Siargao Tour with Itinerary – August 2019

Introduction

This tear-drop shaped island cost me my tears in awe of its beauty.

Siargao is voted as the “Best Island in the World” according to Conde Nast Traveler readers. It is ‘world-widely’ known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. Yes, even foreign surfers are dying to experience the waves of Siargao island!

(Source: https://outoftownblog.com/siargao-named-the-2019-best-island-in-the-world-by-conde-nast-traveler/)

Not a surfer? No problem. Staying in Siargao Island made me realized that it’s more than just a surfing capital.

In case it’s your first time to visit Siargao, you will find this article very informative and helpful to lessen the hassle and have more fun on your adventure!

Prepping for our Siargao Trip

The best time to go to Siargao

The surfing season is from July to November.  Expect more prime swells and cooler weather. Surfing condition is perfect for competitions.

Non-surfers can enjoy the island from March to September. Rest-assured that sun would always show up and these months and would seldom rain.

I stayed for four days in August. It was moody weather back then but glancing at both sunny and dusky skies at the island was such heavenly sights.

Booking a flight to Siargao

We got the onward ticket on Cebu Pacific’s promo fare (Php 481.12). It’s not the typical Piso fare, but we were hoping we would get it. At least it’s roughly Php 500! However, I didn’t get the chance to avail the promo fare for my return ticket. It cost me Php 3,166.44!

Where to stay in Siargao?

We stayed at Zia’s Place as recommended by my friend, Cams. She already stayed there before on her first visit to Siargao. So far, it’s one of the cheapest accommodations in General Luna.

This is also near the famous restaurant in Siargao named Kermit. It’s only a few blocks away. But as a reminder, beware of the dogs lurking around, I nearly got bitten by a rabid dog. (Not kidding)

How to Get to Siargao Island?

By Air

Siargao has its small airport in Del Carmen called Sayak Airport. The plane ride would take you around two hours from Manila. 

Only an hour if flying from Cebu. I usually recommend travelling by air as this is the most efficient and fastest way to get to your destination. 

Time is gold. So do not waste time.

Say Sabio

By Ferry

Take the RoRo ferries if you’re arriving from Surigao City. The main port is located in the municipality of Dapa. Check out the schedule of the boats.

• Manila to Siargao: Cebu Pacific and Skyjet
• Cebu to Siargao: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines
• Clark to Siargao: Philippine Airlines
• Davao to Siargao: Philippine Airlines
• Surigao City to Siargao: Cebu Pacific

You can also travel by ferry. If you’re coming from Surigao City, you can get to Siargao via RoRo ferries. The main port is located in the municipality of Dapa. Check out the schedule of the boats:

Boats from Surigao City to Dapa

• MV Yohan – 4:30 AM
• Fortune Angel – 5:00 AM (Fast Ferry)
• MV Yohan – 11:30 AM
• MV Siargao Princess – 12:00 PM
• LQP Express – 12:00 PM
• Evaristo and Sons – 1:30 PM

Boats from Dapa to Surigao City

• Montenegro – 5:00 AM
• Fortune Angel 1 – 5:30 AM
• MV Yohan – 6:00 AM
• MV Surigao Princess – 6:30 AM
• MV Yohan – 10:30 AM
• Montenegro – 11:00 AM
• Fortune Angel 2 – 11:30 AM
• Evaristo and Sons 3:00 PM

There are also boat rides from Cebu to Surigao City. Then from Surigao City to Siargao.

Boats from Cebu to Surigao City

• Medallion Transport – 8:00 PM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday)
• Cokaliong – 7:00 PM (Everyday)

Boats from Surigao City to Cebu

• Medallion Transport – 8:00 PM (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday)
• Cokaliong – 7:00 PM (Everyday)

Sayak Airport to General Luna

By Van

You can go directly to General Luna by van. The travel time is 45 minutes and the fare is Php 300. Take note that this is a shared ride so you have to wait for the van to reach the maximum number of passengers before heading out to General Luna.

By Motorbike (Habal-Habal)

There’s also an option to travel via a motorbike or what the locals call Habal-habal. This is adventurous but not a good choice if you have a lot of bags. The Habal-habal fare is Php 500 and travel time is also 45 minutes.

By Multi-cab

Another option is a different form of transport called multi-cab. The travel time is 45 minutes and the rental fee for multicabs starts at Php 1,500.

My Siargao Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Sohoton with Three Islands

• Hagukan Cave
• Cliff Diving
• Jellyfish Sanctuary
• Naked Island
• Daku Island
• Guyam Island

Day 2 Sugba Lagoon with Magpupungko Pools

• Coconut Farm
• Cloud 9
• Maasin River

Siargao Island Tour

Magpupungko Rock Pools

Entrance fee: Php 50.

During low tide, the receding coastline reveals rock formations. This all-natural infinity pools perfect for some leisurely swimming. 

Sugba Lagoon

Entrance fee: Php 50. 

There is a two-storey docking area where you can stay and rent a table for Php 50. It’s the famous site of the diving platform that you can use for free. The lagoon’s water is turquoise.

Paddleboards, canoes, and snorkelling paraphernalia are for rent.

You will be photographed at Sugba Lagoon before you head out. It’s optional if you would like to get your photos or not. Price is Php 50.

Coconut Mountain View

No entrance fee.

The island has a lot of coconut trees and relaxing Instagrammable spots along the way. So just be very careful because it is so steep that one wrong step will lead to an accident. 

Maasin River

Entrance fee is Php 20.

It’s a newly opened tourist spot. The river has a bent coconut tree extending over the river where you can swing and plunge into the river! Thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss this out. 

Cloud 9

Beginner surfing classes are at Php 1,000 for 2 hours.

Cloud 9 is a perfect surfing spot for beginners and professionals.
Bestows with reef break prominence, the Annual Siargao Cup has always been held here.

But for a non-pro surfers like me, enjoying the rocky and splashy view was more than enough.

3 Islands Tour

Naked Island

Free entrance.

Our first stop is on Naked Island. It’s bare without coconut trees, huts and other establishments. That’s why the locals called it “naked”.

I flew my drone to get an aerial view of the place. So you can watch my YouTube video below (And also subscribe to my channel 😜)  

Daku Island

Daku Island: P100 per boat. 

Our next stop is on Daku Island. It’s the biggest and the finest island wherein you can have a relaxing me-time or even enjoy more activities with your friends like snorkelling, kayaking, swimming and surfing.

Some would even stay overnight to experience the serene evening at the nipa huts.

As a part of a group tour, we had a seafood boodle at lunch. The locals Prepared and cooked the food and serve it freshly. Thanks to them, we enjoyed the seafood so much! 

Guyam Island

Guyam Island: P30 per head

An islet of refined-white sand sprinkled with coconut trees. This is ideal for snorkelling as it is surrounded by astonishing coral rock formations.

Sohoton Cove (Bucas Grande Island)

Sohoton Cove is such a paradise I missed due to inclement weather at that time.

There you will hop intricate caverns, coves and caves. Trekkers would enjoy the rugged and rocky trails too.

Then, expect to see fascinating rock formations and breathtaking falls along the way.

Finally, never forget to swim along with the bloom of non-stinging jellyfish at the inland lakes and rivers.

Siargao Island Tour Packages

If you’re travelling solo, I highly suggest you join a group tour. It’s much cheaper and you can also make new friends or travel buddies.

And if you’re single, you may also find the one you’re looking for 😛

Other Things to do In Siargao

Food Selection

Disco and Night Life

Useful Info while in Siargao

Siargao has its own dialect called Siargaonon, an offshoot of Surigaonon language. Below are some basic Siargaonon words and phrases that you can use while in Siargao.

• Sino imo ngayan? – What’s your name?
• Ako si … – I am …
• Pila imo edad? – How old are you?
• Guapo/Guapa – Handsome/Beautiful
• Maayong buntag, hapon, gabie – Good morning, afternoon, evening/night
• Salamat karajaw – Thank you very much!
• Way sa payan – You’re welcome
• Palet – to buy
• Lami – Delicious
• Kaon – to eat
• Malibang – to poop

Emergency Numbers in Siargao

• Police Chief Inspector +63 998 967 4823
• Municipal Police (General Luna) +63 998 549 4147
• Ambulance (General Luna) +63 949 960 6643
• Coast Guard + 63 917 821 4072
• Fire Protection +63 998 590 4303
• Island Doctors Clinic (General Luna) +63 917 848 4357
• Veterinary (General Luna) +63 935 676 8655

Better if you can take some first-aid items just in case something unexpected happens.

Remember to use the water-proof pouch for your smartphones especially during the island hopping.

Expenses Breakdown

Php 481.12 – Onward ticket Cebu Pacific (Promo fare)
Php 3,166.44 – Return ticket Cebu Pacific
Php 300.00 – Van from aeroport to homestay
Php 3,000.00/pax – Accommodation at Zia’s Place for 4 days (Room is good for 2 pax)
Php 1,500.00 – Sugba Lagoon Tour (Food and drinks included)
Php 1,250.00 – Kermit Dinner (Don’t mind it. Well, I’m not a budgetarian when it comes to trying out nice food 🥘 )
Php 1,300.00 – Island Tour without Sohoton (Food and drinks included)
Php 200.00 – Van from homestay to aeroport
Php 50.00 – Photo souvenir from Sugba Lagoon
Php 560.00 – Other food expenses for 3 days
Total: Php 11,807.56

I’ll definitely go back to Siargao

I promise myself to revisit Siargao for the spots and activities I incredibly missed. Swear, I brave the waves for surfing next time!

I hope you found my Siargao travel guide fun and helpful! If you have any questions feel free to comment here or reach me through my social media for questions and clarifications! I’d be more than happy to help!