When we first started planning our Philippines trip, our eyes were set on the classics — Palawan and Boracay. But somewhere along the way, we decided to skip the well-trodden path and include Cebu and Siargao in our Philippines itinerary.
Honestly, it turned out to be one of the best choices we’ve ever made.
Siargao quickly stole our hearts. Mornings began with smoothie bowls at our favorite café, and we’d be off to enjoy a hidden surf spot like Secret Beach.
The island had this perfect balance of laid-back vibes, untouched nature, and just enough buzz to keep things exciting. It’s not as polished as Boracay or as widely known as Palawan, but that’s exactly what we loved about it!
Here are the best things to do in Siargao, from world-famous surf breaks to our hidden favorites.
Top Things to do in Siargao
Map of all the attractions
1. Cloud 9 – the best surf spot
Entrance Fee: 100 PHP per day
Cloud 9 is the most famous spot in Siargao and probably the first place most people hear about when planning a trip here. It’s known around the world as a legendary surf break, with heavy reef waves that attract pros from all over.
But what surprised us is that it isn’t just about surfing — it’s also a hangout spot, a sunrise lookout, and one of the best places to feel the island’s energy.
We were excited to find that there are also beginner spots. We also enjoyed watching pros tackle the waves from the long wooden boardwalk stretching out into the sea.
The Beach
Even if you’re not into surfing, the beach is still a lovely spot to spend some time. We loved that the beach is sandy, lined with palm trees that gave us just enough shade to escape the midday heat.
Swimming here depends a lot on the tide, and it’s much better to come during mid to high tide. At low tide, we managed to find a few small pools deep enough to cool off. But I’d recommend wearing water shoes (trust me, you’ll thank us later).
Surfing at Cloud 9
The waves here are what made Siargao famous. The whole area is a reef break, which produces some of the best barrels in the world.
There are multiple waves – Cloud 9, Quicksilver, and Jacking Horse. Each of the spots is slightly different. We’re far from pros, but we did give it a try and managed to catch a few waves at a spot right in front of the boardwalk.
But I must admit we struggled here a lot. However, we found a much better beginner spot, which we mention later on in this guide.
Board rentals and lessons with an instructor are available.
2. Learn to surf
This is the surf capital of the Philippines. It’s only obvious that learning to surf here is one of the best things to do in Siargao.
We first tried this sport on Weligama Beach in Sri Lanka, so when we arrived here, we were still very much beginners. The good news is that Siargao has plenty of mellow breaks that are perfect if you’re just starting out.
Lessons cost around 500–800 PHP per hour , including board rental, or you can rent a board for about 500 PHP if you already know the basics.
We booked one lesson near Pacifico Beach and quickly found ourselves standing up and riding small waves again! Our favorite beginner-friendly spots are at Cloud 9, near Pacifico Beach, and Secret Beach.
3. Magpupungko Tidal Pools
Entrance Fee: 50 PHP
Magpupungko is a series of crystal-clear tidal pools surrounded by rugged rock formations. The water here turns the brightest shade of blue when the sun hits, and it’s perfect for swimming, cliff-jumping, or just floating around.
We also brought our masks and loved snorkeling around — there were a few colorful fish darting between the rocks, which made the pools feel even more alive. It wasn’t a full-on snorkeling spot like a reef, but it added a little extra magic to the experience.
The pools only appear at low tide, so check tide tables before you go. At high tide, they’re completely covered, and you’ll miss the magic.
4. Coconut Road
Coconut Road is one of those spots that perfectly captures the vibe of Siargao. It’s a long, straight stretch of road lined with endless rows of towering coconut palms on both sides — the kind of place that makes you want to stop your scooter.
We’d seen the photos before arriving, but honestly, it felt even more magical in person. We rode through a few times during our stay, and it never got old. Early mornings were our favorite, when the light filtered through the palms and the road was almost empty.
We also really recommend stopping at Coconut Viewpoint along the way!
While this one location is particularly popular, we’ve stumbled upon a few other coconut roads! So hop on your bike and go explore the island to find some hidden gems.
5. Maasin River Basin
Entrance Fee: 50 PHP
The Maasin River is one of the most photographed spots in Siargao, thanks to its bent coconut tree stretching out over the water with a swing tied to it.
We’d seen it all over Instagram and thought it might feel a bit gimmicky, but honestly, it was a lot of fun. Swinging out and dropping into the river is simple but addictive — we ended up taking turns for way longer than expected.
The river itself is beautiful too, with calm green water winding through endless coconut palms. We liked just floating around after a few jumps, letting the current carry us a little.
TIP: Go early in the morning if you want the place to yourself — it gets busy later in the day, especially with tours.
6. Alegria Beach – the best beach on the island
Entrance Fee: 20 PHP
If we could only recommend one beach in Siargao, it would be Alegria Beach.
Tucked away in the north of the island, it feels worlds apart from the busier southern spots. Think long stretches of white sand, calm turquoise water, and coconut palms lining the shore — it’s picture-perfect, but without the crowds.
For us, this was hands down the best beach on the island.
We spent hours swimming in the clear water and relaxing under the palms, with most of the time spent surrounded by only a handful of other people. It felt like our own private paradise, which is rare in such a popular destination.
This is also one of the very few beaches that doesn’t depend on tides.
7. Pacifico Beach
Entrance Fee: free, private area 20 PHP
Pacifico Beach is Siargao’s laid-back surf haven in the north. It has a completely different vibe — quieter, more local, and with a long stretch of golden sand that feels untouched compared to the busier beaches around General Luna.
The waves are more suited for experienced, but we enjoyed walking the beach, watching surfers from the shore, and just soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a great spot to grab a coconut from one of the small roadside stalls and just hang out.
8. Tayangban Cave Pool
Entrance Fee: 70 PHP, guide required for 150-200 PHP
Tayangban Cave Pool is part cave exploration, part natural swimming hole. You can wade through a dark cave system with waist-deep water before emerging into an open-air pool surrounded by limestone cliffs and jungle.
It’s a short but adventurous activity that combines a bit of caving with the chance to cool off in clear, fresh water.
9. Secret Beach (our favorite surf spot)
Entrance Fee: donation based
Secret Beach is one of those places that feels like a little hideaway. The beach itself is sandy, fringed with palms, and while it’s not really secret anymore, it’s surprisingly quiet compared to spots closer to General Luna.
We liked coming here just to relax — swimming is best at mid to high tide, but low tide is also fine for a refreshing dip. During high tide, the beach is entirely underwater, but we always managed to find a spot on the grass under the palms.
We loved that it never felt crowded, even in the middle of the day. It’s the kind of place where you can throw down a towel, read a book, and feel like you’ve stumbled onto your own private stretch of Siargao.
But what really made us love Secret Beach was the surf. It was one of our favorite things to do in Siargao.
The waves here are mellow and forgiving, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a chilled session. Most of the time, there were only a few people in the lineup, which gave it a really laid-back, local vibe.
Board rentals are available right on the sand, and you can easily hire an instructor if you want some guidance. There’s also a small restaurant nearby, which made it easy to hang around for hours.
10. Siargao Island Hopping
Island hopping was hands down our favorite attraction in Siargao. Spending the whole day out on the water, exploring snorkeling spots, and visiting tiny islands that looked exactly like how we imagine paradise was an absolute highlight.
The trip took us first to Guyam Island, a tiny palm-covered patch of sand that felt like the perfect place to swim and relax.
From there, we headed out to Naked Island, just a pure sandbank in the middle of the ocean with nothing but white sand and turquoise water all around.
Our last stop was Daku Island, where we sat down to a classic Filipino boodle fight lunch — a buffet-style feast served on banana leaves that was as tasty as it was fun. We also stopped at two different snorkeling spots with beautiful corals and marine life.
TIP: We recommend joining this popular and well-reviewed island hopping tour on Klook.
11. Daku Island
Daku Island is the biggest of the three island-hopping stops and has that perfect mix of powdery white sand, swaying palms, and clear water that makes it feel like a postcard.
We visited as part of the island-hopping trip, but it’s also possible to go there on its own by renting a private boat from General Luna.
The island has a lively but laid-back feel — locals live here, and there are small huts and eateries along the beach where you can grab fresh seafood or a cold drink.
There’s also a surf spot just off the island, which is more suited for intermediate level. Even if you’re not paddling out, it’s fun to watch the waves from the beach while you relax.
12. Sohoton Cove day trip
We were looking forward to this trip so much, and it ended up being a memorable adventure.
Our day started with a 1.5-hour boat ride from Siargao, which was honestly not the most comfortable — the boats are loud and the ride can feel long — but once we arrived, it was completely worth it.
Sohoton Cove feels like a hidden world, with emerald lagoons surrounded by limestone cliffs and dense jungle.
We spent the day cliff jumping, exploring caves, paddling through lagoons, and even swimming with non-sting jellyfish — a surreal experience you don’t get in many places.
The only downside for us was the weather. We were unlucky and had mostly clouds and rain during our visit, so we didn’t see the bright turquoise colors Sohoton is known for.
Still, even in grey weather, it was stunning, and we’d definitely recommend it if you have the time.
13. Tak Tak Falls
Entrance Fee: 50 PHP
Tak Tak Falls is the only waterfall on Siargao, tucked away in the north near Alegria Beach. It’s not the most impressive waterfall we’ve ever seen, but it makes for a refreshing stop if you’re already exploring this part of the island.
The falls drop into a wide, natural pool where you can swim, cool off, or just hang out under the shade of the trees.
When we visited, most of the people around were locals enjoying the water, with some even cliff jumping from the rocks above — it gave the place a really fun, laid-back vibe.
14. Doot Beach
Doot Beach looks beautiful in photos, but for us, it turned out to be one of the less inviting beaches on Siargao. At low tide, there’s barely any water, making it impossible to swim. Even at high tide, we found a lot of seaweed that made the water look dark.
The beach itself has limited space for lying down, so it’s not the most comfortable place to spend a lazy afternoon.
There is, however, a short 20-minute boat tour through the mangrove forest (about 150 PHP per person), which we thought was a nice touch and worth it if you’re already in the area.
Doot is also west-facing, so it works as a sunset spot.
Unless you have extra time and want to do the mangrove boat ride, we’d honestly say you can skip Doot Beach and focus on better spots like Alegria or Secret Beach.
15. Sugba Lagoon day trip
Sugba Lagoon is one of the most famous spots on Siargao, and for good reason. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and thick mangroves, the lagoon opens up into this vast stretch of turquoise water.
You can go swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding around the calm waters. There’s also a wooden diving platform if you’re up for some jumps.
The looks of this place are very similar to Sohoton Cove, so if you’re short on time, we’d recommend choosing only one. We had a lot of rainy days, so we decided to skip this one since we’ve already been to Sohoton.
16. Corregidor day trip
Corregidor Island is one of the lesser-visited spots around Siargao, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
Just a short boat ride from General Luna, the island has a long stretch of powdery white sand, gentle waves, and rolling green hills that give it a different look compared to the palm-filled beaches on Siargao itself.
You can arrange a boat to Corregidor from General Luna or include it as part of a private island-hopping trip. Expect to pay around 1500–2000 PHP for the boat, depending on your group size.
Where to stay in Siargao
Unlike Bali or Koh Samui where everything is spread out, Siargao is more compact — but each area still has its own vibe. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main places to stay, with our honest take on each.
- General Luna – The main hub of the island with the most restaurants, cafés, bars, and tour operators. Perfect if you want everything within walking or scooter distance.
- Cloud 9 – Beachside hostels and boutique stays right by the famous waves. Great if you’re here mainly to surf.
- Pacifico – A quieter coastal area about 45 minutes north. Fewer crowds, strong surf, and a slower pace of life.
- Malinao & Doot – Peaceful stretches of beach just outside General Luna. Ideal if you want calm nights but still be close to the action.
We personally stayed in a small guesthouse in General Luna and loved how convenient it was.
Best hotels on Siargao
Check availability
Where to eat and drink
- Green Waves Café – Our personal favorite spot. Super cozy vibe, healthy bowls and smoothies, and you have to try their brownies (we kept going back for those). The quinoa salad was another favorite.
- Kurvada – Great place for hearty local food, served buffet style. Perfect if you want to sample a bit of everything in one meal.
- Trattoria Altrove – If you’re craving pizza, this is the place. Thin crust, wood-fired, and honestly as good as you’ll find anywhere.
- Cosmic Siargao – A fully plant-based restaurant that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Creative dishes and a nice break if you’ve been eating a lot of seafood.
How to get around
Siargao is a pretty small island, but getting around still takes some planning since public transport isn’t very developed. Most people rely on scooters, tricycles, or private tours to get between beaches and natural attractions.
Scooter Rental
This is hands down the best way to get around. We rented one for the whole stay and loved the freedom it gave us. We paid around 400 PHP per day, but prices may vary. We also left our national ID as a deposit.
Some of the coastal roads are gorgeous — think endless coconut palms and ocean views — though a few side roads get bumpy. Definitely wear a helmet, and don’t forget about proper travel insurance. Our go-to choice is SafetyWing.
Tricycle
Great for short rides if you don’t drive. We used them a couple of times around General Luna, but they’re definitely tourist-priced.
Always agree on a fare first — we paid anywhere from ₱20 to ₱100 depending on distance, though drivers often quoted more at first.
Joining tours
For day trips like Sugba Lagoon, Sohoton Cove, or island hopping, joining a tour makes sense. We booked through Klook and had incredible experience discovering the more distant places.
If you want to see the best of Siargao in one day, we strongly recommend this Budget Land Tour. It covers highlights like Coconut Road, Magpupungko Rock Pools, Maasin River, and Sugba Lagoon all in one day, with hotel pick-up included.
We like it because it’s affordable, super convenient, and a fun way to see the island without the stress of planning every stop yourself.
Best time to visit
Dry season (March to October)
This is usually considered the best time for island hopping, swimming, and beach days. Expect more sun and calmer seas, though showers can still happen.
When we visited in April, for example, we had plenty of rainy days — but the rain usually only lasted a couple of hours, never the whole day. It actually made the island feel fresher and gave us a good excuse to linger in a café.
Surf season (September to November)
This is when the surf breaks are at their best. Waves are stronger, competitions bring the island to life, and the atmosphere is electric. Even if you’re not surfing, it’s fun to just be around.
Wet season (November to February)
Expect heavier rain and the occasional storm, but also fewer tourists and cheaper prices. If you don’t mind dodging showers, this can be a quieter and more laid-back time to experience the island.
Quick From world-famous waves at Cloud 9 to hidden lagoons, palm-lined roads, and island-hopping adventures, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Siargaos & Local Insights
- Expect rain, even during the dry season.
- Tides matter A LOT – many beaches are unswimmable during low tide. Check our Siargao beaches guide for the best experience!
- CASH is a king – We found ATMs in GL, but they didn’t work all the time, or didn’t accept our cards.
- Wifi is often terrible – no matter where on the island, we had trouble working from our guesthouse or cafés
- Scooter accidents happen, have a proper travel insurance.
- No ride-hailing apps are available.
- Surf breaks can be dangerous, never push beyond your limits too much.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, choosing Siargao over the more famous islands like Palawan and Boracay was one of the best travel decisions we’ve made.
What stood out the most was the balance — world-class surf and lively hangouts in General Luna, but also quiet beaches, lagoons, and day trips that felt far removed from the crowds.
We loved the rhythm of life here: starting the morning with smoothie bowls, spending the day chasing waves or exploring lagoons, and finishing with sunsets on the beach. Even with a few rainy days, Siargao had this laid-back energy that we enjoyed.
If you’re after a mix of adventure, relaxation, and that feeling of discovering a place that still hasn’t been completely taken over by tourism, Siargao is the island to choose. Honestly, we left already talking about when we’d come back.
