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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Siargao Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
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Suited for
Philippines – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Philippine Peso (PHP) £1 ≈ ₱85.07 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are increasingly common, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash is still widely used in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in the Philippines, but it is appreciated. 10% is standard in restaurants. Small tips are welcome for taxi drivers and hotel staff. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is prohibited in many areas, but alcohol consumption is allowed in licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated areas, but smoking indoors in public spaces is generally prohibited. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Grab |
| Other: | The Philippines is known for its stunning beaches, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Be mindful of the weather, as typhoon season can affect certain regions. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Siargao, Philippines
Surf season August to November, with the biggest swells at Cloud 9 September and October
Siargao International Surfing Cup, late September to early October at Cloud 9
Rainy northeast monsoon December to February, typhoon risk October to December; flights and boats often disrupted
Island hopping and beach days are best March to May, when seas are calm
Don't miss
- 🏄♂️ Surf the legendary Cloud 9 wave at sunrise
- 💦 Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Sugba Lagoon
- 🚤 Go island hopping to Daku, Guyam, and Naked Islands
- 🪨 Explore the natural rock pools at Magpupungko
- 🌅 Watch the sunset and chill at General Luna Beach
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Siargao?
Siargao offers that increasingly rare combination of world-class natural beauty without the overdevelopment that plagues many tropical destinations. The island's crown jewel is Cloud 9, one of Asia's premier surf breaks that attracts wave-riders from around the globe, but even non-surfers find endless adventures here. From island-hopping to the picture-perfect trio of Naked Island (a stunning sandbar), Daku Island and Guyam Island, to exploring the magical Tayangban Cave Pools and Marvelos Somoyot Cave, Siargao delivers authentic experiences that feel genuinely discovered rather than manufactured for tourists. What makes Siargao truly special is its balance of natural wonders with a growing but still intimate community vibe. General Luna town offers a burgeoning food scene with organic cafés and seafood restaurants, while the island's interior reveals hidden gems like Sugba Lagoon and Magpupungko Rock Pools. However, this paradise stands at a crossroads – tourism has surged dramatically, with international arrivals quadrupling and domestic tourism jumping from 124,000 to 476,000 visitors between 2018 and 2023. While a comprehensive Tourism Plan was developed in 2017 to address growth, energy shortages, waste management and disaster resilience, it has yet to be fully implemented, leaving the island vulnerable to the same overdevelopment that has transformed other Asian beach destinations.
🏯Places worth seeing
-
1
Naked Island
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
-
1
General Luna Public Market
🎈Events
-
Siargao International Surfing Cup
-
Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament
-
Local Surf Competitions
-
Filipino Independence Day Celebrations
-
Holy Week Festivities
-
Christmas and New Year Celebrations
-
Local Town Fiestas
-
Summer Beach Festivals
-
Surf Season Opening Events
-
Cultural Celebrations
Knowledge before you go
- Bring cash; ATMs run out and card use is limited.
- Base yourself in General Luna for surf, cafés and easy tour pickups.
- Check tides before Magpupungko rock pools; low tide is essential for safe swimming.
- If you ride a scooter, wear a helmet and avoid rainy nights; roads flood and potholes appear fast.
How to travel to Siargao
The most convenient way to reach Siargao is by flying to Sayak Airport (also called Siargao Airport), which receives direct flights from Manila, Cebu and Clark. Flight time from Manila is approximately 2.5 hours. The airport is located about 45 minutes from General Luna, with van transfers available to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Surigao City on Mindanao's mainland, which requires first flying to Surigao Airport, then taking a 2-3 hour boat ride to Siargao. This route is more time-consuming but can be a backup option during peak travel seasons when flights are fully booked.
Access summary
- From Sayak Airport (IAO): Van or taxi to General Luna, about 45–60 minutes.
- From Manila (MNL): Direct flight to Siargao about 2 hours; van onward.
- From Surigao City: Fast ferry to Dapa about 1.5 hours, then land transfer.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Siargao
Siargao offers accommodations for all budgets, from backpacker hostels to boutique resorts, with most options concentrated in General Luna town. The island's accommodations tend to embrace a laid-back, eco-friendly aesthetic that blends with the natural surroundings. Many places offer surf board rentals, tour bookings and motorcycle rentals. While luxury options are emerging, don't expect the same level of amenities as in more developed destinations – part of Siargao's charm is its relatively undeveloped nature. Book well in advance during peak surfing season (July-November) when availability becomes limited.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Siargao
Getting around Siargao is best done by renting a motorbike, which gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Rentals are widely available in General Luna, the main tourist hub, for around ₱550 (£6.56) per day. For those not comfortable on two wheels, habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) and tricycles offer transportation for short distances. Many accommodations also arrange van transfers for longer trips around the island. For island hopping tours to Naked, Daku and Guyam Islands, boats can be hired from General Luna, either as part of a group tour or privately.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Siargao are around 75% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to PHP) is 19% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Siargao is generally safe for tourists with low crime rates. The main concerns are water safety while surfing and natural hazards like strong currents. Super typhoons occasionally hit the island, so check weather forecasts during typhoon season (November-January) and follow local advisories.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities on Siargao are basic, with limited clinics in General Luna. Serious medical issues require evacuation to larger cities like Cebu. Bring essential medications, as pharmacies have limited supplies. Stomach issues from water or food are the most common health concerns for visitors.
Accessibility
Siargao presents challenges for travelers with mobility issues. Most attractions involve uneven terrain, beaches and natural sites with limited accessibility infrastructure. Few accommodations are equipped with accessibility features and transportation options like motorbikes and boats require physical mobility.
Tap water
Tap water in Siargao is not safe for drinking. Rely on bottled water, which is readily available at stores and restaurants. Many accommodations provide filtered water for refilling bottles. Stay well-hydrated, especially when surfing or engaging in outdoor activities.
Packing recommendations for Siargao
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
👛
Cash in small denominations
cash machines are limited
🩴
Flip-flops
👟
Water shoes
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📱
Waterproof phone case
🌞
Reef-safe sun cream
👒
Sun hat
🛁
Quick-dry travel towel
👕
Quick-dry clothing
🌿
Biodegradable toiletries
🏊
Rash vest
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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