Somewhere in the northeastern coast of Mindanao is a postcard perfect island with pristine beaches, emerald palm trees and idyllic sunsets called Siargao. Its yearlong ferocious waves earned Philippines a spot on the surfing map of the world.
Although the island maintains a sleepy atmosphere, there are plenty of fun things to do with the friendly locals in the island besides surfing. The whole island is a playground, your imagination is the limit.
HOW TO GET THERE BY AIR
Cebu to Siargao
As of this posting, Cebu Pacific is the only airline that offers commercial flights to Siargao (Sayak Airport).
You can fly directly from Cebu to Siargao on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Manila/Cebu to Surigao City
An alternative route would be to fly to Surigao City (Surigao Airport) and then take a ferry to Siargao. Just make sure not to miss the last ferry scheduled departing from Surigao City. Flights from Manila to Surigao City with Philippine Airlines and flights from Cebu to Surigao City with Cebu Pacific are available daily.
Keep in mind that the regular baggage allowance is 15 kilos only. If you’re bringing a surfboard, you will have to shell out for the sports equipment handling fee. Actual rate will be indicated on the website.
HOW TO GET THERE BY SEA
Cebu to Surigao City
Another way to go to Siargao is to travel from Cebu to Surigao City by boat with Cokaliong. For schedules and rates, you can check here.
Surigao City to Dapa, Siargao
From Surigao City, catch a boat that will take you to Dapa, Siargao.
Surigao City to Dapa, Siargao Ferry Schedules
MV LQP Express – 5:30 AM, Daily
MV Dapa Express II – 5:30 AM, Daily
MV Dapa Express – 10:00 AM, Daily
Fortune Angel – 11:45 AM, Daily
RORO Montenegro Shipping Lines – 12:00 NN, Daily
The fare costs 250 PHP.
Travel time from Surigao City to Dapa, Siargao is 2 hours.
For more details on ferry schedules and rates, click here.
HOW TO GET THERE BY LAND
Bus transfers from any point in Mindanao via Butuan to Surigao City are available 24/7.
Travel Time from Iligan to Surigao City
Total hours on the road would be about 15 hours if you include stopovers, transfers and waiting time. Make sure to plan your trip carefully so you won’t go hungry, miss the last scheduled ferry or, worse, both.
For Morning Commuters from Iligan
Best departure time is 5:00 AM.
Con: You will have to stay for a night at Surigao City. I recommend Le Chard Place Bed and Breakfast.
Pro: You can recuperate from the grueling land trip and save some energy for an early trip to Siargao the next day.
Tip: Have your breakfast at Agora Terminal. I suggest to get yourself a takeaway lunch there to eat during transit to save time, money and energy.
For Evening Commuters from Iligan
Best departure time is 4:00 PM.
Pro: You can sleep off the grueling land trip and save money by not spending a night in Surigao City.
Con: Transferring from one terminal to the next will interrupt your sleep.
Tip: Have your dinner at Agora Terminal. You can have breakfast upon arrival at Siargao.
Iligan to Bulua Bus Terminal, CDO
Bus Fare – 100 PHP
Travel time – 2 hours
Bulua Bus Terminal, CDO to Agora Bus Terminal, CDO
Jeepney Fare – 12 PHP
Travel time – 15 minutes
Agora Bus Terminal, CDO to Butuan
Bus Fare – 350 PHP
Travel time – 6 hours
Butuan to Surigao City
Bus Fare – 225 PHP
Travel time – 4 hours
Upon arrival in Surigao City, take a ferry to Dapa, Siargao (catch the first ferry if you can) and thence take a motor taxi to General Luna, Siargao.
Dapa, Siargao to General Luna, Siargao
Trike Fare – 200 PHP
Travel time – 30 minutes
WHERE TO STAY
Popular choices include Buddha’s Surf Camp, La Luna Island Resort and Paglaom Hostel. For more options and details, you can check this blog here.
Whether you’re a high class tourist, a budget-minded traveler or a glampacker like me, you will always find a place in Siargao that will suit your needs.
There are many easy-to-use and secure websites that can help you choose your accommodation based on your personal preferences and budget.
Agoda
I’ve booked hotels through Agoda a couple of times and I love it. They have a great network of hotels to choose from at competitive prices.
AirBNB
I’ve also booked through AirBNB and this is a personal favorite. AirBNB offers the most unique travel experiences that can perfectly suit your budget and needs.
Booking, Trivago & Hostelworld
I personally haven’t used Booking, Trivago and Hostelworld before but they also have good deals and a wide selection of hotels to choose from.
Most travelers in Siargao stay for at least couple of weeks (some up to several months) so you may have a hard time booking as walk-in guest. My tip is to book your accommodation in advance.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Surf at Jacking Horse, Secret Spot or Cloud 9
Take a dip at Magpupungko Tide Pools
Go island hopping
Do extreme sports such as freediving, longboarding, spearfishing, etc.
Join a Drunken Carabao race
Chill at Pagoda Bar on Mondays
Party at Jungle Disco Bar on Fridays
WHERE TO EAT
Kermit Surf Resort and Camp Siargao
Shaka Siargao
Mama’s Grill
Cafe Loka
Lux Siargao Boutique Resort & Sushi Bar
Pleasure Point Cafe
Aventino’s Pizza