This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
I was born and raised in Tandag, Surigao del Sur, just a few hours south of the island of Siargao, best known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines.
And yet, it wasn’t until early this year that I got to visit this world-renowned surfing destination. Ironic, isn’t it, but there ya go.
One factor is definitely because of its proximity. I always thought it was so near I can always visit it anytime. It’s why I’d been to Europe already but never been to the other provinces near my hometown.
Another reason was because Siargao is well-known as a surfer’s destination. Unfortunately, I’m a diver, not a surfer, so I never found the motivation to go there until a friend asked me to checked it out with him. I was glad I went–Siargao is beautiful, and you would definitely enjoy it whether you’re a surfer or not!
Here’s what we did for 3 days in Siargao.
Go on a Land Tour in Siargao
As a small island, Siargao can easily be explored in a day. Rent a motorbike and explore all by yourself, it’s going to be cheaper and you’re free to stop and go any time you like.
In our case, we had to hire a habal-habal since I don’ t have a driver’s license and my friend has never been on a motorbike before. Rates are pretty standard at P1,500 for a whole day’s land tour.
First off on the itinerary is Magpupungko Rock Formation in Pilar, an hour or so from General Luna. The natural rock formations are impressive by themselves, but tourists mostly go there to swim in the deep, natural pool bounded by a large reef that you can walk on during low tide. The blue-green water is so clean and so clear I could easily stay there the whole day!
Entrance fee is P50 ($1.12), and there are cottages for rent. If you get hungry, you can buy some food there, too.
From Pilar, we went all the way to Sta. Monica where we checked out Taktak Falls. There’s no hiking involved; when you’re on a motorbike, the parking lot is directly outside the gate.
If you want to go somewhere off-the-beaten-path for foreign tourists, this is it. When we arrived there, the place was packed, but there were no other foreigners except for my friend.
The water’s cool, and there are deep and shallow parts. Best of all, the entrance fee is only P5 ($0.10).
The best thing about going on a land tour is seeing the countryside of Siargao. Lush green vegetation, locals waving at you from their houses, and views like the one below in Burgos are definitely priceless.
Go Island Hopping in Siargao
Spend another day island hopping in Siargao. From General Luna, there are three islets that are easily accessible: Guyam, Daku, and Naked.
Guyam Island is pretty small and full of palm trees. However, it’s uninhabited. You can spend hours there and no one would bother you.
Naked Island, on the other hand, is almost just like a sandbar. As its name suggests, there’s nothing there except white sand surrounded by blue-green waters. Perfect for beach bumming!
We had lunch on Daku Island which is bigger than the other two and which has a community of fisherfolk. There are beach cottages there, perfect for a siesta after a yummy lunch of fresh seafood and ripe mangoes.
As our island hopping tour was organized by Kermit Siargao (P750/person), we were with a group of surfers who wanted to ride the swell in Guiuan, a beginner’s surfing spot.
While they sat around on their boards waiting for the waves, we swam around the boat, floated, and just enjoyed the cool waters of Siargao.
Food Trip and Beach Bumming
Go beach bumming on your third day in Siargao. There’s nothing more relaxing than going to the beach and just lying on the sand. General Luna has white sand beaches (around a 10-minute walk from Kermit) that are mostly devoid of tourists. Lie back and enjoy the sun (just don’t get burned).
Afterwards, go on a food trip. Seafood is pretty inexpensive here, and you can have the fresh catch of fishermen just coming home from a long day at sea.
If you’re tired of seafood, order a margarita pizza at Kermit. It’s the best pizza I’ve had (aside from Luca’s Resto in Puerto Galera), and it’s no wonder. Kermit has a real, honest to goodness Italian pizza maker. At P350 an order, it’s worth it. Pizza chains in Manila can’t hold a candle to it.
Accommodations in Siargao
I will write a full review of the place we stayed in later, but I would just like to mention that if you’re staying in General Luna, you have to stay at Kermit Siargao. The clientele is international (the owners are a Swiss and Filipina couple), there are both budget and mid-priced rooms/huts available, and the food is definitely top of the line.
Kermit can organize all your activities too, from surfing (of course) and island hopping, to contacting transport for your land tours. They are a friendly bunch and they made our stay there so comfortable.
If you can spend one more day in Siargao, go on a day tour to Bucas Grande Island. We didn’t have time, but we’re definitely going back there in June 2015. From turquoise waters and a unique cove to stingless jellies, you’d want to go there, too, once I’ve written about it. Wait for it!
- Why Thailand Is a Great Destination for Solo Travelers - March 21, 2024
- 20 Absolutely Useful Tips For Backpacking Southeast Asia - July 30, 2023
- The Tale of Tonyo the Brave - June 14, 2022
48 Comments. Leave new
I really want to visit Siargao. I want to experience surfing
you should it is amazing and you will enjoy people are really nice. The thing has been changed not like what was 10 years ago. Expect everything to be very expansive
Is it enough 1000 php daily budget? for food and accommodation?
hey guys//i will go to siargao this coming february 25 to 28 2018…anybody who wants to join?
Hi guys! Wil go to siargao this April 8-11. There’ll be the 2 of us, anyone who would to join so that we’ll be able to stick to our budgets? ? Email me if anyone is interested.
Hello, who wants to join us, we’ll be going this October 29-31, 2017.?
I am looking for a travel buddy this October 18- 20. I will be going solo. Who likes to come with me? Email me at kleinfabillar@yahoo.com
Hi Aleah, Nice blog about Siargao. Skyjet Airlines now offers direct flights from Manila. You can score great deals during their seat sales.
me and 4 of my friends are going to siargao this nov 30,2017, anybody who wants to join?
Im going siargao October 17-21…
Anybody??? 🙂
im going on oct 13-16
Im planning a solo trip to siargao on last week of november 2017. Who’s coming too? ?
Planning to go back there at the same sched. Mind change mind tho.
I need a travel buddy to siargao, this month of May 2017. please contact me on my email joycecamasura8@gmail.com. thanks. God bless
Hi re the Island hopping for a day worth p1500 is that per head?
i think the 1500 is good for 6 persons. 1500 per boat that is.
HI…!how safe is it these days to go to Siargao? your reply would help a lot of my hesitations. Thank you.
Hey there. I’m looking for a travel buddy. I’m planning to go to siargao next month. If you’re interested email me at dannieyappie@gmail.com.
Hi Ms. Aleah, thanks for the great post. Would want to visit Siargao later this year, would a 3 days / 2nights visit suffice? And is your accommodation near the airport? Thanks very much. ?
Hi Ms. Aleah! I would just like to inquire if how to I get to Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River from Surigao City (originally from Siargao). Thank you very much!
Punta kayo via Butuan (2 hours by bus), and then from Butuan, look for buses na dadaan ng Hinatuan.
Is it possible to go to all the places youve mentioned with a 10k budget including the hotel? Theres only 2 of us with 10k each budget… thanks 🙂
Hi. It depends on how long you will stay and where of course, plus where you’ll be coming from. But island hopping is less than 1,000 per person and if you don’t splurge on food and other expenses, you can make your budget work.
Great post! Nice pictures. How did you book your stay in Kermit? I’ve been sending them e-mails multiple times but they’re not responding. 🙁
Can you try contacting them through their FB page? I hope you finally made it there?
hi po magkano po nagastos nyo all in all and may contact po kayo sa boat? kasi if ever mag isa ko lang travel sayang naman 2k sa boat 🙂
Sorry for the late reply. Did your trip there push through?
will be visiting this island soon. :). Great post.
Thanks for visiting!
Hi Aleah! 🙂
How’s Bucas Grande? I’m going to Siargao in a couple of weeks’ time with bf and we’d really love to visit Bucas Grande BUT the boat ride from Siargao and all the other fees seem to be too much for only 2 travelers!
Did you travel alone? How much did you spend?
TIA and cheers!
Tria
Tria, yeah, the boat trip can be expensive. There were three of us and we paid P2,000, and we were already staying in Socorro. You can wait for others who can join you, but as it’s not sure if there will be others coming, maybe just budget for it. Entrance and other fees in Sohoton can be steep too. I will write about that in the coming days, so wait for it 🙂
I’m not a surfer but I enjoyed it very much, It’s a great Island to explore.,I never forget food trip and swimming in the midnight with friends. It gives me reason to go back with my family.
@Shara: I’m not a surfer, too, and I love it. I wonder when I can go back there?
I haven’t heard of Siargao before but it looks so beautiful. I’m not into surfing but it’s wonderful to know there are so many other land and water based activities here for visitors. I can probably spend some time relaxing at any of those islands. They’re gorgeous! I’m salivating looking at those good ‘ol Philippine mangoes.
Siargao is down south, Mary, so not so many tourists go there, except of course, for surfers. It’s well-known internationally as a surfing destination. Mangoes are in season now, so cheap at P25/kilo.
very relaxing view of Siargao. I want to go there this July hopefully.
Enjoy, enjoy. We’re also going back early July!
HI Aleah, very nice. Looks beautiful and relaxing. A visit to Siargao is on my list next time I go home to the Philippines. We are not surfer either so it’s good to know what we can do other than surfing, although we wish to take up surfing once we’re there. Thanks for all the tips and for glimpse of the island through your lovely photos.
Siargao indeed has a lot more to offer than surfing, Marisol, although it’s best known for that. Come visit soon!
hi! Where is Siargao? How to go there when coming from manila. Looks very good to try based on ur review Aleah. 😉
Thanks for asking, Corrina! I’ll revise my post to include that info. Siargao is in Mindanao. There are flights going there although it can also be reached via boat from Surigao City.
Some great tips, really makes me want to visit the Philippines. The falls look stunning and I’d love to swim in Magpupungko pool. Looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip
The Philippines has a lot more beautiful places, Suzy. You’re more than welcome to visit!
It’s beautiful out there. The water looks super clear and the hues are amazing. So many interesting places to visit in the Philippines. Must really try to go home. Haven’t been home except for a week in 1999. Yap that long ago.
Aww, a visit is indeed overdue. Writing this post made me miss the ocean all the more. I really should go out of town soon.
I stayed at kermits two years ago and they have the best kitchen in the island. I visited again this year and was surprised to know how great their pizza is. Their risotto is also a must try. Theres so much to do in Siargao. I love it there. I love biking along the new road to dapa, surfing in union, and beach bumming in Daku Island!
So excited to be in Bucas Grande next month. I’m sure it will be as beautiful as Siargao. Too bad there’s no branch of Kermit’s there. I really can’t get over their pizza!