Things to do Siargao: Guide, Hotels, Restaurants & Surf Spots
The moment you step off the tiny plane at Siargao’s small airport, the island rhythm instantly takes over. This island welcomes you with palm trees swaying in the warm breeze, colourful flowers lining the roads, scooters with surfboards zipping past, and the sea never far away. Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines. Good boutique hotels, a strong food scene and scooter routes through quiet villages make it worth the trip even if you never touch a board. Because the coastline is mostly reef with only a few sandy beaches, the island attracts surf lovers and, thankfully, still keeps mass tourism at bay. It is getting busier every year though, so this is the perfect moment to plan your trip. The whole island offers a variety of experiences beyond surfing. These are the best things to do on Siargao!
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Introduction to the Island
Siargao Island is the ultimate tropical escape in the Philippines, where natural beauty and laid-back vibes set the tone for every adventure. The island is famous for its endless palm trees. Especially the famous coconut palm trees that line the roads and beaches, creating a lush, green backdrop everywhere you look. While Siargao is best known as the home of Cloud 9, the most famous surf break in the country, it’s so much more than just a surfing capital. Here, you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches, a lively food scene, and a welcoming local culture that makes every visitor feel at home. Island hopping, scooter rides through rice paddies, lazy mornings under the palm trees: Siargao has enough to keep you busy for a week without ever feeling like a tourist trap.
The easiest and cheapest way to get around Siargao is by renting a scooter, which gives you the freedom to explore the island’s various attractions. Scooter rentals typically start at around 350 pesos per day, and most accommodations can arrange a rental for you. Not comfortable on a scooter? Tricycles and tuk-tuks cover General Luna for around 50 to 100 pesos per ride. Rent your scooter at Lola’s Rentals or PangPang and always bring your international driver’s licence. Without it your roadtrip might end sooner than planned.
How to get to Siargao
Arriving at Siargao Airport, you can reach the island from Cebu or Manila by hopping on a small propeller plane: flight time is about two hours. I flew with Philippine Airlines and booked Comfort Class for a few extra euros. That meant priority boarding, lounge access, and a generous twenty five kilo luggage allowance. Ideal for impulsive souvenir shopping.
Del Carmen, a nearby town, serves as the main transport hub for Siargao. It is the starting point for activities like visiting Sugba Lagoon and exploring the mangroves via the boardwalk. Its proximity to natural attractions makes it an important stop for travelers.
Before you fly, make sure to withdraw cash. ATMs on the island do not always work and occasionally card skimming occurs.
Best boutique hotels on Siargao
– Click on the names for rooms and rates –
At Vedya Hostel and Happiness Hostel you will easily meet other travellers. Vedya became my home away from home and the café serves the tastiest veggie breakfasts and lunches. It is also a great spot to work if you have a deadline haunting you. Mao Mao Surf is a very popular and affordable accommodation that is almost always fully booked. They also run one of the best surf schools on the island.
Siago Beach Resort is perfect for long lazy dinners and has the comfiest sunbeds on a postcard-ready stretch of sand. Even if you are not staying there you can rent a bed, although you should arrive early. Las Palmas Villas is a tropical dream with beautifully designed rooms and a serene pool surrounded by lush plants.
Soultribe Beach Retreat offers affordable beachfront stays and memorable retreats. For those who want to splurge, Nay Palad Hideaway is where the glitterati dive deep into luxury. If you prefer something romantic and completely out of the ordinary, you can sleep under the stars in a transparent dome at Bubble Siargao.
ROOMS AND RATES LAS PALMAS VILLAS
On the first 2 photos Mao Mao Surf and Vedya Hostel. Last photo Las Palmas Villas
The tastiest hotspots in General Luna
At Mondayyy’s you can sink into a giant beanbag and enjoy perfect avocado toasts, one of the many cute places in Siargao to eat, relax, and snap some Instagram-worthy photos. This was my favourite spot to work! Shaka Café is famous for its smoothie bowls with front row views of the Cloud 9 surfers.
A true hidden gem is Saint Thomas Coffee that serves the best matcha on the island. Café-hopping is a must-do in General Luna, with top picks like White Beard Coffee, Marmalade, and Saint Thomas Coffee, all known for their excellent coffee and breakfast menus. Other great breakfast and lunch spots include Vedya, Spotted Pig, Amon Café, Sana Bowl and The Soul Shack where ceremonial cacao will lift your spirit. Do not forget to explore the cute shop inside. For refreshing coconut coffee or an ice cold coconut head to Coco Frío.
Siargao is known for having the best food scene in the Philippines, offering a mix of international and upscale restaurants at affordable prices. Popular dining spots include Kermit, famous for its consistent quality, and Kurvada Siargao, which serves elevated Filipino dishes in a stylish setting.
In the late afternoon Sunset Bridge transforms into an open air kitchen and lively street food scene. Order Adobo simmered in soy sauce and vinegar or try Kinilaw, the Filipino style ceviche with coconut vinegar. Finish with Halo Halo, a colourful dessert with crushed ice, fruit and ube ice cream, or choose Toron, crispy banana with caramel.
More of my favorite hangouts
Another lovely sunset spot is the welcoming Pop Up Bar. Around Cloud 9 you will find many relaxed cafés and a great view all day long. There are no sunbeds so bring a towel and watch out for sea urchins while entering the water. At night walk the famous Cloud 9 bridge and watch the island’s best surfers during their golden hour sessions.
Tip: locals love adding sugar to everything so gently ask for “no sugar” unless you want to book an emergency dentist appointment when you return home.
In the evening, Roots serves high end creative veggie dishes, Amore offers delicious Italian food and wine and Food Lab Shack brings Vietnamese street flavours to the table. Kurvada is budget friendly and loved by locals and Cumin is the place for Asian fusion. For the best cocktails, make your way to Manu.
If you are in the mood for dancing, Siargao has a party almost every night. On Saturdays Harana Surf Resort turns into a beach dance floor and on Sundays Wakepark hosts a fun gathering with cold beers and great DJs. Anyone brave enough can jump on a wakeboard.
ROOMS AND RATES HARANA SURF RESORT
Book in advance
- Surf lessons with the best school on the island, almost always fully booked: Mao Mao Surf
- Three island tour to Guyam, Naked Island and Daku, fills up fast in high season: private island tour
- Sunset electric skate experience through General Luna, small groups only: sunset skate tour
Surf spots and active things to do Siargao
Beginners will love Jacking Horse, Quicksilver and Ocean 9. Intermediate surfers can try Quicksilver, Cloud 9, Stimpy’s, Cemetery, Salvacion and Rock Island. Pros challenge themselves at Cloud 9 and Tuason Point. Some surf breaks, like Rock Island and Salvacion, can only be reached by a boat ride, adding an extra sense of adventure to your surf session.
Book your surf lessons with Mao Mao Surf. Their instructors are calm, encouraging and know exactly which spot suits each level. September and October are peak months for surfing in Siargao, attracting surfers from around the world. Keep in mind that the rainy season typically runs from November to March, which can affect wave conditions and travel plans, so plan your trip accordingly.
Cloud 9 is a famous spot and home to the iconic Cloud 9 boardwalk, offering stunning views of surfers riding the waves and the vast ocean beyond. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful morning or a beautiful sunset. Don’t miss the chance to relax on the beach with fresh coconuts in hand while watching the surfers in action.
Yet there is more to the island than surfing. Book a yoga class at Prana Yoga or Buddha Wellness, Reformer Pilates at Feral Pilates, or go hard at Tawhay Fitness or Crossfit Siargao. Mondayyy’s also has a Run Club for early birds. Afterwards treat yourself to a relaxing massage at Isla Natura Spa. I follow my own Siargao routine pretty religiously when I am here.
Yoga and Wellness Retreats on Siargao
Siargao is good for the body. Peaceful beaches, palm trees, ocean air: the setting does half the work. Many resorts offer daily yoga classes and meditation sessions. Drop-in classes are easy to find. Practicing yoga next to the ocean is a different experience from a studio. Worth trying even if you have never unrolled a mat before. Healthy food, spa treatments and outdoor activities are all within easy reach. Isla Natura Spa is the best spot for a massage after a long day of surfing or sightseeing.
The three island tour: things to do Siargao
This popular island hopping trip takes you to three tiny paradises. Book it privately via Mao Mao Surf or arrange it directly at the harbour in General Luna. A traditional banka boat takes you across turquoise water to spots that look completely unreal.
Guyam Island is my favourite with its soft sand, a basketball court between the palm trees and a cute bar in the middle of the island. Order the mango coffee. I promise it is surprisingly delicious!
Naked Island, a pure sandbank with no shade, feels like your own deserted paradise. Bring a snorkel because you will find many bright blue starfish here.
Daku Island is lively and the place to eat grilled fish while children splash in the water. It is touristy yet the lunch is worth it.
Siargao’s must visits: things to do Siargao
Take a refreshing dip at Bugak or Beto Cold Spring. At Coconut Plantation Viewpoint, which is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, you can have your photo taken by energetic “human drones”: genuinely funny to watch.
Go early to Maasin River around eight in the morning and you may have the place to yourself. The river is famous for its bent palm tree and rope swing, making it a popular photo spot. Take a canoe tour to the secret lagoon, a secluded, jungle-like spot that’s perfect for scenic photos and a bit of solitude. Swinging from the palm tree, jumping off bamboo platforms, swimming: go in the morning before the tour groups arrive.
Coconut Road is the most photographed road on the island, and Magpupungko Rock Pools reveal their beauty only at low tide. Check the tide schedule before going, low tide only. There is a small entrance fee, worth every peso.
Sugba Lagoon is worth a visit, famous for its emerald-green waters surrounded by lush limestone hills. It’s ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even features a diving board, accessible via boat from Del Carmen.
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East coast adventure: Pacifico, things to do Siargao
Hop on your scooter, pack a poncho for tropical showers and ride from General Luna to Pacifico Beach, a favorite beach on Siargao known for its beautiful white sand and clear waters. Take the route via Santa Fe for the prettiest scenery. Kids wave at you, roosters cross the road and life moves wonderfully slowly.
Stop in Santa Fe for coffee at Bamboo Surf Café or Marmelade. Pacifico Beach is wilder, with big waves, a laid back surf vibe, and is ideal for a tranquil escape from the crowds or a relaxing day trip. Enjoy a cup at Swell Café or Manu Brew and have lunch at Dayo Café. Stay at Trogon’s Perch Resort for great views and a relaxing infinity pool. Some attractions are just a short ride away from Pacifico, making it easy to explore more of the east coast.
Drive a bit further to Burgos where you will find chill places like The Hub and Kolekbibo. From General Luna the ride takes about ninety minutes and staying overnight is wise because the road back becomes very dark. Pick up a local SIM on arrival or grab a Saily eSIM before you leave home so you can navigate without any stress.
ROOMS AND RATES TROGON’S PERCH RESORT
Shopping in General Luna: things to do Siargao
Browse Vinta Alternative Market for bohemian finds, Côte Femme for beautiful pieces, Goodies Café for cards and home decor and The Concept Store by Golden Monstera for unique jewellery. Fat Lips Surfshop has cute accessories and the small shop next to Mondayyy’s has the best Siargao shirts and surf gear.
Nightlife: Where to Go Out in Siargao
Siargao has a party almost every night. On Saturdays, Harana Surf Resort turns into a beach dance floor. Good music, cold beers, surfers and travellers. Siargao Beach Club is lively most nights of the week. Some nights call for a cold beer at sunset. Other nights call for dancing barefoot until 2am. Check the weekly party schedule on arrival. You will find your crowd quickly.
Coconut Plantation View Point
How many days do you need on Siargao?
Five to seven days is perfect for experiencing the island without rushing from one highlight to another. This gives you plenty of time to surf, explore the island on a scooter roadtrip, relax at cosy cafés and join the dreamy three island tour. Additionally, you will have enough room in your schedule to visit Pacifico and the peaceful Maasin River.
It is the friendly people, the lush nature, the sea, the lively markets, the surfers and the memorable scooter rides that stay with you long after you have left. The Siargao feeling travels home with you, long after your flip flop footprints and tan lines have disappeared. If you are curious about my other Southeast Asia adventures, read about my experience with dengue fever or browse all my Sri Lanka recommendations.
Things to do Siargao: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do on Siargao?
Top picks: surfing at Cloud 9, the three island tour to Guyam, Naked Island and Daku, a scooter ride to Pacifico and an evening at Cloud 9 bridge. Add the cold springs, Coconut Road and Magpopongko Rock Pools and you have a very full week.
How many days do you need on Siargao?
Five to seven days is the sweet spot. That gives you enough time to surf, do the island tour, ride to Pacifico and still have lazy café mornings without feeling rushed.
What is the best surf spot for beginners on Siargao?
Jacking Horse and Ocean 9 are ideal for beginners. Both breaks are forgiving and consistent. Book lessons via Mao Mao Surf, which has the best instructors on the island.
How do you get to Siargao?
Fly from Cebu or Manila on a small propeller plane, about two hours. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific both operate this route. Book early as seats fill up fast, especially around holidays.
Is Siargao good for solo travellers?
Very much so. The hostel scene at places like Vedya Hostel and Happiness Hostel makes it easy to meet people instantly. The island is safe, easy to navigate on a scooter and has a naturally social vibe around the surf spots and cafés.
Plan your trip to Siargao
- Search and book the best hotels via Booking.com
- All tours and activities in one place via GetYourGuide
- Arrange your airport transfer via WelcomePickups
- Stay connected with an eSIM from Saily
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