Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island in Surigao del Norte, in the far northeast of Mindanao. It is best known for surfing, but most visitors spend as much time on lagoons, rock pools and motorbikes as they do in the water.
Getting here
Flights land at Sayak Airport (IAO) in Del Carmen, usually connecting through Manila or Cebu. There is also a ferry from Surigao City to Dapa port.
From either arrival point it is roughly 40 to 60 minutes to General Luna, where most accommodation sits.
Where to base yourself
- General Luna is the main hub. Restaurants, bars, rentals and most accommodation, and walking distance to a lot of it.
- Catangnan and Cloud 9 put you next to the boardwalk and the island's best-known wave.
- Malinao is quieter, a short ride from General Luna.
- Pacifico and the north are far calmer and far emptier, with good surf and very little around it. Wonderful if that is what you want, isolating if it is not.
Our travel guides cover each area in more detail.
What to book before you arrive
- Accommodation, especially September to November and over the holidays.
- Airport transfer, so someone is waiting when you land.
- A motorbike or car, if you are arriving in peak season.
Island-hopping trips and surf lessons can usually be arranged once you are here, though popular operators fill up.
Things worth knowing on day one
- Bring cash. Most small businesses, drivers and entrance fees are cash only, and ATMs run dry.
- Wear a helmet if you ride, and check your insurance actually covers motorbikes.
- Power and water interruptions happen. Usually brief, occasionally not.
- Roads vary. The main east coast road is good; plenty of others are not, particularly after rain.
The island beyond the surf
Magpupungko rock pools at low tide, Sugba Lagoon, Sohoton Cove, Taktak Falls, and the three islands off General Luna. Most take a half or full day.
Start with our surf guides if you are here for waves, and the travel guides if you are not.