22 Epic Things to Do on Siargao Island: Travel Guide

Siargao Island is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. But, what you might not know is that Siargao is also a hotspot for adventure, with plenty more things to do besides just surfing!

Here, you’ll find loads of epic activities from exploring blue-water lagoons, waterfalls, palm tree-lined rivers, caves, cenotes, rock pools, and some epic viewpoints!

In this Siargao Island travel guide, I’ll arm you with everything you’ll need to know to have an epic island trip, whether you come here to surf, party, or adventure! I spent over a month exploring the island and have hand-picked all of the top attractions for you based on my experience.

5. Stop By Kawhagan Island

Kawhagan Island is another epic little sandbar island covered with coconut palm trees. There's an awesome sand spit that is perfect for swimming, relaxing or watching the sunset.

You can book a private tour to Kawhagan Island from General Luna, or combine it with a trip to Sugba Lagoon.

Tip: If you're jumping on the Sugba Lagoon trip above, then you'll also get to visit Kawhagan Island.

7. Explore the Maasin River By Kayak (New Jump Tower)

The Maasin River is known for its bent palm tree swing. It was a Siargao icon for many years but has sadly fallen.

However, visiting the Maasin River is still a good idea. Now, locals have set up a jumping platform and you can rent a boat to explore hidden pools upstream!

This spot is located on the Maasin River, less than half an hour from General Luna. There are also a few locals around who will offer you a boat trip up the river and to use their bamboo raft for a small fee.

8. Stay at Kermit Resort

The Kermit Surf Resort on Siargao is one of the most popular and chill places to stay in General Luna. While I didn't stay here, I'll have to be honest and say that I stopped by a few times and was a bit envious.

These guys run tours and promote eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives on the island. Kermit also runs the most popular surf schools in General Luna.

9. Go Surfing (Or Learn to Surf)

If this Siargao travel guide ranked things to do on the island in order, then this would have to be number one. Surfing is by far the most popular thing to do on the island and there are loads of great breaks from pro to beginner.

I'm not a big surfer and therefore I can't comment much on the spots. However, taking some advice from some who are, some of the best surf spots on Siargao Island include:

• Jacking Horse - Ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers, Jacking Horse offers playful waves near the famous Cloud 9, making it a great spot for surf lessons and longboarders.
• Guiuan - Known for its crystal-clear waters and consistent waves, Guiuan is a hidden gem on the eastern side of Siargao, offering challenging breaks for more experienced surfers seeking solitude.
• Quicksilver - A fast, challenging wave located close to Cloud 9, Quicksilver is perfect for surfers looking for quick rides and the thrill of short, powerful breaks.
• Bumee - A lesser-known spot that promises uncrowded sessions, Bumee offers gentle waves suitable for those looking to practice their skills.
• Daku Reef - Offers a mix of intermediate to advanced waves breaking over a stunning coral reef, making it a favorite for surfers who enjoy a challenging yet beautiful surfing experience.
• Pilar - This spot is renowned for its consistent, smooth waves, making it ideal for surfers of all levels. Pilar's welcoming local community and vibrant surfing scene add to its appeal.
• Cloud 9 Siargao - The most famous surf spot in Siargao, Cloud 9 provides world-class barreling right-hand waves, attracting professional surfers and hosting international surfing competitions.
• Tuason’s Point - Offering powerful left-hand breaks, Tuason’s Point is best suited for experienced surfers seeking adrenaline-pumping sessions. Its location offers stunning views and a less crowded alternative to Cloud 9.
• Pacifico - Located on the northeastern coast of Siargao, Pacifico is known for its long, peeling waves ideal for both longboarding and shortboarding. Its pristine beach and laid-back atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for surfers looking for both challenge and relaxation.

While many of these spots are for more advanced surfers, I did have a crack at Secret Beach and the "learner area" near Cloud 9. I can recommend these two for those who want to learn how to surf on Siargao Island.

11. Rent a Motorbike and Explore Siargao Island

If you've read my blog before, then you'll know that one of my absolute favorite things to do when traveling is just to rent a bike and explore. You can pick up a scooter in General Luna for around 250-350 pesos per day.

On top of that, 150 pesos will be more than enough to cover your fuel costs!

The roads around Siargao Island are very well-maintained and smooth. You'll really enjoy cruising down the coconut palm tree roads, passing scenic rice fields and quaint villages along the way.

12. Visit Taktak Falls

An off-the-beaten-path adventure lies in the northern tip of Siargao Island– Taktak Falls, the only waterfall on the island!

While you won't find crystal clear, turquoise water at the base like you might at Kawasan Falls in Cebu, there is a hanging tree branch to send backflips off! Local kids love hanging out here, and they'll show you the ropes!

13. Tayangban Cave Pool

Next up on this Siargao travel guide are the two cenotes at the Tayangban Cave Pool. This pool is located just 10 minutes from Magpupungko Rock Pools, just off the main road (Siargao Circumferential Road).

You have to pay a guide to visit these caves (100 pesos), who is usually one of the family members who owns the land. This activity is a mini-canyoneering trip as you wade through waist-deep waters in through a large cave complete with large stalagmites and stalactites.

The highlight for me was the two cenotes (deep sinkhole pools) where you can swim and cliff jump into at the end.

14. Watch the Surf on Pacifico Beach

If you're up for a road trip, one of the top things to do on Siargao Island is to ride up to Pacifico Beach on the island's north. This beach is famous for its huge swell and if you're lucky, you might spot some shredders out in the waves.

This one is a decent reef break, and definitely not one for beginner surfers.

15. Climb the Abandoned Lighthouse on Siargao

It seems to be that Siargao Island has it all! To top off the epic surf spots, blue lagoons, waterfalls, and cenotes, there's also an epic abandoned lighthouse you can climb!

You'll find this lighthouse at the north end of Pacifico Beach, and if you climb to the top, you'll have by far, the best view of the Pacifico surf on the island!

16. Surf at Secret Beach (Guyan)

Secret Beach was one of my favorite beaches on Siargao Island. This beach gets its name from the fact that you have to trek a few hundred meters through the jungle to reach it!

On the quiet island days when we didn't know what to do in Siargao, we ended up here! There are some nice, beginner waves rolling in consecutively which makes it a great spot if you're learning to surf.

17. Taste the Best Pizza on Siargao Island

What if I told you that Siargao Island has one of the best, authentic wood-fired Italian Pizzas in the world? Alright, you might think I'm exaggerating but let me tell you, they're incredible, it's up there with the best in Napoli!

You'll find these pizzas at the Kermit restaurant at General Luna. For $5, you can get a delicious, wood-fired Margherita Pizza that blew my mind. I don't know how they do it!

18. Snap a Photo at the "Secret" Palm Tree Road

Alright, everyone's seen a photo or heard about the famous Coconut Road on Siargao Island. But, what if I told you that there was another (arguably better) palm tree-lined straight road?

You'll find this stretch of road in the north of Siargao near Pacifico Beach. If you type in "Coconut Plantation" on Google Maps in Siargao, you'll find the spot.

19. Grab a Fresh Coconut

I think that climbing a coconut tree is an activity listed in every single Siargao travel guide. But, sometimes recommendations are there for a reason!

This island is coconut palm tree paradise, no matter where you turn you'll see them. And, the best part is that most of the trees have wedges cut out of the step making climbing them a breeze!

So, if you're hanging around and wondering what to do on Siargao Island, climb a coconut palm, harvest the fruit, and enjoy!

20. Visit Alegria Beach

As you probably know by now, Siargao Island has some incredible beaches. One of the most scenic is called Alegria Beach, at the very northern tip of Siargao near the Santa Monica Pier.

This beach is surrounded by shallow, fringing reefs, which means it's not great for surfing. However, it is one of the most scenic beaches, with turquoise blue water lapping up the palm-lined, white-sand shores.

Tip: Include a visit to Alegria Beach when exploring northern Siargao Island highlights like Taktak Falls, Pacifico Beach, and Magpupungko Rock Pools.

21. Watch the Sunset at the Palm Tree Viewpoint

The last recommendation on this list of things to do on Siargao Island is to check out the awesome palm tree viewpoint just out from General Luna.

If you're exploring the island, then you'll undoubtedly pass this awesome pull-over spot a few times as its right off the side of the Circumferential Road at the top of the hill outside General Luna.

This viewpoint looks over a sea of palm trees with some rolling mountains in the distance. Visit for sunrise or sunset and you won't be disappointed!

22. Try Delicious Smoothie Bowls at Shaka Cafe

Looking for a healthy option after all that wood-fired pizza? My favorite place is Shaka Cafe near the beach at General Luna and you'll find some of the best smoothie bowls in all of the Philippines!

Siargao is a small island and Shaka Cafe is a fairly popular spot to hang out, chill, and meet some like-minded people.

How to Get to Siargao Island

Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island of around 437 sq km (168 sq mi) in the Philippine Sea. It's situated on the west edge of the archipelago and lined with white sand beaches and a dense tropical interior.

There are two ways you can reach Siargao Island, either by plane to the Siargao airport or by ferry from the nearby Philippines Islands.

Below I'll go into more detail about the options based on my experience. However, if you want a good transport resource, I found that BookAWay was great to save money and time for Siargao transport.

By Plane:

Sayak Airport (IAO) is the airport serving Siargao Island in the province of Surigao Del Norte, the Philippines. This airport has connections from Manilla or Cebu (via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines). So, if you're flying from overseas, you'll likely need to book a connecting flight. However, there are apparently plans to build an international airport on Siargao in the near future.

Tip: Compare airfares on Skyscanner and CheapOAir to get the best rates (use the whole month option if you're flexible).

By ferry
The second option for getting to Siargao Island is to book a Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) ferry. These trips run from neighboring Surigao (via Surigao City) and can work out cheaper than flying to Siargao directly from Cebu or Manilla.

Best Time to Visit Siargao Island

Being a tropical island, you can expect Siargao to have some varying weather and dry/wet seasons. The best time to visit will depend on what you want to do on Siargao. As a general outlook, most of the rain falls between January to March and late October to December. In saying that, January is the wettest and August is the driest.

Surfing Season: July to November
July to November is the most popular time to visit Siargao for surfing as the swell and wind conditions create the biggest waves. The annual Siargao International Surfing Cup runs each year in September.

Summer: March to May
As you probably know now from this lengthy Siargao travel guide, there's so much more to do on the island than just surfing! If you're planning a trip for beach hopping, exploring, and adventuring, I'd recommend visiting between the months of March to May (Summer).

How to Get Around on Siargao Island

By far, the best way to get around on Siargao Island is to rent scooters. You'll find blogs recommending scooter rentals from places in General Luna for as high as 500 pesos per day. However, I've rented bikes multiple times for between 250-350 pesos per day. If you're planning to stay a while, you'll get the cheaper price of around 250 pesos if you rent them long term (1 week or more).

You'll find fuel around the island to top up from roadside pitstops. This fuel comes in glass bottles. 150 pesos worth of fuel will last almost a day of exploring the island. If you're only running down to the surf spots near General Luna, 150 pesos of fuel will last you a lot longer.

Alternative Transport on Siargao

If you're not too keen on renting a motorbike, you can also pay for transport via:

• Tricycle - a popular mode of private transport in the Philippines that accommodates a few more passengers (2-4) than a motorcycle. You can pay a driver to take you around to different spots and check out the awesome things to do in Siargao.
• Habal Habal - This refers to a "scooter taxi", this is a good way to get around cheaply as a single passenger without renting your own.
• Van - You'll find a few resorts, hotels, and private transport companies offering van transport. This is the priciest option for getting around but can be worth it if it's raining or if you're in a large group.

Siargao Island Travel Tips

Here are a few tips you'll find useful for your trip to Siargao.

• General Luna - This is the main tourist hub on Siargao Island and where most people stay.
• Insurance for travel on Siargao- If you enjoy adventure and outdoor activities when traveling, you'll probably want adventure insurance that covers things like surfing, motorbikes, and hiking. Check out HeyMondo as they have great coverage for all of these activities at a super affordable rate and an excellent app for managing claims.
• Language - Locals in Siargao speak their own dialogue of the Visayan language, which is different from what you'll hear in Cebu or Palawan. However, many locals can speak up to four languages, including Tagalog (Filipino) and English.
• ATMs - You won't find that many ATMs around the island so I recommend getting cash out when exploring. You'll find ATMs only at large hubs like General Luna, Dapa, or Del Carmen
• Local currency - Philippine Peso (PHP), the current exchange rate is roughly 50 PHP to $1 USD
• Dapa and Del Carmen - these are the two main towns on Siargao Island where you can access facilities like pharmacies, supermarkets, etc.
• Good Food - Check out Kermit Restaurant, Shaka Cafe, and Mama's Grill. For local eats, there's a Filipino eatery on the main strip at General Luna (Google Maps Pin: Tuna On D' Go GL and Rubies Store) where we ate most of our meals (fed for under 80 pesos). Also, make sure to try pan de coco at the local bakeries.

Siargao Travel FAQs

I hope you've found some epic things to do in Siargao and that I've inspired you to visit this incredible island.

While you're here, check out some of my other blog posts from The Philippines below.

• Cebu Island Travel Guide - my ultimate adventure travel guide to Cebu
• Siquijor Island Guide - off-beat adventures in Siquijor
• Kawasan Falls - how to visit the Philippines' most famous waterfall
• 10 Best Islands in the Philippines - a roundup of my 10 favorite islands to travel to in the Philippines
• Accommodation Guides: Plan where to stay in Siargao and find great hotels in Cebu