Surigao Del Norte: Things to Do in Siargao on a Budget
Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte: It always feels like summer – the sun, sea, and waves will fill your senses as you go on about your day having that main character moment.
I had long been warned how difficult it is to leave Siargao: After spending a few days in there. The curse was definitely real. There’s really something about Siargao’s irresistible waters that warrants a repeat visit.
And if you are like me who have mistakenly booked a three-day trip only to Siargao, let us help you maximize your adventure by going around the ‘Surfing Capital of the Philippines’ on a budget.
Here we go!
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1. Sun’s Out Bums Out at Naked Island
Naked Island is essentially a white sandbar surrounded by clear turquoise waters. It’s called “naked” because there are no trees, buildings, or permanent structures on the island, giving it a beautifully bare appearance.
It’s often included in island-hopping tours that also visit other nearby attractions like Guyam and Daku Island, these two islands are really worth the visit.
2. Enjoy the Boodle Fight at Daku Island
Daku Island is an inhabited island where boodle lunches are served. You can swim on its long fine white sand beachfront after a sumptuous meal.
3. Take IG-Worthy Photos at Guyam Island
Guyam Island on the other hand is a tiny, palm-fringed island that offers a serene and untouched environment. It’s known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush palm trees that create a postcard-perfect tropical setting.
4. Get Stoked at Cloud 9
Siargao is famous for its incredible surf spots, with Cloud 9 being the most renowned. Surfers from around the world come here to ride the powerful and barreling right-hand waves.
Recognized for its tremendous intensity, this resulted in its popularity among professional surfers and adrenaline seekers. The experience of catching a great surf break at Cloud 9 is truly unforgettable.
5. Magpupungko Tidal Pools
The main attraction at Magpupungko is the tidal pools. These pools are formed during low tide when the water recedes, revealing a series of natural rock formations. The pools come in various shapes and sizes and are filled with seawater. They make for a unique and beautiful swimming experience.
You may swim to your heart’s content at the pools or do cliff-jumping. Timing is everything, so it is best to visit it early in the morning when the tide is at its lowest.
6. Take that Leap of Faith at the Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon is situated in the Del Carmen area of Siargao, which is on the northeastern side of the island. To get there, you have to ride a motorized boat passing through thriving mangrove plantations.
The main draw here is the wooden board where you can jump down to its emerald-colored lagoon surrounded by lush limestone karst rocks.
7. Go Loco at the Coconut View Deck.
Just along the main road from the airport going to General Luna, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of sprawling coconut tree plantations as far as the eyes can see.
This is also where the human drones will you give the best video that you will ever have in Siargao!
8. Swim at the Maasin River
One of the unique features of the Maasin River is the rope swing. There is a large rope swing that extends over the river, allowing visitors to swing and plunge into the refreshing waters. It’s a fun and exhilarating experience.
Located in the town of Pilar, this river is surrounded by coconut trees with a Tarzan rope swing, but as of writing, the rope swing can no longer be used and a jumping board was placed instead.
9. Chill out at the Secret Beach
Even though it is not a secret anymore, Secret Beach is a chill spot just a few minutes away from General Luna.
Coconut palms lined the beach. It could have been a postcard. There were no other tourists just a few locals hanging back on the grass behind the beach.
Takeaways
Truth be told, the island was last on my to-visit list as it is now a tourist hotspot, with all things gone commercial. It is now heavily peddled by throngs of vloggers and influencers who paint a deceptive picture of Siargao through their exaggerated videos and color-graded photos.
But as I explored the island, it was not all about the picturesque spots, the vibrant nightlife, the aesthetic hostels, nor the sumptuous food and expensive booze that you can discover at every nook and cranny of General Luna.
Moreover, what really kept me tethered on this short visit was the enduring and warm hospitality of the locals. Everywhere I went, it felt like the people knew no skepticism nor ill-will towards anyone, and it’s really like their default setting that makes me want to come back again and again.
Siargao is a paradise for nature lovers, surfers, and those looking to unwind in a tropical setting. With its stunning landscapes and friendly locals, it’s a destination you won’t forget. Enjoy your trip!
How to Get There
- Siargao Island is a tiny island facing the Pacific Ocean located on the northeastern shore of Surigao Del Norte.
- Airport to General Luna: From the airport, there are several vans that will take you from the airport to your accommodation in General Luna. The fare is at 300php/way/head. You may contact Carl at 0927 414 4181
- Accommodation: There are a number of accommodations that you can book online at Siargao from budget hostels up to luxury resorts facing the Pacific.
- I booked my room at The Broken Board at Brgy. Catangnan for only 950php/night/fan room (Air-conditioned ones are at 1400php/night).
- The Broken Board is located just along the tourism road but nonetheless, it was peaceful there and you can use their kitchen and common areas just like your home away from home.
- You may contact Ate Arlene at 0929 179 4506.
Getting Around
Siargao is a relatively small island, and you can explore it by renting scooters, private cars or taking tricycles for short distances. Rental shops are readily available.
- Land Tours: If you don’t want to join an organized land tour, you may opt to rent a tuk-tuk, the rate starts at 2500php for the whole day, exclusive of entrance fees and boat transfers. You may Contact Kuya Rick at 0927 048 1134
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- Places of Interest: Coconut Viewdeck, Maasin River, Tayangban Cave, Secret Beach, Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools, Cloud 9 Boardwalk.
- Island Hopping Tours: You can join their tours even if you are solo. Rates for the island hopping tour are at 1400php/head, and land tours at 1900php/head.
- You may also opt to avail of their all-in packages starting at 3000php for your 3D2N accommodation in their dorm-type rooms. You can message them HERE.
- Food: Siargao has a variety of dining options, including local Filipino cuisine, international dishes, and fresh seafood. Don’t miss trying the seafood at the local “Paluto” restaurants, where you can select your seafood, and they’ll cook it for you.
- Alternatively, I bought seafood at the local market and then cooked it myself in our accommodation. Tipid!
- ATM Machines: There are several Euronet ATM Machines along the tourism road in General Luna.
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Data and Signal: Signal and data for all networks is good in General Luna, some accommodations have even switched to Star Link to better their internet connection.
Flights
There are several flights servicing Sayak Airport in Siargao, some thirty kilometers away from General Luna. (Updated as of October 30, 2023)
- Cebu Pacific flies directly from Manila to Siargao 2x daily
- MNL to IAO
- DG6841 – 2hrs 30min – 05:10 am to 07:40 am
- DG6839 – 2hrs 30min – 01:40 pm to 04:10 pm
- Alternatively, you can book a connecting Cebu Pacific flight from Manila to Cebu to Siargao:
- MNL to CEB – 15x daily
- CEB to IAO – 3x Daily
- DG6851 – 1hr 15min – 05:10 am to 06:25 am
- DG6855 – 1hr 15min – 11:50 am to 01:05 pm
- DG6853 – 1hr 15min – 03:10 pm to 04:25 pm
- MNL to IAO
- Philippine Airlines flies directly from Manila to Siargao 2x daily
- PR2971 – 2hrs – 11:20 am to 01:20 pm
- PR2973 – 2hrs – 02:00 pm to 03:55 pm
- Alternatively, you can book a Philippine Airlines connecting flight from Manila to Cebu to Siargao
- MNL to CEB – 12-14x daily
- CEB to IAO – 2x Daily
- PR2374 – 55min – 06:10 am to 07:05am
- PR2382 – 55min – 03:40 pm to 04:35 pm
- Sunlight Air flies directly from Manila to Siargao daily
- MNL-IAO – Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat: 2R985 – 2hrs 30min – 05:00 am to 07:30 am
- MNL – IAO – Tue-Thurs-Sun: PR2973 – 2hrs 30min– 06:00 am to 08:30 am
- On this trip, I booked my flight via Sunlight Air as it is a much cheaper alternative compared to Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
- If coming from Butuan or Surigao City, head to the Port of Surigao then take the fast crafts heading for Dapa Port in Siargao. Fare is at 400php and travel time is 2 hours. From Dapa, transfer to vans or tricycles going to your booked accommodation.
Itinerary and Expenses
Day 01
0500 Departure from Manila via Sunlight Air
0730 Arrival in Siargao, van to General Luna (300php) 20 Garbage Fee
0810 Check-in at Broken Board (1100php/night)
0830 Tricycle to General Luna Tourism Office (50php)
0845 Tourism Office, Register (100php, Environmental Fee)
0900 Start Island Hopping Tour – Naked, Daku, Guyam (1400php)
1530 Back at Tourism Office, Buy dinner at Market
1615 Back at Accommodation
1700 Cloud 9 (100php)
1930 Dinner, free time
2200 Lights off
Day 02
0730 Start Land Tour (2000php)
Secret Beach
Coconut view deck
Maasin River
Sugba Lagoon (450php/pax joiner) 2000 boat, 50php Registration Fee
Magpupungko (50php/head entrance fee)
1830 Back at General Luna, buy dinner at Market
1900 Back at the accommodation, dinner
2200 Lights off
Day 03
1300 Depart for Dapa
1630 Dapa Port, Fastcraft to Surigao (400php, 10 Env. Fee, 10 Terminal Fee)
Siargao Island in the province of Surigao Del Norte is the 79th Philippine Province that I visited last September 2023. Three more provinces to go!
Salamat Karajaw, Siargao!
Surigao Del Norte: Things to Do in Siargao on a Budget
Updated October 30, 2023
