy (mostly for free or at a very cheap price) in Siargao that it would be a shame not to share them with you. Below is a quick list of links to things to do (with details) to ensure you enjoy Siargao to the fullest!
- Go to Magpupungko natural pools.
- Take a walk from General Luna beach to Cloud nine.
- Paddleboard through the mangroves.
- Try Yoga at the boardwalk tower.
- Just rent a motorbike and explore the Island.
- Try the Balut (only for the brave ones!)
Four People on a motorbike? This is the rule in Siargao. Photo credit: Sabrina Iovino www.justonewayticket.com
WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
The best Hotels and Resorts on Siargao Island
In Siargao, you will have plenty of choices regarding finding the right place to stay. From budget accommodation to luxury resorts, the Island literally has it all!
Below are some of the best options, including the contact information and prices, starting with the place I’ve called home for ten days (a place that, if you try, you won’t want to leave EVER!)
SIARGAO KERMIT SURF & DIVE RESORT :
Contacts: +63 915 606 4227
Purok 5 8419 General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte
Price Range: from 350 pesos (8$ / 5.60 Euros) for the Backpackers’ room. If you are sharing, book one of the lovely cottages or Bungalows for the same price! Delicious and abundant Breakfast is included!
Notes: This place is not only cheap, but it’s also simply AMAZING! I stayed there for ten days and didn’t want to leave. The vibe here is so cool and relaxed.
Owned by a very charming young Italian guy – Gianni- you will have the time of your life at the beach, I promise! If you happen to visit Siargao, this is the place you should try to book first! Oh, and did I mention that a Rum and Coke here costs less than 1 USD?! Deadly!
BUDDHA’S SURF RESORT
budda’s surf resort Siargao
Contacts: Buddha’s Surf Resort, 8419 Catangnan, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, Phone +639199 456789 (SMS only) Email: [email protected]
Price Range: 25$ per person (if you share the room) with a private balcony, and flat-screen TV in a lovely location! Breakfast Included.
Notes: I didn’t stay there, but I paid a visit to a friend for a few drinks. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and the place is awesome, only 1 minute’s walk from the beach, located in between Cloud 9’s surfer’s spot and General Luna village.
Click here to book online and save money!
3) OCEAN 101 BEACH RESORT
Ocean’s 101 surf resort
Contacts: Ocean 101 Beach Resort Cloud 9, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island Surigao del Norte, Philippines Mobile: (63) 910 8480893 / (63) 919 8268837
Price Range: A fan Room for two people starts from 8$ per person, but if you want to experience the extra luxury of a private villa with an ocean view and jacuzzi, the prices are around 200$ per room (perfect for four people).
Notes: What can I say? the picture speaks for itself! If you have money to splurge, then this is definitely a place you should try! (I’m notoriously a huge fan of the Jacuzzi and sunset experience from my private lounge!)
Click here to book online and save money!
OTHER CHEAP HOTELS IN SIARGAO
Still looking for affordable Accommodation, Hotels, and Resorts in Siargao?
Visit my favorite booking website to check out the Hotels in Siargao with reliable reviews and prices you can trust. I always use this website, and sometimes the prices listed there are even lower than booking directly with the Hotel itself. Below is a few selected Hotels/Resort you should check out for an amazing time in Siargao!
You can click on the link to see the reviews, prices, pictures, and, most importantly, to SAVE MONEY WITH THE BOOKING ONLINE! (up to 40% discount, not bad, huh?). I divided the Resorts into three main categories based on price range: Luxury, Budget, and Backpackers.
LUXURY HOTELS AND RESORTS IN SIARGAO:
For the holiday of your dreams, all included!
Would you like a holiday in a place like this?
Click on the links to check the place out and SAVE MONEY by booking online!
CHEAP RESORTS AND HOTELS IN SIARGAO:
Save money on very nice and refined places
Click on the link to check the place out and SAVE MONEY by booking online!
BACKPACKERS’ BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN SIARGAO:
For a nice stay at a dirt-cheap price!
Cheap but nice accommodation for Backpackers
Click on the link to check the place out and SAVE MONEY by booking online!
HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO
Pretty Luna and I walking on the beach on Daku Island
Siargao is easily accessible by cheap flights. Below are the two main options to reach the Island:
Option 1: Manila Cebu- Cebu -Siargao
- From Manila (or any other International Airport), you need to fly to Cebu. Flights are very frequent, operating almost once every hour. The cheapest options are Air Asia and Cebu Pacific, but you can compare different airlines to find special offers depending on the seasonality.
- From Cebu Airport, there is a direct flight with Cebu pacific to the local airport departing at 11:45 am. The return scheduled time to Cebu is at 13:20 pm. The flight is around 40 minutes, and the companies operating from Cebu to Siargao are Cebu Pacific and Philippines Airlines.
- Total cost from Manila: around 60/80 USD (45/60 Euros), depending on how early you book the flight and which company you use. Check out Air Philippines’s website for last minutes discounts and always compare fares before your purchase.
- Tips: When comparing the prices, remember that with Cebu Pacific, you always need to add the taxes and fees to the initial price shown, whilst Air Philippines usually gives you the final overall price.
Option 2: Manila Surigao – Surigao-Dapa
You can also fly directly from Manila to Surigao with Air Philippines, departing at 11.30 am from Manila, and then get a ferry to Dapa (around a 3/4 Journey).
I prefer the first option as sometimes the boats and the flight schedule time are not aligned (the last boat from Surigao to Siargao is at 12.00 pm), and you might have to spend a night in Surigao before catching the next available boat in the morning.
TIPS TO SPEND LESS THAN 20$ PER DAY
Shots in Siargao
The title of this post had a promise: How to experience paradise for as little as 20$. Do you think I forgot about this? Of course not. Here is a quick recap of my overall expenses for my ten-day stay in Siargao:
8500 PESOS/10 days=190 $ grand total
19$ PER DAY
Below is the breakdown of my total expenses. As you will see, it is more than the allocated 19$ per day, so am I cheating here? Nope, as I have also included the activities, and in 10 days, I obviously didn’t go out every day on boat trips, get drunk or rent a motorbike (possibly sober!).
This recap represents the maximum I could possibly spend on a very busy, action-packed day.
And now the TOP 3 TIPS to maintain our 20$ budget per day goal. These suggestions also work very well for almost all Asian destinations.
1) Travel with other people: If you have at least one travel companion, you can share the accommodation cost. Traveling solo? No worries, there are also budget dorms in Siargao (see the section on where to stay). You will still stay on a budget and socialize with other solo travelers like yourself.
2) Stay as long as you can: Golden rule. The longer you stay, the more power you have to bargain for a lower rate for accommodation. The minimum is one week, but if you can pay in advance for 2/3 weeks, the price goes down at least 20/30% (if you have good persuasive skills, you could even get to 50% discount).
3) Eat local food and Shop at the market: Head to the local market in General Luna, and you will find some nice places where you can eat for less than 2$. Do you want to buy delicious mangoes or some fresh fish? The prices there are ridiculously low, and the food quality is excellent.
We asked our resort manager if he could get us some tuna for dinner at the market. He came back with a huge fish for only 150 pesos/kg and fed the whole crew with it!
The Kermit Surf Resort crew eating some delicious Tuna for only 150 pesos per kilo. Bargain!
SIARGAO GUIDE FINAL TIPS
- Money: There are no ATM Machines In Siargao, so make sure you bring enough cash with you. Ask your resort/Hotel before you arrive if they accept credit/debit cards so that you know how much cash to bring.
- WiFi and mobile phones: WiFi in the resorts is almost always free, but the signal is not as strong and fast as we are used to. This is not a big issue (unless you are a travel blogger!), and if you have a local Sim card, both Smart and Globe (the two main network providers in the Philippines) work pretty well on the Island.
- Night Life: If you are looking for crazy partying and clubs on the beach, then maybe Siargao might not be the Island for you!
Compared to Boracay, it is much less crowded and touristy, but you can still find good places to listen to some good music and meet the locals (and the surfers!). One place you should make sure to check out is Nine Bar.
- Transports: The main way to get around is by tricycle (very cheap!) or motorbike. Always negotiate the price and ask your hotel for a fair rate for your journey. Once you know it (for short trips, don’t pay more than 20 pesos), just jump in and don’t ask how much it is.
They will assume you already know. If they ask you for a price beforehand and you think it’s inflated, kindly thank them and walk away. 90% of the time, they will call you back and agree to your price.
- Flights: Siargao airport is small, and sometimes flights are canceled last minute due to bad weather conditions or because there are simply not enough people to fill the airplane.
This happened to me, and Cebu Pacific put us on the next day’s flight. If you have an important flight connection, I strongly recommend booking your exit flight at least two days before. Better to be safe than sorry.
Now that you know everything on what Paradise in Siargao looks like…what are you waiting for? Create your itinerary and Book your holiday NOW and I might see you there as I’m planning to return and never leave this amazing Island!
See you soon Siargao!
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