Siargao is the Philippines' surf mecca and a rapidly growing digital nomad hotspot. Cloud 9 is one of Asia's best waves, but even non-surfers love the turquoise rock pools, palm-lined roads, and laid-back cafe culture. The island has exploded in popularity over the past few years and is starting to feel like a mini-Bali -- think Canggu six or seven years ago. It is excellent for 1-3 month stays if you can handle the limited infrastructure, occasional power outages, and island-priced groceries. Here is everything you need to know before booking that flight.
Quick Info
Getting There
Siargao's Sayak Airport (IAO) is located in Del Carmen, roughly a 45-minute drive from General Luna where most travelers base themselves. Direct flights from Manila take about 2 hours on Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific, while flights from Cebu are closer to 1 hour. There are also flights from Clark via Sunlight Air at around 2.5 hours.
Fair warning on airfares: Siargao flights have become notoriously expensive. Manila round-trips can run anywhere from PHP 4,000 to well over PHP 30,000 depending on the season, and during peak months they sometimes cost more than international flights. Book as far in advance as possible. Cebu flights are more reasonable at PHP 2,500-4,500 roundtrip.
Once you land at Sayak, shared vans run to General Luna for about PHP 400 per person. Book your airport transfer at least 24 hours ahead to avoid waiting around. An alternative route is to fly into Surigao City on the mainland and take a passenger boat over to the island, which is cheaper but adds significant travel time.
Surfing — Cloud 9 and Beyond
Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is Siargao's crown jewel -- a world-class right-hand barrel that breaks over a shallow reef shelf. It is consistently ranked among Asia's best waves and has hosted international surf competitions for decades. The best swells roll in from August through November, when the northeast monsoon produces powerful, hollow waves that attract experienced surfers from around the globe.
There is a daily entrance fee of PHP 100 to access Cloud 9, or you can buy a 15-day pass for PHP 750 or a monthly pass for PHP 1,500. The boardwalk and viewing platform are great spots to watch the action even if you are not paddling out.
Beginner Spots
If you are just learning, skip Cloud 9 during swell season and head to Jacking Horse, which is right next to Cloud 9. It has slow, forgiving waves that are surfable year-round and is where most surf schools hold their lessons. During the calmer summer months (March-June), even Cloud 9 mellows out enough for intermediate surfers to give it a go.
Surf Schools and Prices
Surf lessons typically cost PHP 500-1,000 per hour, which includes a board and an instructor. Board rental on its own runs about PHP 150 per hour if you just want to paddle out solo. Several reputable schools operate in the area:
- Kermit Siargao Surf School — ISA-certified instructors Eloy and Jong, operating since 2010
- Fat Lips Surf School — private and small-group coaching
- Marco Surf School — located at the Jacking Horse area, great for beginners
- Harana Surf School — ISA-certified coaches
- VAN Surf Camp — instructors certified by Siargao Island Surfers Association
- L&Y Jacking Horse Beginner's Surf Shop — Jacking Horse Trail, Catangnan
Non-Surf Activities
Siargao has plenty to offer even if you never touch a surfboard. Some of the best days on the island are spent hopping between lagoons, rock pools, and sandbars.
Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon is on Caob Island, about a 45-minute drive from General Luna to Del Carmen followed by a 20-minute boat ride. The water is an almost unreal shade of turquoise and you can kayak, paddleboard, or just float around. Joiner tours run PHP 1,500-1,900 per person. If you go independently, expect an entrance fee of PHP 100, a PHP 50 environmental fee, and kayak rental at PHP 300 (or PHP 500 for the transparent kayaks everyone photographs).
Magpupungko Rock Pools
These natural tidal pools are one of Siargao's most photogenic spots, but they come with a major caveat: you must visit at low tide. The pools literally disappear when the tide comes in, so check tide charts before making the trip. Entrance is PHP 50-100. The crystal-clear pools are perfect for swimming and the surrounding rock formations are stunning.
Island Hopping — Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island
The classic Siargao island-hopping tour hits three islands: Naked Island (a bare sandbar with zero shade -- bring sunscreen), Daku Island (larger, with palm trees and local food stalls), and tiny Guyam Island (picture-perfect palm-fringed islet). Joiner tours cost around PHP 1,500 per person for the three-island circuit. Combined Sugba Lagoon plus Magpupungko private tours run PHP 2,500-3,000 per person.
Coconut Palm Road
The famous coconut-lined road near the Maasin River area is one of the most photographed stretches in all of the Philippines. Tall coconut palms form a perfect canopy over the road, and it is best enjoyed on a motorbike or bicycle in the early morning light. No entrance fee -- just show up and ride through.
Digital Nomad Scene
Siargao has become the digital nomad hub of the Philippines, and the community is growing fast. If you are planning to work remotely here, base yourself in General Luna. That is where all the coworking spaces, cafes with stable internet, and the social scene live. Within General Luna, you can stay right in town near Tourism Road or in the quieter Santa Fe neighborhood a short drive away.
Coworking Spaces
- Coco Space — the standout option. Runs on solar power and Starlink, so even when the rest of Siargao is dealing with power cuts, Coco Space stays online. Open coworking areas, conference rooms, focus rooms, and call spaces. Day pass PHP 500 (~$8), monthly membership PHP 7,000 (~$120)
- Alter Space — budget-friendly coworking with solid internet and a cozy local feel. Most centrally located option in General Luna, not far from Cloud 9
- Lexias Hostel & Workspace — fully equipped coworking space with wifi speeds of 100-200 Mbps and wide windows with lots of natural light
Cafes with WiFi
If you prefer working from a cafe, Bravo Beach Resort has solid WiFi and is right near Cloud 9. Shaka Siargao is another popular choice in the same area. Ohm Cafe has fast WiFi plus pool access and actively encourages remote workers.
Internet Reality Check
Let's be honest: Siargao internet has improved dramatically since Starlink arrived in 2023, but it is not Cebu or Manila. Stable broadband is limited to General Luna and Dapa. Smaller barangays still rely on mobile data, where Smart tends to outperform Globe for speeds. The biggest issue is that power outages cut Starlink unless your property has a backup generator. Heavy rain also causes brief signal drops. If you have Zoom calls you absolutely cannot miss, make sure your accommodation has generator backup or work from Coco Space.
Coliving Options
Communal Coliving is a popular choice that includes Coco Space access, over 100 monthly community activities, and a WhatsApp group to meet other nomads. Nomadico is another coliving option worth checking out. The annual Nomads In Paradise event (held in October) is the largest digital nomad gathering on the island.
Getting Around
There is no Grab or any ride-hailing app on Siargao. The island runs on two wheels and negotiation skills.
A motorbike or scooter rental is essentially mandatory for getting around. Daily rates run PHP 350-400, and if you rent monthly you will pay around PHP 4,500. E-bikes are also available at PHP 400-600 per day. Make sure you have a valid license and wear a helmet -- police checkpoints do happen.
Habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are everywhere if you do not want to drive yourself. Fares are negotiated per ride and are generally cheap for short trips. Shared vans also shuttle between the beaches and inland attractions, but schedules are loose.
Cost of Living in Siargao Island (2026)
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $250–500 |
| Local Restaurant Meal | $2–4 |
| Western Restaurant Meal | $5–12 |
| Coffee | $2–3 |
| Monthly Transport | $40–80 (motorbike rental) |
| Internet (Fiber) | $15–25 (variable quality) |
| Total Comfortable Budget | $900–1,400 |
Where to Stay
Almost everyone stays in or near General Luna, specifically along Tourism Road where you will find the highest concentration of restaurants, bars, and surf shops. Here is a breakdown by budget:
Budget Hostels ($8-40/night)
Siargao has a solid hostel scene. Dorm beds start around $8-16 per night, with private rooms in hostels running $20-40. Some standouts:
- Hostel Bajala Siargao — rated 9.3 on Booking.com, from $16/night
- Vedya Boutique Hostel — rated 8.9, from $17/night
- Kawayan Hostel — from $23/night
- Yes Surf Siargao — from $27/night, great for surfers
- Haole Surf Hostel — rated a perfect 10, from $37/night
- Hang Loose Hostel — from $40/night
Mid-Range & Boutique ($40-100/night)
- Big Waves Boutique Hotel — 4-minute walk to General Luna Beach
- Soultribe Beach Retreat — pool, free bikes, private beach area
- Las Palmas Villas and Casitas — pool, garden, terrace
- INARA Siargao — garden, restaurant on-site
- Tropical Temple Siargao Resort — from $69/night
Luxury
- Dedon Island Resort — overwater luxury, outdoor pool
- Nay Palad Hideaway — ultra-exclusive, world-class
Prices spike on weekends and during peak surf season (September-November), so book ahead if you are visiting during those months.
Food & Nightlife
Siargao's food scene has come a long way from just local carinderias. There is genuinely good dining here now, from wood-fired pizza to 7-course tasting menus.
Where to Eat
- Kermit Surf Resort — the original. Famous for wood-fired Italian pizza and authentic carbonara. BOGO happy hour cocktails make this a regular spot for most visitors
- Bravo Beach Resort — Spanish tapas, patatas bravas, chicken teriyaki skewers, pomada cocktails. DJs spinning every night
- Bayani at Harana Surf Resort — arguably the best Filipino restaurant on the island, Mindanao-inspired dishes
- Roots — the only tasting menu restaurant on the island. 7 courses blending Peruvian, Mexican, and Italian influences with local ingredients. A genuine fine dining experience
- Cev — best ceviche and kinilaw (fresh seafood) on Siargao
- HabHab — open 24/7, famous for the best sisig in Siargao. Your go-to for late-night eats
Nightlife
Siargao nightlife revolves around a handful of spots in General Luna:
- Bravo — the epicenter. Beachfront DJs every night, this is where everyone ends up
- Kermit — vibrant evening scene with drink specials and a social crowd
- White Banana — bohemian vibe, sustainability events, film screenings
- Jungle Disco — open-air party spot outside General Luna, the late-night option
- Kudo Surf Cafe — poetry slams and acoustic nights for a mellower evening
- Weekly night markets in General Luna — street food, artisanal crafts, live bands
Best Neighborhoods
- General Luna — the main hub. Everything you need is here: restaurants, bars, coworking spaces, and proximity to Cloud 9
- Cloud 9 area — slightly quieter than central GL, walking distance to the surf break
- Santa Fe — a quieter neighborhood a short drive from GL, popular with longer-stay nomads
- Dapa — the town proper on the other side of the island. More local, less touristy, home to the hospital
- Pacifico — north end, remote and uncrowded, advanced surf spot
Honest Downsides
Siargao is beautiful, but it is not for everyone. Here is what nobody puts in the Instagram captions:
- Power outages are a real problem. Siargao had a 10-11 day blackout in late 2024 caused by a 30-year-old submarine cable failure. Recurring shorter outages continued through 2025. Some businesses report losses of PHP 100,000 per incident. If reliable electricity matters for your work, confirm your accommodation has a backup generator before you book
- Internet is better but still unreliable. Starlink helped a lot since 2023, but it depends on power supply. Mobile data slows to a crawl at peak hours, and heavy rain causes signal drops. This is not the place for mission-critical video calls
- Healthcare is very limited. The hospital is in Dapa, far from General Luna. For anything serious, you will need to fly to the mainland. Get comprehensive travel insurance before you come
- Flights are expensive. Airfares to Siargao are notoriously high and sometimes cost more than international flights. This is a small airport with limited competition
- Everything costs more. Groceries, imported goods, and dining are all pricier than mainland Philippines because everything ships in. Budget accordingly
- ATMs run out of cash. This happens frequently, especially on weekends. Bring enough pesos from the mainland or have a backup plan
- Rainy season (June-October) can put a damper on daily plans and reduces overall tourism activity
- Infrastructure strain. Roads were not designed for the current traffic volume, and increasing theft reports in tourist-heavy areas are a growing concern
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