When I was looking for a place to stay on Siargao Island last year, there was only one place that cropped up again and again during my search: Kermit Surf Resort Siargao.
I initially had second thoughts about staying there; I’m a diver, not a surfer.
I was glad I pushed through with my plans, though. Surfer or not, any guest of Kermit Siargao would be hard pressed to find fault with it. They will really make your Siargao stay an enjoyable one.
Located in General Luna, Kermit provided everything that a guest could ask for: an affordable place to stay, proximity to the beach (a few minutes’ walk), assistance in arranging tours whether on land or by boat, delicious food, and of course, a great vibe complemented by attentive and friendly staff.
Kermit arranges island hopping tours for guests.
When my friend A. and I arrived in Kermit last year, we were initially told that the budget accommodation we had reserved was not available due to their guests’ last-minute changes in plans.
True to the hospitable spirit of the islands, however, the management offered to pay for our stay in another resort. Thankfully, a bungalow (P1,800/day) became vacant before we got transferred, so we got upgraded.
Welcome to Kermit Surf and Dive!
The bungalow, like the other accommodation in Kermit Siargao, was made of a mix of wood and other native materials that gave the resort its personality. There was airconditioner in the room, a spacious toilet and bath, two beds (one queen and one single), and a private terrace. The room came with free breakfast, and of course, free Wifi.
The next day, when we finally got the backpacker room we booked (P1,000 for 2 persons), we found it was an even bigger space than the bungalow. It was fan only, but since we were there in January, it wasn’t hot at all.
The bungalow has two beds, one queen-sized and one single.
There were quite a few things that I loved about Kermit. First off is the food. All their rooms come with a big breakfast, and when I say big, it’s a really big serving. Even my friend A couldn’t finish his.
Here’s what I usually had: omelet (other choices: cornflakes, toasted bread with egg, rice with egg, pancakes), whatever fruit was available, banana shake (or whatever fruit was in season), and coffee.
Gabriele hard at work making the best pizza in Siargao.
The best food there, however, is pizza. Google Kermit, and all of the reviews would say the same thing.
The pizza is served only during dinnertime. Bad news: they don’t sell by slice. Good news: it’s so delicious you may even be able to finish the whole thing yourself. Have the margherita (P250), it was the only one I kept on ordering. It’s the best pizza I’ve had in the Philippines, excepting Luca’s in Puerto Galera.
I asked 30-year-old Gianni, the Swiss guy who owns Kermit Siargao together with his Filipina wife Rose, their secret. He said it’s because their pizzaiolo (pizza maker) really comes from Italy. Everything is done according to tradition; even the oven used is imported. They use the freshest ingredients from local sources, too.
With Kermit owners Gianni and Rose.
According to Gianni, Kermit started in 2011 with only two cottages. He loved surfing so much that he decided to buy the property for his own use.
Then friends from Switzerland and around the world started coming, so he decided to rent out rooms and cook for guests. When he expanded the restaurant, he hired Gabriele because he himself didn’t know how to make pizza.
With 11 cottages and a maximum capacity of 25 people, Gianni definitely has plans of expanding in the future. He already has 34 staff members and 12 surf instructors, but he may add more. There’s enough space too, to accommodate a swimming pool, among other improvements.
Someday, a swimming pool may be built in this area.
If you’d like to go around the island, ask the staff at Kermit to help you with contacting local drivers to take you around (read: 3 Days in Siargao). They’ll be more than happy to help you out.
You can also book a tour to Sugba Lagoon and Magpupungko Pool via Klook. Check out their packages.
For island hopping tours, however, there’s no need to contact other operators. Kermit offers island hopping packages at P750 per person. The package comes with lunch, too, so it’s a really good deal. They also offer standup paddle-boarding now, among other activities.
Kermit Siargao is definitely perfect for surfers. After all, it’s primarily a surf resort, and General Luna is world-renowned for its surf spots. Most of the guests there (majority are foreigners) are into the sport, too, so Kermit offers several surfing packages, both for both beginners and expert surfers alike.
Kermit’s clientele is mostly international. Spot any Filipinos? I was the only one there.
Still, even if you’re not a surfer, you would enjoy staying in Kermit Siargao. From their affordable rooms and great international vibe, to their delicious pizza and attentive staff, it’s no wonder they’re often fully-booked. Stay there when you get a chance!
If Kermit is fully booked, look for other places to stay in Siargao here.
Disclosure: I was hosted by Kermit Surf Resort Siargao but all opinions are my own. Based on stellar reviews left by their guests on TripAdvisor, I guess I wasn’t the only one fully satisfied with their services.
12 Comments. Leave new
Hi!
Do you know how to book with them in advance? They don’t respond to my emails 🙁
Thank you!
Great review! What was the weather like in January?
I always wanted to learn surfing but i always don’t have the time to do so. Do you surf also?
Hi Mon. No, I don’t surf. Diving lang. You can book with them and have surfing lessons. They’re great!
Beautiful place indeed! We’ll stay here on our 2nd visit to GL. 🙂
Have fun!!
Thank you very much for the review!! Yeah Happy you enjoy!
Thanks for your hospitality, Gianni!
Sounds like a great spot for divers. One of our contributors is a mad keen diver who took some amazing video while diving in Indonesia. Thought you’d like to check it out.
Hi Christina. It’s actually better for surfing rather than diving. Thanks for letting us know about Indonesia!
Nice to know. In my brain, I am making plans to visit the country. Hopefully sooner than later.
Make it sooner! 😀