Siargao Island is located in the province of Surigao del Norte, in the Caraga Region of Mindanao, in the Philippines.

Cities

• General Luna

Understand

Siargao is a beautiful paradise island with nice beaches and clear blue waters. It`s a quiet non-tourist island well known for it`s surf spots, especially Cloud 9 where there`s a big international surf contest every year. Siargao is known for it's relaxed atmosphere, friendly people and inexpensive accommodations.

Get in

There are direct flights to Siargao Island from Cebu four times a week, Mon.Wed,Fri,Sun. the Carrier is Cebu-Pacific. Prices for flights seem to vary, but expect to pay approx. $US50 one way. Flight time is approximately 45 minutes. Airport is approximately 45 minutes from the main accommodation areas at Cloud 9. Usually there are plenty of vans to transport people to their accommodation...price is not fixed, whatever you can bargain the driver down to...they have to return to the Cloud 9 area anyway. The ferries from Surigao City to Dapa (main port town on Siargao Island) leave at approx. 6am, 11.30am and 12 noon...travel time varies between 2+ hours to almost 4 hours, depending on the ferry.fares for the ferries are P 220/270 per way. Tricycles, vans and habal-habals (local form of transport=motorbikes designed for carrying passengers) wait at the pier to transport people to the main tourist/accommodation areas at Cloud 9. As always, flight times and ferry schedules may change without notice. The above details are current as at June, 2015.

Get around

For the non-surf people, you can explore the island by motorbike or boat. You can go island jumping, scuba diving and snorkeling. And there's also many caves and waterfalls to explore.

See

• Sohoton Caves, Bocas Grande (1.5-2 hour boat ride from Gen Luna). Sohoton Lagoon and Caves is a 600+ hectare Eco-reserve situated in the isolated south of Bocas Grande island. Accessible only on lower tides, this pristine sanctuary offers a grand experience. The trip is conducted by boat and is required most of the day. 500 entrance. 

Do

• Driftwood Watersports, Cloud 9 Rd, Brgy 5 (1km toward Cloud 9 from GL (on the left)), ☏ +63 929 176 7048, info@surfdriftwood.com. The largest surf shop on the island. Driftwood offers new/used/rental surf boards and SUPs, apparel, and surf accessories. Driftwood also provides accommodations, airport/ferry transportation and water transportation and activities. 

Eat

• Driftrwood Cafe, Cloud 9 Rd, Brgy 5 (1km toward cloud 9 on the main road.), ☏ +63 929 176 7048. 7am-8pm. Driftwood Cafe (http://www.surfdriftwood.com) is located adjacent to Driftwood Watersports (surf shop). Driftwood has excellent food and coffee. Some sample menu prices: Hamburger p100, Banana Shake, p70, Double Kill Fried Chicken p120, Latte p60. 

Drink

If you want to hang out at night, catch a beer and some food, enjoy good music and meet new people, "Nine bar" is the place to be. "Nine bar" is located outside the small town of General Luna. Its owned by two Swedish surfers.

Sleep

look for accommodations around General Luna, Cloud 9, where there's a number of places by the beach.

budget

you can still find budget places to stay for under p 1000 a night if you look around.

• Siargao Surf Resort, Catangnan (Located between the busy Cloud 9 and the town of General Luna), hello@siargaosurf.com. Set in the heart of the Siargao Island Surf community, Siargao Surf Resort gives you a true local surfing experience. The resort is ideal for travelers and surfers alike looking for good island vibes. The resort is comfortable with a laid back atmosphere and has easy access to everything you desire. 900P. 

• Happy Gecko Siargao Backpackers Hostel., Cloud 9 Boardwalk, ☏ +63 9999937413. dorm beds. 1st backpackers hostel in Siargao island. p 200/250 per person.. 

• Wayfarers Cloud 9 Restaurant & Residences, Cloud 9, ☏ +63 9184434800. fan double rooms with own bathrooms. a good clean place for budget travelers. from p350. (updated Jun 2015)

Mid-Range

Mid-Range is p 1000 + a night.

Stay safe

Violent crime is non-existent on the island, but like all poor areas, petty theft is not uncommon. There are no regional issues with insurgents etc and visitors can wander freely anywhere on the island. The primary safety concern is infection from cuts and scrapes on reefs. Thus, it is recommended to wear reef booties (locally available) and disinfect and cover (gauze) any wounds immediately.

Go next

Transportation off the island is via Cebu Pacific flights (Monday and Friday to Cebu City) or by ferry 7 days per week (Surigao City). Flight options from Surigao are available to Manila (Philippines airlines) and Cebu via Cebu Pacific.