Places to Visit in Siargao, Philippines

Brief Summary

Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, is a tropical haven where palm-lined roads meet turquoise waves. Beyond its famous surf breaks, this tear-shaped island offers peaceful lagoons, white-sand islets, and hidden waterfalls. Whether you’re chasing waves at Cloud 9, cruising through mangrove forests, or relaxing on island time, Siargao delivers the perfect mix of adventure and serenity. This travel guide explores the island’s best attractions, practical travel tips, and how to stay connected throughout your journey.

About Siargao

Located off the northeastern coast of Mindanao, Siargao has grown from a quiet fishing community into one of the Philippines’ most beloved island destinations. It’s a surfer’s paradise, but it’s also a haven for foodies, digital nomads, and eco-travelers seeking laid-back island life.

Getting there from Singapore is easy: fly into Manila or Cebu, then take a connecting flight to Sayak Airport (IAO) in Siargao. Once there, you’ll find cozy beachfront stays, friendly locals, and a community that thrives on slow travel and sustainability.

Quick Facts Table

Stay Connected While Travelling to Siargao

Siargao might be laid-back, but staying connected is essential, especially if you’re navigating island tours, checking surf forecasts, or posting those envy-worthy beach shots. With Circles.Life Borderless Plans, you’ll enjoy reliable data across the Philippines without switching SIM cards or relying on unstable Wi-Fi.

SIM Only and eSIM Plans for the Philippines

Roaming Add-ons for the Philippines

How to Activate Circles.Life Roaming for Siargao

1. Open the Circles.Life app.

2. Tap Roaming & Data Plans.

3. Choose Philippines (Siargao).

4. Pick your preferred plan and confirm payment.

5. Activate once you land at Sayak Airport (IAO) or while waiting for your island transfer.

With an active roaming plan, you can stay online from General Luna to Magpupungko and beyond, making your Siargao trip both connected and carefree.

Top Attractions in Siargao You Shouldn’t Miss

While it’s known worldwide for surfing, Siargao’s charm lies in how it blends adventure with a relaxed island rhythm. Here are the top Siargao tourist spots worth adding to your itinerary:

Cloud 9 Surfing Spot

The heartbeat of Siargao, Cloud 9 is one of the best surf breaks in the world. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, the waves here are consistently good, especially from September to November. Even if you don’t surf, the boardwalk and viewing tower are perfect for sunrise watching.

• Location: General Luna, Siargao Island

• Entry Fee: ₱50 (SGD 1.20)

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Why Visit: Iconic surf waves, scenic sunrise views, and a relaxed coastal vibe

Magpupungko Rock Pools

A natural wonder formed by tidal movement, Magpupungko Rock Pools reveal crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by smooth limestone formations during low tide. It’s one of the most unique Siargao tourist spots, perfect for cliff jumping, swimming, and relaxing in nature’s own infinity pools. The area also has small local eateries and stalls where you can grab fresh coconut juice after a swim.

• Location: Pilar, Siargao Island

• Entry Fee: ₱100 (SGD 2.50)

• Timings: Check tide schedules; best during low tide

• Why Visit: A unique natural wonder perfect for swimming and photography

Sugba Lagoon

A breathtaking turquoise lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs and dense mangroves, Sugba Lagoon is one of Siargao’s top day-trip destinations. Visitors can paddleboard, kayak, or jump off the famous wooden diving board into crystal-clear waters.

• Location: Del Carmen, Siargao

• Entry Fee: ₱200 (SGD 5) + boat rental (~₱1,600 / SGD 38 for group trips)

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Why Visit: Perfect blend of adventure and relaxation with postcard-worthy views

Sohoton Cove National Park

Accessible via a short boat ride from Siargao, Sohoton Cove is a hidden paradise of caves, lagoons, and stingless jellyfish sanctuaries. It’s often compared to Palawan’s lagoons for its raw beauty but with a more untouched, tranquil feel.

• Location: Bucas Grande Islands (near Siargao)

• Entry Fee: ₱1,000–₱1,500 (SGD 25–35) including boat and guide

• Timings: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Why Visit: A magical, less-crowded alternative to other Philippine island tours

Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island (Three-Island Tour)

This classic Siargao island-hopping tour highlights three stunning spots: Naked Island, a pristine sandbar surrounded by turquoise seas; Daku Island, known for its white sand, beach huts, and grilled seafood lunches; and Guyam Island, a tiny palm-covered paradise perfect for sunsets. The tour combines relaxation, snorkeling, and local culture in one unforgettable day. Most travelers depart from General Luna, making it a must-do for first-time visitors.

• Naked Island is a small sandbar surrounded by turquoise waters — perfect for sunbathing.

• Daku Island offers white sand, cottages, and fresh seafood lunches.

• Guyam Island is tiny and lush, ideal for sunset views and chill vibes.

• Location: Off the coast of General Luna

• Entry Fee: ₱100–₱300 (SGD 2.50–7) per island

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Why Visit: The ultimate tropical trio for island-hopping and swimming

Tayangban Cave Pool

A half-hidden adventure spot, Tayangban Cave Pool combines a short cave trek with a refreshing dip in a clear blue pool surrounded by lush jungle. Local guides lead visitors safely through the caves and natural chambers.

• Location: Pilar, Siargao

• Entry Fee: ₱100 (SGD 2.50) + ₱100 guide fee

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Why Visit: Offbeat, adventurous experience away from the crowds

Maasin River & Bent Palm Tree Swing

The Maasin River is one of Siargao’s most photographed locations, famous for its emerald-green waters and iconic leaning palm tree. Visitors can swing into the river, rent a bamboo raft, or take a leisurely kayak through the jungle-like surroundings. It’s a quick and easy stop that captures the island’s laid-back adventure vibe.

• Location: Maasin, 25 minutes from General Luna

• Entry Fee: ₱50 (SGD 1.20)

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Why Visit: Instagram-worthy spot combining fun, nature, and local charm

Siargao: What to Know Before You Go

How to Get to Siargao

There are no direct international flights to Siargao, but getting there is straightforward via Manila or Cebu. From Singapore, fly to either city (around 3.5 hours), then take a domestic flight to Sayak Airport (IAO) in Del Carmen. Major local airlines (Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Sunlight Air) operate multiple daily flights. For a scenic alternative, you can travel by ferry from Surigao City to Dapa Port in Siargao (about 3–4 hours).

• From Manila: 2-hour direct flight to Siargao.

• From Cebu: 1-hour connecting flight.

• From Surigao City: 3–4 hour ferry ride with stunning coastal views.

• Pre-book transfers to General Luna, Siargao’s main tourist area, via your hotel or local operators.

Getting Around Siargao

The best way to explore the island is by renting a motorbike or scooter, which costs around ₱300–₱500 (SGD 7–12) per day. For short distances, habal-habal (motorbike taxis) are affordable and easy to flag down. Many hotels and tour operators also offer private vans or tricycles for airport transfers and full-day tours. Roads are well-paved, and driving through the palm-lined routes is an experience in itself.

Best Time to Visit Siargao

Siargao’s weather is warm year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re after:

• March to October: Ideal for swimming, sightseeing, and calm seas — the island’s dry season.

• August to November: Surfing season, with consistent waves at Cloud 9.

• December to February: Slightly wetter months but still enjoyable with fewer tourists and lush scenery.

Where to Stay in Siargao

• Budget: Hostels and homestays in General Luna — ideal for backpackers and surfers.

• Mid-range: Beachfront cottages or boutique resorts in Cloud 9 and Catangnan, offering comfort and access to surf spots.

• Luxury: Upscale eco-resorts and private villas near Malinao or Doot Beach for peaceful, scenic stays.

Book your accommodation with Agoda discounts from Circles.Life to enjoy exclusive rates on Siargao’s top hotels and resorts.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Siargao’s laid-back charm is part of its magic, but a little preparation will help make your island experience even smoother:

• Stay connected with a local SIM or eSIM. Mobile data is essential for booking tours, checking surf conditions, or navigating between attractions like Cloud 9 and Sugba Lagoon.

• Bring enough cash. ATMs are limited and occasionally offline, especially outside General Luna. Most cafés, surf schools, and small resorts prefer cash payments.

• Pack smart for the tropics. Lightweight clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and a reusable water bottle are must-haves for island-hopping and surfing.

• Rent a scooter. The best way to explore Siargao’s palm-lined roads is by motorbike — it’s affordable, flexible, and fun.

• Respect local rhythms. Siargao runs on “island time” (slower and more relaxed), so embrace the pace, support local businesses, and help keep the island clean.

Travel Smart – Get Roaming Plans Before Travel

Reliable data is a must when exploring Siargao’s remote beaches, surf towns, and scenic roads, but Wi-Fi can be spotty, especially outside General Luna. The smartest way to stay connected is to set up your Circles.Life Borderless Plan before you fly. It gives you instant data coverage across the Philippines (and other Asia-Pacific countries) without hunting for local SIM cards or waiting for Wi-Fi signals.

Here’s how to make the most of your plan:

• Activate early. Set up your eSIM in the Circles.Life app before boarding your flight for immediate coverage when you land.

• Choose flexibility. The Borderless Plan offers 100 GB for SGD 30/month, perfect for checking maps, streaming, or uploading those Siargao sunsets in real time.

• Skip the SIM swap. eSIM technology means one plan works seamlessly across countries, ideal if you’re also visiting Cebu, Bohol, or Palawan.

With your roaming plan ready, you can explore Siargao stress-free — from chasing waves at Cloud 9 to discovering hidden lagoons — while staying online wherever your island adventures take you.