Getting around Siargao Island

On Foot

Walking around the main tourist area and the streets of General Luna is possible with lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and other attractions available. Walking to the beaches is possible, and walking around other parts of the island is also possible.

By Bicycle

Riding a bike on the island of Siargao is possible and a good way to get to some areas that are inaccessible by car or on foot. A bicycle ride can be a great way of exploring the island, and a nice experience to get to the beach and other attractions. There are bicycle rentals available in General Luna town, and at some accommodations, they cost around PHP150 a day.

By Scooter

Renting scooters is a popular way of getting around the island. They can be rented at different places on the island and at several shops in General Luna town.

By Boat

There are many opportunities to get around the island waters by boat. There are island-hopping tours offered, sailing trips, day trips, sunset cruises, and ferry trips that connect to other islands.

Siargao Island FAQ

How do I get to Siargao Island?

Siargao Airport (Sayak Airport) is a small regional airport on Siargao Island that accepts direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and New Clark City. The airport is located in the town of Del Carmen.  There are also ferry services to Siargao from the neighboring island of Mindanao.  

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

Transportation options at Sayak Airport include tricycles, motorbikes, taxis, rideshare services, shuttle buses, and car rentals. Most of the transportation options can be found right outside the airport. The general tourist area on the island is General Luna, which is about an hour’s ride from the airport, depending on traffic. A general ride on a shared van will cost around PHP350 to reach General Luna town from the airport. Tuk Tuks cost about PHP1,000. 

How do I get to Siargao Island by boat?

You can reach Siargao Island by ferry from Surigao City. You can fly from Cebu Island to Surigao City and then hop on a ferry at Surigao Port, which will take you directly to Siargao Island. Ferry tickets are available daily at 10 am and 3:30 pm, and the journey generally takes around 2 hours. 

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

Tricycles and tuk-tuks are the main modes of transportation on Siargao Island, costing around 10-20 pesos to ply the main streets of the tourist town of General Luna. There are many easy ways to get around the island, and renting a moped or scooter is among the options, costing about PHP350 for a day. This is a cheap and fun option, and a great way to get to the beaches and some places that are inaccessible by car. Tricycles are motorized vehicles with sidecars that can accommodate up to 4 passengers, Tuk-tuks are very similar; both can be found all over the island, and can be hailed on the streets or hired for special trips. 

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Should I rent a car in Siargao Island?

If you plan to explore the island, then renting a car is a good idea so you can travel at your own pace. There are several rental car agencies at the airport, and some are found in the main towns. Renting a car provides you with the most flexibility and allows you to venture off the beaten path. 

How do I call/hail a taxi?

Taxis on Siargao Island come in the form of tricycles and tuk-tuks, or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi), particularly in the General Luna area. 

Is Siargao Island a walking city?

Yes, walking around the main tourist area and the streets of General Luna is possible with lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and other attractions available. Walking to the beaches is possible, and walking around other parts of the island is also possible. 

Can I ride a bike in Siargao Island?

Riding a bike on the island of Siargao is possible and a good way to get to some areas that are inaccessible by car or on foot. A bicycle ride can be a great way of exploring the island, and a nice experience to get to the beach and other attractions. There are bicycle rentals available in General Luna town, and at some accommodations, they cost around PHP150 a day. 

Can I ride a Scooter in Siargao Island?

Yes, renting scooters is a popular way of getting around the island. They can be rented at different places on the island and at several shops in General Luna town. 

Is Siargao Island a dangerous city? Is there anything I should be aware of?

Siargao Island is considered a very safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years, crimes against tourists are becoming more common, with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions. At night, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. Be careful when walking at night, and don’t walk outside the main center of town. 

What are some popular areas for shopping?

The island of Siargao offers shoppers a great variety of retail experiences with vibrant island markets, quirky souvenir shops, unique boutiques, iconic surf shops, and local handicraft stores. There’s something for every shopper on the vibrant shopping streets of Siargao Island, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and pick up some memorable souvenirs. Some popular items include intricate jewelry, handwoven textiles, trendy beachwear, and surf gear. Shopping experiences on Siargao Island are a great way for visitors to combine the laid-back island lifestyle with the convenience of modern shopping centers and boutiques. There are luxury shopping options and bustling street markets to choose from on this tropical island. The tourist strip of General Luna town is a popular shopping spot that stretches along the beach area, featuring a variety of different stores selling everything from souvenirs to clothing and local crafts. General Luna Town Center is the main commercial center of the island, set in the heart of town, featuring a shopping mall and a variety of other shops as well as dining, grocery, and entertainment options. The General Luna Market is a popular street market featuring a variety of vendors that sell local crafts, clothing, and food. The Island City Mall is a new shopping center in Dapa town featuring a variety of different shops and a food court. The Siargao Island Food and Craft Fair is an annual event held in General Luna town, featuring a variety of vendors selling local products, including clothing, crafts, and food. There are cultural exhibits and live performances, the fair is usually held in November. 

What is the language spoken in Siargao Island?

The official language spoken in Siargao Island is Nepali, however, English is widely spoken by people working in the service and tourism industries. We recommend you get a good English-Nepal guidebook and familiarize yourself with a few common phrases, such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.

What is the best time to visit Siargao Island?

Siarao Island features a tropical temperate climate that features warm, pleasant weather year-round. It is an inviting destination no matter what time of year you visit. The two main seasons are the wet and dry season; the Dry season is from March through September, which offers visitors some of the best tropical weather with long, sunshine-filled days. It gets hotter and more humid as the summer months continue, and temperatures can creep into the 90s. These days are best spent at the beach and in the waters across the island; this is also the busiest time of year. May is the hottest month, and January is the coldest, when temperatures range from a comfortable 75- 84°F. September and October are the best months for surfers traveling to Siargao to enjoy its iconic surf spots like Cloud 9. The wind and swell pattern breaks are best on Siargao’s East Coast. The waves are best in these two months, but surfing is generally good from July to November for the ideal swell and wind conditions. The Siargao International Surfing Cup is held in September, where top surfers from around the world compete across the island’s renowned surfing spots. November is the start of the rainy season, which runs through January. This season is when flights, accommodations, and other activities are a lot cheaper. 

What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Siargao Island is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Nepalese rupees upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

What is the food like?

Siargao Island restaurants boast a laid-back island atmosphere with delicious, local, authentic food as well as the freshest fish, seafood, and international cuisine. There are some great beachfront selections when it comes to restaurants and bars in Siargao, many line the main beach area in General Luna town, where there are also lots of accommodations and shops. Siargao has a growing food and cafe scene and is quite the attraction for foodies who are ready to get out and taste local and international dishes around the island. Being surrounded by water, the island is well known for its delicious fresh fish and seafood, with many excellent seafood restaurants, many boasting waterfront views. There are good-quality restaurants everywhere in General Luna town, with almost every option available, like Filipino, Mexican, Israeli, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and more. Siargao is a melting pot of people from different cultures and nationalities who have brought their own flavors to the island. There is a lot of great food to try. A local specialty to try is Sayongson, which is a type of puto (Filipino rice cake) wrapped in banana leaves. A tasty snack made from glutinous rice, brown sugar, roasted peanuts, calamansi juice, and coconut milk. Kinilaw is the Filipino version of ceviche made with raw fish tossed with vinegar, ginger, onions, salt, and chili. 

What is the nightlife like?

The nightlife on Siargao Island is pretty interesting; there’s a diverse, vibrant scene full of surprises with beachfront bars, beach parties, live music, and busy clubs. There is practically a party going on every night of the week, you just have to find out which bar is throwing it in town. The nightlife here is centered around General Luna town, which offers a mixture of relaxed beach bars, live music venues, and happening nightclubs to enjoy the vibrant party atmosphere on the island. 

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

In the event of an emergency, dial 911 or 117

Hospital:

Siargao Island Medical Center tel. 63-948-900-6922

Top Attractions

Cloud 9 Surfing Area

Surf spot with instructors and equipment rentals, also popular for chilling out at sunrise and sunset.

Port of Sugba Lagoon

Blends of emerald green and turquoise waters snake their way through wild Mangroves in one of the most spectacular locations on Siargao Island.

Tayangban Cave Pool

Swimming, climbing and cliff jumping in and around a partially submerged grotto surrounded by mangroves.

Unique Experiences

Siargao Tri-Island with Drone and Mermaid Tail: Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a Siargao island-hopping tour. Explore the stunning islands of Naked, Daku, and Guyam and savor a boodle fight lunch.

Luxury Private Boat and Surf Tour: Enjoy a full day premium experience on our renovated boat. Including surfing at remote breaks, snorkeling, lunch, photography, and more!