Siargao

Siargao is an island off the coast of Mindanao, in the Philippines. In reality, Siargao is composed of seven towns, but it is treated here as one destination.

Understand
Siargao is a beautiful paradise island with nice beaches and clear blue waters. It has now become quite a popular tourist spot with multiple flights from Manila and Cebu coming in every day. The island is well known for its surf spots (beginner and advanced), especially the Cloud 9 break where there's a big international surf contest every year.

Siargao is known for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly people and many surfer shops. Prices have increased during the last few years as more and more visitors take the trip to the island.

By plane


The airport is approximately 45 minutes from the main accommodation areas at Cloud 9. Usually there are plenty of vans to transport people to their accommodation. The price is not fixed, whatever you can bargain the driver down to: they have to return to the Cloud 9 area anyway.

Cebgo has non-stop flights from Cebu four times a week, and from Manila. Prices for flights seem to vary, but expect to pay approximately one-way from Cebu ( from Manila). Flight time is approximately a hour from Cebu, and 2½ hours from Manila.

PAL Express has flights from Cebu and Davao. The price is approximately from Cebu and  from Davao. A flight takes about a hour from either point.

SkyJet has no flights as of 2019, after a bird strike involving their aircraft.

By ferry
As always, flight times and ferry schedules may change without notice. The above details are current July 2016.
 * The ferries from Surigao City to Dapa (main port town on Siargao Island) leave at approx. 6AM, 11:30AM and noon. Travel time varies from 2 hours to almost 4 hours, depending on the ferry. Fares for the ferries are / (non-air con/air con) per way.
 * Tricycles, vans and habal-habals (motorbikes used as taxis) wait at the pier to transport people to the main tourist/accommodation areas at Cloud 9.
 * Montenegro shipping lines. +63 86-2316245. has a RoRo ferry from Surigao city to Dapa. The trip takes four hours and the fare is from.

Get around
For the non-surf people, you can explore the island by motorbike or boat. You can go island jumping, scuba diving and snorkeling. And there's also many caves and waterfalls to explore.

Drink
If you want to hang out at night, catch a beer and some food, enjoy good music and meet new people, you're in luck: no shortage here.


 * BARREL: Beachfront Sports Bar, in General Luna next to Siago Beach Resort. A beachside bar. +63 938 233 2292

Sleep
Look for accommodation around General Luna ("GL") or Cloud 9, where there's a number of places by the beach. GL is the main village near some of the main surf spots, a 5-minute drive ( per person) from Cloud 9. Cloud 9 has places to eat (more limited) and is walking distance from the pro and beginner surf spot. Food here is more expensive, but accommodation is still cheap.

In Siargao, accommodations in the "budget" category cost under per room per night.

Budget

 * Paglaom Hostel. +63 9999900308. Dorm bed.
 * Hangout Siargao. +63 9276116117. dorm bed.
 * Ocean 101 Beach Resort. North of Cloud Nine. +63 9108480893. Fan room from +63 500.
 * Vila Solaria. South of Cloud Nine. +63 9204077730. Dorm bed 300.
 * Siargao Surfer's Lodge. +63 9283747447. Dorm bed.
 * Vila Solaria. South of Cloud Nine. +63 9204077730. Dorm bed 300.
 * Siargao Surfer's Lodge. +63 9283747447. Dorm bed.

Stay safe
Violent crime is very rare on the island, but like all poor areas, petty theft is not uncommon. There are no regional issues with insurgents etc and visitors can wander freely anywhere on the island. The primary safety concern is infection from cuts and scrapes on reefs. Thus, it is recommended to wear reef booties (locally available) and disinfect and cover (gauze) any wounds immediately.

Go next
Cebu by air. Surigao city by ferry.
 * Transportation off the island is via Cebu Pacific flights to/from Cebu or by ferry 7 days per week to/from Surigao City. You can fly to Manila, Palawan or Boracay via Cebu.