- A guide to Siargao -

Voted the best island in the world

Rated as the number 1. island in the world, Siargao is PARADISE. I was lucky to call this island my home for a full month last year. It turned out to be the best month of my life. 

Siargao was formerly known for being a surf mecca where thrill-seekers from all over the world gathered to ride what is ranked the 8th best wave in the world. But in recent years people have really opened their eyes - for not just the surfing - but for the beautiful 48 islands and islets that makes up Siargao. It is simply an adventure filled area waiting to get discovered. From beautiful lagoons, white sand beaches, tropical island to palm trees and enchanted rivers, I can clearly see why this island is the best in Asia.    

Visting Siargao Island

The best time to visit Siargao really depends on what you intend to do while visiting. If your plan is to go surfing then the best month to visit is August to November. If you are like me, and loves to do a bit of everything without being interrupted by heavy rain, then dry season March to October is the best time to go. 

Getting to Siargao is easy. Thai Airways has direct flights from Bangkok to Manila and from there, local companies will fly you out to the Island. There are direct flights from Manila and Cebu going multiple times a day. 

Once arriving at the airport in Siargao,  vans waiting to pick you up, driving you to your destination. Most people stay in General Luna. I highly recommend you booking your stay in this town. 

There is also a possibility of an overnight ferry going from Cebu to Surigao then to Dapa (Siargao). 

Siargao island is a relatively big island where General Luna is the town where everything is happening. The town of General Luna is quite spread out, and getting from A to B can take time if walking. You can take a tricycle around town but I highly recommend you renting a motorbike for your whole stay. This will also be in great use once you start exploring the Island. There are also other towns located around this island but you will only find local people living here. Great for visiting during your day tours around the island. 

Watch My video from Siargao Island:

Awesome thing to do while visiting Siargao

The list over things to do in Siargao is long. I Spent 30 days on this Island and still feel like there is more to see. With that being said, you can do a lot in a week or two. 

I divided this guide into 5 parts.

- Part ONE is boat trips around the Island. 

- Part TWO (skip to #8)  and THREE ( skip to #14) are two different Road trip suggestions. 

- Part four (skip to #18) is things to do around General Luna. 

- Part five is visiting Sohoton. 

PART ONE

#1 NAKED ISLAND

#2 DAKU ISLAND 

#3 GUYAM ISLAND

#4 CORREGIDOR ISLAND

#5 SUGBA LAGOON

#6 KAWHAGAN ISLAND

#7 MAMON ISLAND

PART TWO 

#8 THE SEA OF PALMS & THE PALM TREE ROAD

#9 VISIT THE FAMOUS PALM TREE SWING

#10 VISIT THE TAYANGBAN CAVE POOL

#11 VISIT MAGPUPUNKO ROCK POOLS

#12 VISIT PACIFICO

#13 VISIT THE LIGHTHOUSE 

PART THREE 

#14 VISIT THE COCONUT FARM 

#15 VISIT SANTA FE

#16 VISIT LIBERTAD

#17 VISIT CABITOONAN

PART FOUR

#18 VISIT CLOUD 9 

#19 VISIT MALINO 

#20 VISIT SIARGAO WAKE PARK

#21 VISIT DAPA TOWN

PART FIVE 

#22 SOHOTON COVE

Go on a Boat trip

The Islands surrounding Siargao is just as stunning as the main Island. Going on a boat trip is a favorite amongst everyone who visit. 

The most popular tour is the three Island tour or the Siargao Island tour as it is often called. On this tour you stop by the three nearby islands,Naked, Daku and Guyam Island. On these tours the boat normally takes a longer stop at Daku Island for lunch. 

Another favorite is to visit Corregidor Island. 

Arranging your preferred tour is very easy. Most hostels do the three Island tour as a part of their weekly schedule. If you are staying somewhere else, then just make your way down to the pier in General Luna and you will be approached by boatmen who is offering to take you where ever you want to go. One boat can normally fit 6-8 people and the price is around 1500 pesos for the full day.

More info on the different locations down bellow. 

#1 Naked Island

Naked Island is located around 20 min boat ride from Siargao Island. The name of the Island kind of gives it away as there is nothing growing on the Island. The Island is naked! It is basically big sandbar i the middle of the ocean. 

Since there is nothing on the Island, the only thing you do here is chill in the warm water. With that being said it is a cool site and worth a visit. 

#2 Daku Island

The next stop on the three island tour is Daku island. Daku means big and this is the biggest of the three. This island is one of the most beautiful Island I've ever visited. On the three Island tour this is the place where they prepare lunch while you explore the island or just chill in the insanely clear and blue water. The beach is one of the best I ever experienced. What makes it so good is not only the perfect beach, but the small hut's located along the beach backed by a massive palm tree forrest. absolutely fell in love this Island and therefore ended up going back a bunch of times. 

This Island is perfect if you want to celebrate something with your friend. I was invited to join a birthday party here and we brought with us great food and drinks. It ended up being one of the best days of my stay in Siargao.  

PRO TIP: Bring fresh food from the market in General Luna and the local people will prepare it for a small fee while you enjoy the beach. They also sell refreshing coconuts, water and soda on the Island.

The Amazing beach at Daku Island

#3 Guyam Island

Guyam Island is the last stop on the three Island tour. Guyam means small and it is the smallest of the islands. This Island is what you see in the magazines. It is so tiny that you can walk around it in a couple of minutes with coconut trees in the middle. It is hard to explain really how pretty this Island is. Tropical paradise are fitting words. Just have a look at the photos down below. 

# 4 Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island is an Island located 45 min boat ride from General Luna. With a similar beach as Daku Island, this Island is less developed and you wont find anything to buy here. Even though they don't sell anything here, this island has much more to offer than the other islands.

Here you will find pretty beaches on every corner, a small interesting village and the most important reason why so many people choose to go here, it has an elevation. That means you can do some hiking here. A 30 min hike will take you to the most unique landscape with long grass and palm trees spread across a big area. This spot is absolutely beautiful. 

# 5 Visit Sugba Lagoon

One of the coolest things you can do while in Siargao is definitely to visit the Sugba lagoon. This full day trip takes you through some really unique landscapes, unlike anything you have ever seen before. This is one of the most popular tours in Siargao, so I recommend you the go early, especially of you like taking photos. You also have the option of combining the Sugba lagoon tour with a couple other islands in the area.  

There are a couple of ways to arrange your Sugba lagoon tour. : 

Option 1: Book your tour through a tour company located in General Luna. They will then take care of everything for you. 

Option 2: Sugba lagoon is located just outside of another town call Del Carmen. This second option is the one I did, and it requires you to drive your motorbike to Del Carmen on your own. The drive is 1-2 hours depending on your speed. Once in Del Carmen, head over to the pier where the ticket office is located. Each boat can fit up to 6 people and the price is set to 1500 pesos for the standar tour. The ticket office opens at 0800 AM so I recommend being there in good time before that as there will be a line. I was on the first boat out and got to enjoy the lagoon all to myself. 

WHAT TO DO: 

Once at Sugba Lagoon, a house has been built on the water where you can rent tables for 50 pesos. This is the place where you can leave your stuff where you go enjoy the lagoon. With that being said, there are lots of activities to try out here.  You can rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and bamboo rafts. You will also find the epic diving board with the most beautiful background ever. 

If you are a little adventurous I recommend you to explore the nearby lagoon as well. Here you will find a 10 meter high diving board built into a tree. I must say it seemed like way more than 10 meters if you as me! Such a scary climb haha! 

After a fun time at Sugba Lagoon my boat went on to visit Kawhagan Island.

# 6 Kawhagan Island

# 8 Mamon Island

One of the most picturesque island especially if you have a drone is Mamon Island. Located far from Siargao Island this is definitely a getaway place. The water is super clear making it perfect for snorkeling. There is absolutely nothing on this island except for a few local people living here, so make sure you bring your own drinks and food. 

The island is located 1,5 - 2 hours boat ride from General Luna. 

Drone shot of the islands

Go on a road trip

Going on a road trip is one of the best things you can do in Siargao. If you just want to visit some local villages, walk amongst palm trees or simply find your own beach. You can either join one of the land tours or simply go on your own. I highly recommend renting a motorbike and just exploring on your own. The roads on Siargao are brand new making it a dream to drive on. 

Renting a motorbike costs around 300-400 pesos for day, but good deals can be made if you want to rent more days. This all depends on your negotiation skills. Petrol can be found all over the island in glass bottles sold in front of small shops and houses by the road. The prices are around 30-60 pesos for 1 liter depending on where you are on the Island. 

Road trip Suggestion #1

One way to spend your day is driving north stopping at hotspots such as : The Sea of Palms, The Famous palm tree swing, Tayangban cave Pool, Magpupunko Rock Pools and Pacifico. 

Road trip Suggestion #2

This road trip will take you to some less known spots of the Island. Here you get to see how the locals live their everyday life. 

More info on the different locations down below. 

Road trip Suggestion #1

#8 The Sea of Palms & Palm tree road

Going anywhere north on the Island you are passing this spot. If your plans are to check out the palm tree swing, Tayangban cave pool, Magpupunko rock pools, Pacifico or Alegria beach you will surely see this spot. It is located around a 20-30 min drive from General Luna and sure is a mighty sight. Overlooking thousands of palm trees it is one of the best viewpoint on the Island.

This spot is also good for both sunrise and sunset. 

Continuing down the road toward Magpupunko you will see a long stretch of road. This is the location of the famous palm tree road photos.

The Sea of Palms

Road trip Suggestion #1

#9 Visit the famous palm tree swing

This is probably the most famous palm tree in the entire world, and I can completely understand why. The location and the scenery just can't be beaten. This particular palm tree is bending over the river making it into something taken out of a dream. Attached to the palm tree is a rope which serves as a big swing.

Climbing the palm tree is hard but the locals are happy to assist you in any way. There is also possible to rent a small boat taking you down the river. A cool looking boat which looks good in photos as well. It is the perfect spot for a fun time, or if you want some cool photos. 

Like every hotspot, it does get crowded during the day, so I do recommend getting up early if you want to avoid the crowd. The Palm tree swing is located around a 30 min drive from General Luna. 

Having fun at the palm tree swing

Road trip Suggestion #1

#10 Visit Tayangban Cave Pool

Tayangban cave pool is located 35 min drive from General Luna. That means about a 5 min drive from the Palm tree swing. You will see a big sign on the right side of the road. 

Tayangban Cave Pool is a cave that offers something different than the usual cave. In this cave you will be guided in total darkness while you are waist down in the water holding on to a rope. 

You can see and hear the bats flying above your head. Once though the cave you will reach an open spot where there is a small pool.

If you like cliff diving you can actually jump from 7 meters and into the small pool here. There is also a smaller 2 meter jump here. 

Tip: Unless you don't have a wet bag leave your bag with the staff by the entrance. 

Road trip Suggestion #1

#11 Visit Magpupunko Rock Pools

Magpupunko Rock Pools is probably the most popular spot in Siargao. The rock pools are natural formed pools that fills up with water during high tide and becomes awesome swimming pools during low tide. 

If you are thinking about heading here, you will be passing the Sea of Palms, the palm tree road, the palm tree swing and Tayangban Cave so you might as well make this a full day trip. 

Planning your trip to Magpupunko rock pools make sure to check the tidal schedule as the pools are not accessible during high tide. The area is totally closed off during high tide so you wont even be able to see the big rock located next to the pools. The tide changes every single day so make sure you plan ahead before you go. The times can be checkedhere, or by asking local people living in General Luna. 

The entrance fee is 50 pesos which is around 1 dollar, plus 20 pesos for parking if you came with a motorbike. 

WHAT TO DO: 

Visiting the Rock Pools is a lot of fun. Once inside the area there is a long strip of beach filled with restaurants if you ever feel like having a snack. After a 5 min walk along the shore you will reach the Rock Pools. The pools are filled with crystal clear water and there are also couple of big rocks you can easily climb and jump from. 

A tip is to keep walking past the first pools and past the BIG rock as there are more pools located there with fewer people around. 

The Rock Pools from above

Road trip Suggestion #1

#12 Pacifico

One of my favorite places on Siargao Island got to be Pacifico. Pacifico is the definition of tropical paradise with its pretty beached backed with coconut trees all the way. Hidden between the coconut trees is the small surf town of Pacifico that stretches along the beautiful beach of Pacifico. Here you will only find a small amount of resorts and homestays. This is where you go to relax and get away from it all. 

Pacifico is located a 1 hour drive from General Luna. If you are thinking about heading here, you will be passing the Sea of Palms, the palm tree road, the palm tree swing,  Tayangban Cave and the Magpupunko Rock Pools so you might as well make this a full day trip or spend one night in Pacifico waking up in Paradise ready for a new day. 

WHAT TO DO: 

Even though Pacifico is a place you go to relax under the coconut trees on the beach, there are a few thing to do here. 

- I highly recommend checking out the Pacifico Beach Resort. Here you can relax in hammocks and you must not forget to eat at their restaurant. The food is organic and all fresh grown at their farm located on the Island, it is just absolutely delicious.

- Pacifico also has one of the best surf breaks on the Island. I got told that this is a place for experts only as the tides are strong over the shallow reef. Still very chill to relax on the beach while the surfers do their thing. 

- Climb the cliff at Pacifico. Located just next to the Pacifico Beach Resort is a small cliff with a good view overlooking the beach and the ocean. 

- Climb the abandoned lighthouse. On the far north of Pacifico beach is an old abandoned light house. From the end of the beach there is a small trail leading to the lighthouse. There is steps on the outside of the lighthouse bringing you to the top. Here you can enjoy the spectacular view overlooking the ocean, the Island and the pretty town of Pacifico. 

- One of the most relaxing things you can do in Pacifico is spend your afternoon in one of the many hammocks while the sun slowly goes down. 

Road trip Suggestion #1

#13 Visit The Lighthouse

On the far north of Pacifico beach is an old abandoned light house. From the end of the beach there is a small trail leading to the lighthouse. There is steps on the outside of the lighthouse bringing you to the top. Here you can enjoy the spectacular view overlooking the ocean, the Island and the pretty town of Pacifico. 

If you are on a road trip around Siargao Island I highly recommend you to stop by the lighthouse located in Pacifico. Pacifico is located a 1 hour drive from General Luna. If you are thinking about heading here, you will be passing the Sea of Palms, the palm tree road, the palm tree swing,  Tayangban Cave and the Magpupunko Rock Pools so you might as well stop by the lighthouse if you are visiting Pacifico or if you are on your way north. 

Road trip Suggestion #2

# 14 Visit the Coconut Farm

In the small town of ,,, actually I could not find any name for this small town. It is located near Santa Cruz but on the west side of the bay. That means you take a left on the intersection instead of going towards Santa Cruz. Look for Seawave Cafe on your map. You will arrive at a small town where only local people live. There is also a coconut farm here, so when I arrived they where drying the coconut on the streets. A cool small town to walk around in. 

There are also some pretty beautiful rice fields in the area so make sure you get off your bike and explore a bit. 

It was very nice getting off the beaten path and seing how the people live without being affected by tourism. 

Getting here might take you 40minute to 1 hour depending on the road. When I visited the roads where not very good and we had to go slow. If you are planning a trip here it is perfect to also add Santa Fe, Libertad and Cabitoonan in as they are close by. 

Road trip Suggestion #2

# 15 Visit Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a small quiet town located on the east side of Siargao. There is not much to do here except chill on the beach. There are a couple of hotels and resorts in this area and it seems like a place you can go to get away from the crowds.

We found a cool small bar right by the main road next to the beach. The beach is beautiful but unfortunately a bit rocky a few meters out. With that being said, this is a good place to stop for a drink if you are on a road trip in this area. 

Driving here takes around 40 min and the road is good all the way. It is a fun drive, and if you come this far I would highly recommend that you keep going to next two towns Libertad and Cabitoonan.

Road trip Suggestion #2

# 16 Visit Libertad

This small town holds one of my best memories from my time in Siargao. With no expectation I arrived in a small town totally untouched by tourism. They called me mister americano haha! I was traveling with a friend of mine who speaks Filipino(Tagalog) but still we could not understand a word of what they where saying. Pretty unique! 

Spend some time walking around this small town and I am sure you will experience something good! The people here are very happy and welcoming! 

Driving to Libertad takes around 45 minutes from General Luna and its perfect to combine with the Coconut farm, Santa Fe and Cabitoonan. 

Road trip Suggestion #2

# 17 Visit Cabitoonan

Arriving to Cabitoonan you will notice that this is where the road ends. Driving here you will pass Santa Fe and Libertad and you will now experience a big contrast to all the nice things this Islands has to offer. This is actually where they dump a lot of the trash. Driving towards the end of the road you can actually see General Luna from across the bay, and the closer you get to the water, the more trash you will pass. 

Siargao has in the last couple of year exploded when it comes to people visiting the Island, and so has the amount of trash. Even though Siargao has implemented some really good rules when it comes to trash and single use plastic, more people always equals more trash. Visiting Cabitoonan makes you think and maybe open your eyes.  

Even though the town of Cabitoonan is located next to a trash yard the people here where super friendly and happy to see us visiting their small town. 

Around General Luna

# 18 Visit Cloud 9

Around General Luna

# 19 Visit Malinao

Malino is a small spot just a 10 minute drive from General Luna. On a small strip of road, this is where you find some of the most luxurious hotels on the Island. With that being said, this area is incredibly beautiful. If you are down for a picnic, sunset or just a nice walk on the beach by yourself, this is the spot.

The best spot is located by the end of the road. When the road stops, you can head down to the beach and walk past the big luxurious hotels.

Instead of heading straight down to the beach keep walking straight till it stops. Here you find a small lagoon, an unfinished bridge and an amazing beach overlooking the mangrove forest on the other side by the river. This area is just stunning. The ground is covered in nice grass so it is perfect for a picnic right by the beach. 

The beach at Malinao

Around General Luna

# 20 Visit Siargao Wake park

One of the must fun things you can do in Siargao is try out your wakeboard skills. A 20 minute drive from General Luna in the middle of the coconut forest you will find Siargao Wake Park. Be ready for an adrenaline filled day wakeboarding. I went with a group of people and we rented the park for 2 hours. 

Even though some of the people in the group, including me, had never tried wakeboarding before, everyone managed to get up on the board and do a couple of laps. We had such a fun day. 

You can find more information about the park here:

Good times at Siargao Wake Park

# 21 Visit Dapa town

Dapa Town is the biggest town on Siargao Island. Driving from General Luna to Dapa takes around 20 minutes. When I visited Siargao, this was the only place they had an ATM, so I ended up stopping by this city quite often. (I heard rumors that they now have one ATM in General Luna as well)

In Dapa you can walk around and do some small shopping, mostly grocery. They also have some good local food here. Other than that It is good to get away from the touristy spots and see how life works for an everyday filipino living on Siargao Island. 

# 22 Visit SOHOTON

Sohoton is one of those places you have to see to believe. Made out of a series of lagoons, lakes and caves you will find Bucas Grande also known as Sohoton Cove. Where the water varies from Dark Blue to light green this is truly a place out of this world. 

There are several ways to visit Sohoton. You can either stay overnight og do a day tour from General Luna(Siargao Island) Either way you will have a great time visiting Sohoton Cove. 

How to get there: 
You can fly to Surigao and make your way to Hayanggaban Port where there will be boats taking you directly to Sohoton Cove. 

OR

If you are in Siargao there are tours going from General Luna taking you directly to Sohoton and back the same day. However I do recommend spending one night in Sohoton as you will have time to relax in one of the lagoons the day before you big tour around Sohoton Cove. 

If you decide to stay in one of the resorts located in Sohoton you can either book your pickup through them or go on your own which normally is a lot cheaper. You will then have to take a boat from Dapa to Socorro and then arrange a boat from Socorro going to your chosen destination. 

The boat from Dapa to Socorro is around 130 pesos and takes one hour.  They have 5 trips every day leaving at : 7AM, 10AM, 1PM, 2PM and 3PM. 

Where to Stay: 

If you decide spend the night in Sohoton then stay at the picturesque Club Tara Resort. With is unique location you will have unlimited access to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Staying here will also give you unlimited access to paddle boards and kayaks which makes up for a good adventure around the nearby lagoons. Club Tara can also arrange your tour around Sohoton on a private boat. 

What to do: 

To really experience Sohoton you have to sign up for the Bucas Grande tour which will take you to the coolest spots around Sohoton. It is a full day tour which takes you to some cool caves, cliff diving spots and the famous jellyfish lagoon.

Note: The Jellyfish lagoon is not always full of jellyfish so make sure you visit at the right time of year if you want to see them. There will always be som jellyfish though not that many in low season. The peak season is from April to May. 

Prices for the tours varies in terms of the packages you choose to get but normally the price for the tour should be around $50. 

If you have any question feel free to message me on Instagram @Iverp

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