Siargao, a little tear-dropped shaped island located southeast of Tacloban, has been making waves since its discovery as a surfing destination in the late 1980s. But more than its raging waves that attracted surfers globally, Siargao is slowly rising as a top tourist hub in the Philippines. Discover the best things to do in Siargao so you can make the most of one of the best islands in the world on your next visit.
One of the top things to do in Siargao aside from surfing is hopping from one island to another. If you’re joining an island-hopping adventure, Guyam Island is, most likely, included on your itinerary. It has a small area but is packed with white, powdery sand and towering pine trees, making it a perfect place to relax and do nothing. For swimmers, do note that Guyam has a rocky side often met with strong currents. Best to stay away from this area and enjoy its sandy portion instead.
Located just an hour away from the main area of General Luna is the Magpupungko Rock Pools. The area became popular due to its natural pools filled with clear blue waters that can only be seen during low tide. Aside from witnessing this unique phenomenon, Magpupungko is also a known cliff-jumping destination. Adrenaline-junkies can climb on top of the jagged rocks and plunge to the waters down below. If you’re planning to visit Magpupungko, make sure to check for the tides in advance and wear water shoes to protect your feet from the sharp pebbles in the area.
Another popular island-hopping destination in Siargao is Daku Island. Island-hopping operators usually include Daku Island alongside Guyam and Naked Islands on their itinerary. It’s the largest of the three and often the favorite spot at lunchtime. Tourists can purchase fresh seafood on the spot, let the locals cook it for them, and enjoy a delicious boodle fight. Once lunch is over, Daku Island is also a great place for swimming, kayaking, or even people watching as it is a fishing village.
Siargao may be known for its beaches, but it also has hidden gems like Sugba Lagoon. For adventurous people, stopping here is one of the best things to do in Siargao. The lagoon is where thrill-seekers face their fears and go cliff jumping from its 8m-high wooden platform. If you’re not into exciting activities, you can rent a bamboo raft or paddleboards and savor its emerald waters.
No visit to Siargao is complete without surfing at Cloud 9’s Surfing Area. Many surfers head here to experience Cloud 9’s famous waves, usually at their best from September to November. Its waves barrel through the right-hand reef break and go all the way, making it a satisfying ride. If you’re planning to surf here, keep in mind that Cloud 9 is fit only for advanced surfers. It’s also not suitable to surf during low tide, as the waters become very shallow and might cause boards to break.
Situated along Siargao’s main Circumference Road and you’ll be able to drive by the Coconut Trees View Point. This tourist attraction is beloved by many, thanks to its accessibility and Instagram-worthy beauty! Stop by anytime, and you’ll be welcomed by a sea of coconut trees, just begging to be photographed. If you’re planning to drive by the viewpoint, make sure to catch the sunrise or sunset during your visit for a remarkable experience.
Probably the most iconic attraction in Siargao is the Cloud 9 Drive, Boardwalk, and Tower. The wooden structure can be found in General Luna and is easily one of the best things to do in Siargao. After walking the 100m-long boardwalk, you can climb the 3-story viewing deck and relish the incredible view, be it of the ocean or the surfers. Visit early in the morning and catch the sunrise or stop by in the afternoon and wait for the golden hour.
Casolian Island, also known as Corregidor Island, is just a 45-minute boat ride away from General Luna. Located south of Siargao, this heavenly paradise ticks all the boxes: cream-colored sand, towering coconut trees, and azure waters. After trying plenty of water activities, you can spend the rest of your day exploring the rest of Casolian. You can visit the local village or go on a quick hike on the island’s hill dotted with palm trees.
If you want to take a break from surfing, another exciting thing to do while in Siargao is visiting Taktak Falls. Located north of the island, Taktak is a nice escape from the beach and a great place to appreciate a different side of Siargao. Here, wanderers can savor its refreshing waters or try other exhilarating activities, including tree jumping, cliff jumping, or even exploring the top of Taktak falls. You can also swim underneath the waterfalls and enjoy a relaxing massage from the gushing waters against your body!
Tayangban Cave Pool may not be for the faint of heart, but it sure is one of the must-try experiences in Siargao. It may seem like a simple cave at first glance, but you’ll need a guide to navigate it before reaching the actual cave pool. You’ll walk (or swim) through chest-deep waters while in the dark and be accompanied by bats! In less than half an hour, you’ll make it to the other side of the cave and end your adventure with a nice swim.
It's no secret that Siargao is best known for its phenomenal waves. Many surfers make their way to the Surfing Capital of the Philippines just to experience its waters. But for the less adventurous, the island is also filled with the most stunning shoreline and other natural wonders that will keep you busy for days.
Thanks to the Philippines' tropical climate, you can visit Siargao all-year-round. The island experiences its dry season from March to September, perfect for beachgoers and those who want to go on an island-hopping adventure. However, if you are going purely for surfing, the island's waves are best from July to January. You can also catch the annual Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, usually scheduled late in September to early October.
The best place to stay in Siargao is General Luna. It is the main tourism hub of the island, and many attractions are easily accessible from here. There are also plenty of accommodations within the area, regardless if you’re into luxury resorts or cozy hostels. The nightlife scene here is very much alive. You can party the night away after a day of non-stop surfing.