Overview

The stunning, teardrop-shaped tropical island of Siargao, situated in the heart of the Philippine Sea, is a popular tourist destination and the surfing capital of the Philippines. The sparkling coastline is dotted with sensational white sand beaches, and the turquoise waters are filled with vibrant coral reefs. It was voted the Best Island in Asia by Conde Nast readers in 2021. Siargao boasts some of the most impressive and luxurious beachfront hotels and resorts in the country. The island features a vibrant surfing culture and is well known for the famous Cloud 9 beach, which is an iconic surf spot with world-renowned surf breaks. Siargoa offers lush, verdant landscapes that lead to hidden lagoons, mysterious caves, scenic islands, and cascading waterfalls. There is so much to discover and explore on this tranquil island.

Things to see and do

Go Surfing! Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines and is famous for the surf spot called Cloud 9, which is the location of some international surfing competitions. The Cloud 9 boardwalk is a great place to watch surfers. The beach area is where you can rent a board and also take lessons. This location is mainly used by advanced surfers, but there is a spot for beginners too. If the waves here are too big or it's too busy, you can paddle over to the neighboring Quicksilver or Jacking Horse breaks.

Take the Tri-Island Tour! The three little islands off the coast of Siargoa are Naked, Daku, and Guyam Island. The tour is offered by many operators in General Luna town. Island hopping is a great way to spend the day when visiting Siargao, each island has its own unique, diverse offerings. Naked Island is named that simply because it has no vegetation; it is a pristine stretch of white sand set in the heart of the sparkling Pacific waters. Daku Island is a longer stretch of sand with glittering turquoise waters and swaying palm trees dotted with a few charming cottages. It is the largest of the three islands and a good place to lounge on the beach, go swimming, kayaking, fishing, or surfing. Last but not least, Guyam Island is a little slice of paradise perfect for a leisurely stroll, adorned with palm trees and cozy beach huts. It boasts a laid-back island oasis perfect for relaxing in its peaceful surroundings. There is a great beach bar for delicious food, drinks, and great views of the sunset.

Visit the Magpupungko Rock Pools, a large network of inviting tidal pools with crystal clear waters with different shades of blue, featuring spectacular rock formations and cliffs that jut out of them. Dive off the nearby cliffs into the waters, explore the captivating caves surrounding the pools, see the marine life in the crevices and caves, or go swimming or paddleboarding in the water. At low tide, a massive rock appears in the middle of the largest tide pool, creating a popular diving spot. High tide is a completely different experience; waves are crashing into the tide pools, and swimming during this time is much more dangerous.

Check out Beto Cold Spring, which has many activities to offer with two main areas: a shallow pool where the cold spring water originates, and this is where many visitors stay to relax and lounge for the day. Then there is a deeper pool featuring a bamboo bridge with a jumping platform and a rope swing, a popular place for kids and adults jumping, flipping, and diving. There are kayaks available to rent to paddle along the Massin River and get a different perspective of the island.

Visit Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island, which is famous for its limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and caves. The journey to get here takes 2 hours by boat. It is an extraordinary destination and a spectacular experience when visiting Siargao. A hidden paradise that is made up of a collection of enchanting islets and dramatic landscapes surrounded by breathtaking turquoise waters. All of these attributes make it feel like you are trapped in a fairytale when visiting Sohoton Cove. Wander through picturesque lagoons, limestone caves, and breathtaking rock formations. Witness thousands of stingless jellyfish gliding through the waters.

Head to Sugba Lagoon, famous for its enchanting emerald green waters that are surrounded by lush limestone hills, a picturesque sight. The lagoon is perfect for a day trip and well worth the journey; it's a 30-minute boat ride from Del Carmen’s port. Once there, you can swim in the beautiful, mystical lagoon, which is part of the second-largest mangrove system in the Philippines. There are various types of activities to enjoy, including kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, and there is an iconic wooden diving board in the middle of the lagoon.

Shopping

The island of Siargao offers shoppers a great variety of retail experiences with vibrant island markets, quirky souvenir shops, unique boutiques, iconic surf shops, and local handicraft stores. There’s something for every shopper on the vibrant shopping streets of Siargao Island, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and pick up some memorable souvenirs. Some popular items include intricate jewelry, handwoven textiles, trendy beachwear, and surf gear. Shopping experiences on Siargao Island are a great way for visitors to combine the laid-back island lifestyle with the convenience of modern shopping centers and boutiques. There are luxury shopping options and bustling street markets to choose from on this tropical island.

The tourist strip of General Luna town is a popular shopping spot that stretches along the beach area, featuring a variety of different stores selling everything from souvenirs to clothing and local crafts. General Luna Town Center is the main commercial center of the island, set in the heart of town, featuring a shopping mall and a variety of other shops as well as dining, grocery, and entertainment options. The General Luna Market is a popular street market featuring a variety of vendors that sell local crafts, clothing, and food. The Island City Mall is a new shopping center in Dapa town featuring a variety of different shops and a food court. The Siargao Island Food and Craft Fair is an annual event held in General Luna town, featuring a variety of vendors selling local products, including clothing, crafts, and food. There are cultural exhibits and live performances, the fair is usually held in November.

Dining

Siargao Island restaurants boast a laid-back island atmosphere with delicious, local, authentic food as well as the freshest fish, seafood, and international cuisine. There are some great beachfront selections when it comes to restaurants and bars in Siargao, many line the main beach area in General Luna town, where there are also lots of accommodations and shops. Siargao has a growing food and cafe scene and is quite the attraction for foodies who are ready to get out and taste local and international dishes around the island.

Being surrounded by water, the island is well known for its delicious fresh fish and seafood, with many excellent seafood restaurants, many boasting waterfront views. There are good-quality restaurants everywhere in General Luna town, with almost every option available, like Filipino, Mexican, Israeli, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and more. Siargao is a melting pot of people from different cultures and nationalities who have brought their own flavors to the island. There is a lot of great food to try. A local specialty to try is Sayongson, which is a type of puto (Filipino rice cake) wrapped in banana leaves. A tasty snack made from glutinous rice, brown sugar, roasted peanuts, calamansi juice, and coconut milk. Kinilaw is the Filipino version of ceviche made with raw fish tossed with vinegar, ginger, onions, salt, and chili.

Beaches

There are many beautiful beaches available on Siargao Island in the Philippines, Cloud 9 being its most famous, mostly for its surf breaks. Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines, but all the beaches here are not just about waves. Here are a few calm and quiet beaches to visit.

Alegria Beach is located at the northern tip of the island and is one of the best swimming spots on Siargao. A beautiful secluded stretch of white sand with a very laid back vibe, with relaxing, calm waters. There is a beachfront restaurant and a nearby resort. Pacifico Beach is on Siargao’s east side, a quiet and less crowded beach with its own surfing spot. A long sandy stretch of sand with clear, beautiful water. There is a beach bar with chairs, umbrellas, and towels for rent. Pasikon Beach is a secluded beach nestled on Siargao’s eastern shores. A quaint, charming cove with calm waters and pockets of white sand in the water, which is good for swimming.