Siargao Island Travel Guide
Siargao Island is offshore from Mindanao in the Philippines. Its coastline is characterized by white sand, blue waters and coral reefs, but few tourists make it out this far.
The tourists that do venture to Siargao Island are invariably surfers. The points and reefs off the coast sculpt a few excellent breakers, especially at a spot called Cloud 9 where an international surfing competition is held every year. Siargao is the kind island that itinerant surfers visit on holiday and then never leave.
General Luna is the principal city on Siargao Island. This is where you will find most of the island’s beach resorts and restaurants, with plenty of budget offerings that cater specifically to surfers. Several of the local beach bars are owned by expatriate surfers who put down roots on Siargao.
Other than surfing, island-hopping is a popular activity. Guyam and Daku islands are the two most popular, and both can be reached by chartering a banca boat. Hiring a _banca _also opens up the Siargao coastline, carrying visitors to lagoons, massive mangrove forests, hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches.
Getting There & Away
Getting to Siargao Island involves a few stopovers. Most international tourists land in Manila and then catch an onward flight to Cebu. From here you’ll have to catch an express ferry to Surigao City where there are regular transfers to Siargao Island. Another option is to fly from Manila to Butuan City and then take the bus to Surigao City (2 hours, 30 minutes). Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operate scant service to Surigao’s airstrip.