Siargao

Surigao del Norte, Caraga

Siargao

Surfing Capital of the Philippines

SurfingIsland HoppingAdventureDigital Nomads
Best timeMarch - October
Ideal stay5-7 days
Budget / day₱2,000 - ₱5,000
3 days minimum · Surf Season (best waves Aug-Nov)Photo by John Matthew (Pexels)
Best timeMarch - October
Duration5-7 days
Budget / day₱2,000 - ₱5,000
From Manila2 hour direct
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Overview

The lay of the land

Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island known for its pristine beaches, incredible surf breaks including the famous Cloud 9, and laid-back island atmosphere. Beyond surfing, it offers stunning rock pools, palm-lined roads, and a thriving island community.

Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 196 kilometers southeast of Tacloban. It has a land area of approximately 437 square kilometres (169 sq mi). 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. The neighboring islands and islets have similar landforms. Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, and was voted the Best Island in Asia in the 2021 Conde Nast Travelers Readers awards.

Read more on Wikipedia

Travel guide

Siargao is an island off the coast of Mindanao in the Philippines known globally as the country's surfing capital. It is composed of eight municipalities of Surigao del Norte province, but it is treated here as one destination.

Get inGet aroundSeeDoEat

Full travel guide on Wikivoyage

Highlights

01

World-famous Cloud 9 surf break

02

Stunning Magpupungko Rock Pools

03

Sugba Lagoon and island hopping

04

Laid-back surfer island vibe

Travel tips

  • Rent a motorbike (₱400-500/day) - essential for exploring
  • Visit Magpupungko at low tide only (check tide charts)
  • Cloud 9 is for experienced surfers; beginners go to Jacking Horse
  • Bring cash - ATMs often run out on weekends
  • Book accommodations in advance during surf competitions
  • Join the Friday night market in General Luna
  • Start island hopping tours early to avoid afternoon crowds

Best time to visit

Recommended monthsMarch - October
SeasonSurf Season (best waves Aug-Nov)

March-May for beginners; August-November for experienced surfers

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What to see

Top attractions

adventure

Cloud 9

World-famous reef break and surfing competition venue

nature

Magpupungko Rock Pools

Natural tidal pools with crystal-clear water - visit at low tide

nature

Sugba Lagoon

Turquoise lagoon perfect for paddleboarding and swimming

beach

Naked Island

Tiny sandbar with no trees - bring shade!

beach

Daku Island

Largest island in the three-island tour with palm trees and local lunch

beach

Guyam Island

Small palm-fringed island perfect for photos

nature

Sohoton Cove

Limestone caves and stingless jellyfish sanctuary

adventure

Pacifico Beach

Left-hand surf break, less crowded than Cloud 9

How to spend the days

Things to do

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Activity

Surf Lessons

Learn to surf at beginner-friendly breaks

Guide price₱500-800/hour

Activity

Island Hopping (3 Islands)

Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands

Guide price₱1,200-1,500

Activity

Sugba Lagoon Tour

SUP, kayak, and swim in the turquoise lagoon

Guide price₱1,000-1,500

Activity

Magpupungko Day Trip

Rock pools and Maasin River

Guide price₱800-1,200

Activity

Sohoton Cove Tour

Caves, lagoons, and stingless jellyfish

Guide price₱1,800-2,500

Activity

Motorbike Island Tour

Explore palm tree roads and secret spots

Guide price₱400-500/day rental

Activity

SUP at Cloud 9 Boardwalk

Paddleboard rental near the famous surf break

Guide price₱300-500/hour

Gallery

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Logistics

Getting there

Nearest airportSayak Airport (IAO)
From Manila2 hour direct flight to Siargao

Travel options

  • Direct flights from Manila (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines)
  • Fly via Cebu with connecting flight
  • Ferry from Surigao City (2.5 hours)
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Eat

Local food

Kinilaw

Fresh raw fish ceviche with vinegar and calamansi

Crispy Pata

Deep-fried pork leg - try at Harana Surf Resort

Acai Bowls

Healthy smoothie bowls available at surf cafes

Fresh Seafood

Grilled catch of the day at beachfront restaurants

Sleep

Where to stay

General Luna

Main tourist area, close to Cloud 9, most restaurants and bars

Nightly range₱800-5,000/night

Cloud 9

Right at the surf break, wake up and surf

Nightly range₱1,500-8,000/night

Pacifico

North end, quieter, for experienced surfers

Nightly range₱1,000-3,000/night

Santa Monica

Near the pier, budget-friendly options

Nightly range₱500-1,500/night

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