Siargao is a slice of paradise any beach-loving, surfboard-hugging, slow traveling vacationer should experience at least once in their lives. It’s an island off the eastern coast of the Philippines that has captured the eyes and hearts of many travelers, thanks to its magnificent white sand beaches, gnarly surfing waves, enchanting tidal pools and coves, the abundance of Instagrammable coconut palm trees, and friendly locals with a chill, easygoing vibe.
You’d think a gem like Siargao Island would be a busy tourist destination with crowds and tours left and right, but the locals and responsible travelers that come to Siargao are able to preserve the smallness and locality that gives the island its unique charm and authenticity. Life is slow on the island, with little to no cars on the roads (everyone hops on a bike or motorcycle instead!). And the small hostels, restaurants, and bars lined on its main streets support a more sustainable life for the locals.
There is a plethora of hostels and transient homes in the quiet villages, but there are also oceanfront luxury villas and modern buildings that give off a more chic and fashionable vibe. The best way to see all of your options that range from a quaint hostel bunk bed to a glorious beachfront villa is through Airbnb.
In this Airbnb guide to Siargao:
- Siargao Itinerary
- Where should I stay in Siargao Airbnb?
- Best Airbnbs in Siargao
- Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in Siargao?
- FAQ
Siargao Itinerary
Even though Siargao feels more like a laidback province for slow island living, you’ll never run out of activities or things to see while you’re there.
Number one on everyone’s list in Siargao is Cloud 9, a beach that boasts of the best surfing waves to ride. If you’re not a huge fan of surfing, you can take a stroll by the famous boardwalk while admiring the crystal clear waters below.
If you’re an adventure-seeker, you can swim and cliff-dive by the Magpupungko Rock Pools. If Instagram-worthy white sand beaches are your thing, go island-hopping to see Naked Island and Guyam Island. And if you want a relaxing experience, you can explore the island via motorcycle, find the best jungle view of Siargao’s famous coconut palm trees, and end your night at a mellow little Italian restaurant by the main street.
If you have an extra day, sign up for a tour of Sohoton Cove in the southern part of the island. Swim with jellyfish and even go kayaking to see teal lagoons, lush greens, and bewitching caves—your friends will love you for it.
But if you have a little (note: a lot) of extra cash to burn and want to kick back and be pampered, you can treat yourself to a stay at a luxurious resort, like Nay Palad, arguably the best resort in Siargao. While one night here comes at a hefty price tag, you’ll experience five-star everything, from food and hospitable service to white sand ocean views lined with coconut trees.
Where should I stay in Siargao?
Everywhere you turn on the island will have magnificent sunsets and enticing crystal waters, so where to stay for the trip is just a matter of what vibe and activities you fancy. If you want to be at the center of all the action and have access to loads of restaurants and surfing areas, staying at General Luna (1) is a no-brainer. A less crowded version of the main street with the same gorgeous beaches is near Alegria Beach (2) in Santa Monica. If you’re looking for something a bit less crowded but with fun island excursions, take your pick among San Isidro (3) and Pilar (4). And if you want to be closest to the jump-off point for island-hopping adventures, stay at Dapa (5).
General Luna
- Access to hostels and restaurants
- Has the best places to surf
- Easy to make friends
- Can be crowded at peak seasons
This is what is known as Siargao’s main street. It’s where you can find all the trendy hostels, restaurants, and bars, all of which are probably walking distance to your accommodation since the area is quite small but packed with things to do. In the morning, you can walk or ride your bike to Cloud 9 to take on some surfing lessons, and by evening, you can make new friends in the area’s mellow but lively nightlife.
Alegria Beach
- Quieter than General Luna
- Not that many crowds
- Gorgeous beaches and tourist attractions
- Farthest point for main streets
This lesser-known beach can be found at the northern tip of the island, in a town called Santa Monica. It’s a hidden gem with powdery white sand and teal waters but isn’t as crowded by tourists. It’s kind of like a mini General Luna—there are still a bunch of restaurants and lounge areas, but with fewer people. It’s also a great area to stay at if you want to go on underrated tropical adventures, like going for a dip in Taktak Falls.
San Isidro
- Opportunities to learn more about sustainability and culture
- Less crowded beaches
- There are only a few accommodations in the area
If you’re traveling to Siargao to experience the slow, serene island life but also want to learn about the island’s impressive sustainability efforts, go to San Isidro. It has a lot of less crowded beaches, such as Pacifico Beach and Himaya South, for you to enjoy without the herds of people. You can also go on eco-tours, like at the Bayatakan Farm Experience, to learn about the farming culture on the island.
Pilar
- Many popular tourist attractions
- Great for adventure-seekers
- More laidback than the main streets
- Not that many accommodations and restaurants
Another area you may be interested in if you’re all about those Instagram shots but don’t care for crowds is Pilar, a municipality that sits right on top of General Luna. It boasts of some of Siargao’s most popular hotspots. It’s home to the Magpupungko Rock Pools, where you can see turquoise water with views of the Pacific. This is also where you can go swimming at the enchanting Tayangban Cave Pool.
Dapa
- Easy access to tours and island-hopping
- Many homestays
- More lively than other municipalities
- You need to get out of the municipality to see the best beaches
If you plan on maximizing your trip by going on lots of island-hopping tours from Naked Island to Sohoton Cove, stay at Dapa. This is where the main port is, so it’s a jump-off point for these excursions that take off via ferry. It’s also where most of the island’s schools are, so you’ll be able to see and befriend some of the local children. This is also the area to stay at if your main priority is checking out the island’s coconut trees viewing deck, of social media fame.
Best Airbnbs in Siargao
Looking for the best place to stay in Siargao can be overwhelming because of all the options available. Check out some of the top-rated vacation rentals on the island, according to what kind of vacay you’re looking at.
Best Airbnb for Romantic Stays
Instagrammable A-frame Cabin with Tropical Gardens
The unique triangular structure of this private cabin is perfect for that island getaway vibe. There are a spacious living room and a fully-equipped kitchen on the ground floor. When you climb the stairs, you’ll be greeted by a cozy mezzanine with a queen-sized bed for two. The cabin is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and has a jungle view outside its glass windows that can be opened to let in a bit of fresh air.
Best Airbnb for Surfing Tips
Beachfront House, Large Terrace, Surfing Lessons
If you’re coming to Siargao to ride those awesome waves, this beachfront bungalow is perfect for you. It has wifi, airconditioning, a spacious bath, and a queen-sized bed. It sits right in front of the beach and just 10 minutes away from the hottest surf spots. The house has a large private terrace so you can enjoy the view of the sea. The house is owned by a couple who can help out with organizing your surfing lessons and motorbike rentals for the duration of your trip.
Best Airbnb for Large Groups
Four-Bedroom Beach House with Private Baths, Staff, Balcony
This modern, spacious villa by the beach has four bedrooms, each with airconditioning and its own private bath and toilet. It also has a kitchen and dining area on the bottom floor, with gardens in the front porch and backyard. The beach is just a stone’s throw away, and if you lounge and relax at the second-floor balcony, you can see the ocean view. The best part is that the house comes with a caretaker and cook that can serve you hand and foot, and even prepare free breakfast!
Best Airbnb for Budget Stays
Modern Room with Private Terrace and Workspace, Woodworking Area
If you’re looking for a place that is quieter, less crowded, and very affordable, this may be the one for you. The room has a chic, modern, industrial vibe, and has a private terrace and work area. The bathroom is shared with only one other room on the property, and the place has a common kitchen equipped with everything you need to cook. The property has a woodworking shop where kids come to learn the craft, so it’s a great way to see what Siargao locals do in their daily lives.
Best Airbnb for Luxury Stays
Luxury Villa with Private Pool, Aircon, Wifi, Airport Transfers
This quaint yet chic villa has a private deck with a pool you can plunge into whenever you want. The ground floor has a full-size kitchen and some daybeds for lounging and hanging out. The upstairs has a queen-sized bed, lots of hanging space, and a wooden desk to serve as your work area. You can even book the villa’s private van to bring you to and from the airport for hassle-free transfers. The best part is that the beach is just a five-minute walk away!
Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in Siargao?
Apart from its slow island vibe and wicked surfing sessions at sea, Siargao is also known for its relatively low cost of living. That means you can get clean, cozy accommodations at an affordable price, especially if you’re looking for a place on Airbnb. Hostels, rooms, and cabanas found on Airbnb are a lot cheaper than luxury hotels and resorts you can find on the island.
Take the Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa, for example. It’s one of the best hotels in all of Siargao with its floating cottages, rooms with a view of the ocean, and lavish bars and restaurants. A night in this resort may cost seven times more than the average private room in General Luna when booked on Airbnb, but it’s worth the price tag if you want to be treated like royalty.
Siargao is more than just the famous surf spots, island tours, boardwalks that make you feel like you’re in the movies, and herds of astonishing coconut trees. At the end of the day, your stay on this little island will be made memorable by the slow but steady life of the locals, and the lovely faces you’ll meet and befriend along the way. So pack up and get ready for a trip of surfing adventures and soaking in the sun at the surfing capital of the Philippines!
FAQ about Siargao
The best time to see Siargao is in the dry months of the Surigao del Norte, which falls from March all the way through October. Going in the dry months means you can avoid rainy days and can enjoy all your tours and surf lessons under the bright, hot sun.
Most travelers fly to one of the major cities of the Philippines (usually Manila) before hopping on another two-hour flight directly to Siargao Island. Alternatively, you can fly to Surigao City and then take a ferry that will take you to the Dapa Port in Siargao.
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