Top Things To Do in Siargao – Hidden Paradise of the Philippines

Imagine a remote island filled with lush green coconut trees, surrounded by crystal clear water and offering white beaches, stunning lagoons and some of the world’s best surf waves. Siargao is truly a hidden paradise and has been named the ‘Most Beautiful Island in Asia.’ Visit the island for delicious food, surfing and all these other things to do in Siargao.

Things to do in Siargao
Travel Tips
How to get there & getting around
Best restaurants
Best time to visit
Hotels

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10 x Things to do in Siargao

Siargao is stunning to explore by motorbike. From the main tourist area (General Luna) down south-east to the northern tip is a 3-hour drive, so we recommend you to plan at least three days on the island.
Due to bad weather during our visit in a low season, we couldn’t do all Siargao’s things to do. However, as we already know all the information, we will include them as well.

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1. Rope Swing at Maasin Secret River

On the side of a red bridge in Maasin village is a coconut tree hanging over the water. Local kids will be waving and ask you to take a swing. It is one of the most picturesque places in Siargao. Spend the morning swinging, take the boat on the river and be amazed by their rope swing skills. Please leave these guys a tip as well. ➳ Read: Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide

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travel guide siargao maasin secret river

2. Magpupungko Rock Pools

Drive 45 minutes along the stunning coastline towards the Magpupungko Rock Pools. A white sand beach with many tiny rock pools in front of the beach during low tide. Ask a local what’s the best time to visit for that day.

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things to do siargao magpupungko rock pools

3. Palm viewpoint

On the main road from South to North, you will pass an incredible view overlooking an endless sea of palm trees. There is no sign, but it’s hard to miss a jaw-dropping view like that.
➳ Find all: Hotels on Siargao

4. Surf at Cloud 9, Siargao

Siargao is surfing. Cloud 9 is one of the world’s best surf breaks and is the place what made Siargao famous. Whether you are a beginner or experienced surfer, at Cloud 9 everyone can surf. One the beach (left of the Cloud 9 pier) are loads of instructors ready to teach you how to surf.

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5. Pacifico Beach

Pacifico on the east coast is the second biggest tourism area of Siargao. It has a stunning white beach and is famous for surfing. Pacifico is just a 10-minute drive away from the Magpupungko Rock Pools.
➳ Find all: Hotels on Siargao

6. Shopping in Siargao

Small boutique shops are popping up on the main street of General Luna. Surf and skate outfits, jewelry, and many more local brands.

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7. Island hopping to nearby islands

Siargao is surrounded by one of the biggest mangrove forests in the Philippines and numerous stunning islands. Take a day trip to Sugba Lagoon, do the 3 islands tour or go even further and overnight at Sohoton Cove. Due to the bad weather condition, we weren’t able to do any of these activities.

8. Discover Siargao!

This may sound obvious but driving around Siargao island is honestly one of the best things to do. The island is untouched and so stunning, every new corner makes your jaw drop.
We stopped at a school to have a look inside during their lunchtime. We played basketball, they sing songs to us and drank coconuts with them.

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9. Alegria Beach

Drive up to the very northern tip of Siargao and visit Alegria Beach. A clean stretch of white sand and blue water, good for swimming and sunbathing.
Tip: Visit the nearby TakTak falls if you have more time.

➳ Find all: Hotels on Siargao

10. Grab a bowl at Shaka

Fresh fruits, homemade granola & local yogurt, is available at Shaka, the healthiest breakfast on Siargao. Get a delicious coffee, smoothie or fresh fruit bowl for a perfect start of the day. Shaka has another location in El Nido.

11. Drive the coconut roads

There is a reason Siargao got the title ‘Most Beautiful Island in Asia’. The scenic road along the coastline filled with white beaches and coconut trees getting more and more impressive after each corner. Simply driving around for hours, talking to locals and how they live was our absolute favorite thing to do in Siargao.

Siargao Travels Tips

Tourism doubled in 2018 in Siargao. The island is developing rapidly, but you should be prepared for inconveniences like dirt roads, power cuts or no WiFi. The people of Siargao don’t want to ruin their island like what happened to Boracay, so there are a lot of environmental programs going on to create awareness.

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Environmental

In all tourist areas is a ban on plastic bags and single-use plastic. You will get a bamboo straw instead. All over General Luna town are bins for plastic bottles which are used really well by both tourists and locals.

Drinking water is for free in nearly every restaurant, and smoking is only allowed in certain areas.

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Money + Budget

The amount ATM’s in Siargao are limited. We advise you to take enough cash with you. At the time of writing (Feb 2019), there is one ATM in General Luna and two in Dapa. Budget-wise the island is a little more expensive.

🍜Food: 1000 PHP per day (20 USD)
📱Sim: 100 PHP per day (2 USD)
🏨Hotel: 1500 – 3000 PHP per day (25 – 50 USD)
🛵Motorbike: 350 PHP per day (6.5 USD)

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Siargao WiFi & Sim Card

A steady working WiFi isn’t very common. Restaurants offer WiFi, but you can expect it to be extremely slow or not working at all. We recommend you to buy one or maybe even two sim cards. We found that in some areas Smart Sim worked whereas in other regions Globe work better. Get sim cards here.

How to get there & getting around

Siargao is accessible via night ferry from Cebu or airplane from Manila or Cebu. If you plan to travel to Siargao by plane than make sure you have a morning flight as flights get often canceled in the afternoon (near dark) since Siargao airport doesn’t have runway lights. Find flights to Siargao.

You can easily get around the island by motorbike. Rent a motorbike for 350 PHP per day (6.5 USD). However, this doesn’t include helmets. Helmets are limited on the island. You can rent a good clean helmet at Loose Keys.

things to do siargao philippines motorbike

Restaurants in Siargao

Siargao has most likely the best restaurants in the Philippines in such a small area. It reminded us a bit like the options you have in at the best restaurants in Canggu, Bali. These were our favorites.