The Ultimate Siargao Itinerary: A Day By Day Guide

Siargao is an island that has it all: stunning beaches, lush jungles, crystal-clear lagoons, and an endless list of activities to keep you busy. But with so much to do and see, it can be a little overwhelming figuring out how to make the most of your time here. Whether you’re here for a few days or planning a longer stay, having a solid itinerary will help you explore the island’s best spots without missing a thing.

In this article I’ll give you a 4-day itinerary, a 7-day itinerary and list all of the activities on the island so you can pick and choose to make your own itinerary. If you want my quick advice for the to three things to do it’s Siargao Island Hopping, Magpupungko Tide Pools and Sohoton Cove.

Siargao Itinerary and Expenses Guide

In this guide, we’ve put together a perfect itinerary for Siargao that’s packed with the island’s must-see sights and hidden gems. From world-famous surf breaks to quiet beaches and cozy cafés, we’ve curated a mix of adventure and relaxation to help check off all the amazing things to do in Siargao. This Siargao itinerary will help you plan your time and also give you an idea about the expenses and budget you might expect to need for your time in Siargao.

In this Siargao itinerary and expenses blog, I am first going to discuss all of the expenses and then show you the activities you simply cannot miss below. You can decide how you fit those all into your itinerary depending on how long you stay. 

Things to know before you make your Siargao Itinerary

The beauty of Siargao is that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy the island. Many people come and just surf all day every day and party every night. Others, like myself, only surf a couple of times but instead choose to explore the island, the beaches and the other islands nearby. I think the only thing I will say is a necessity for Siargao is to stay for more than a couple of nights. Too many travelers come for two nights and rush it all. 

Make the most of Siargao. You have paid for the flight out to the island and now you need to relax and soak up the vibe. Coming for just a few days isn’t worth it all. I know many of you are trying to cram eight different locations into your first Philippines backpacking trip but you will genuinely have a better time staying for at least a week on Siargao than rushing it all.

Where to Stay on Siargao

Siargao is one of the most popular island destinations in the Philippines, and over the past decade, it’s experienced a rapid boom in tourism. With so many new resorts, hostels, and homestays, it can be overwhelming to choose where to stay in Siargao. For many travelers, though, it’s pretty straightforward. As most of the bars, restaurants, tour operators, and hotels are located between General Luna and the Cloud 9 surf break, that’s where the majority of tourists stay. However, some of my favorite places to stay in Siargao are in the far north and far west. In this blog post, I’ll describe the different areas of the island and the best places to stay in Siargao for your travel needs.

My personal favorites are Lampara Siargao Boutique Hostel for its oceanfront and value for money and Nay Palad Hideaway for its location and luxury.

QUICK PICKS: 4 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SIARGAO

Don’t have time to read the entire guide? No worries! These are the 4 best places to stay in Siargao:

Nay Palad Hideaway

• All Inclusive
• Aesthetic Design
• Sustainable

Check price

Las Palmas Villas

• Island Aesthetic
• Central Location
• Excellent Service

Check price

Kaimana Resort

• Great Location
• Large Rooms
• Excellent Staff

Check price

Punta Punta

• Beachfront
• Tents & Villas
• Outdoor Pool

Check price

Accommodation Budget for Siargao

• $15-20 for a basic hostel dorm bed
• $20-40 for a basic private room
• $40-100 mid-luxury private room
• $100+ for luxury-style resort

Siargao is pretty straight forward when it comes to picking a region to stay. 90% of people choose to stay somewhere near General Luna. All of the bars, restaurants, tours, ports, and hotels are near General Luna and Cloud 9 surf break. There are a couple of other regions you could stay in like Pacifico but unless you are purposely looking for isolation, General Luna is your spot. So what are my suggestions for where to stay in General Luna? I’ve stayed all over the island but me and my mates rented an Airbnb in General Luna for $900 for a month back in 2017. I’ve also stayed in little homestays, luxury resorts and everything in between. As long as you have a moped, there is no bad location but I’d still suggest staying within reach of General Luna.

Transport on Siargao

Most people on Siargao rent a moped or motorbike. The roads on Siargao are beautiful and surprisingly in great condition. I say surprisingly because of other comparable islands around Southeast Asia, which have horrific road conditions.

Siargao offers a variety of transport options catering to different travel styles and budgets. The most popular choice is renting a moped (scooter), allowing visitors to explore the island at their own pace. Daily rentals cost around ₱350–₱500 ($6–$9), and riding along Siargao’s scenic coastal roads is an experience in itself. However, roads can be rough in some areas, so wearing a helmet and driving cautiously is essential. For those who prefer guided exploration, organized tours—such as island-hopping excursions and inland adventures—provide a hassle-free way to visit key attractions like Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and Sohoton Cove. These tours often include transport, entrance fees, and meals, making them convenient for travelers who want a curated experience.

For those uncomfortable on two wheels or traveling in groups, tricycles and vans serve as practical alternatives. Tricycles are commonly used for short distances within General Luna, costing around ₱20–₱50 ($0.35–$0.90) per ride, while vans and minibus services connect the airport to popular areas for about ₱300–₱400 ($5–$7) per person. Some hotels and resorts also offer private car rentals with a driver, perfect for those wanting more comfort. While self-driving a car is less common due to limited rental options and narrow roads, it is still possible for those who prefer four-wheeled travel. Whether on a scooter, tricycle, van, or boat, Siargao’s transport system ensures that every traveler can easily access the island’s breathtaking beaches, surf spots, and natural wonders.

Food & Restaurants on Siargao

We had a month to try the good and the not so good. We were on a budget so the price is just as important as taste to us. These were our favorite Siargao backpacking budget eats:

• Miguels: Awesome burritos and tacos for $1.50 in General Luna. They are prepared quickly and they go down great with a San Miguel Beer.
• Fat Lips: Also good burritos are 2 for 200 pesos.
• Shaka Cafe: Each morning we start the day at Shaka Cafe and you can get a beautiful smoothie bowl and machine-made coffee for $5 USD.
• Ronaldo’s: It’s the local favorite. They serve just about any food but the best is the bbq chicken which they do out the front on the bbq. It takes forever to get your food but it’s pretty cheap and pretty good quality. Go with a group of friends and hang out for quite a while before you get your food! Chicken curry is only $3 to give you an idea of the price.
• Aventinos: After a long day of adventuring you don’t always want to wait an hour at Ronaldo’s. When we wanted something quick and cheap we headed to Aventinos pizza. It’s super cheap and you can get a huge pizza for as low as $2.50 and obviously more expensive with different toppings.

Those were our three go-to cheap spots to eat in Siargao. If you aren’t on a tight budget there are lots of great restaurants on Siargao. Kermit and Bulan has the best pizza on the island and Harana is also one of the most popular restaurants.

Expect to budget: 

• $5 for a cheap/budget meal
• $10-15 for a mid-luxury meal and drink
• $20+ for higher-end meal and drinks
• It is possible to spend less than $15 a day on food in Siargao

Other Siargao Expenses

To give you an idea of the other costs you might have to pay, here is a look at some of the Siargao expenses you can expect:

• Surfboard rental: $10 for an hour
• Island hopping tour: $20 per person including lunch
• Tricycle ride transport in town: $3-5 for 15 minutes
• Sim-card: $20 for 7-10gb of data
• Entrance to Magpupungko Rock Pool or Tayangban Cave: $2
• Beers at a bar: $2

As you can see you can expect to pay a small amount for most of the activities, accommodations, and food on Siargao. I would say the minimum amount to budget per day for your Siargao expenses would be $40 per day depending on your activities, accommodation and food choices. Much less than $35-40 a day and you will begin limiting yourself to what you can and can’t do but you will still be able to make it work if you can find really cheap accommodation.

4-Day Siargao Itinerary: Surf, Explore & Relax

This is the four-day itineray for Siargao Island. It’s just a suggestion but I can assure you it will lead to a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Day 1: Arrival & General Luna Exploration

• Morning: Arrive at Siargao (Sayak Airport) and take a van or tricycle to General Luna. Check into your accommodation.
• Lunch: Try local seafood at Bravo Beach Resort or Shaka Siargao for smoothie bowls.
• Afternoon: Rent a moped and explore Cloud 9, Siargao’s most famous surf break. Walk along the boardwalk, watch surfers, or take a beginner surf lesson.
• Sunset: Chill at Kermit Siargao or Cev with fresh seafood and cocktails.
• Evening: Head to Barrel Sports Bar or Loose Keys for a relaxed night out.

Day 2: Island Hopping Adventure

• Morning: Join a Siargao tri-island-hopping tour covering:
  • Guyam Island (small, picturesque)
  • Daku Island (white sand, local village, fresh seafood lunch)
  • Naked Island (sandbar, perfect for photos)
• Lunch: Fresh seafood barbecue on Daku Island (usually included in tours).
• Afternoon: Continue exploring, swimming, or snorkeling.
• Sunset: Return to General Luna and grab drinks at Harana Surf Resort or Kawayan Siargao.
• Evening: Try Siargao’s famous pizza at Kermit or visit Mama’s Grill for budget-friendly BBQ.

Day 3: Inland & Lagoon Adventures

• Morning: Take a day tour to:
  • Sugba Lagoon (paddleboarding, kayaking, cliff jumping)
  • Magpupungko Rock Pools (visit during low tide)
• Lunch: Enjoy local dishes at Lokal Siargao or Buddha’s Surf Resort.
• Afternoon: Visit Maasin River (coconut tree swing) and the Coconut Viewpoint for stunning landscape views.
• Sunset: Ride back to General Luna and relax at White Banana Beach Club.
• Evening: Try a laid-back dinner at La Carinderia for homemade Italian-Filipino fusion food.

Day 4: Surf & Relax Before Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a sunrise surf session at Secret Beach or Tuason Point.
• Breakfast: Fuel up at White Beard Coffee or Shaka Siargao.
• Late Morning: Stroll around General Luna, grab last-minute souvenirs, or get a relaxing massage.
• Lunch: Light meal at Bake Siargao or Miguel’s Taqueria.
• Afternoon: Take a van back to the airport for departure.

7-Day Siargao Itinerary: Surf, Explore & Island Adventures

This 7-day itinerary covers Siargao’s best experiences, from surfing and island hopping to hidden lagoons and epic road trips.

Day 1: Arrival & General Luna Exploration

• Morning: Arrive at Sayak Airport and take a van or tricycle to General Luna. Check into your hotel or resort.
• Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood or smoothie bowls at Shaka Siargao.
• Afternoon: Rent a moped and explore Cloud 9. Walk along the boardwalk, watch surfers, or take a beginner surf lesson.
• Sunset: Grab drinks at Harana Surf Resort or Cev.
• Evening: Try Kermit Siargao for its famous handmade pizza or BBQ at Mama’s Grill.

Day 2: Island Hopping Adventure

• Morning: Join a fSiargao tri-island-hopping tourcovering:
  • Guyam Island (tiny island with palm trees and a beach bar)
  • Daku Island (white-sand beach, fresh seafood barbecue)
  • Naked Island (stunning sandbar in the middle of the ocean)
• Lunch: Fresh seafood barbecue on Daku Island (included in most tours).
• Afternoon: More beach time, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Sunset: Return to General Luna and chill at White Banana Beach Club.
• Evening: Try a laid-back dinner at La Carinderia (Italian-Filipino fusion).

Day 3: Inland & Lagoon Adventures

• Morning: Take a day trip to:
  • Sugba Lagoon (kayaking, paddleboarding, cliff jumping)
  • Maasin River (famous bent palm tree swing)
  • Coconut Viewpoint (breathtaking panoramic view of Siargao’s coconut forests)
• Lunch: Stop by Lokal Siargao for healthy local dishes.
• Afternoon: Continue to Magpupungko Rock Pools (best visited during low tide). Swim in crystal-clear natural pools.
• Sunset: Ride back and unwind at Bravo Beach Resort with tapas and cocktails.
• Evening: Enjoy casual dining at Buddha’s Surf Resort for Filipino-Thai fusion dishes.

Day 4: Sohoton Cove & Bucas Grande Day Trip

• Early Morning: Depart for Sohoton Cove (2-hour boat ride from Siargao). Explore:
  • Jellyfish Sanctuary (swim with stingless jellyfish)
  • Hagukan Cave (glow-in-the-dark water effect)
  • Magkuku-ob Cave (cliff diving inside a cave)
• Lunch: Seafood meal prepared by locals on Bucas Grande Island.
• Afternoon: Enjoy snorkeling and exploring hidden lagoons before heading back.
• Sunset: Return to General Luna and relax at Loose Keys.
• Evening: Have a quiet dinner at Miguel’s Taqueria (Mexican food).

Day 5: Siargao Island Land Tour

• Morning: Take a full-day Siargao land tour, including:
  • Pacifico Beach (less crowded surf spot and pristine beach)
  • Tayangban Cave Pools (underground cave pools for swimming)
  • Tak Tak Falls (Siargao’s only waterfall, great for a refreshing dip)
• Lunch: Stop at Jungle Café for organic food in the jungle.
• Afternoon: Visit hidden beaches like Alegria Beach, one of Siargao’s most secluded white-sand beaches.
• Sunset: Ride back to General Luna and watch the sunset from Cloud 9 Pier.
• Evening: Have dinner at Bravo Siargao for Spanish-Filipino cuisine.

Day 6: Free Day for Surfing, Beach Hopping & Relaxation

• Morning: Surf at Secret Beach, Pacifico, or Tuason Point (depending on skill level).
• Breakfast: Enjoy coffee and pastries at Bake Siargao.
• Late Morning: Beach hop around Malinao Beach or take a massage at a local spa.
• Lunch: Light meal at White Beard Coffee.
• Afternoon: Sunset swim at Doot Beach (quiet, off-the-beaten-path).
• Evening: Try something different—Asian flavors at Warung (Indonesian cuisine).

Day 7: Sunrise Surf & Departure

• Morning: Wake up early for a final surf session or sunrise walk along the beach.
• Breakfast: Relax with a good coffee at Common Ground Siargao.
• Late Morning: Buy last-minute souvenirs at General Luna’s market.
• Lunch: Grab one last meal at Buddha’s Surf Resort.
• Afternoon: Transfer to the airport and depart Siargao.

Itinerary Options: Best Things to do in Siargao

Now that we have covered the expenses let’s look at the itinerary. There are so many things to do on Siargao that you need several weeks to see them all. You can check them all out in my post here: 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON SIARGAO, PHILIPPINES

However, I’ve added below the top 20 activities you simply cannot miss during your stay on Siargao so you can plan your Siargao itinerary accordingly.

Sugba Lagoon

Hidden amidst Siargao’s pristine mangrove forests, Sugba Lagoon is truly a paradise. With its crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush limestone cliffs, it’s one of my favorite spots in the region. Sugba Lagoon is just a short boat ride from Del Carmen and available on many day-trip tours from the mainland of Siargao. At the lagoon, you’ll be able to float across the water on a paddleboard, take a daring leap from the famous, wooden diving board, or simply soak in the scenery.

Sugba Lagoon is one of the most popular things to do on Siargao. It’s a short day trip from General Luna, Siargao to a spectacular lagoon surrounded by epic mountains. A floating hut has a diving board and SUP rentals.

Despite being recommended as one of the popular Siargao tourist spots, Sugba Lagoon isn’t overcrowded such as spots like Kayangan Lake in Coron. You won’t have the lagoon to yourselves but it’s a big enough area to find your own piece of paradise to chill, take photos and hang out. It is a 4000-hectare sanctuary, which you will enjoy on the drive-in as well as while you hang out in the main lagoon. Activities at Sugba Lagoon include renting a big wood raft, SUP boards, diving board, swimming and relaxing in the cafe.

If you do want to book the Sugba Lagoon tour online, I’ll drop the link here to the activity booking page: Sugba Lagoon + Siargao Land Tour. 

Full Blog Post: Sugba Lagoon from Siargao

Tak Tak Waterfall

Heading up to TakTak waterfall in Santa Monica is a full-day adventure to the north part of the island. From General Luna, the waterfall is a 1.5-hour drive but is well worth the effort. We enjoyed the waterfall to ourselves.

Cliff jumping, tree jumping, and exploration to the top of the falls were the highlights of the adventure. It’s one of the less touristy things to do in Siargao but definitely worthy of making it into my Siargao travel guide. It’s the only waterfall you will find on Siargao but a pretty damn cool one!

Full Blog Post: Tak Tak Falls – The Only Waterfall on Siargao

Alegria Beach

The first thing I noticed at Alegria Beach on Siargao was the white sand and crystal clear water. Coconut palms lined the beach. It could have been a postcard. This wasn’t one of the popular Siargao tourist spots with just a few locals hanging back on the grass behind the beach. It is quite a long drive to Alegria Beach from General Luna. It can take about an hour driving.

There is quite a bit of reef at this beach but there is still water deep enough to swim in, which isn’t too common on Siargao. One of the hardest things to do in Siargao is to find a beach where you can swim without being near a reef. Alegria isn’t perfect but you can get fully submerged in parts without stepping on sharp rocks.

Full Blog Post: Alegria Beach – The Best Beach on Siargao

Pacifico Beach

It may seem like a long drive but a visit to Pacifico beach is one of the things to do in Siargao that you will not regret. Far away from the crowded waves of Jacking Horse in General Luna, Pacifico gives you that North Shore, Oahu small surf town feel. A few resorts and home-stays are nestled in the dense palm trees that line the pristine stretch of beach that is Pacifico.

The drive towards and past Pacifico is beautiful with winding roads leading you along the coast and in and out of palm tree forests.

Secret Beach

I mentioned this spot earlier in the surfing section but I think it deserves its own bullet point. Secret Beach or Guyan Beach is about 30 minutes drive from General Luna. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see 20 motorbikes with surf racks parked in the middle of nowhere on the side of the road.

You’ll need to walk through the palm jungle for about 15 minutes up and down a few hills until you will reach the coast. Here you will find a small surf break with good intermediate waves. The walk to the beach is reason enough to visit but this whole experience just exudes island vibes.

Sunset at the Secret Mangrove Wharf

Just before you reach Del Carmen, a small town in the northeast of Siargao you will unknowingly pass one of the best sunset spots on the island. This is one of my favorite things to do in Siargao and each time I visited this magic spot I was the only tourist around.

The wharf extends out towards the mangroves which are the focal piece of the view along with the perfectly still water. When we first saw this water so still, we knew it would be an amazing spot for a colorful reflection if the sunset blew up. We were in luck.

A local took us out in a small boat and we also sent the drone up on every occasion we visited this spot. From the sky, this complex mangrove system only gets more and more epic.

Full Blog Post: Secret Sunset Spot – Del Carmen Mangrove Wharf

Visit Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island, also known as Casolian Island, is a small, picturesque island located off the coast of Siargao, Philippines. It’s known for its lush rolling hills, pristine beaches, and stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Unlike the more touristy spots in Siargao, Corregidor Island offers a peaceful escape, with untouched landscapes, making it perfect for hiking, snorkeling, and photography.

Many of the regular ‘tri-island’ hopping trips don’t include Corregidor. To ensure you have Corregidor on your trip itinerary, make sure to discuss with your booking agent or you can book this available tour, which currently offers Corregidor on the itinerary: Private Siargao Island Hopping Tour to Daku, Naked, Guyam & Corregidor Island

View the full blog post: CORREGIDOR ISLAND TOUR FROM SIARGAO

Cloud 9 Pier

One of my favorite things to do in Siargao was to wake up for sunrise and chill out on the end of the Cloud 9 pier. Sometimes surfers were tearing it up and watching that was awesome.

Other times I watched the sun slowly rise in the distance. Hardly anyone wakes up to head out there except for a few others, quietly enjoying the start of the day at Cloud 9. It could be something to consider when you are thinking about where to stay in Siargao.

Somewhere near Cloud 9 pier means you will have your sunrise spot sorted! If you head out here for sunset you will find yourself sharing the hut at the end of the pier with a large crowd. It doesn’t get the perfect sunrise or sunset due to its location but it’s one of your best bets if you are in General Luna. I wrote a full blog post about the best sunsets spots on Siargao best sunsets spots on Siargao.

Watch the Sunset at Cloud 9 Pier

I mentioned earlier in this post that the Cloud 9 pier can get a little busy at night but it’s all relative. You will have space to sit down on the edge of the hut and watch as the pastels in the sky burn and slowly dim. Watch the last surfers retire from the waves below as the sky darkens.

Enjoy the best Siargao Surf spots!

Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines. Siargao hosts the ‘Cloud 9 Surfing Cup’ each September, an official WSL Pro event. It also boasts waves almost all year-round, similar to surfing hotspots like Oahu, Hawaii. The Cloud 9 boardwalk and viewing area has become one of the most popular Siargao tourist spots.

The beauty of surfing on Siargao is that there is a surf break for all levels. Personally, I’m a beginner at surfing so I hit up the beginner waves at Jacking Horse. I did enjoy watching the seasoned surfers tearing up the bigger waves out at Cloud 9. This wave barrels and is not only one of the best waves in the Philippines but is ranked in the top ten waves of the world. If the waves aren’t rolling in nicely at the beach breaks you can pay $4-5 USD to ride a boat out to an island break less than an hour from Siargao and surf the afternoon away in the middle of the ocean.

These are some of the popular surf breaks in Siargao and what you can expect at each of them.

• Cloud 9: This is the most famous surf break on Siargao and has some nice barrels. We spent many mornings watching the experts carve it up from the three-story hut that sits out over the water. This wave has singlehandedly made Siargao the surfing capital of the Philippines.
• Jacking Horse: The most accessible beginner wave on the island. A great spot for learning how to catch a wave but often crowded with surf lessons and it has a strong tide. Lots of paddling if you aren’t a gun. Some of the local long boarders tear it up here!
• Stimpys: A consistent left-hander, which is a great place for short-boarders to have a little fun.
• Pacifico: Although its a long drive (up to an hour) from General Luna, at Pacifico, you will find some of the biggest surf on Siargao.
• Rock Island: Take the boat out for a fast-moving right-hander. Best for experienced surfers.
• Guyan (Secret Beach): Head on past the trespassing signs and enjoy small rolling waves great for beginners. It’s about 30 minutes from General Luna.

If you don’t surf there are still plenty of things to do in Siargao! I only surfed three times in Siargao during the whole month but still had an action-packed adventure. If you are wondering what to do in Siargao and you aren’t a surfer this list has you covered with all of the best places to visit in Siargao. I took this below photo from the Cloud 9 pier with a 200mm lens.

Visit Sohoton Cove in Socorro

Sohoton Cove is a stunning natural wonder with limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and hidden caves. You can explore mystical jellyfish sanctuaries, swim in emerald waters, and kayak through enchanting rock formations. This region is accessible by boat from Siargao Island and is best visited during high tide for cave access. One of my favorite memories while staying on Siargao was our overnight trip to Sohoton Cove National Park in Bucas Grande Island. It reminded me so much of island hopping in El Nido! Here is the list of different spots we visited in Sohoton Cove.

When I visited it was a bit of a DIY adventure but now there are tours running daily such as this one: Sohoton Cove Budget Tour.

View the full blog post: SOHOTON COVE NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Blue Lagoon (Tojoman Lagoon)

Water so blue it reminded me of Kawasan Falls. I don’t understand how something can be so milky blue right next to crystal clear water around the corner. We arrived at the Blue Lagoon and took a short tour in a private boat up and down the lagoon. It’s similar to the lagoons in El Nido.

Crystal Cave

 Venture deep into this epic cave system. I mean really deep. We walked several hundred meters into the cave with our guide. Watch out for stalagmites and bats.

You can also squeeze down a small tube for several hundred meters. It’s so tight that we all came out covered in mud! This is not one for claustrophobes!

Hagukan Cave

This was the craziest damn cave ever! To start with you swim in an entire way to the back, which extends over 30m. Once inside Hagukan Cave, if you splash the water you will soon discover why this is labeled as the luminescent cave. The water will glow electric blue as you splash. We were like a big bunch of kids splashing about, fascinated by the glow!

Magkuku-ob Cave

We thought the Hagukan Cave would be by far the best cave and the highlight of the day but shortly after we visited Magkuku-ob Cave. You swim into the cave then climb up into the cave before emerging at a 5-meter cliff jump back into the lagoon where you began! What an adventure spot this is.

Club Tara Resort Diving Board

Our tour guide parked the bought at a pier to a bit of a random-looking resort. However, it had a 5-meter diving board. They knew us too well. 30 flips and crash-landings later my head was full of water and we had the best time! Definitely, try and stop here if your guide is up for it.

Tiktikan Lagoon

Behind the resort is a huge lake, called Lake Tiktikan also known as Tiktikan Lagoon. Definitely, make the five-minute walk over the hill to check out how peaceful it is.

Sunset in Sohoton

Finally, you should end your day on a beach or in your boat like us, enjoying this epic region as the sky lights up. We were blessed with an absolute belter of a sunset. Fiery red marked the end of the best day ever!

Go Cliff Jumping in Siargao

Siargao is a small island in the Philippines that from first glance may seem to have no cliff jumping opportunities and maybe cliff jumping is just not of the things to do in Siargao. In fact, when I first arrived I thought there would be no jumping for my next 30 days on the island. Throughout our adventures, during the month we ended up finding quite a few spots ranging from 3m to 8m.

• Tayangban Cave Pool: 7 meters
• Magpupungko Tide Pools: 4 meters
• Magkuku-ob Cave: 5 meters
• Sugba Lagoon Diving Board: 3 meters
• Secret Cliff Jump Sugba Lagoon: 8 meters
• Club Tara Diving Board: 5 meters
• Tak Tak Falls: 3-6 meters
• Poneas Lake Rope Swing: 3 meters
• Maasin River Rope Swing: 3 meters

Full Blog Post: 9 Awesome Cliff Jumping Spots in Siargao

Shoot Photos on Siargao’s Most Epic Road

At either sunrise, sunset or just whenever head down just pass ‘Top of the Road’ and you will be on a long stretch of road. Coconut palms line this road and it’s not till you send a drone up that you will fully understand how awesome this road is. If you don’t fly a drone then no worries. It’s still the best road on the island for photos.

We shot both from the air and down on ground-level and they are my favorite shots of the trip. It’s becoming quite popular two years on now from when I added this photo but don’t be an idiot and set up your tripod in the middle of the road. Remember it is a road with cars and trucks who will either plow through your camera or swerve off the road and lose control to avoid it. Be smart and enjoy the views.

The Bent Palm (Now The Maasin River Rope Swing)

While there are many palms that have grown sideways on Siargao (They can’t all be perfect!), there is one that has had an extra little bit of attention than the others. We had a blast in this cool little spot taking some photos and getting glass in our feet while wading down the river! There has been a rope swing installed and it is a Siargao tourist spot with the locals hanging out there. 

Coconut Palm Forest for Sunset or Sunrise

Hanging out inside the coconut palm forest is so damn cool. I was just overwhelmed no matter which way I turned. Thousands of palms, small pools of water, light rays shining through, small fires burning off rubbish, pet pigs squealing and small wooden huts.

It’s an amazing place to explore and once again if you drone, send it up here and look around. It’s not one of the commonly suggested things to do in Siargao but you won’t regret it!

Secret Cliff Jump at Sugba Lagoon

There are actually two lagoons at Sugba Lagoon, the crowded one with the diving board and another hidden, empty one around the corner. Swim or paddle the 500m there and then at the top of the tree is a nice wooden platform, which I would see is about 7-8 meters high. It has epic views of the lagoon and you can see how deep the water is from up there. We never touched the bottom once but do your own depth check in case rocks or branches lurk below the surface.

The jump was awesome and easily the BEST cliff jump in Siargao and easily the highest official jump! Here’s a little video of my jump.

Mam-On and La Januza Island Hopping

Mam-On Island and La Januza Island are found just off the coast of Siargao. They several beautiful beaches and coves and are covered in palm tree-covered hills. The reef surrounding both islands and in the channel between the two is truly remarkable.

You can now do these two islands as part of a day-trip as an alternative to the regular tri-island hopping. I highly suggest it as it’s not as busy and equally as beautiful. 

Most of the island hopping tours in Siargao only include Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island but there is one great option that is a bit more expensive but adds on Mam-On Island: Tri Island Hopping Tour + Mam-on Island.

View Full Blog Post: MAM-ON ISLAND AND LA JANUZA ISLAND NEAR SIARGAO

Kawhagan Island and Pamomoan Beach

These are two great beaches separated by just a few hundred meters of water. You can visit both as part of the Sugba Lagoon tour, which is how I visited them also. Pamomoan Beach is part of Caob Island and is a chill place for lunch with nice white sand, palm trees and hammocks.

Kawhagan Island is a small, palm-tree covered island that has an epic sandbar at low tide. It’s a pretty sweet spot for late afternoon or sunset.

I visited both Kawhagan Island and Pamomoan Beach as part of this island-hopping day-trip tour that includes Sugba Lagoon.

View Full Blog Post: KAWHAGAN ISLAND & PAMOMOAN BEACH NEAR SIARGAO

Discover Poneas Island and find the Hidden Lake

Up in the north-west of Siargao is a town called San Benito. Here you can hire a boat and head out to Poneas Island. When you arrive you will take a small hike up over the hill and down the path until you find the hidden lake.

The lake is truly incredible. Hidden from the ocean and the outside world, you are truly in a secret paradise it feels. As I took to the air to get a better understanding of the region it was quite impressive to see the small mountains of Poneas Island, which had a resemblance to the terrain of the nearby Caob Island. Details of how to book with my local guide are in the blog post linked below.

View Full Blog Post: DISCOVER THE HIDDEN LAKE OF PONEAS ISLAND, SIARGAO

If the surf starts to get big you can either head down to cloud nine or drive up to Pacifico to watch the show. The latter is advised. A typhoon hit Siargao both times I visited so on the second typhoon, I rode my bicycle up to Pacifico and spent the day watching the huge swell smash the coastline. It was clean enough for a few hours that several locals even managed to grab a few epic waves.

Hanging out at Pacifico Beach Resort guarantees good food and front row seats to the waves while laying back on their lounge chairs.

Santa Fe Beach

Head across the newly constructed bridge near Cloud 9 that links General Luna to Libertad and you will escape the crowds of Cloud 9 and enter Siargao bliss. Libertad in itself has some great sunset spots, albeit facing the wrong direction.

However, my favorite spot is just near Santa Fe. If you just chuck Santa Fe into your google maps, there is no specific spot but just pick a bit of beach and enjoy it all to yourself. No-one else comes out here as they just take the lazy option of General Luna for sunset but I used to ride my bicycle down here in just twenty minutes and found it very peaceful!

Hang Out with the Locals

No matter how many awesome things there are to see or how many waves you will ride, the most important thing in each destination I visit, is the locals. You are visiting their home. Not only should you treat every inch of their land with respect but these are the people you want to hang out with if they give you the chance.

This is one of the best things to do in Siargao and I encourage you to go out of your way to meet a local at karaoke, a surf, a chat at breakfast in the hostel, a beach cleanup or a full-day adventure. Think not what can they do for me but how can you help them. Our favorite day on Siargao was the beach clean-up we did at Pacifico with all the local kids and surfers. The people in Siargao are pretty chill and happy to share a joke with them.

Siargao is a beautiful island. Treat this island with respect. Leave it better than you found it and be proud of your actions. Make a positive impact during your visit. I hope this Siargao travel blog has given you an idea of just how beautiful Siargao is!

Here is some more useful information about Siargao to help you plan your trip and itinerary the best you can. I hope this blog post really does help you explore the island and enjoy one of the best places in the Philippines.

Best Time to Visit Siargao Island

Siargao Island, Philippines is renowned for its beautiful beaches, great surf spots, and lush landscapes. It’s considered as a year-round travel destination, but the optimal time to visit would depend on what you’re looking to do:

1. Weather: The best weather in Siargao typically occurs during the dry season, from March to October. During these months, you can expect less rain and more sunny days. It’s ideal for outdoor activities like surfing, island hopping, or exploring the island’s natural beauty.
2. Surfing Season: If you are interested in surfing, the peak surfing season is August to November, with the biggest waves typically appearing in September and October. The most famous surfing spot on the island is Cloud 9, which has held international surfing competitions.
3. Peak Tourist Season: The peak tourist season in Siargao is during the dry season, particularly in the months of March, April, and May. These coincide with the summer vacation period in the Philippines. During this time, the island can get pretty crowded. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider visiting during the shoulder months like February, June or November.
4. Off-Peak Season: If you want to avoid crowds and get better deals on accommodation, consider visiting during the off-peak season from November to February. However, these months also coincide with the rainy season so there might be a few rainy days.

Read More of my Siargao Guides

• Chasing Sunsets : 11 AWESOME SUNSET SPOTS ON SIARGAO ISLAND
• Cliff Jumping Guide: 9 CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS IN SIARGAO
• Complete Accommodation Guide: WHERE TO STAY ON SIARGAO ISLAND
• Island Hopping Guide: SIARGAO ISLAND HOPPING – GUYAM, DAKU & NAKED ISLAND
• The Complete Bucketlist: 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON SIARGAO
• Itinerary & Expenses: SIARGAO ITINERARY & EXPENSES ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
• Sohoton Cove Itinerary: SOHOTON COVE NATIONAL PARK TOUR – CAVES AND LAGOONS
• Visit Sugba Lagoon: SUGBA LAGOON FROM SIARGAO ISLAND

MY ACCOMMODATION GUIDES FOR THE PHILIPPINES

• Luxury in South Cebu: 18 BEST SOUTH CEBU RESORTS
• Bucketlist: 13 BEST PHILIPPINES OVERWATER BUNGALOWS
• Beach Resorts in North Cebu: BEST RESORTS IN CEBU
• El Nido Resorts: 12 BEST RESORTS IN EL NIDO
• Moalboal Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
• Panglao Resorts: 13 BEST LUXURY RESORTS IN PANGLAO
• Siargao Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
• Hostels in Cebu: 10 BEST HOSTELS IN CEBU
• Sustainable Resorts: 12 BEST ECO RESORTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
• Coron Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN CORON

MORE OF MY PHILIPPINES GUIDES

• The Ultimate Philippines Itinerary: 3-4 WEEK PHILIPPINES ITINERARY
• Best Island Hopping Trip: BIG DREAM BOAT MAN IN CORON
• The Backpacker’s Guide to the Philippines: 1 MONTH FOR $800
• Ultimate Guide to Coron: 22 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CORON
• Ultimate Guide to Siargao: 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
• Ultimate Guide to Romblon: 17 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN ROMBLON
• Ultimate Guide to El Nido: 20 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO
• Ultimate Guide to Bohol: 27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BOHOL
• Ultimate Guide to Sibuyan: 9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIBUYAN