Known as the ‘Surfing Capital of the Philippines’, the small island of Siargao is a tropical paradise that is definitely worth adding to your Philippines bucket list.
As well as beautiful white sand beaches, surrounded by majestic palm trees, there are also stunning clear rock pools and lagoons to explore.
In addition, Siargao has a lively nightlife scene with bars, clubs, live music and DJs to entertain you into the night, if you are looking to party.
So, for the best things to do in Siargao, from the surf to the restaurants, here’s our Siargao guide.
1. Cloud 9 Surfing Tower
If you’re into surfing, or just chilling out watching the pro’s, then Cloud 9 is certainly the place to be.
Cloud 9 relates to the whole surrounding area, however the easiest way to determine if you have arrived at the right place, is by heading to the huge surfing tower!
The tower itself is simply a viewing deck, which costs 50 Pesos to access, and is well worth it to spend an hour watching the surfers from.
If you’re looking to get amongst the waves yourself, plenty of instructors will be lined up waiting on the beach. They generally charge 500 Pesos for one hour sessions, which include necessary equipment and boards.
Surfing is one of the most popular things to do in Siargao, and Cloud 9 is swamped with cool restaurants, as well as some unique local shops.
An iconic spot in Siargao, Cloud 9 is a great place to spend the day learning how to surf, relaxing down at the beach and ending the day with a Siargao sunset.
You’ll definitely be able to spend a day or two at this, one of the most famous Siargao tourist spots.
2. Magpupungko Rock Pools
A famous cliff jumping spot, as well as one of the top things to do in Siargao, these luminous blue rock pools are an awesome spot to add to your Philippines itinerary.
The most important thing to stress though, is you that MUST check the tides before visiting!
Magpupungko Rock Pools are tidal pools, which means they are only visible (and fully enjoyable) at low tide. You can check the daily tides on Tides Chart, which is the region where the rock pools are located.
We visited between 2.30pm – 3.30pm, and the tides were on their way back in, meaning we only just made it before it was unsafe for swimmers.
For this reason we recommend heading down an hour so before low tide, to ensure you get to experience the full hour or so time slot provided by mother nature.
If planned correctly, the crystal clear waters, the rock pools, and white powdered beach is beautiful! Not to mention it is all extremely clean and well looked after by the locals.
Another of the best Siargao tourist spots and one of the best things to do in the Philippines.
3. Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon is not only one of the top things to do in Siargao, but is one of the Philippines most popular tourist attractions.
You may have seen the photos of a random diving board leaning over a blue lagoon on major advertisements for the Philippines. Well this is it!
To visit Sugba Lagoon, first you’ll need to go all the way to Del Carmen, around a 45 minute drive from General Luna. Then once at Del Carmen, head to the pier and hire a catamaran, to take you through the mangroves to the lagoon.
There are plenty of catamarans available (max 6 per boat) and you can join others if needed. It should work out at around 500-700 Pesos per person for a day trip. This usually includes Sugba Lagoon, Kawhagan Island, and Pamomoan Island as part of a private tour.
The lagoon is an amazing place for kayaking, paddling, jumping/diving, swimming or whatever you are inspired to do.
There may be a line for the diving board but other than that it’s a very spacious place.
When you’re ticking off all the things to do in Siargao, leave a spot for Sugba Lagoon as this gem cannot be missed. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in the Philippines.
4. Siargao Island Hopping
Island hopping in Siargao is possibly the most popular thing to do in Siargao.
A full day of jumping around incredible islands, including Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island.
From General Luna, the best way to arrange a day out on the catamarans is to head to where the boats depart from (opposite Curry Pot) and negotiate with the drivers. This is best done the evening before you plan on heading out to be sure to secure yourself a skipper.
The other option, if you’d prefer organisation and reassurance, is to book a trip through your accommodation. However, just beware that they will likely charge you up to 3500 Pesos per boat.
We bartered with locals and paid 1500 Pesos for a boat, that seated up to 8 people. So although there were only 6 of us, it still worked out at just 250 Pesos per person. A real bargain!
Siargao Island Hopping Tours are an all day thing, and most of them do not include lunch. So be sure to grab something to take with you, and of course stock up on plenty of water!
There are a few shacks scattered around the islands, however not only are they expensive, you just don’t want to get caught out without supplies.
As for the islands themselves, we’ll leave you to experience the beauty. Just be prepared for a full day of floating around tropical paradise, crystal blue waters and sipping coconuts on secluded beaches.
5. Beach Clean Up With The Sun Crew
So we happened to find this by chance, but it’s definitely something worth passing on for those making a things to do in Siargao list.
We were travelling with some friends, when a lady from The Sun Crew DM’d us on Instagram asking if we wanted to head up to Wemar’s Surf Shop and take part in their weekly beach clean up.
The beach cleans up take place every Saturday morning at Pacifico Beach, and it’s something they do to encourage the younger generation to look after their surf beach.
It turned out to be an amazing experience. With over 45 kids turning up, they took us down to help clear the plastic and rubbish from the sand, before heading out on the boards and teaching us how to surf…well trying!
If you are in Siargao on a Saturday and get the chance, we highly recommend heading up north and linking up with the guys at The Sun Crew.
Maybe drop them a message via Instagram beforehand, as they’re doing great things and were super appreciative to have the support.
Plus you can hit the taco shop afterwards to refuel!
6. Eat Local
Shaka Cafe
For your coffee and smoothie bowl kick.
Shaka offers only the freshest organic fruits and vegetables in every meal, with a promise of no additives or preservatives.
Ronaldo’s
For cheap, local food this place cannot be beaten.
We must have eaten over 10 veg curries in 4 days between us and the family that run it are so sweet.
Kermit Surf Resort
Possibly the most popular hang out on the island.
It has everything from accomodation to a restaurant, surf shop, tours and even a little outdoor gym area. We didn’t stay here but the breakfast is to die for at only 250 Pesos per person!
Aventino’s Pizza
We usually steer clear of the pizza parlours in Asia, just because they are either awful or they come with European prices. Although this one was an exception.
At around 135 Pesos per pizza, Aventino’s was both cheap and delicious.
Where To Stay In Siargao
Luxury
Kawayan Siargao Resort has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar and garden in General Luna.
Featuring a terrace, the 3-star resort has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.
Rooms come with a balcony with pool views. All rooms at the resort come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower.
Guests at Kawayan Siargao Resort can enjoy a continental or a à la carte breakfast.
Mid-Budget
Boasting a garden and views of garden, Riad Masaya is situated in General Luna, 0.7 miles from Cloud 9 Surfing Area.
Featuring a shared lounge, the 2-star inn has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.
The accommodation features a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. All rooms at the inn come with a seating area. The rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle.
Budget
Set in General Luna, within 1.4 miles of Guyam Island and 1.8 miles of Daku Island, Secret Spot Siargao offers accommodation with a garden and as well as free private parking for guests who drive.
Boasting a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Each room has a patio with views of the garden.
All guest rooms at the hostel come with a seating area. At Secret Spot Siargao all rooms have a shared bathroom with a bidet.
For more places to stay in Siargao, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.