Planning a trip to Siargao Island in the Philippines this 2024? Read on this list of top things to do in Siargao, best tourist spots and places to visit that you should include in your Siargao itinerary! I also added here my suggested Siargao tours and activities, hotel and resort recommendations and many more to help you plan your trip!
The teardrop-shaped island of Siargao in the province of Surigao del Norte is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. I first visited Siargao in 2012 when it is still not as popular as it is today. Dubbed as "The Surfing Capital of the Philippines", Siargao is a favorite among local and international surfers. But there are more things to do in Siargao aside from surfing. You can enjoy island hopping, bask on its beaches, swim in the clear waters of the lagoon, and many more! This stunning island is the perfect beach getaway for anyone who wants to enjoy the sun, sand, sea and to have an ultimate island adventure!
The island of Siargao is definitely a paradise for surfers, backpackers and for any kind of traveler. In this Siargao Travel Guide Blog, I will help you in planning your trip by providing useful information on how to get there, where to stay, top things to do, recommended tours and sample itineraries to make your Siargao adventure a memorable one.
Ready to explore Siargao? Let's get started!
2024 SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG FOR FIRST-TIMERS (UPDATED) - Things to Do in Siargao, Tourist Spots & Places to Visit
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SIARGAO?
Siargao is an all-year-round destination. But weather-wise, for me, the best time to visit is during the dry season in the Siargao which is from March to November. These months are considered to have the least rainfall where you could enjoy island hopping and water activities. Of course, the best time to plan your Siargao trip also depends on your what you want to do on the island. If you want to go for surfing, plan your trip sometime between July to November which is considered the best season to surf in Siargao. This is the season where the swell are great and wind conditions are best for surfing.
HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN SIARGAO?
It really depends on the things you want to do and the tourist spots you want to visit in Siargao. Considering the long travel, a 4 days and 3 nights Siargao is the most ideal for first-timers. This should give you a enough time to have 2 full days for island hopping and inland tours. But if you have limited time and budget, 3 days and 2 nights itinerary is also doable. Please refer to my sample Siargao Itinerary below.
HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO?
From Manila, Clark or Cebu, there are direct flights to Siargao Island. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Skyjet Airlines have daily flights to Siargao's Sayak Airport (IAO). The airport is located in Barangay Sayak in the municipality of Del Carmen, where the airport derived its name. This is the easiest way to go to the island.
Alternatively, you may also take a flight to Surigao City. From there, take a boat or a ferry to Dapa Port in Siargao Island. Boats can be found at the boulevard. For a more detailed post on how to get to Siargao, click here.
WHAT TO BRING WHEN TRAVELING TO SIARGAO?
Swimsuit/swim wear, aqua shoes, coral-friendly sunscreen, cash, first-aid kit, and waterproof camera because you'll be doing a lot of water activities.
WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO? Hotels & Beach Resorts in Siargao
For first-timers in Siargao, choose an accommodation in or near General Luna or Cloud 9 surf break. In these areas you'll find most of the bars, restaurants, tours operators, ports, and hotels. There are many resorts, hotels, hostels, homestays and guest houses in Siargao. Here are some of the top-rated accommodations that you may consider. I listed here some hotels and resorts with excellent to exceptional rating from previous guests. Save as much as 50% DISCOUNT when you book in advance online!
HOTELS AND RESORTS IN SIARGAO
- Apsaras Tribe-Siargao - Check rates and availability
- Siargao Island Villas - Check rates and availability
- Reef Beach Resort - Check rates and availability
- The Hillside Resort Siargao - Check rates and availability
- Himaya Siargao - Check rates and availability
- Tropical Temple Siargao Resort - Check rates and availability
- Buddha Resort Siargao - Check rates and availability
- Romantic Beach Villas Siargao - Check rates and availability
HOSTELS AND BUDGET HOTELS IN SIARGAO
- Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao - Check rates and availability
- Tres Islas Hostel - Check rates and availability
- Lukay Resort Siargao - Check rates and availability
- Alpas Siargao - Check rates and availability
- Little Nap Inn Siargao - Check rates and availability
- Balay Hayahay Siargao - Check rates and availability
- Harana Surf Resort - Check rates and availability
- Patrick On The Beach Resort - Check rates and availability
TOP THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO, TOURIST SPOTS, TOURS & ACTIVITIES
What to do in Siargao? Here's a list of top things to do, tourist spots, activities and tours you should include in your Siargao itinerary.
Photo from Klook
1. Siargao Tri-Island Hopping: Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island
This exciting island hopping adventure will let you enjoy the top three islands in Siargao: Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island. You can join this tour even if you're traveling to Siargao alone or with your partner as you will be joined with a group of fellow travelers. Best of all, traditional Filipino-style lunch buffet on the island in the form of a "boodle fight" is also included in the tour package. For as low as, ₱ 1,200 per person, this tour includes: boat rides, entrance fees, docking fee, cottage rental, boodle-style lunch buffet and drinks.
Sample Island Hopping Itinerary:
- 09:00 am - meet up at the Boardwalk along the Boulevard
- 09:15 am - departure
- 09:40 am - visit Naked Island
- 11:00 am - visit Daku Island
- 12:30 pm - have lunch prepared fresh on the island
- 03:00 pm - visit Guyam Island
- 04:30 pm - arrive at the Boardwalk along the Boulevard
Photo from Klook
2. Siargao Land Tour
Going on a land tour in Siargao is one of the most thrilling experience to enjoy on the island and a great way to experience the local transportation. In this join-in Siargao Land Tour, you will get to visit Magpupungko Rock Pools for a dip in the clear blue waters and walk on the sandy white beach, go rope-swinging at the Maasin River, which is a popular tourist destination in Siargao, ride along the famous Coconut Road and enjoy its natural beauty, and take a high dive in the emerald green waters of the lovely Sugba Lagoon. This tour package includes round-trip transfers to and from your hotel, entrance fees, roundtrip boat ride and docking fee, lunch and snacks for as low as ₱ 1,750 per person.
Sample Siargao Land Tour Itinerary:
- 07:00 am - 07:30 am - hotel pick-up
- 08:00 am - departure (start of tour)
- 08:15 am - 08:30 am - Coconut Mountain View
- 08:30 am - 09:30 am - Maasin River
- 10:00 am - 01:00 pm - Magpupungko Rock Pools
- Lunch in Magpupungko
- 01:30 pm - proceed to Sugba Lagoon
- 02:30 pm - Sugba Lagoon Tour
- 05:00 pm - travel back to General Luna
- End of Tour
3. Surfing in Siargao's Cloud 9
Surfing is one of the sports that I always try whenever possible. The strong waves coming from the Pacific Ocean make Siargao Island one of the most popular surfing destinations in the country. Dubbed as "The Surfing Capital of the Philippines", Siargao is a favorite among local and international surfers. The best time to visit is every September when local and international surfing competitions are held and organized by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte.
ALSO READ: My Surfing Experience in Siargao's Cloud 9
Photo from Klook
4. Sohoton-Bucas Grande Tour in Siargao
Enjoy a full-day join-in tour with this tour package that will start at Bucas Grande Island with a Sohoton Cove tour at Sohoton Cove National Park. Explore jellyfish sanctuary, Hagukan Cave, Tiktikan Lake, Crystal and Tundan Cave, and stop by a cliff diving area where you can go for an exhilarating jump! The tour package includes all fees and permits, boat transfers, egistered guide / camera guy, and boodle fight lunch.
Photo from Klook
5. Corregidor Island, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island Day Trip
This ultimate island hopping adventure will let you enjoy a whole day of adventure at Corregidor, Daku, Guyam, and Naked Islands in Siargao. Activities include, climbing the hills of Corregidor Island, enjoy the refreshing waters of Naked Island, swim at Daku Island, and splash into the clear waters of Guyam Island to cap off your island adventure. The tour package includes boat transfers, entrance fees, docking fee, cottage rental and lunch for as low as ₱ 1,850 per person.
Sample Itinerary:
- 06:30 am - meet up at The Boardwalk at the Boulevard
- 07:00 am - depart for Corregidor Island
- 08:00 am - trek to the hilltop at Corregidor Island
- 11:00 am - lunch
- 01:00 pm - visit Naked Island
- 02:00 pm - visit Daku Island
- 03:00 pm - visit Guyam Island
- 04:00 pm - return to The Boardwalk at the Boulevard
Photo from Klook
6. Siargao Wakepark
Want to experience a thrilling adventure? Why not try wakeboarding in Siargao Wakepark?! Book a ticket and enjoy a session at Siargao Wakepark's 100m long river! This is ideal for beginners and experience riders. This 90-minute wakeboarding session costs as low as ₱ 935 per person which includes wakeboarding gear and equipment, guide, access to Lakefront Kubo and entrance fee.
Photo from Klook
7. SweetEscape Photoshoot in Siargao
Want to have professionally-taken photos? Or perhaps you want to surprise your partner with a marriage proposal? Have these special moments be taken by a professional photographer! You can have a memorable photoshoot with SweetEscape's network of photographers and have memorable photos with Siargao's picturesque beaches and lagoon!
Photo from Klook
8. Sohoton Cove, Daku Island, Guyam Island, and Naked Island Day Trip
This daily island hopping tour will let you go on an amazing island hopping adventure to Siargao's most attractive and picturesque spots. You could enjoy the beaches, cliff jumping, and plunge into the cool, clear waters, see the jelly fishes, and enjoy a full day out in the sun. This island hopping tour package includes: boat transfers, entrance fees, docking fee, cottage rental and lunch for as low as ₱ 2,150 per person.
Sample Itinerary:
- 06:30 am - meet up at The Boardwalk at the Boulevard
- 07:00 am - depart for Sohoton and Bucas Grande Group of Islands
- 09:00 am - arrive at Bucas Grande
- Tour around Sohoton Cove: Hagukan Cave, cliff jumping area, jellyfish sanctuary
- 12:00 pm - lunch
- 1:30 pm - travel back to General Luna
- 03:30 pm - start of Tri Island Tour (Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands)
- 05:30 pm - return to The Boardwalk at the Boulevard
4D3N SAMPLE SIARGAO ITINERARY (4 Days and 3 Nights)
For you to fully enjoy your trip to Siargao, a 4 days and 3 nights Siargao itinerary is the most ideal. This will give you enough time to enjoy Siargao's islands, beaches, lagoon and must-do activities. Below is my recommended 4-days / 3 nights Siargao itinerary.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SIARGAO
- 02:00 pm - arrival in Siargao
- 02:30 pm - take a van to your resort/hotel √ Click here to see the list of hotels and resorts in Siargao!
- 03:00 pm - check-in and rest
- 06:00 pm - have dinner
- 07:00 pm - bar hopping, have some drinks
- 09:00 pm - sleep
DAY 2: ISLAND HOPPING (NAKED, DAKU & GUYAM ISLANDS) [ JOIN THIS TOUR! ]
- 07:00 am - breakfast
- 08:00 am - leave the hotel
- 09:00 am - meet up at the Boardwalk along the Boulevard
- 09:15 am - departure
- 09:40 am - visit Naked Island
- 11:00 am - visit Daku Island
- 12:30 pm - have lunch prepared fresh on the island
- 03:00 pm - visit Guyam Island
- 04:30 pm - arrive at the Boardwalk along the Boulevard
- 05:30 pm - back at the hotel, freshen up
- 07:00 pm - dinner
- 09:00 pm - sleep
TRAVEL TIP: Whether you're a solo traveler or with your partner or group, you can join this tour to these 3 most popular islands in Siargao. It's a join-in tour where you could also meet fellow travelers from around the world. √ JOIN THIS TOUR!
OTHER OPTION: Corregidor Island, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island Day Trip
DAY 3: SIARGAO LAND TOUR [ JOIN THIS TOUR! ]
- 06:00 am - breakfast
- 07:00 am - leave the hotel
- 08:00 am - meet up at Loose Keys
- 08:30 am - start of tour
- 08:30 am - 10:00 am - travel to Sugba Lagoon
- 10:00 am - 01:00 pm - boat ride to Sugba Lagoon
- 01:00 pm - 01:30 pm - visit a secret waterfall
- 01:30 pm - visit Little Hawaii
- Visit Burgos Million Dollar View
- Go to Pacifico
- Head to Coco Rope Swing
- Enjoy sunset at Sea of Palm Trees
- 06:30 pm - drop off at Loose Keys
- 07:30 pm - back at the hotel, freshen up
- 08:30 pm - dinner
- 10:00 pm - sleep
TRAVEL TIP: This is another join-in tour in Siargao. So, whether you're traveling alone, with your loved one or with family and friends, you can join this tour and save on travel expenses. Compared to a private tour, it is cheaper and will also let you meet fellow travelers from different parts of the world. √ JOIN THIS TOUR!
DAY 4: SURFING AND SOUVENIR SHOPPING
- 05:00 am - breakfast
- 06:00 am - leave for Cloud 9 Surf Camp
- 07:00 am - learn how to surf √ AVAIL SURFING LESSONS HERE!
- 08:00 am - souvenir shopping
- 09:00 am - back at the hotel, prepare for check-out
- 11:00 am - check-out of the hotel, take van to Sayak Airport
- 03:00 pm - departure from Siargao
ALTERNATE ACTIVITY: Instead of surfing, you may also try to learn wakeboarding at Siargao Wakepark.
This is just a quick 4 days and 3 nights Siargao Itinerary. Feel free to adjust it depending on the things you want to do and activities you want to experience in Siargao. Also, please adjust it depending on your arrival and departure times.
√ For more Sirgao Sample Itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6 days or more - PLEASE CLICK HERE!
Is Siargao safe?
I could say, yes. It's generally safe and peaceful in Siargao. In fact, many foreign and local tourists visit Siargao, and some of them decided to stay and have called the island their "home".
Are there ATMs in Siargao?
Yes, but they are not very reliable. I highly recommend that you bring enough cash before going to Siargao.
Do I need to book my hotel in advance?
Siargao has been so popular that it gets pretty crowded during peak season. I highly suggest that you book your hotel or resort accommodation 1-3 months in advance to be sure that you have a room to stay when you get there. SEE THE LIST OF AVAILABLE HOTELS AND RESORTS IN SIARGAO HERE.
How to save on travel expenses when traveling to Siargao?
Stay in hostels or guesthouses for cheap accommodation. Also, instead of getting a private tour, I highly recommend that you join group tours. This will save you a lot on travel expenses and will also let you meet other travelers from around the world. Also, traveling in group could also help you get discounts and save on travel expenses.
Siargao Travel Requirements? What do you need to travel to Siargao?
It depends on the type of traveler you are. For tourists and visitors there are 2 categories. First is invited tourist and second is the walk-in tourist. Please read my post Siargao Travel Requirements for Tourists & Visitors for more details.
0 comments :
Post a Comment
Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries?
Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!"
Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.