2 Weeks in Siargao: Complete Itinerary + Where to Stay, Surf & Explore

Siargao at a glance

📸 Famous for?	Surf capital of the Philippines & emerging backpacker scene
🏝️ Best time to visit?	Aug-Nov for best surf Mar-May for best weather
⏳ How long to stay?	5-14 days plus
🛌 Best area to stay?	– General Luna for first timers and/or those that love to stay in the heart of cafes, restaurants, and shops – Sante Fe, Pilar, Pacifico, or Burgos for those looking to surf, slow down, peace and quiet, at an affordable price
💡 Top tip for Siargao	Rent a scooter and get out of General Luna
🥇 Worth it?	yes yes yes!

When planning our Philippines trip, there was one place we knew we couldn’t skip: Siargao.

We were craving island life after a busy few weeks in Vietnam, and we wanted somewhere we could surf every day without feeling rushed.

The original plan was to stay for a week but we stayed for two.

What surprised us most about Siargao was actually how big it is and how much there is outside of General Luna.

The island is made up of loads of little barangays (villages), each with its own vibe and very little tourism outside of the main areas. People are friendly, coffee culture is HUGE!!, and while the further north you go the fewer food and coffee options there are, we quickly learned that the quality never drops. Pacifico in particular is SO chill for beginner to advanced beginner surfers — the waves are fun and the lineup is refreshingly mellow.

While most visitors base themselves in General Luna, we spent ten days in Pilar exploring Pacifico, Burgos and North Siargao before finishing our trip with four days in General Luna.

And looking back, we’d do exactly the same thing again.

If you’re planning a trip to Siargao and wondering where to stay, where to surf, how long you need and whether it’s worth venturing beyond General Luna, this guide covers everything we learned during two weeks on the island.

Table of Contents

1. Where’s Siargao?
2. Who’s Siargao for?
3. How to Get to Siargao?
4. Best Time to Visit Siargao (Weather, Surf Seasons & Crowds)
5. Where to Stay on Siargao
6. General Luna vs. Northern Siargao: Which Area Is Better? 
7. Our 2 Week Siargao Itinerary
8. Is 2 Weeks in Siargao Too Long? 
9. How Much Did 2 Weeks in Siargao Cost? 
10. Helpful Tips for Visiting Siargao
11. Final Thoughts on Siargao 
12. FAQ

Where’s Siargao?

Siargao, Philippines, is a teardrop-shaped island in the province of Surigao del Norte in the country’s northeast.

Located off the coast of Mindanao, it’s around a one-hour flight from either Manila or Cebu to the main airport on the island – Sayak (IAO).

Most visitors stay in General Luna, the island’s tourism hub on the southeast coast. However, Siargao is much bigger than many people expect. It takes around 1–1.5 hours to drive from General Luna to Pacifico in North Siargao, passing coconut plantations, quiet barangays, and surf beaches.

Siargao is best known as the surfing capital of the Philippines thanks to the famous Cloud 9 wave, but surfing here isn’t just for experienced surfers. There are breaks all over the island suitable for complete beginners through to advanced surfers, making Siargao one of the best places in Southeast Asia to learn.

Outside of surfing, popular things to do in Siargao include island hopping, visiting Magpupungko Rock Pools, exploring cold springs, kayaking through mangrove forests, beach days, and discovering the island’s excellent cafe and restaurant scene.

Whether you’re planning a short Siargao itinerary focused on General Luna or a longer trip exploring Pacifico, Pilar and Burgos in North Siargao, the island offers far more than just great waves.

Who’s Siargao For?

I think one of the main reasons why Siargao has become so popular is because that it appeals to such a wide variety of travelers. 

Surfers (Especially Beginners to Intermediate) 

There are surf spots all over the island, plenty of instructors, affordable board rentals and a variety of waves suited to different skill levels. 

Also, we found that the line ups are more forgiving than in other iconic surf spots and we also found that even as a beginner surfer you can go out and explore different waves and not just be limited to one beach.

Nature Lovers

If your ideal day is just being outside doing any activity then you will love Siargao! 

Slow Travelers

Siargao is a place to slow down and, if you ask travelers who love the island why, they’ll often just say it’s because of the “vibe”. Not exactly helpful, I know 🤣 but it’s true!

Somehow, you fall into this routine without even trying, and before you know it two weeks have passed in the blink of an eye! 

Budget-conscious Backpackers

Despite its growing popularity, Siargao can be affordable if you dont spend all of your time in General Luna. 

Couples

Café Lovers

The café culture in Siargao is alive and well! You could go to a new coffee shop every morning here over the two weeks. 

Digital Nomads

While we didn’t visit any coworking spaces, I have seen from other digital nomads that there are many. 

Who is Siargao not for?

Of course Siargao won’t be for everyone.

If you thrive on big-city energy, shopping, huge restaurant districts and a packed itinerary from morning until night, you may find the pace a little too slow.

Similarly, if you’re looking for a destination packed with adrenaline activities every day, Siargao might not quite deliver. Most adventures here revolve around motorbike exploration, surfing, beaches, and sunsets. 

For us, that’s exactly what made the island so special. But I think it’s worth knowing before you book that Siargao’s biggest attraction isn’t any one sight or activity, it’s the lifestyle that comes with being there.

Still not sure if Siargao is right for you? Here’s exactly how we spent two weeks on the island, including where we stayed, surfed and explored.

How to Get to Siargao

Flight ✈️

Siargao is very easily accessible by flight. Typically you can fly from Cebu or Manila and it takes ~ 1 hour. We flew from Cebu – it took 1 hour and 19 mins and we paid $85 total for two flights. 

Flights in the Philippines can be very affordable especially if you plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to book. They are the fastest way of getting around the archipelago. 

Ferry ⛴️

It is also possible to get a ferry from Cebu to Siargao but it takes considerably longer – ~12-14 hours. 

The route involves taking likely an overnight ferry from Cebu city to Surigao city (9-10 hours) and then taking a faster ferry ~2-3 hours from Surigao to Siargao island. The port at Siargao is called Dapa port and you’ll need to get a tricycle from the port to your accommodation. The port is 30-40 mins from General Luna. 

Best Time to Visit Siargao (Weather, Surf Seasons & Crowds)

🏄‍♀️ Surf Season (Aug-Nov)

If you’re visiting Siargao primarily for surfing, August to November is generally considered the best time to go. This is when the island sees its biggest swells and cleanest waves, with Cloud 9 really coming to life. 

That said, unless you’re chasing advanced conditions, I personally don’t think surf season matters quite as much as people make out. We visited in May and still had plenty of great surf throughout the island. 

And if you want to catch an official WSL competition – the Siargao International Surfing cup usually happens in Cloud 9 in October. People often report very high vibes in General Luna during this time. 

The trade off is that you might experience not ideal weather – high chance of rain and some tropical storms. 

🏝️ Dry Season (March-May)

The best time to travel for non surfers is March through May. This is when you can expect bluebird days perfect for island hopping and beach days. However, this is also the time when Filipinos do a lot of exploring of their own country so expect accommodation to be booked up fast and for the island to be busy at the peak. 

We went in May (mid to late May) and it was mostly beautiful weather, we typically got some rain between 11-1pm but it passed quickly and the afternoon and evening was usually beautiful. For us, we did not find it too busy at all so we would definitely recommend the later part of this season. 

🌦️ Rainy Season (Dec-Feb) 

Expect more frequent rain, tropical storms, and the possibility of rough seas that can occasionally disrupt tours and island-hopping trips. The upside is that accommodation is often cheaper and the island is noticeably quieter.

If you don’t mind the chance of rain and prefer fewer crowds, this can still be a rewarding time to visit.

🌊 What are June & July like in Siargao? 

June and July sit somewhere between the dry season and peak surf season.

There’s a higher chance of rain and tropical weather systems moving through the area, which means lush green scenery but less predictable conditions for exploring the island.

For surfers, however, this period is often referred to as “small wave season” and can actually be a fantastic time to learn. Many breaks around the island offer more manageable waist-to-chest-high waves, making it ideal for beginners and newer surfers looking to build confidence.

As I mentioned, we went in mid-late May and we experienced beautiful weather perfect for island hopping and beach days most of the time. There was a pretty consistent rain shower from 11am – 1pm most days but it would just cool us off and it would clear right up. 

The waves for us were perfect at the start of our trip and then it did start to get a little messier later in May, however we made a trip to cemetery surf spot during our last few days and the ways were perfect for long boarders – we had the best time!  

Where To Stay on Siargao

If it’s your first time visiting Siargao, you’ll probably end up in General Luna — and that’s not a bad thing. It’s where you’ll find the biggest concentration of restaurants, cafes, shops, surf schools and nightlife.

That said, after spending two weeks on the island, we don’t think General Luna is automatically the best place to stay.

We actually spent most of our time in Pilar, using it as a base to explore Pacifico, Burgos and the rest of North Siargao before finishing our trip with a few days in General Luna. Having a motorbike meant we were constantly moving around the island, so while we didn’t stay everywhere, we spent enough time in each area to get a feel for who it would suit.

Here’s our take on the best areas to stay in Siargao.

Pilar (our fav base) – Best for Slow and Budget-Conscious Travelers and Surfers 

Before arriving in Siargao, we knew we wanted to spend most of our time surfing around Pacifico. The problem was that many of the accommodations we liked there were outside our budget.

That’s how we ended up discovering Pilar, and it worked out better than we could have planned.

Pilar is a small residential village in the centre of the island with a very local feel. There aren’t many restaurants or cafes here, so if you stay in Pilar you’ll definitely want a motorbike.

We stayed at Nogs Homestay and used it as our base for ten days. From there, Pacifico was only about 15 minutes away, Burgos around 35 minutes, and General Luna roughly 45-50 minutes by scooter.

Our days usually looked something like this: early surf in Pacifico, coffee afterwards, back to Nogs for breakfast, a bit of work during the day, then either a sunset mission up north or a ride down to General Luna for dinner.

What made Pilar work so well was that we got access to everything we wanted from Siargao without paying General Luna or Pacifico prices. We had a comfortable place to work, breakfast included every morning, access to kayaking through the mangroves, and peace and quiet (aside from the daily 12pm village karaoke session! 🤣)

If you’re looking for nightlife, Pilar probably isn’t for you.

If you’re looking for a relaxed base that lets you explore the entire island, we’d highly recommend. 

Pacifico – Best for Surfers Who Want to Be Near the Beach & Travelers who want to be within walking distance of cafes and restaurants 

If your ideal Siargao trip revolves around surfing, good coffee, and a slower pace of life, Pacifico might be your perfect base.

Pacifico feels a world away from the busier atmosphere of General Luna. You’re right on the beach, the surf is on your doorstep, and the town itself is centred around one main road lined with cafes, restaurants, surf shops and accommodation.

This was originally where we planned to stay, but as mentioned the accommodations we liked were a little outside our budget. In the end, Pilar gave us a better balance of affordability and comfort while still allowing us to surf in Pacifico every day.

That said, after spending most of our days here, I can absolutely see why people choose to base themselves in Pacifico. The surf is fantastic for beginner to intermediate surfers, the pace of life is noticeably slower than General Luna, and it’s the kind of place where you can happily spend the morning surfing and the afternoon lingering over coffee with a book.

If I were planning a surf-focused trip and had a slightly bigger accommodation budget, Pacifico would be right at the top of my list.

Where I’d stay in Pacifico:

• Budget: La Finca Boutique Hostel
• Mid-range: Yapak Beach Villas
• Luxury: Trogon’s Perch

Burgos – Best for Total Peace & Quiet

If Pacifico feels relaxed, Burgos takes things one step further.

Located at the northern tip of Siargao, Burgos feels much more local and removed from the tourist scene. Life moves slowly here – think quiet beaches, scenic viewpoints, a handful of great cafes and restaurants, and long stretches of coastline.

We didn’t stay in Burgos ourselves, but we spent several days exploring the area and came up for dinner a few times. Every visit left us thinking the same thing: it’s beautiful, peaceful, and probably too quiet for a lot of travellers.

If you’re the type of person who wants nightlife, variety in restaurant choices, or easy access to social events, Burgos probably isn’t the best fit. But if you’re looking to disconnect, surf, read, explore, and enjoy a slower side of Siargao, it could be exactly what you’re after.

Many travelers stay in General Luna and visit Burgos as a day/weekend trip. Personally, I think Burgos is one of the areas that shows just how much more there is to Siargao beyond General Luna.

Unfortunately, we didn’t spend enough time here to confidently recommend specific accommodations, but the area itself is well worth considering if peace and quiet are high on your priority list.

General Luna – Best for First-Time Visitors

After ten days in the north, arriving in General Luna felt like arriving in a different island.

Compared to the serenity of Pacifico, Pilar and Burgos, General Luna feels busy, energetic and occasionally a little chaotic. But it’s also where you’ll find the biggest concentration of cafes, restaurants, surf schools, shops and nightlife.

If you’re visiting Siargao for the first time and only have a few days, this is probably where I’d recommend staying.

You’ll be close to Cloud 9, have endless food options, and won’t need to ride an hour for dinner if you don’t feel like getting back on the scooter.

We stayed at Gardenview Homestay and found it to be a great budget option: simple, spacious, good Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a peaceful location while still being close to everything.

Malinao & Santa Fe – Best Alternative to General Luna

A little further south of General Luna, you’ll find Malinao which offers a quieter atmosphere with some beautiful beach front accommodations but at a higher price point. It feels a little more polished while still being only a short scooter ride from the cafes, restaurants, and nightlife of General Luna.

And then north of General Luna, there is Santa Fe and the Ocean 9 surf area. Ocean 9 is beautiful and another great spot for beginner-intermediate surfers. Sante Fe is similarly much quieter than General Luna but still close enough to access it if you wish. However, it’s a more affordable option than the Malinao area. 

If General Luna feels a little too busy but Burgos and Pacifico sound a little too remote, Malinao and Santa Fe sit nicely in the middle.

General Luna vs. Northern Siargao: Which Area Is Better? 

Here’s a quick comparison as we see it, hopefully it helps you make your decision where to stay. 

If it was our first trip and we only had five days, we’d stay in General Luna.

If we had a week or more, we’d split our time between General Luna and North Siargao.

If surfing, working remotely and slowing down are priorities, we’d choose North Siargao every time.

Our 2-Week Siargao Itinerary

While planning our trip, we kept hearing people say that the best part of Siargao is slowing down and doing… well, not very much. As people who usually struggle to sit still, that sounded slightly terrifying.

Alas, turns out they were right!

Some of our favourite moments in Siargao weren’t activities at all. They were slow mornings after a surf, sunset scooter rides, and just chilling out with a book. 

That’s why I think choosing the right area and place to stay is so important. In Siargao, your accommodation isn’t just a bed (as is often the case when backpacking), it’s part of the experience and you want to want to hang out there. 

That said, we still managed to pack in plenty of surfing, exploring, and cafe hopping into our two weeks.

This itinerary is exactly how we spent our time on the island and hopefully will help guide you as you create yours. We had a motorbike for the entire time that we were on Siargao and if you’re comfortable on a motorbike, I highly encourage you to do the same. Siargao is big and things are far away from eachother, it is best explored on two wheels! And the roads are good. 

Day 1–5: Surfing & Exploring Pacifico

• Take 1-2 surf lessons at Big Wish to get familiar with the local breaks and conditions. Expect to pay around 300 PHP ($5) for a lesson and 200 PHP ($4) per hour for board rental.
• Rent a board for a week (we paid 250 PHP / $4.50 per day) and spend your mornings and evenings surfing around Pacifico.
• Check out the break opposite Cabanas Restaurant (locals referred to it as Wantaw Beach). We found it less crowded than Big Wish and ended up surfing there most days.
• Browse the surf shops in Pacifico – not as many as General Luna but the few that are there are worth wandering into.
• Cafe hop around Pacifico. Our favourites were Manu Brew, Common Ground and Cabanas.
• Watch sunset from Wantaw Beach before heading for dinner in Pacifico. We loved Cerveza and Chevere. 
• Treat yourself to yoga and brunch at Common Ground.

Day 6–8: Pilar Adventures

• Visit Magpupungko Rock Pools at low tide.
• Kayak through the Pilar mangroves to Tubig-Ajan Cold Spring.
• Spend an afternoon at Locud Beach and grab a matcha from the nearby Matcha Tent.

Day 9–10: Northern Siargao Road Trip

• Spend the day at Alegria Beach, stopping at Little Hawaii Viewpoint along the way.
• Have dinner at The Hub by Lokal Lab in Burgos.
• Grab lunch or an early dinner at North Dirty Kitchen (don’t skip the chocolate chip cookies).

Day 11-14: General Luna

• Watch sunset and the surfers on Cloud 9 boardwalk.
• Rent a board and surf Jacking Horse, Quicksilver or Little Tahiti.
• Cafe hop around General Luna. We loved Saint Thomas, Siargao Island Deli and White Beard Coffee.
• Take an early morning boat to Cemetery Surf Spot (200 PHP per person). You can also rent boats from Edwin Surf Shop right at the pick up point for Cemetery.
• Try the ceviche or Filipino kinilaw at CEV.
• Spend sunset at Secret Beach and Malinao Skate Road. This is where locals and backpackers converge right at sunset to surf skate and there’s streetfood stalls and vendors selling t shirts, trinkets, and jewelry from 4pm onward. 
• Catch sunset at Cantagnan Bridge. Similar to the above but more local. 
• Browse the boutiques around General Luna, especially Vinta Alternative Market – loved it! 
• Have dinner at Cantagnan BBQ for cheap and delicious Filipino barbecue.

Is 2-weeks in Siargao too long? 

Not at all, arguably too short!! Most travellers spend 3–5 days in Siargao, but we found two weeks gave us enough time to settle into island life, improve our surfing and explore beyond the usual General Luna hotspots.

How much did 2-weeks in Siargao cost? 

Before arriving in Siargao, we were slightly nervous about keeping to our $100/day budget. 

We’d heard plenty of people say that Siargao was becoming the “Bali of the Philippines” and assumed our budget would take a serious hit. In reality, we found it much more affordable than expected.

Over 14 days, Harry and I spent a total of $1,255.15 USD ($627.58 USD per person)

Below is a breakdown of what we spent over the two weeks across accommodation, food, transport, and miscellaneous being everything else. 

• AVG spend for dinner: $19.83
• AVG spend per day for couple: $96.56 

Spending Category	Spend after 14 Days
🛌 Accommodation	$241.51
🍽️ Food*	$407.29
🛵 Transport**	$110.86
✨ Misc***	$495.49

*coffee, lunch, dinner 

**transfer to and from airport plus motorbike and gas 

***souvenirs, any clothes we bought from the shops, sunscreen, entrance fees, environmental fees, surfboard rental, any activities that we did, snacks, drinks

A few tips for sticking to budget on the island that helped us: 

• Staying in a low key area like Pilar so you’re not blowing budget on accommodation 
• Ensuring that the accommodation includes breakfast so you’re cutting out that one extra meal 
• Renting a motorbike for over 10 days meant that we were able to negotiate a better daily price 
• Renting a surf board for over a week meant we could negotiate a better daily price  

Helpful Tips for Visiting Siargao

• Rent a Scooter: If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, I highly recommend renting one for your time in Siargao. We used Raba motorbike rental and they were great.
  
  The island is much bigger than people think and it takes about 1-1.5 hours to drive from General Luna up to Burgos. Even in General Luna – Cloud 9 is its own area so depending on where you stay you may have to take wheels to get there and tricycles can build up in cost. We also found that you could negotiate better daily price if you rented a motorbike for over 5 days. 
  
  As far as Southeast Asia goes, Siargao is one of the more relaxed places we’ve ridden. The roads are generally wide, in decent condition, and far less hectic than that of Vietnam for example. 

• Expect Spotty Wi-Fi and Occasional Power Cuts: Wi-Fi and mobile signal can be patchy, particularly the further north you go, and power outages aren’t uncommon. During our stay, outages were usually short — anywhere from a few minutes to around an hour — but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re working remotely.
  
  Most cafes, coworking spaces, and accommodations have adapted to this reality, but it’s worth planning around if you’ve got important calls or deadlines.

• Check the Tides: We weren’t thinking about tides when we got here but it’s all we thought about by the end of our time on the island 🤣
  
  Tides are important not only for surfing but also for kayaking among the mangroves, for beach days, and for visiting the rock pools. You want to be surfing and kayaking at high tide – not necessarily the peak but either before or after the peak, and you want to visit the rock pools at low tide otherwise they are covered in water. We used Surfline for info on tides. 

• Do a Little Research Before Booking Surf Lessons: We made the classic mistake of turning up at the beach and choosing instructors on the spot.
  
  We had a great time and felt completely safe, but the sessions were more about getting us into waves than actually teaching us how to surf better.
  
  If you’re serious about improving, spend a bit of time researching instructors or surf schools beforehand and don’t be afraid to pay more than the cheapest option.
  
  I’d also recommend chatting to locals and other surfers whenever you can. A little local knowledge goes a long way when it comes to understanding conditions, surf etiquette, and which breaks are best for your level.

Final Thoughts on Siargao

Before arriving in Siargao, I kept hearing the same thing: “Siargao used to be amazing, but now it’s turning into Bali.” After two weeks on the island, I think I understand where that comes from — but I also think those people may never have left General Luna.

Yes, General Luna has become a tourism hub, but much of the island still feels authentic, local, and laid-back. Some of our favourite memories came from outside of General Luna: surfing quieter breaks around Pacifico, spending time in Pilar, and even joining our homestay family for a local fiesta.

That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy General Luna. The cafes, restaurants, and sunsets were a great way to finish the trip. But if I were doing it again, I’d still spend most of my time exploring beyond the island’s most famous town.

After more than seven months travelling around Southeast Asia, Siargao had a feeling that was genuinely hard to describe and unlike anywhere else we visited. Before coming, people told me they loved it for the “vibe.” At the time, I thought that was not a helpful travel recommendation.

But now I completely get it.

FAQ

1. Is Siargao Worth Visiting if You Don’t Surf?

Absolutely.

While Siargao is best known for surfing, there’s plenty to do even if you never touch a surfboard. The island is packed with beautiful beaches, rock pools, cold springs, waterfalls, mangrove forests, scenic coastal roads, island-hopping tours, cafes, restaurants, boutique shopping, and sunset spots. 

Some of our favourite days in Siargao involved nothing more than exploring the island by scooter, finding a great coffee shop, watching the sunset, and enjoying the slower pace of life.

2. Is Siargao Good for Beginner Surfers?

Yes — in fact, I think Siargao is one of the best places in Southeast Asia for beginner and intermediate surfers.

While the island is famous for the advanced Cloud 9 wave, there are plenty of other breaks suitable for newer surfers. Areas like Pacifico, Ocean 9, Cemetery Surf Spot, and Jacking Horse offer more approachable waves, and surf lessons and board rentals are widely available across the island.

One of the things we loved most about Siargao is that you don’t need to be an expert surfer to enjoy the surf culture.

3. How Many Days Do You Need in Siargao?

I would recommend a minimum of 5-7 days.

That gives you enough time to explore beyond General Luna, try surfing, visit some of the island’s natural attractions, and settle into the slower pace that makes Siargao special.

If you’re hoping to surf regularly, work remotely, or really experience different parts of the island, 10-14 days is even better.

4. What Is the Best Area to Stay in Siargao?

It depends on the type of trip you’re looking for.

For first-time visitors, General Luna is usually the easiest choice thanks to its restaurants, cafes, nightlife, surf schools, and central location.

However, if you’re looking for a quieter experience focused on surfing, nature, and a slower pace of life, I’d also consider Pacifico, Pilar, or Burgos in North Siargao.

We personally stayed in Pilar for most of our trip and loved having easy access to both Pacifico and General Luna while enjoying a more local atmosphere.

5. Is General Luna or Pacifico Better?

Neither is better — they’re just very different.

General Luna is the social hub of Siargao. It’s where you’ll find the most cafes, restaurants, shops, nightlife, and beginner surf schools.

Pacifico is quieter, less developed, and more focused around surfing and beach life. It has a slower pace and feels much more relaxed than General Luna.

If it’s your first visit and you want convenience, choose General Luna. If you’re coming primarily to surf and slow down, Pacifico might be a better fit.

6. Do You Need a Scooter in Siargao?

Technically no, but I would strongly recommend it.

Siargao is much larger than many people expect, and some of the island’s best beaches, surf spots, viewpoints, and cafes are spread out across different regions.

Having a scooter gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and was significantly more affordable than relying on tricycles for longer distances.

If you’re not comfortable riding, it’s still possible to get around using tricycles and organised tours.

7. Is Siargao Expensive for Backpackers?

Not necessarily.

Accommodation in General Luna can get expensive, especially during peak season, but there are still plenty of affordable guesthouses, homestays, and hostels across the island.

We spent $1,255 USD as a couple over 14 days, including accommodation, food, transport, surfboard rentals, activities, shopping, and miscellaneous expenses.

Staying outside General Luna, renting a scooter, and choosing accommodation with breakfast included helped us keep costs down without feeling like we were sacrificing anything.

8. When Is the Best Time to Visit Siargao?

It depends on what you’re looking for.

For surfing, August to November is generally considered the best season, with larger swells and the most consistent conditions.

For sunshine, island hopping, and beach days, March to May is typically the best time to visit.

We visited in mid-to-late May and found it to be a great balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and fun surf conditions.

9. Is Siargao Safe?

We felt very safe throughout our time on the island.

Siargao has a reputation for being welcoming, laid-back, and friendly towards travelers. We explored by scooter, spent time in both touristy and local areas, and never encountered any issues.

As with any destination, it’s always sensible to take normal precautions with valuables and avoid riding a scooter after drinking, but overall Siargao is considered one of the safer destinations in the Philippines for travelers.

---

Hopefully the info and itinerary here help you as you craft your own perfect trip to Siargao!

Cheers & safe travels,

Julie & Harry

If you’re headed to the Philippines, you might also find our other guides helpful:

Read our guide on getting a visa for the Philippines here

Read our guide to Kawasan Falls Canyoneering here

Read our guide to snorkeling the Sardine Run in Moalboal here

Read our guide to hiking Osmeña peak here

Read our guide to finding the best Lechon in Cebu here

Read our guide to traveling the Philippines without cash here