Siargao is one of the Philippines’ pristine island and beach getaways, a laid-back island stop where life revolves around General Luna Town on the east coast and its surfing spots facing the Pacific Ocean. A place where expats, locals build a caring community. I never really imagined myself to be this attached to an island; to be this deeply in love with this paradise. The adventure, the authenticity, the atmosphere, the connection, everything is just beyond amazing. I was drenched with wanderlust the whole time, and I couldn’t desire more but to explore the unending beauty of Siargao. I get to navigate new and random places and discover new things that made my trip one for the books!
I booked my flight via Cebu Pacific Airlines which arrives at Sayak Airport, Siargao. Direct flights to Siargao doesn’t always happen to most local airlines, but as for Cebu Pacific Airlines, it is definitely possible to avoid connecting flights too.
TIPS
Money: There are no ATM Machines on the Island so make sure you bring enough cash with you. Ask your resort/Hotel before you arrive if they accept credit/debit cards, so that you know how much cash to bring.
WiFi and mobile phones: WiFi in the resorts is almost always free, but the signal is not as strong and fast as we are used to but works pretty well on the Island.
Naked Island
Sunny Essentials
The Boardwalk
Things to do in Siargao
Surfing is still one of the main things to in Siargao but more and more, a lot of people are doing other things that’s not related to surfing. Some people come for the parties here too.
If you’re a surfer, or want to learn, you really need to visit Siargao. I spent a week exploring this little slice of heaven and didn’t want to leave. That’s how incredible the island is!
Siargao restaurants and bar scene provides a great excuse to meet and greet with the locals.
Surf spots in Siargao
Cloud 9 Cloud 9 is the most popular break on Siargao, and the location of some international surf competitions. It’s a powerful high-tide reef break that produces consistent barrels both left & right. For advanced surfers only.
Quicksilver Located next to Cloud 9, this right-hand wave is smaller, but still breaks on the same shallow reef. It can often be crowde
Stimpy’s If you like lefts, Stimpy’s is great. It’s a 10 minute boat ride offshore, which means it can be less crowded. There are actually two breaks here, the inside one is larger. Best at low to mid tide.
Rock Island Nearby Stimpy’s is Rock Island, a similar setup only this one is a right, and only good when the wind is just right. It’s a sweet spot for photos with that giant rocky outcropping in the background.
DAKU Daku is another offshore right-hand break, about 10 minutes by boat from the local market. The current is strong though, so it can be a long paddle back after you catch one.
Cemetery Located in front of an actual cemetery, it’s a long 15 minute paddle from shore. But if you’re willing to get out there, you’ll be rewarded with no crowd. Best at low tide.
Visit Island Movie Theater and Have Breakfast at Cafe Loka
Siargao even has its own movie theater, located between General Luna and Cloud 9 with a few selection of movies and popcorn!
Cafe Loka Is located in Cloud 9, side of boardwalk. It was one of the best refreshing cafe facing between “Jacking horse” and Quick Silver”, surfing spot.
Iced Latte and Toasted Pesto, Tomato and Cheddar Sandwich
View from Cafe Loka
Some of the Souvenir Shops in General Luna
Fat Lips Surf Shop Langyaw
Motorbike and Bicycle Rental
Complete your Siargao experience riding a motorbike, as this serves as the main transportation on the island. Standard rate for motorcycle rental is PHP 500 per day exclusive of gas. However, you can look for cheaper options that can go as low as PHP 350 per day given. Moreover, a liter of gas costs around 50PHP- 60PHP which is already enough for you to roam around the island for a day, you just have to surrender one valid ID to rent out, but if you don't have to ride one, another option would be hiring a Tricycle, Tricycles are available everywhere. However, they are not capable to be rented for a day if you are exploring the further parts of the island. They are ideal for one way trips from point A to point B. Fare starts at 20PHP, and increases to 50PHP at 10PM until midnight.
Bicycles will cost around PHP 300-350 per day.
Market Day
Nightlife
Every night one of the hotels/ bars hosts a party. Best places are Viento, Bravo and Kityas, then the 'after bar' is at more dingy place like Jungle or Octopus.