Siargao Island Philippines: Everything You NEED To Know 2024

I am just going to cut to the chase: I love this island. Siargao Island in the Philippines is one of those places where you come for a few days and end up spending a few weeks.

Siargao has started to gain a little bit of popularity with visitors due to its consistent world-class surf breaks, but it’s not even close to being touristy or overdeveloped.

Right now, I think Siargao is a perfect size—it has everything you need for an awesome surf or beach trip, but nothing you don’t. And as always, the people who call this island home are warm, friendly, and awesome, just like most places in the Philippines.

Plus, Siargao is super cheap. It was hard to break a 500 PHP note, which is equivalent to $10 USD. Money goes very far here.

We put together this Siargao travel guide and some of our favorite things to do in Siargao.

*When looking for the best price and the biggest selection of hotels in Siargao check prices on Booking.com, we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

Your Complete Siargao Island Travel Guide

We have spent many sun-soaked, adventurous days here on Siargao Island during our months of time spent in the Philippines.

We put this guide together to help you make the most of your time in this little piece of paradise called Siargao. Here is everything thing that was awesome, what we did wrong, and everything in between.

Jump to info on Siargao:

How to get to Siargao Philippines
Where to Stay in Siargao
Surfing in Siargao
Things to do in Siargao
Restaurants in Siargao
Siargao Nightlife
Travel Tips & Siargao FAQ

How to Get to Siargao

Siargao isn’t the most well-connected island in the Philippines. However, there are still a few daily flights coming in and out of the island. The country’s two biggest airlines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, serve the Siargao Sayak Airport (IAO).

There are direct flights only from Manila and Cebu to Siargao. All other destinations, including nearby Bohol, will have to connect in Cebu or Manila.

We like Skyscanner to find the best flights when traveling in the Philippines because it actually brings in all of the local carriers into the search.

Where to Stay in Siargao

Most visitors will want to base themselves near General Luna (or “GL” for short) in the south of the island. This area is home to many popular surf breaks, and it’s also where most of the tourist infrastructure is. Here, you’ll find lots of great restaurants and accommodations at most price points.

While there are some other areas, we really recommend for your first trip to Siargao, you stay near General Luna. Specifically, the best place to stay is somewhere on the stretch of road between General Luna and Cloud 9 surf break, closer to General Luna. Most of the good stuff, like restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels, are found along this road. The town itself doesn’t have a lot for tourists.

If I were to pick the perfect spot to stay, it would be at either Bravo Beach Resort or Siargao Island Villas. These are both very centrally located and close enough to walk to good food and fun if you don’t want to ride your scooter at night.

How many days do you need in Siargao?

We were there for a week on our last trip and could have stayed twice as long. If you are on a tight timeline, you really should allow three to five days to hit most of the highlights. Each day trip will take a whole day, and the Sugba Lagoon, three island trip, and Sohoton Cove really should not be missed. Plus, a day to explore the area and secret beaches and even more if you want to get some surfing in.

We really wouldn’t advise spending less than four full days on the island because there are so many things to do in Siargao, and it takes some time to get here.

Getting from the Siargao Airport to General Luna or nearby Cloud 9 area

Once you land in Siargao, the main tourist area is about 45 minutes (29.5km) away in the southern end, called General Luna. Transport in Siargao is relatively cheap, but it’s not ultra-convenient yet. There is no way to book transport online as of now – so you have to do it the old fashion way (don’t worry, it’s not hard).

The best way to arrange transport in advance is through your hotel or where you are staying. Our Vrbo host arranged our transportation from the airport. Having the accommodation book your ride is also helpful because then the driver knows exactly where to go. A shared shuttle van from Siargao Airport to General Luna Area should be about 300PHP.

Alternatively, you can just walk out of the airport and find a van driver. The price should still be just 300PHP, but just be sure you can tell the driver where you want to be dropped off.

Cost: 300PHP
Time: 45 minutes

Motorbike Rentals at the Siargao Airport

It is possible to rent a motorbike at the airport. However, for most with luggage, this isn’t the best option. This will save the cost of a ride from the airport and back if you are traveling light.

The downside is the motorbike rentals are a bit more here at around 500php per day compared to 350-400php per day if rented in General Luna – so if you are staying for anything more than a few days, it’s not really worth it, just take the van.

Getting Around Siargao Island Philippines

The island is pretty big, and many of the attractions are spread out, so you will need transport to make the most of your trip. Most tourists opt for a motorbike or scooter, which gives a lot of freedom for cheap.

If you aren’t confident in your motorbike skills, this is not a bad place to try it out. The roads are pretty tame. Don’t worry, there are other options, including renting a car in Siargao, and local vans, tours, and trike taxis.

Renting a motorbike or scooter in Siargao

One of the best ways to get around is a scooter or motorbike. Many of the best things to do in Siargao are scattered around the island. So for most, a scooter is necessary. The roads outside the town are nearly empty, and in town, it’s not too bad either.

The only stretch of road that can be a little hectic or busy is the main road coming from the airport to General Luna. Shuttle buses and cars frequent this road, but on other roads, you are only going to run into mostly a few other motorbikes.

One thing to note is that there seems to be a lack of helmets on the island. We tried pretty hard to find a motorbike rental with a helmet, but we couldn’t find any available. We ended up renting without a helmet, which we never do, but it wasn’t too bad and didn’t feel overly dangerous (even though it kind of is).

Cost of renting a motorbike or scooter in Siargao: 350-500 PHP per day

Motorbike Trikes in Siargao

You’ll see lots of little three-wheel taxis that are super cheap and great for short rides around General Luna and Cloud 9.

Renting a car in Siargao

There are companies renting cars in Siargao, and for those that don’t want a motorbike or have a large group or families, this would be a great option. Cars can be rented at the airport and in General Luna.

Again this is currently not possible online but can be done through a hotel or in person once on the island. If you have a Filipino cell phone or have the ability to call the Philippines, you can contact them in advance to arrange that.

Price: 2,500 PHP per day
Contact Phone: 0999-420-8254

Weather in Siargao Island

Siargao is on the far west of the Philippines, and there is only the open sea to the west, which can create some inconsistent weather patterns. Overall we found the most reliable weather app to be Windy.com & Windy app.

While not 100% perfect, it did help us plan our days and was relatively accurate even a few days out. This is important when planning your day trips in Siargao, especially the Shohtan Cove tour.

Related Article: Things to do in the Palawan

Is Siargao, Philippines Safe?

There are people out there who tell you the southern areas of the Philippines should be avoided, but we couldn’t have felt safer in Siargao.

Besides general travel precautions, I would not hesitate to travel here, even as a solo female or as a family. Siargao is safe.

Surfing in Siargao, Philippines

Offshore on the west side of Siargao is nothing but the massive Pacific Ocean. The full force of the Pacific Ocean comes crashing into Siargao, creating some world-class waves.

The reefs running along the western shore drop off quickly to the extremely deep Philippine Trench, giving the potential for big waves.

Best time for Surfing in Siargao – Siargao Surf Season: August – November

You can find a wave to ride all year long, but the “Habagat” southwest monsoon season, August-November, brings offshore winds and increased surf.

We are not expert surfers, but while in Siargao, we met up with a few local experts to help us pick the best waves for us. We spent most of our time on Jacking Horse in the water and then watching from the safety of the platform at Cloud 9. To help you better understand all the surf breaks in Siargao, we have most of the popular spots listed with the skill level associated with them.

Surf Spots in Siargao

Burgos – Expert
Pacifico – Expert
Salvacion – Intermediate
Stimpy’s – Intermediate/Expert
Secret Beach – Beginner/Intermediate
Rock Island – Intermediate
Jacking Horse – Inner: Beginner | Outer Intermediate
Quicksilver – Inner: Beginner | Outer Intermediate
Cloud 9 – Expert
Tuason Point – Expert
Cemetery – Intermediate
Daku – Intermediate
Giwan (Secret Beach) – Beginner

Best 20 Things to Do in Siargao Philippines

Men carrying surfboards on the Cloud 9 Pier - Surfing in Siargao

1. Surfing in Siargao

Surfing is what brings most to the island, and it’s for a good reason. There are more than a dozen named surf spots with waves consistently pumping.

Even if you aren’t a surfer, head to the Cloud 9 platform to watch the experts.

2. Sugba Lagoon

One of the top things to do in Siargao is a trip out through the mangroves to the Sugba Lagoon. This cluster of small, lush green islands is surrounded by turquoise-colored water.

Book Sugba Lagoon Tour Now

3. Kawhagan Island

Paired with a day trip out to the Sugba Lagoon, this is the afternoon island spot most group tours stop at for lunch. It’s a nice little island with a long pointed piece of sand stretching out into the clear water.

3 Island Private Tour – Book Now

4. Guyam Island

A short boat ride from Siargao Island drops you off at the tiny, pristine island of Guyam. This uninhabited island will be your private paradise for the day.

Although it only takes a few minutes to walk around the entire thing, you’ll be surrounded by swaying palm trees and crystal-clear water – a picture-perfect landscape almost too good to be real.

Guyam Island is accessible by boat on a tour of the neighboring Sand Bank (Naked Island) and Daku Island. You can also hire a private boat if you want to experience the island without a tour group.

You can snorkel off the shores, lounge in the sun, or enjoy a fresh coconut that has fallen to the ground. If you go on a private boat, you’ll probably be the only person on this remote island, which gives it a unique feel unlike anywhere else in the Philippines!

Entry: 30 PHP per boat

5. Naked Island Siargao

Sand Bank Island is located just a few minutes off the coast of Siargao. Due to the lack of shade or trees, Sand Bank Island has also earned the nickname Naked Island. Although it’s relatively small, the unique landscape of the island attracts visitors (and sunbathers) from all over the world.

Unless you’re looking to score a deep tan, you’ll probably only spend a few minutes walking around the sand-filled island. You can also cool off in the shallow waters if the sun becomes too intense.

You can reach Sand Bank Island on an island-hopping tour around Siargao. Along with Sand Bank Island, you’ll also visit Guyam and Daku islands during your tour.

Full-Day 4 Island Tour Including Sand Bank Island – Book Now

6. Palm Road & Viewpoint

Although the entire island of Siargao is covered head to toe in palm trees, you won’t want to miss driving through the spectacular Palm Road. Starting in General Luna, you’ll head down a wide street surrounded by dense palm trees on both sides, which creates a looming shadow over the entire road. You can stop to take a few pictures or grab a few fresh coconuts if you’re craving a refreshing treat.

After 30 minutes of driving, you’ll turn a sharp corner and notice that the road opens up. Once you pull over, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most magnificent viewpoints on the island. You’ll be gazing down upon thousands and thousands of palm trees!

7. Cloud 9 Pier and Surf Break

Considered one of the best surf spots in the Philippines, Cloud 9 is teeming with surfers at all hours of the day. You’ll find novice surfers testing out the waves and even professional surfers tackling some of the highest breaks on the island.

One of the best Siargao activities is just walking to the end of the pier to watch the amazing surfers at work.

Even if you’re not a surfer yourself, you can still come to Cloud 9 Pier to watch the breathtaking sunrise. The hut at the end of the pier provides shelter, and you can relax while enjoying the tranquility of the morning. Cloud 9 Pier is also ideal for sunsets, although you can expect a much larger crowd at this time.

8. Magpupungko Rock Pools

If you’re looking for one of the best Siargao attractions, head to the Magpupungko Rock Pools. You should plan to come during low tide when the ocean retreats and exposes the bright turquoise rock pools. If you come during high tide, you won’t see anything except the lapping waves of the ocean.

The depth of the pool varies from just a few inches to 15 or 20 feet. In the shallow pools, you’ll be able to see vibrant, tropical fish swimming in the low tide. If the pool is deeper, you can jump off the neighboring rocks to explore the crystal clear lakes yourself. It’s a good idea to bring durable shoes, as the rocks can be sharp and jagged.

This magical spot is one of our favorite Siargao activities. Although it’s one of the busiest tourist attractions, it’s still a must-see during your visit to the Philippines.

9. Secret Beach

Although it’s just a 15-minute drive from the touristy region of General Luna, Secret Beach is a slice of tropical paradise. There’s only a small sign nailed to a palm tree to signify that you’ve arrived at one of the most beautiful beaches in Siargao. If you drive too fast, you might miss it!

To get to the beach, you’ll also need to walk 10-15 minutes through the dense palm jungle. At the end of the path, you’ll see that the break eventually clears and opens up to a wide, sandy beach.

You’ll find surfers, swimmers, and kayakers playing in the ocean. However, the main purpose of visiting Secret Beach is to relax. Lounge in the shade, crack open a few fresh coconuts and enjoy the pristine natural beauty around you.

10. Socorro Island

If you’re eager to explore more islands in the Philippines, then make the two-hour journey from Siargao to Socorro Island. While the official name of the island is Bucas Grande Island, it’s often referred to as Socorro Island after the largest town.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed day of outdoor activities or a peaceful island escape, you’ll find what you’re after on Socorro Island.

Socorro Island is filled with diverse, dramatic landscapes. You’ll find bright coral reefs, jagged limestone mountains, and even dozens of hidden lagoons. However, the highlight of the island is undoubtedly Sohoton Cove, a beautiful lagoon with different tree-covered isles and islets.

If you have more time on Socorro Island, you can also explore Bolitas Cave and Crystal Cave. Many visitors also come to see the spotted stingless jellyfish in Tojoman Lagoon. To protect the species, swimming with the jellyfish is frowned upon. However, you’ll still be able to find a hidden spot to swim with these magical creatures floating in the lagoons.

11. Daku Island

During an island-hopping tour of Siargao, you’ll probably stop at Daku Island along with Guyam and Naked Island. Daku Island is the largest of the three and offers a variety of exhilarating outdoor activities for every type of traveler. From palm tree climbing to sunbathing, Daku Island is the ideal escape for a fun-filled afternoon.

Swimming in the clear waters is one of the best things to do in Siargao and on Daku Island. The temperature of the water is warm, although it also offers a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat and humidity.

Since Daku Island is the largest of the three islands on tour, it’s the best place to stop for lunch. You’ll also find several beachside BBQs and restaurant shacks that serve fresh seafood and cold drinks.

Full-Day 4 Island Tour Including Daku Island – Book Now

12. Sohoton Cove

Make sure to make this trip early on during your time in Siargao because this can get canceled if the weather is not good. It is a long boat ride, and we waited too long and had the trip canceled three days in a row.

This is not a trip you want to miss. The islands on the Neighboring Socorro Island are out of this world.

During your visit to Socorro Island, you can’t miss a visit to the spectacular Sohoton Cove National Park. This intricate max of isles and inlets is home to some of the most amazing landscapes on the island.

Whether you take a guided tour or private boat, you’ll want to tick a few things off your list once you’re in the national park.

Hagukan Cave is a small luminescent pool that is only accessible by swimming. After you jump off your boat, you’ll have to swim under a few rocks to reach the inside of the cave. The water here glows an electrifying green, which is a fantastic sight to behold.

Another stop in Sohoton Cove is Magkukuob Cave. Here, you can climb to the top of a small cliff and jump straight into the water from the built-in diving board.

If you come during the jellyfish breeding season, you can also visit Tojoman Lagoon, home to hundreds of adorable, stingless jellyfish. This jellyfish sanctuary is the best place to spot brown-spotted jellies and blue moon jellies.

13. Blue Lagoon

There are many blue lagoons around the world, but not many are as vibrant as the waters of the Blue Lagoon or Titikan Lagoon. Located near Sohoton Cove, the lagoons that pepper this island rival the lagoons of El Nido, Palawan.

14. Swimming with Jellyfish

Venture over to Sohoton Cave on Socorro Island for one of the most unique swimming experiences you can have during your visit to the Philippines! Once you enter the Sohoton Cave National Park, you can make your way to Tojoman Lagoon.

Tojoman Lagoon is also known as the jellyfish sanctuary and is home to several species of stingless jellyfish, including the small brown spotted jelly and vibrant blue moon jelly. Jellyfish spawning season occurs from March to May, and the best time to see the floating creatures is from July to August.

As you swim through the lagoon, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of harmless jellyfish. You can scoop them in your hands or watch them circle your legs and feet. However, you should try to avoid wearing sunscreen, as the chemicals can be toxic to the jellyfish.

15. Explore the island by Motorbike

One of the best ways to get off the beaten path is to rent a motorbike or scooter and explore the island at your own pace! Not only will you be able to reach the hidden lagoons and secret beaches around Siargao, but you’ll also be able to spend as much time in these places as you want.

Cruise through the coconut palm-lined roads, visit small towns and villages, and get to the Magpupungko Rock Pools before the crowds of tourists! You might even stumble across a few undiscovered beaches where you can snorkel and swim without sharing the waters with anyone else.

Some bike rentals even have surfboard racks so you can hit a couple of your favorite surf spots during your road trip.

Aerial Photo of floating villages in Siarago - Things to see

16. Check out the Floating Villages

During your visit to Siargao Island, you’ll likely be posted up in the main town of General Luna. However, we recommend renting a car or motorbike and exploring the other charming villages dotted throughout the island.

Most of these villages are untouched by tourism, which means you shouldn’t expect any big restaurants or activities. However, these hidden towns offer a rare glimpse into traditional Filipino life on the island.

One floating village is located between Tagayngban Cave Pool and Magpupungko Rock Pools. This quaint, rustic village is filled with bamboo huts, long-tail boats, and smiling locals.

17. Watch the Sunset Over the Mangroves

Tropical islands are known for their vibrant, colorful sunsets, and Siargao Island is no exception. There are dozens of beaches, viewpoints, and cliffs that offer unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. However, sights like Cloud 9 and the Palm Tree Viewpoint can be overcrowded with tourists, especially during sunset.

If you’re looking for a tranquil, quiet place to watch the sunset, then there’s only one place to visit. Our favorite place to watch the sunset in Siargao is on the small wooden wharf over the protected mangrove forest.

Leave from General Luna and make your way to Del Carmen, a town on the northeastern side of the island. You’ll find a small pier that jets out into the mangrove trees over the ocean. The best part about this wharf is that it is completely off the beaten path, which means you probably won’t be sharing the sunset with other tourists.

18. Rice Terraces

Most people come to Siargao for the surf and the beaches and often overlook the interior of the island. We found lots of adventures and great scenery to be found while driving around the island away from the shoreline.

One of our favorites where the rice fields and rice terraces just to the north of General Luna. While not massive, there are some terraces to be seen and many bright green rice fields. Note the terraces are easiest seen from a drone and super accessible by foot unless you find a farm to talk to.

19. Take a photo at the ‘Siargao Instagram Tree’

One of the most famous and verging on cliche photos in Siargao is of a bent palm hanging out over the rope swing at Maasin Secret River. Most people try to climb the palm to repeat a popular Instagram shot, or if you’re not that coordinated, there is also a rope swing. This tree is located near the Red Bridge in the Maasin Village. See Map

20. Day Trip to Pacifico Beach

Another great place to spend the day is Pacifico Beach, all the way to the top of the island. You can drive a motorbike here from General Luna, and it will take an hour to an hour and a half. The surf is generally good here, but it is for advanced surfers only.

Day trips from Siargao Philippines

There are many options for day trips in Siargao, but the three most popular are below and run daily.

Three Island Tour
Sohoton Cove Day Trip
Sugba Lagoon

Best Tour Operators for Day Trips in Siargao

Bravo Resort
Kermit Surf Resort

Independent day trips in Siargao

One of my favorite ways to explore Siargao and all of the Philippines is to arrange my own day trips. Almost everyone on the island can sell you the same day trip, but I like to find my own boat driver to bring me out to see what I want to see and be on less of a schedule.

Plus, the boat drivers don’t get much of the profits of the normal tours, even though they do most of the work, so the prices can be almost as cheap as taking a tour – especially if you have a few people.

In Siargao, the best way to arrange a private independent tour is to head down to the docks on the eastern shoreline of General Luna and find a boatman. This part of the town is where all of the boats park for the night, and you can find the men that own and drive the boats. You can usually find someone trying to sell a trip for the next day.

Things to consider when planning an independent tour

You often won’t get lunch included since this is usually catered through the tour company, but unless you go with one of the top places, the lunch isn’t great anyway.

Also, these boat drivers are not formal tour guides, and their English can be rough, but we didn’t find it too big of a deal. Food is available at Daku and Guyam Islands while on the Three Island tour.

Restaurants in Siargao

Mama’s Grill – We don’t often repeat restaurants, but we ate here three times on our last trip. It’s classic Filipino BBQ style food. Here, you’ll find a mix of locals and tourists in an open-seating restaurant. The smell coming off of the grill is divine, and the two sauces they have are awesome.

You order your food that is priced by piece in the glass front cooler. Then you pick from a sweet or spicy BBQ sauce, or you can mix the two, which was what we did, and it was really nice. They give you a number, and you find an open seat, and the food is brought to you. Grab your own drinks from the fridges and pay on the honor system at the end. Location (map)

Cantina Luna – This place is a semi-upscale Filipino place with all of the classics in a nice open-air setting.
Kitya’s Place
Tacos Miguel
L’ Osteria – Best Pizza and pasta option, good calamari
Isla Cabana – Tataki Sashimi – resort entrance fee
Bravo – Spanish
Kermit – Italian Food & Cocktails

Breakfast spots

Shaka – If you need to start your day with Instagramable fruit bowls, then this is the place for you. The bowls are good, and while cheap enough for what you get compared to what it would cost at home, these bowls fetch more than most meals on the island. Good food, but it seems they have started to cater to the crowd that is ‘living their best life.’ Location (map)

Siargao Corner Cafe – This was my go-to place in the morning and one of the few places to get a decent cup of coffee. Reasonably priced but can be very busy in the morning with limited seating. The food was simple but good. Location (map)

Nightlife in Siargao

Wondering what there is to do in Siargao at night? When it gets too late to surf, the fun doesn’t stop. Siargao has lots of great little spots to hang out.

Monday – Rumbar
Tuesday – Loose Keys & Octopus
Wednesday – Rumbar
Thursday – Baile
Friday – Loose Keys & Octopus
Saturday – Harana & Rumbar
Sunday – Bravo & Kytias

Siargao Island Travel Tips:

Doing a lot of basic things here in Siargao can be kind of a pain. Try to get most of the not-fun business side of things handled before arriving in Siargao.

We love this island, but it’s not a place to sort things out. Get cash, sim cards, and anything you’ll need before you arrive in Siargao so you can enjoy it and not deal with trying to find things as we did.

Best sim card in Siargao? Which is better in Siargao Globe or Smart? The locals swear by Globe, but honestly, they both are not very good in Siargao. We personally had both and found Globe to be better, but neither was great.

Smart was virtually unusable for even simple things like getting directions while on day trips. Globe, most times, we could send and receive messages and use it for navigation, but that’s about it – no voice calls over data or anything like that.

Where to get a Sim Card in Siargao – Getting a SIM card in Siargao is harder than it should be. Get one in the airport on the way to Siargao if you can.

Where to top up or buy load for mobile data in Siargao –

Go to Siargao with some cash

ATMs are known to be out of money or out of order. On our last trip, the ATM in General Luna town was out of money for several days in a row which made us concerned as our wallets started to run low. Once it was open again, there was a substantial line to get cash. Make sure to plan ahead.

Related Article: El Nido – Everything you NEED to Know

Siargao Island FAQ & Quick Answers

Q: Which part of the Philippines is Siargao?

A: Siargao is in the South West of the Philippines.

Q: How do I get to Siargao?

A: The most common way to get to Siargao is by flying on Cebu Pacific or Philippines Airlines from the city of Cebu.

Q: What is there to do in Siargao at night?

A: Near the town of General Luna, there is a vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene catering to tourists

Q: What is cloud9 Siargao?

A: Cloud 9 is a popular surf break located in the southwest of Siargao that is host to international surf competitions.

Q: Is there an ATM in Siargao?

A: Yes, there are a few ATMs in Siargao. The is one in General Luna town, one along the road between GL and Cloud 9 across the street from Cantina Luna, and then two more in the town of Dapa. ATMs in Siargao frequently run out of money and may take a day or more before they are refilled. Be sure to always carry enough money for a few days, or you run the risk of not being able to get money while in Siargao.

Related Article: Ultimate Guide to Coron

History of Siargao

Siargao is a smaller island (169 sq miles) in the province of Surigao del Norte. The name of the island comes from the Visayan Language (A Central Filipino Dialect) for the specific type of mangrove found all over the islands, Siargaw (Premna Odorata).

However, the island had a different name for a period after the first Spanish visitors to the region in 1543. They called it Siargao Isla de Palmas (Palm Island in Spanish).

Both names are pretty fitting since the rivers running deep into the island are lined with mangroves, and the interior of Siargao is absolutely covered in palm trees.

When looking at a map, Siargao resembles a teardrop with clusters of small islands to the east and south. The western shore of Siargao is at the edge of the Philippine Trench, leaving it open and unprotected from the entire deep Pacific Ocean, which is one of the main reasons the waves and surfing are so good here.

In the late 1980s, traveling surfers discovered the Island’s most popular surf spot, Cloud 9. However, it wasn’t until 1995 that Surfer magazine named Siargao one of the “Ten Best Surf Trips of All Time,” when the island started to gain more international attention.

Eventually, the thick hollow tubes of water that made Cloud 9 famous, along with several other accessible surf breaks, gave Siargao the title of “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines.”