13 Incredible Things to Do on Siargao Island in the Philippines

Siargao is a small paradise island located in the east side of the Philippines. This island offers visitors the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation with its’ famous surf breaks, stunning beaches, palm tree forests, tidal pools and so much more.

Come discover all the best things to do and see in Siargao and find out why this tiny island ended up being my favorite in the Philippines!

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WHERE IS SIARGAO ISLAND?

Siargao is a small tear drop shaped island located in the eastern part of the Philippines.

SIARGAO MAP: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO

This Siargao map shows all the best spots on or around the island. Below you will find all the details about the top things to do in Siargao and you can easily save this map to plan your own trip to this paradise island.

13 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO

Siargao is a stunning paradise island that is best discovered by motorbike. Since the island is small it only takes a few hours to get from the southern area of General Luna up to the northern tip. However, you’ll want to fully explore this beautiful island so make sure to give yourself at least three to four days here. We stayed five days and absolutely could have stayed longer! There are many things to do on Siargao that you won’t want to miss.

The Coconut Trees View Point

The island of Siargao is filled with lush forests of coconut palms and beautiful viewpoints. There is one spot in particular where you can see endless rows of coconut trees directly off of Siargao’s main road. On your map you can find it as the Coconut Trees View Deck although you won’t necessarily need to. As you’re driving you’ll be able to easily spot this incredible viewpoint.

There will be a few small fruit stands set up along the road where you can purchase cold drinks or fresh fruit. Small children will also be running around selling bamboo straws so don’t be alarmed if they come up to you after you’ve parked.

The Famous Coconut Tree Road

If you are driving from the south-east part of the island near General Luna up to the north, or vice versa, you will drive right through this famous coconut tree road. Driving south to north along the Siargao Circumferential Road this particular spot will be a one minute drive after the Coconut Tree View Deck.

You can find this exact spot on your map if you type in Coconut Selfie v1. This section of the road is lined with a thick forest of coconut trees and you’ll see plenty of people stopping here for a photo.

» Photo Tip: If you have a drone this is the perfect spot to fly it to capture some incredible shots!

Alegria Beach

Located in the northern tip of Siargao Island, Alegria Beach is a small secluded area which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming or just taking a walk along the white sandy beach. The beach is surrounded by palm trees making it feel even more hidden and secret.

Tak Tak Waterfall

A less than 10 minutes drive from Alegria Beach and you will be at the entrance to Tak Tak Falls. The entry fee for the falls is 25 PHP ($0.50 USD) per person and you will leave your motorbike at the entrance. The walk to the falls is only 300 meters along a paved road.

The waterfall is much smaller that we anticipated and we weren’t very impressed. The water wasn’t as clear and inviting as the nearby beaches so we didn’t swim or stay very long.

Sugba Lagoon

A visit to Sugba Lagoon is one the best things to do in Siargao and one of the activities we wish we had done while we were there. This popular spot is easy to visit on a day trip where you will depart from the Del Carmen Pier located 45 minutes from General Luna. You can either drive yourself to the launch point or take a tour which includes the transfer. The cost is around $30-45 USD depending on if you need a transfer.

The journey from Siargao to the Sugba Lagoon takes around 30-45 minutes with a picturesque drive through the mangroves. Once you arrive to Sugba Lagoon you have 4 hours to swim, kayak, paddleboard and jump from the 5 meter high springboard. From pictures that I have seen this place looks incredible and we will definitely add this to our own itinerary for a return visit to Siargao.

Pacifico Beach

This long stretch of white sand beach is the perfect place to spend a few hours soaking up the sun. The water is warm and crystal clear with a beach surrounded by coconut palm trees. This is the second most popular beach and surfing spot on Siargao Island and you can see many surfers here riding the waves. Located on the east coast, Pacifico Beach is another popular place to stay on the island and you can find many guesthouses and restaurants around this area.

When you arrive at the beach there is a small parking area near picnic benches where you can leave your motorbike. There is a sign posted with a parking fee but we never saw someone to collect the money.

Swim in the Magpupungko Rock Pools

This was one of our favorite spots and is definitely one of the top things to do in Siargao. During low tide these incredible rock pools become visible and you are able to swim in each one of the small pools.

Some of the tidal pools are actually quite deep which is why you’ll see lots of locals jumping from the surrounding rock formations into the pools. If you want to jump be sure to check the depth of the pool to avoid any injury.

The rock pools are usually very crowded with tourists and locals alike. When we visited the tide was very low and we were able to walk along the beach to the other side of the large boulder. On this side there were smaller rock pools but the area was completely empty and there was even a small beach where we could put our stuff and relax.

» Magpupungko Tip: These rock pools are only visible and swimmable during low tide. You can check online to see when it will be low tide here or ask one of the locals.

To visit the Magpupungko rock pools you have to pay 5 PHP ($0.10 USD) to drive down the road, 20 PHP ($0.40 USD) to park a motorbike and 50 PHP ($1 USD) per person to enter.

Visit the Mangrove Village

Driving from the Magpupungko rock pools back towards General Luna you will pass through a unique and beautiful village surrounded by mangroves. There is a small bridge where you can park your motorbike and walk around.

We spent about an hour here admiring the stilt homes and small waterways filled with mangroves. The locals here are very friendly and inquisitive and loved seeing what their village looked like from the drone’s perspective.

The Maasin River Palm Tree Swing

One of the best things to do in Siargao is to try swinging from the palm tree that juts out over the Maasin River. This local spot has gained popularity in recent years and now loads of people are testing their rope swinging skills over this idyllic river.

To reach the Maasin River palm tree swing you will drive along the Siargao Circumferential Road until you reach the red bridge. You can park your motorbike at the D’ Trio Bistro restaurant. From there you’ll walk down alongside the bridge to reach the ticket booth where you’ll pay 20 PHP ($0.40 USD) per person to enter the Maasin River.

I recommend you arrive early since this spot can become pretty crowded after 9 AM!

» Must Read: The Complete Guide to the Maasin River Palm Tree Swing

Go Surfing at Cloud 9 Siargao

Cloud 9 is the famous surfing spot located on the south-east side of Siargao Island. Only a few minutes drive from General Luna and you will find yourself in a sea of surfers trying to catch the best break.

The Cloud 9 surfing area is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the beach. Here you’ll find many small cafes, surfboard rentals and friendly locals ready to offer you a surfing lesson if you are keen to try.

Right next to the beach is a long wooden boardwalk which offers one of the best lookout points to watch the surfers at the Cloud 9 surf break. There is a small fee to enter and walk along the boardwalk.

» Cloud 9 Parking Tip: You can park your motorbike along the side of the main road but ONLY in designated areas. There will be signs posted where you cannot park and be sure to abide by the rules. We saw many people getting fined by the local police for parking in the wrong spot. If you aren’t sure, ask one of the police officers where you can park.

Eat a Smoothie Bowl at Shaka Cafe

While there are many delicious and healthy cafes and restaurants in Siargao, our favorite was the Shaka Cafe. They are located on the beach at Cloud 9 with only outdoor seating and beanbags.

Here you can indulge in a delicious smoothie bowl, juice, coffee or tea while listening to the sounds of the ocean. All of their ingredients are fresh including their tasty homemade granola.

Shaka Cafe also has locations in El Nido at Lio Beach and on Cebu in Moalboal.

Enjoy the Sunset Near the Dapa Harbor

One of our favorite spots to watch the sunset was near the Dapa Harbor located on the south-west side of the island. We found a quiet spot underneath some coconut palm trees to watch the sun go down over the ocean’s horizon. The harbor is filled with traditional Philippine fishing boats in various sizes and colors all parked perfectly waiting for the next days excursions.

You’ll also find lots of local children and families playing together and enjoying the sunset as well.

Go on a Siargao Island Hopping Tour

Another one of the things that we wish we had done while in Siargao was take an island hopping tour to the nearby islands and sandbanks. These tours can be booked either through your guesthouse or at one of the companies in General Luna.

The cost is around $30 USD and you’ll have a private tour. On your day trip you’ll be taken to Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island which are all just a short distance off the coast of General Luna.

HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO ISLAND

There are two ways to arrive at Siargao Island: by ferry and by airplane.

Arriving to Siargao Airport by Plane

For our arrival into Siargao we flew from Coron to Manila to Siargao. This particular flight had a short connection in the Manila Clark airport. We flew with Philippines Airline and the flight was fine except that the flight from Manila to Siargao didn’t include luggage at all. Therefore we had to pay 200 PHP ($4 USD) per kg of luggage we needed to check. You are only allowed 7kg per person for carry on which is included in the airfare.

» Travel Tip: Make sure that there is an option to add checked luggage online when booking your flight. If there is not an option then you will have to pay the high price at the airport or find another flight.

The Siargao Airport is very small and located close to Del Carmen along the Siargao Circumferential Road. Once you arrive you will collect your baggage and exit the airport. Taking a van way the only way to travel from the Siargao airport to town when we were there. It costs 200 PHP ($4 USD) per person and the van will take you directly to your hotel.

Siargao Ferry: Arriving in Siargao by Boat

Taking a ferry to Siargao isn’t recommended unless you have a lot of time or are on a very tight budget. There is no direct ferry from Manila to Siargao and you will have to make at least 2 connections. The entire journey will take close to 40 hours without any delays.

Another option is the overnight ferry from Cebu to Siargao but you would need to make your way to Cebu first. The ferry port in Siargao is located in Dapa. Once you arrive you can either rent a motorbike directly from the port or get a tricycle to take you to your hotel.

HOW TO GET AROUND SIARGAO ISLAND

The best way to get around and explore Siargao is to rent a motorbike or scooter. There are many rental shops around the island or you can rent one from your guesthouse. A motorbike rental costs 350 PHP ($7 USD) per day and included helmets. If they don’t give you a helmet up front just ask!

There is one main road in Siargao called the Siargao Circumferential Road which continues around the entire island. Most of the top things to do in Siargao will be located directly off of either this road or the Dapa-General Luna Rd.

The roads in Siargao are well maintained, wide and not very crowded. In fact, this is where I properly learned how to drive a motorbike since I felt completely comfortable.

SIARGAO WEATHER

The best time of year to visit Siargao is typically from November until April. This is the dry season and the temperatures will be slightly cooler with less chance of rain.

From May until October it will be the rainy season in Siargao. During these months you may experience anything from a light rain to non-stop thunderstorms. Unfortunately, since Siargao has a tropical climate the weather can be unpredictable.

We were in Siargao in October and only experienced one day of light rain early in the morning. We stayed for 5 days and were lucky with sunshine and cooler temperatures in the evening.

No matter what time of year you are in Siargao you will experience a tropical climate so be prepared for the sun, heat and humidity.

WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO

The most popular area to stay in Siargao, Philippines is in the town of General Luna. This is where you will find the majority of guesthouses, restaurants and tourists. General Luna is a convenient place to stay on the island due to its’ close proximity to the Cloud 9 surf break and easy access to many of the highlights on Siargao.

The second most popular spot to stay in Siargao is near Pacifico Beach because it is nearby another epic surfing spot. There are many Siargao hotels and accommodations at various price points which cater to most budgets. We did feel that the Philippines in general is slightly more expensive than other SE Asian countries but is still a very budget friendly country.

You can find the full list of available accommodations on Siargao Island HERE. 

INTERNET ACCESS IN SIARGAO

Like most of the smaller islands in the Philippines, the internet access is quite limited. Do not expect to have great service regardless of your service provider or wifi. There will be spots on the island where you will have a decent connection and then other parts where you will have no service at all.

Our guesthouse, as well as many on the island, offer free wifi. However, the wifi is incredibly slow and when multiple people are trying to connect you most likely won’t even be able to load a page.

There are two main cell phone providers in the Philippines: Smart and Globe. We used Smart for the duration of our time in the Philippines and had a pretty limited connection on the smaller islands. I would highly recommend downloading an offline version of Google Maps or Maps.me to use for the duration of your time in Siargao Island.

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