There are a wealth of issues do on Siargao Island that continues to attract extra vacationers to the Philippines yearly. It’s been mentioned the Siargao within the Western Philippines is among the most lovely islands, not simply within the Philippines, however the world.
An island stuffed with rolling hills, white sand seashores, world class surf spots, and an limitless quantity of palm timber – what’s to not love? Right here is your epic record of issues to do in Siargao. Let’s dig in!
Greatest Issues to do on Siargao
1.) Catch Some Waves at Cloud 9
This surf break is extensively thought of the most effective on this planet and it’s Siargao’s declare to fame. Not way back Siargao was solely a small hamlet within the outer reaches of the Philippines with a legendary surf break that attracted decided surfers. Because the years handed on the key bought our from the surfers about the fantastic thing about Siargao in the previous couple of years tourism has picked up quick.
There are loads of surf breaks across the island and board leases are low cost and plentiful with a pleasant collection of sizes. Even in the event you’re a bigger man it’s probably you’ll be capable of get your fingers on a surfboard. There are a plethora of breaks across the island exterior of Cloud 9. Listed here are a couple of of the preferred areas.
Jacking Horse: This can be the preferred spot on the island as it’s prime for newcomers and most classes happen right here. It could have a fairly robust present and a reef break like many on this island so come ready to place in some work with danger. It’s greatest to go to this spot round mid-tide after which trip all through the high-tide.
Tuason’s Level: This level break delivers a constant left-hand tube and is a well-liked spot for each superior and intermediate surfers. In fact, the power all is dependent upon the swell as a result of in excessive season the waves are identified to be heavier than Cloud 9 with breaks over a shallow reef. The paddle out is straightforward, however watch out when getting into the water as there are loads of sharp rocks.
Stimpy’s: That is an professional’s solely surf spot and is accessed through a brief boat trip. It prices about 200-300 pesos an individual for a trip out to this good tube over shallow water.
Caridad – Great place for barrels when within the season in the event you’re seeking to escape the extra fashionable surf spots.
Cemetery: This break takes its title from being situated proper in entrance of the Common Luna Cemetery with a wave that breaks each left and proper.
Pilar: This can be a little bit of a protracted haul because it’s a 1.5 hour boat trip from Common Luna. It’s fairly quiet and has two left reef breaks which can be greatest through the Northeast swells.
Daku Island: This is similar island that’s fashionable on the island hopping excursions, however the surf break is usually quiet. You’ll want to select up a trip from Common Luna Dock for round 250 pesos an individual.
Pacifico: It’s a protracted haul up from Common Luna and Cloud 9, however it’s our favourite seaside on the island and has a terrific large break in peak season.
Guyan: This can be a brief drive out of Common Luna and requires crossing some “no-trespassing” indicators. Nonetheless, it’s a pleasant break when the swells are too large for newcomers. When swells are low it’s not value bringing a surfboard because it’s virtually flat.
Location: Cloud 9 Surf Break
2.) Watch Dawn or Sundown at Cloud 9 Pier
Whereas the surf is an incredible aspect for a lot of vacationers, not everybody surfs. For individuals who aren’t able to tackle heavy reef break swells, you may catch some wonderful views from the pier.
It’s constructed for straightforward entry to the break for surfers and operates as one of the best place to catch views of the surfers competing for one of the crucial constant surf breaks on this planet. Views from the pier are wonderful and the construction is not like any pier we’ve ever seen.
It’s a terrific spot for sundown, however it will get fairly crowded. If you need our opinion get out with a few of the surfers and catch the dawn for a extra quiet expertise with epic views. There may be an entrance price to exit on the boardwalk of 100 pesos. We arrived within the night and early morning so we by no means ended up paying because the sales space was unmanned.
Location: Cloud 9 Pier
3.) Get Wholesome at Shaka Cafe
After catching the waves or watching surfers at Cloud 9 it is best to try Shaka Cafe. It’s a small chain of smoothie bowl eating places with a couple of areas all through the Philippines.
They serve up some scrumptious combo of a smoothie bowl and occasional for 300 Peso ($6 USD). We visited Shaka virtually day-after-day in Siargao and their different location in Moalboal. My private favorites are the Cloud 9 Kook, ¡¡Bom Dia!!, and Bakunawa Bowl.
Location: Shaka Cafe
4.) Solar Bathe on Pacifico Seaside
When you escape the madding crowds of Common Luna the island returns again to what it was not way back. Siargao to this point has virtually completely escaped growth and throngs of vacationers. Granted that will all change sooner or later, for now, Pacifico stays a big seaside with one backpacker resort and some little outlets/eating places for surfers.
It’s a stunning untouched seaside with white sand and lined by palm timber that make it one of the best seaside on the island. There may be one small resort, and a lot of small house stays/eating places. It’s a crusty little city with some nice surf and the proper spot to chill out for a day or catch some waves.
Location: Pacifico Seaside
5.) Dive in to the Sugba Lagoon
That is extensively thought of the most effective day journeys on the island and when you’ve got quite a lot of days it’s greater than value your time. It’s one of the crucial fashionable issues to do in Siargao and it’s a fairly straightforward day journey to rearrange from Common Luna.
Sugba Lagoon is spectacular lagoon surrounded by mountains and incorporates a lagoon that could be a myriad of shades of blue and inexperienced. Within the middle of the lagoon is a hut with a diving board and leases akin to kayaks and SUP boards.
Day journeys to the lagoon may be organized in Common Luna and run round 2000 pesos an individual ($30 – 40). We paid for a tour from Common Luna at Kermit’s that included a fundamental lunch, and had a terrific expertise.
Nonetheless, it’s very straightforward to do your self for cheaper and have the very same expertise. Afterward the tour, we want we had achieved this. It’s extraordinarily straightforward particularly if you’re a bunch and may rent out your personal boat.
The lagoon journey has been organized by the area people so boat drivers cost a flat price of 1600 pesos per boat and every customer is liable for a 100 peso environmental price. It’s tremendous straightforward to arrange by getting your self to the vacationer workplace/pier in Del Carmen. The boats line up and serve first come. With 6 folks per boat, you possibly can simply get the value all the way down to round 350 pesos a head.
It’s an excellent fashionable spot on the island so don’t anticipate to get the lagoon to your self except you’re the primary or final boat to reach (fortunately we have been the primary). We had about 10 minutes till the crowds began coming in. Even with a good quantity of individuals, the lagoon is loads massive sufficient to search out some area away from others in the event you lease a kayak or SUP.
Location: Del Carmen Pier
6.) Cliff Bounce at Taktak Waterfall
This is among the solely waterfalls on the island, and don’t anticipate to have your socks knocked off. By the requirements of the Philippines, it’s fairly underwhelming. Nonetheless, in the event you take the time to drive as much as the Northern part of the island it’s value taking a dip to chill off and wash off the mud.
As an added bonus you may as well do some cliff leaping and discover the verdant cliffside across the waterfall. The drive from Common Luna takes about 1.5 hours so be ready for a full day of driving. Nonetheless, it’s value including it on to a tour across the island and Alegria Seaside is near the waterfall. We went on a weekend and it was fairly full of locals having fun with the refreshing water. I think about in the event you go on a Monday afternoon will probably be far much less busy.
Location: Taktak Waterfall
7.) Catch Low Tide at Magpupungko Rock Swimming pools
The most well-liked spot on Siargao is barely accessible throughout low tide, so it’s important to time your go to proper. Due to this, it will probably get very busy. Regardless of the slight crowds, The Magpupungko Rock swimming pools are nonetheless the most effective spots on Siargao and we had a terrific morning right here till the tide got here alongside.
The swimming pools are a sequence of tidal swimming pools with massive rocks which can be about a couple of meters tall and you’ll leap off the small cliffs whereas exploring the tidal swimming pools, coves, and small caves.
It’s not all there’s to the positioning both as there’s a lovely seaside with amenities and a handful of eating places. It needs to be famous there’s an entrance cost to the seaside for 50 pesos ($1), a small value to pay for a terrific expertise. Oh yea – and don’t neglect to carry water sneakers right here. Critically the rocks are very sharp and I used to be so grateful to have mine!
Location: Magpupungko Rock Swimming pools
8.) Swim with Jellyfish in Sohoton Cove
This superior spot is just not on Siargao however on its neighbor island of Socorro. To succeed in the island is fairly straightforward as there’s a ferry that leaves from the city of Dapa. When you’ve arrived on Socorro it’s important to constitution a protracted boat to take you out to Sohoton Cove.
The central piece of Sohoton Cove is the Blue Lagoon (Titikan Lagoon). It’s just like a lot of different famed lagoons within the Philippines that function lovely cloudy blue water with dramatic cliffs. It’s an incredible day journey and arguably one of the best on the island and the most effective within the Philippines.
Location: Socorro Island
9.) Gaze Throughout the Coconut Timber
We stopped at this spot a lot of occasions whereas touring round Siargao. It’s not an official spot – not less than not one with a reputation. Nonetheless, the perspective affords guests epic views of the island’s wild panorama with an limitless quantity of palm timber.
The panorama is midway between Common Luna and Magpupungko Rock Swimming pools so that you’ll probably cross this spot whereas on the island. It’s close to unimaginable to overlook because the view is spectacular. We drove by the perspective a number of occasions whereas on Siargao and stopped each time to stretch the legs and take within the viewpoint. A number of households have additionally arrange store with as small distributors so you may cease and luxuriate in a coconut with the view.
Location: Coconut Timber View Deck
10.) Swing into the Maasin River
This river made a bunch of lists and it seems to be like a fairly superior spot, however so many images we noticed of the river have been edited to make the water look extraordinarily blue. We got here anticipating an superior spot however discovered that these blogger/Instagrammers had photoshopped a traditional brown river to blue, go determine.
That being mentioned there’s an superior rope swing off a bent palm tree that makes for some enjoyable images. Plus the river is a fairly magical place that makes for a worthwhile cease.
Location: Maasin River
11.) Chill Out on Doot Seaside
This lovely little seaside is relaxed and sees few vacationers regardless of being solely a 10-minute drive from Common Luna. The drive to the seaside is down a dust street that’s fairly tough however straightforward on a motorcycle. When you attain the tip there are a variety of indicators that learn “no-trespassing;” nevertheless, we requested a couple of locals we noticed strolling previous the signal they usually mentioned not fear so long as we have been respectful. This might be dangerous recommendation, however nobody appeared to thoughts and it’s a actually wonderful little seaside to spend a day.
Location: Doot Seaside
12.) Take a Dip at Alegria Seaside
On the far North of the island close to Tak Tak waterfall is Alegria Seaside. Because it’s a protracted drive up from Common Luna only a few guests frequent the white sand seaside. It’s good to chill out on if you wish to sunbathe and want a break from the lengthy bike trip up from Common Luna. It’s tremendous fashionable with locals on the island and will get a bit of crowded on the weekend or the vacations.
Like virtually all the seashores on Siargao, there’s a surrounding reef that makes swimming tough. Nonetheless, the water is deep sufficient right here to take a dip and funky off. We had a difficult time discovering seashores on Siargao we may take an actual swim on, however that is one the place we may take a dip without having for water sneakers.
Location: Alegria Seaside
13.) Island Hopping — Guyam, Daku and Bare Island
Island hopping is THE factor to do within the Philippines. It additionally occurs to be one of the crucial fashionable issues to do on Siargao. There are two fundamental itineraries for island hopping out of Common Luna. The first one visits three islands which can be a brief boat trip from the primary dock on the town. Bare Island, Guyam, and Daku are the three stops on the tour and every has its personal vibe.
The essential itinerary features a brief cease at every island, lunch, pick-up, and drop off and prices round 1,000 pesos ($20) an individual from tour operators. It’s tremendous straightforward to do by yourself too as boats function on a set charge (1,500 pesos) and if you will get to the dock in Common Luna. We picked up our personal boat and a few contemporary fruit and did the entire thing for about 2300 for a non-public tour.
You probably have a bunch of three or extra it will be straightforward to arrange the entire thing for much less 1,000 pesos. If you’re only one individual I like to recommend reserving with a tour operator like Kermits in Common Luna or ready on the Common Luna pier to discover a group to tack onto.
Moreover, in the event you’re in search of a contemporary fish meal you may ask your boat captain with assist to select up some contemporary within the native market subsequent to the dock.
Bare Island: Is the primary island we visited on our tour and its title is fairly straightforward to grasp. It’s a small sandbar with no timber and surrounded by crystal blue water. There may be ZERO safety from the solar so be certain to pack sunblock and goal to reach on the island early within the day.
Daku Island: The biggest island on the tour and doubtless one of the best for swimming. It’s a big forested island with a small village and has a lot of cabanas and tables/eating places that may cook dinner up any meals you carry to the island akin to contemporary fish. You’ll need to pay a further cost to make use of these tables and likewise to have them cook dinner the meals you introduced.
Guyam Island: This was our favourite island on the tour and because of being on our personal schedule we shared it with just a few different boats. It’s a tiny island which may be solely 50 meters large stuffed with a small forest of palm timber and a lot of hammocks.
Location: Common Luna Pier
14.) Tayangban Cave Swimming pools
With solely every week on the island we ran out of time to test this off the record, plus we knew it will be robust to seize any images and not using a dry bag. For a lot of Tayangban is a spotlight on the island. It’s a terrific caving expertise and offers a pleasant swim by means of a pitch darkish cave earlier than opening as much as a cave pool that options some cliff jumps as much as seven meters. It’s not too deep and for almost all of the cave, you may stand with the water as much as your chest.
Location:Tayangban Cave Swimming pools
15.) Drive Down the Palm Tree Highway
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Siargao? This spot is a superb picture spot and it’s an incredible place to absorb the large quantity of palm timber on Siargao. We’ve significantly by no means seen as many palm timber as we have now on Siargao. This spot is legendary on Instagram and images of Siargao because the newly paved street cuts a straight line by means of a dense forest of palm timber with no growth. Taking a motorcycle down this street is an superior factor to do on Siargao.
Location: Palm Tree Highway
16.) Hire a Motorcycle
There are a couple of methods to get round Siargao. It’s doable to lease a bicycle though typically the streets and sidewalk generally is a bit hectic. Nonetheless, the preferred option to get from level to level effectively and quick on Siargao is with on a motorcycle.
Motorcycle leases in Siargao usually go from round 300 – 500 pesos a day. We paid 400 throughout a busy interval, you would possibly get fortunate and negotiate it all the way down to lower than 300. We picked ours up from our guesthouse and appreciated the benefit.
Many accommodations or guesthouses could have their very own motorbikes or know somebody that has a motorcycle in order that needs to be your first level of contact for nabbing one. In case you can’t appear to discover a respected bike vendor stroll into any enterprise and they need to have the opportunity that can assist you out.
One last item please for the love of God put on a helmet! We all know it’s not cool to put on, however take into consideration the hospitals on Siargao and their lack of an ER, working room, or any sort of mind harm professional. In case you crash and significantly damage your head you’ll need to be rushed to a different island for therapy. The ONLY time we took off our helmet was for a fast picture just like the one under.
The place to Eat on Siargao Island?
It’s fairly robust to discover a first rate kitchen along with your lodging on Siargao so that you’ll most likely spend most of your time going out to eat. Whereas the Philippines are rightfully not identified for his or her delicacies there are some nice spots to eat on Siargao.
Miguel’s Tacos: This joint makes some scrumptious tacos and burritos for an inexpensive value of round 150 pesos ($3). A good way to fill that afternoon snack.
Kermit Surf Resort: Kermit is the spot on Siargao. They’ve an enormous open restaurant that’s tucked away within the resort with a full bar and Italian meals for a good value.
Harana Surf Resort: Positioned proper at Tuason’s Level we liked the vibe at Harana because it’s laid again with ground seating on bean luggage and serves up some scrumptious meals at a terrific surf spot.
Shaka Cafe: As I mentioned it’s important to strive not less than one smoothie bowl on the Shaka Cafe and benefit from the tropical island vibes.
Mama’s Grill: This grill is a staple for guests and will get tremendous crowded when open. We tried to time it three days in row solely to search out it closed. Lastly on the fourth day after we’d given up did we see it open. Basic.
Sushi Nori: I used to be fairly skeptic to strive sushi or uncooked fish on the island. Nonetheless, they make some nice poke bowls value a cease with contemporary fish.
Common Luna Market: You’ll be able to choose up contemporary fruit and fish on the Common Luna market close to the pier. Get there earlier than midday for contemporary choice!
The place to Keep on Siargao Island
There may be just about just one space to remain on Siargao as virtually all the accommodations, guesthouses, resorts, and hostels are primarily based round Common Luna. Common Luna can also be the place you’ll discover all the eating places, tour operators, bars, and occasional outlets so it is best to go for lodging within the space.
Inside Common Luna, we actually most well-liked the vibe simply out of city up close to the Cloud 9 surf break. The world is a bit more laid again, much less dusty, and you’ve got entry to a incredible dawn spot, bonus in the event you’re seeking to catch some waves. There are many Airbnb’s and accommodations across the space to select from. If it’s your first time utilizing Airbnb you may see our information on easy methods to rating one right here, plus there’s a coupon code!
It’s additionally doable to search out one thing close to Pacifico if you’re after a extra quiet and lad again vibe, however this space has far fewer issues to do.
Accessing Money on Siargao
ATM’s are restricted on Siargao. There are solely two in Common Luna and we discovered that neither of them accepts international Visa playing cards. It’s greatest to have a Mastercard Debit to drag cash out in any other case you’ll need to drive backwards and forwards to Dapa city each time you want money.
We didn’t discover anyplace on the island that accepted bank card, so be certain to have sufficient money on you for the whole lot of your journey. Learn extra about how we entry money overseas right here.
To be protected I’d finances not less than $35-50 a day AFTER your lodging bills right here.
WiFi on Siargao
We hardly ever discovered working WiFi on Siargao – even in our Airbnb that marketed it. We didn’t sweat although, as a result of knowledge is tremendous low cost within the Philippines.
You’ll be able to simply choose up a SIM card in Common Luna for 50 Pesos. From there we paid about 100 Pesos for two GB of information and topped it up as we used it.
Plan and Pack for the Philippines
Rashguard
In case you plan on doing any browsing, snorkeling, diving, or spending a major period of time within the water, it is best to spend money on a rashguard. A rashguard not solely protects you from pores and skin rashes, but in addition retains you heat, and protects from the solar. I journey to all seaside locations with mine from Discover Your Coast. (Use Code ‘theworldpursuit’ for 10% off.
Journey Water Bottle
Plastic air pollution is an issue within the Philippines so it’s greatest to not contribute to the issue shopping for plastic water bottles in every single place – plus the water from the faucets right here is completely protected to drink. We’ve shifted to utilizing an insulated aluminum water bottle because it handles the new solar properly.
Nonetheless, we additionally love filtered water bottles in areas we’re unsure of the water provide. Learn extra about favourite water bottle for journey in our publish.
Mountaineering Sandals
These have been nice to have! You’ll do loads of strolling across the Philippines within the extraordinarily scorching solar. Mountaineering sandals enable on your toes to breathe and they don’t acquire sand when trudging by means of the desert. You guess we’ve reviewed one of the best mountain climbing sandals for vacationers!
Rainbow Sandals
Wish to slot in within the the Philippines? Get your self some Rainbow model sandals, significantly everybody round you can be carrying them – and for cause. They’re uber comfy when you break them in and final endlessly!
Sunscreen
Pores and skin most cancers is for actual! Don’t neglect your SPF when touring across the Philippines. We suggest ordering some on-line earlier than leaving the home as you will have it beneath the solar in the summertime.
Sun shades
Be sure to guard your eyes from the solar. There are loads of choices for sun shades and everybody ought to personal not less than a pair. It’s greatest to ensure they do have UV safety for the well being of your eyes.
Journey Towel
Most accommodations will give you a towel, however they typically aren’t appropriate or allowed on the seashores. I prefer to journey with a microfiber towel as a result of they’re gentle and fold up small, they usually additionally don’t cling on to sand our filth. Listed here are a couple of of our favourite journey towels.
Adapter
Keep in mind that the Philippines makes use of the Kind A, B and C adaptors. Be sure to discover a good common adapter just like the one I’ve to maintain you charged. In any other case, you might be paying for an inexpensive one when you land.
Journey in Asia