Siargao Guide: Where to Eat, Sleep, Surf & Party

Featured image photo credit: Isabel Bengzon

Move over, Boracay. Siargao is the new Philippine island on every millennial traveler’s list. Siargao started in very much the same way Bali did some 40 years ago. It began as a pilgrimage site for surfers chasing beautiful swells, braving heretofore untrodden roads to remote shores. Today, it’s been recognized by elite travel brands and publications as the up-and-coming Philippine destination to watch as perhaps Tulum was for Mexico. 

Where is Siargao? The teardrop-shaped island–40 times bigger than Boracay–can be found in northern Mindanao, in the southeast corner of the Philippines. Is it dangerous? Not unless you drink and drive. What’s it all about? Siargao is the Philippines’ surf capital, home to easily 10 mostly reef breaks, the most famous of which is Cloud 9 in General Luna. Beyond the surf, people come for the raw beauty of the place and the great vibe. We spoke to Isabel Bengzon (@lovewesay) to bring you this guide to Siargao for the best sun, surf, and swimming vacation!

When to go

Major events during the year held in Siargao include the following: 

• Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament – April
• Philippine Surfing Championship Tour – September
• Fiesta (local island-wide festival) – end of September
• Cloud 9 International Surfing Cup – October

The best time to go to Siargao is from February to July for non-surfers looking for sunshine. Bigger swells arrive from September to November, making it the best time to go surfing. The rainy season is from November to January but the waves are still good for surfing though, so if you don’t mind getting extra wet, go for it!

If you want to avoid the crowds, overbooking and high prices, don’t come during big Philippine holidays including Labor Day (weekend on May 1st), Holy Week during Easter, Chinese New Year in January or February, Christmas, and New Year. 

Getting there and around

There are no international flights that land in Siargao. You must fly to Cebu or Manila and book a domestic line to Siargao (IAO). Cebu would be our recommended stop as it’s an easier and quicker transfer. 

When in Siargao, the best way to get around is by motorbike. Try to rent one in advance from your hotel before you arrive, especially if you’re coming during the high season. Specify if you want one with or without a board rack, the former being more expensive. You can also hail “habal-habals”, a narrower version of the tuk-tuk, or a car while there.

Some hotels also offer shuttle services. There are also bike rentals or, if you’re close by to everything, you can simply walk! Distances are relatively short as most establishments are concentrated on a two-kilometer stretch of road. 

See & Do 

Go on a road trip! Tour the island stopping at Taktak Falls in Santa Monica, the Magpupungko Tide Pools or Tayangban Cave Pool in Pilar, and Sugba Lagoon. If you’re into the adrenaline rush, don’t forget to squeeze in swinging into the river at Maasin. Not Bali-swing style, Tarzan style.

For some quiet time, visit Pacifico Beach up north for surf and relaxation. You can even book a couple of days there if you’re looking for a complete digital detox. Further north, there’s the burgeoning town of Burgos, where you can stop by Lokal and Isda’market to learn about how the community is growing. then unwind on Alegria Beach, home to what some consider the island’s finest stretch of sand.

The most popular island-hopping trip with My Siargao Guide goes to Daku, Guyam, and Naked Islands. Other trips go to Sohoton Caves much further away (it takes a whole day, but it is so worth it). There’s also Anajawan and Mamon islands, or Corregidor Island for hiking. Boat parties and fishing trips can be arranged with Lupita Adventures along with motor and mountain bike rentals.

Try different tours like the Bathala Land Tour, which includes getting to know Philippine-grown coffee, a weaving workshop, and secret beaches. The Bayatakan Farm Tour, meanwhile, offers a farm-to-table experience in which you learn about the challenges of local farming, enjoy the river, and have an organic, locally prepared meal as part of the tour.

Then, of course, there’s surfing. Remember to go to the surf spot appropriate for your skill level or you will put yourself and other people in harm’s way. Sign up at Kanaway Surf School for packages and day trips.

Finally, no vacation is complete without massages and a spa! There are several on the main road including mid-range Emerald Spa, and Esse Spa. Siargao Bleu would be the choice for a more pampered experience.

Eat 

For the full-on local experience, try a carinderia, or local open-air canteen. The two carinderias near Boyum’s Resort right next to fruit and veggie stalls have a wide array of local delicacies to choose from. Try things like monggo (bean soup), ginataang langka (greens cooked in coconut milk), bamboo shoots, or spicy pork with coconut.

For beachside dining, we recommend L’Osteria Siargao for an enjoyable fancy Italian dinner on the beach. Walk to  APLAYA next door for drinks; it’s especially busy on Saturdays but chill the rest of the week. Kalinaw Resort for date night on the beach, only 800 meters away from the infamous Cloud9 surf break. Lamari Siargao for breezy pool-side dining and drinking which is also a trendy place to stay. Grill places at Siargao Boulevard where you can buy fresh catch of the day from the General Luna wet market and bring them in for grilling.

Check out Spotted Pig, Siago, and Greenhouse Siargao which serves great Western-style breakfast and brunch. If you feel a little heavy after days of rice and meat, drop by Kalipay for healthy food or Buonana and Vedya for vegan dishes.

For a taste of hearty Filipino food (think meat and rice!), check out Kanin Baboy, Cantina Luna, or KABJA for some warm bone marrow soup on a rainy night at a good value.

If you’ve had your fill of Filipino food, perhaps spice it up with some Mexican comfort food at Las Barricas in town or perhaps something Spanish at Bravo Beach Resort Siargao for trendy, international beachfront eats or CEV for the freshest Peruvian ceviche with a Filipino twist!

L’Osteria Siargao Tuason Point, Bgy. Catangnan, 8419 General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, +63 917 892 3537, www.facebook.com/losteria.siargao

White Banana Tuason Beach, Brgy. Catangnan, 8419 General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, www.facebook.com/whitebananabeach

Kalinaw Restaurant Resort General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, +63 939 904 3554, www.kalinawresort.com

Lamari Siargao Tourism Road, 8419 General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, +63 917 555 0073, www.facebook.com/lamarisiargao

Spotted Pig www.facebook.com/spottedpigsiargao

Siago www.siagobeachresort.com/flavours 

Buonana www.facebook.com/buonanaph

Vedya www.vedyasiargao.com

KABJA www.facebook.com/kabjarestaurantsiargao

Las Barricas www.facebook.com/LasBarricasSiargao

CEV www.instagram.com/cevsiargao

Greenhouse Siargao www.facebook.com/Greenhousesiargao

Cantina Luna Tourism Road, 8419 General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, +63 917 125 1442, www.facebook.com/cantinalunasiargao

Bravo Beach Resort Siargao Tourism Road, Barangay 5, General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, +63 905 395 5493, www.bravosiargao.com

Sleep

If you’re in Siargao to surf, you can try Alon Resort in front of the breaks of Cloud 9 and Quicksilver. It often hosts visiting surf pros during the annual Cloud 9 International Surfing Cup. Beachfront resort Cloud 101 Beach Resort is another good option, within walking distance of Cloud 9 and the other beginner to intermediate breaks like Jacking Horse. It’s also a five-minute walk to the boat jump-off to surf breaks in nearby islands. Harana Resort is the place for intermediate-advanced surfers, sitting in front of the Tuason beach break.

If you want to be social, book your stay at the top-rated and trendy Bravo Beach Resort. Another beachfront place, APLAYA is the place for sunset beach parties and high-end cocktails. Budget travelers can check into Mad Monkeys Hostel for socializing and just the right amount of party. If “Instagrammable” is a criterion for you, make a beeline for Hillside Resort.

For peace and quiet, opt for Greenhouse Resort, an “eco-surf” property with villas built into tropical gardens on the waterfront. Kawayan Resort in front of Cloud 9 is both calm and great for surfers – they also have the island’s best bakery! Finally, consider Soultribe Beach Retreat in Malinao away from the madding crowd of General Luna.

If you want to be pampered (and have no spending limit), allow us to point you in the direction of  Nay Palad Hideaway in Malinao, formerly known as Dedon Island Resort–Siargao’s most luxurious and exclusive resort. Runners-up include Bayud, a boutique resort in Malinao set apart from busy General Luna, Kalinaw in General Luna, a beachfront property but still in the heart of the action, and Siargao Bleu, seafront villas known for its relaxing spa.

APLAYA Tourism Rd, Purok 3, General Luna, 8419 Surigao del Norte, Philippines, Google maps

Alon Resort Bgy. Catangnan, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, +63 919 999 5854, , www.cloud9surf.com

Cloud 101 Beach Resort Cloud 9, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island
Surigao del Norte, Philippines, +63 910 848 0893 /+63 919 826 8837, www.ocean101cloud9.com

Harana Surf Resort Tuason Point, General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, +63 998 849 5461, haranasurf.com

Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao Lot 2903 Brgy, General Luna, 8419 Surigao del Norte, Philippines, +63 947 187 2392, www.madmonkeyhostels.com/siargao

The Hillside Resort Siargao Tourism Rd, 8419 General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, +63 977 275 2889, www.facebook.com/hillsideresortsiargao

Greenhouse Resort Dapa-Union-Gen. Luna Rd, 8419 Catangnan, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, +63 917 501 4942, greenhousesiargao.com,

Kawayan Resort Lot 4, NIA Road, National Highway, Brgy. Macabling, 4026 Santa Rosa, Laguna, +63 922 877 4146, www.facebook.com/kawayanresort

Soultribe Beach Retreat Malinao Beach, 8419 Siargao, Philippines, +63 999 645 3324, www.facebook.com, www.soultribebeachretreat.com

Nay Palad Hideaway Malinao, General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, 8419, Philippines, +63 917 701 78 40, , www.naypaladhideaway.com

Bayud Boutique Resort , bayudsiargao.com, www.instagram.com

Kalinaw Resort General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, +63 939 904 3554, www.kalinawresort.com

Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa Tourism Rd, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, +63 917 772 4188, siargaobleu.com.ph

Party

In many ways, Siargao is still a small town compared to bigger beach destinations in Asia. Usually, there are only one or two lively places to choose from in terms of going out on any given night and it changes depending on the day. Whatever the case, leave your heels or long trousers at home, because the dress code is definitely beachwear anywhere you go, at any time of day!

Along the roads, local live bands and lively karaoke sessions provide a cheerful atmosphere where visitors and locals come together to enjoy the music. Happiness Beach Bar is a hotspot for market days and beats with DJs, offering a blend of live entertainment and barbecue nights. Adding to the scene is Barbosa, a trendy establishment opened by local actress Andi Eigenmann. For those seeking a more laid-back evening, try the contemporary Filipino-Tiki cocktails at Manu.

Happiness Beach Bar www.instagram.com/happinessphsiargao

Barbosa www.instagram.com/barbosa_siargao

Goodies www.facebook.com/goodies.siargao

Manu www.instagram.com/manusiargaofficial

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Ready for your trip yet? We hope you enjoy it and make the most out of it! Remember, be respectful of the locals and the island’s environment. This is a Philippine destination that prides itself on the harmony of its community; Siargaonons welcomes those who understand and contribute to the spirit and lifestyle of their beautiful home. For more Philippine destination inspiration, check out this article!