Siargao Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & Top Tips
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 5
Siargao had a completely different feel to everywhere else we'd visited in the Philippines. A tropical island for slowing down, watching surfers from beachfront cafés, sunset swims and embracing island life.
Siargao At a Glance
🌴 Best for: Relaxed island vibes, surfing, cafés and island adventures
📍 Where to stay: General Luna
🗓️ Recommended stay: 3–5 days
🚐 Don't miss: Siargao Island Tour
🏄 Most famous for: Cloud 9 surf break
❤️ Perfect for: Couples, solo travellers, families, surfers - Everyone!
Why We Loved Siargao
Siargao had a completely different energy to anywhere else we visited in the Philippines. The pace was slower & the atmosphere felt more relaxed.
General Luna was full of cool cafés with delicious food & great coffees, surf shops and people cruising around on scooters with surfboards strapped to the side. It had that effortless island vibe, surfers, skateboards, dreadlocks and a friendly, laid-back community.
Even though none of us are surfers, we loved spending time watching the waves at Cloud 9, café hopping and simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Siargao also felt incredibly easy to explore. Whether you jump into a tuk tuk, join a tour, hire a scooter or just spend the afternoon by the beach, there's a great balance of adventure and relaxation.
Where to Stay in Siargao
For most travellers, General Luna is the best place to base yourself in Siargao. It's the island's main tourist hub and the perfect base for exploring everything the island has to offer.
You'll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, beach bars and scooter hire, with most island-hopping and land tours departing from here. It's also just a short ride (10-15 mins) to the famous Cloud 9 surf break.
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to boutique resorts and beachfront villas, so there's something for every style of traveller.
We booked our accommodation through Booking.com and loved where we stayed.
If surfing is your main reason for visiting Siargao, consider staying closer to Cloud 9, where you'll be within walking distance of the island's most famous surf break.
How to Get Around Siargao
The most popular way to get around Siargao is by hiring a scooter. They're available from most hostels & hotels and from scooter hire shops around General Luna, making it easy to explore the island at your own pace.
We used tuk-tuks to get around instead. They were easy to find throughout General Luna at all hours of the day and night, and we never had any trouble getting around.
Many of Siargao's most popular attractions can also be visited on organised day tours, with hotel pick-up often included. A great option if you're short on time or don't want to hire a scooter.
The Best Things to Do in Siargao
Join the Famous Siargao Land Tour
The best ways to see the island, visiting Coconut Viewpoint, Sugba Lagoon, the Maasin River and the Magpupungko Rock Pools.
Visit Cloud 9
Watch world-class surfers tackle one of the Philippines' most famous surf breaks, stroll along the boardwalk and soak up the laid-back atmosphere.
Go Island Hopping
Spend the day exploring Siargao's beautiful nearby islands with crystal-clear water, white sand beaches and snorkelling.
Kayak the Maasin River
Head to the peaceful Maasin River and jump in a kayak. Local guides paddle you upstream before you drift back through the palm-lined river at your own pace. It is so peaceful & relaxing.
Café Hop Around General Luna
Discover Siargao's thriving café scene, from healthy smoothie bowls and great coffee to beachfront brunch spots. We loved Siargao Book Cafe.
Watch Sunset by the Beach
Finish the day with a dip in the ocean & a beachfront drink as the sunsets. A beautiful way to relax after of exploring.
Best Time to Visit Siargao
Siargao can be visited year-round, but the experience varies depending on what you're looking for.
Dry Season (March to October)
The dry season generally brings sunnier weather and calmer seas, making it a great time for island hopping, exploring the island and relaxing on the beach.
We visited in April and everyday was sunny and blue skies.
Surf Season (August to November)
Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, with the biggest swells arriving between August and November. This is the best time for experienced surfers hoping to tackle the famous waves at Cloud 9.
Wet Season (November to February)
The wet season brings more frequent rain showers. Travelling during this time usually means fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices, but some outdoor activities may be affected by the weather.
Siargao With Kids
As a family, we absolutly love Siargao. From kayaking the Maasin River and watching surfers at Cloud 9 to café hopping around General Luna, it was the perfect place to slow down after weeks of travelling.
Whether you're visiting for a few days or a few weeks, Siargao is a destination that's easy to fall in love with—and one we'd happily return to.
Continue Planning Your Philippines Adventure
If Siargao is just one stop on your trip, these guides will help you plan the rest of your Philippines itinerary:
🇵🇭 Philippines Itinerary with Kids – Our complete route through Cebu, Siargao, El Nido and Coron.
🚤 El Nido to Coron Boat Expedition – Everything you need to know before booking the 3-day island-hopping trip.
🐠 Moalboal Sardine Run Guide – How to snorkel with millions of sardines and sea turtles.
📍 3 Days in Moalboal – Where to stay, eat and what not to miss.
🌴 El Nido Travel Guide – Everything you need to know about where to stay, island-hopping tours, getting around and our top tips for visiting El Nido.
Let's Connect
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