Surigao Travel Guide

Surigao is the transportation gateway to Mindanao Island on the Philippines. It is situated on the northeastern edge of that island with portions of the municipality scattered across outlying islets.

Worth It?: Surigao is a necessary stop on the trail to Siargao Island and other parts of Mindanao.
What to Do: visit outlying beaches, charter a pump boat to a remote island, go caving, hike in the jungle.
Best Time to Go: from February to September when the surf is up.
How Long?: A day is enough time in Surigao.
Trivia: once called 'Suribao', this city's name was inadvertently modified by Spaniards who mispronounced it.

Surigao is a quiet island that doesn't see nearly as many tourists as other resort destinations like Boracay. The exception is surfers, who flock here in droves to face down Cloud Nine and other breakers on Siargao Island. Surigao is a transportation hub that redirects passengers toward the neighboring island.

Surfing aside, there are plenty of other outdoor activities available at Surigao. Visitors can board pump boats for outlying islands or jeepneysfor inland attractions. All of the volcanic activity in the Philippines has lead to interesting natural features like a few black-sand beaches and numerous caves.

The Day-Asan 'floating village' is the region's most interesting cultural attraction. These stilt houses may look like they're floating, but they're firmly anchored below the water's surface. Residents do all of their commuting by boat, and visitors can reach the site overland or by boat in roughly 30 minutes.

Most visitors don't bother spending the night in Surigao, unless the transportation schedule forces them. As neighboring Siargao continues to grow in popularity, the number of transportation links is increasing.

Travel to Surigao - Getting There

There was a time when Surigao was only reachable by ferry or bus from Cebu, but these days several domestic flights from Manila and Cebu land here every week. Otherwise, the fastest way in is from Manila to Cebu by plane (less than an hour) and then Cebu to Surigao by bus (2 hours, 30 minutes). From Surigao, a mismatched fleet of boats connects to Siargao and dozens of other islands in the area. Timetables are constantly changing, so it is a good ideal to inquire locally once you're on the ground.

Surigao Things to Do

Surigao Attractions

Sabang Beach

west of Surigao, this black-sand beach is a popular local hangout and can be reached from the city center by tricycle in ten minutes.

Cantiasay - San Pedro Bridge

this foot bridge spans two islands and turns a simple walk into a high-octane adventure sport. At its highest point it stands more than 1,200 feet above the water.

Side trips from Surigao

Sagisi Island: a 1-hour boat ride brings scuba divers and beachgoers to this secluded island.
Mabua Beach: less than 20 miles outside of town, this long beach is lined with palm trees and cottages.
Caves: Buenavista Cave is only accessible by pump boat and holds a collection of bizarre rock formations, while Silop Cave can be reached overland and has a dozen entrances.
Water sports: Mabua Beach has facilities for windsurfing, jet skiing, cliff diving and swimming.