Siargao Island, Mindanao – The Surfing Capital of the Philippines

Aera: 437 km2 / Population: 94’273 (2015) / Highest elevation: 157.9m (518 ft) / Airport: Sayak

My last visit: June 2023. Siargao is a small Tropical Island and located at the northeastern part of Mindano Island. Since it is still far away from the Muslim part of Mindanao one will feel very safe there and criminality is very low. The Beautiful island is well known for it’s Surfing Sites like Cloud-9 in General Luna, the scenic Sugba Lagoon or Pacifico Beach and picturesque landscapes with a lot of Palm trees, Rock-Pools and Bays for Swimming and Island Hoping. Additionally, the laid-back atmosphere in combination with good Restaurants and Bars and friendly locals contribute to its charm, attracting both surf enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Island is connected with regular flights from Manila and Cebu to their small Sayak Airport in Del Carmen.

Main Island Festival 3rd week of September: It is the Town Fiesta in General Luna with Parade and Surf Festival at different days.

When to visit: Generally good from March to October, Surfing from September to December, Rainy season from November to February with strong winds. There are local and international Surf competitions in September and October at Pacifico Beach and Cloud 9.

I visit the Island personally in September 2022 and June 2023 and we had a very good and stable weather with almost no rain. One can also rent a scooter or even a bicycle to explore more of the surroundings and Beaches or just enjoy the journey.

Where to stay: If you like a good Restaurant and Bar Scene and want to go for surfing and/or Island Hopping (Guyam Island, Daku Island and Naked Island) the area around Cloud-9 and General Luna town is a good choice and you can still easily go for other Island Tours (eg Sugba Lagoon, Coconut Trees View Deck, Magpupungko Tidal Pools). There are a lot of accommodations in and around General Luna for every Budget. But since it is at the most touristic place expect the room rates are more on the higher side.

If you are more for a quiet, remote Place with good Beach for swimming and stunning sunrise you may stay at the Barangay of Alegria (Alegria Beach) in the northeastern part of Siargao. There is one nice Resort I can really recommend.

It is “Da Rosa del Mar Beach Resort” (3-Star rating), only 6 nice Bungalows with stunning Ocean views and Veranda on a nice and quiet location at Alegria Beach. It has is own good Restaurant and there is a Grocery store before entering the driveway to the Resort.

If you want to stay in a place with some more Restaurants and good Beach for Surfing and more relaxed atmosphere you can check out Pacifico Beach.