Surigao del Norte, north-eastern Mindanao · Philippines
The surfing capital of the Philippines, a teardrop of palm groves, rock pools and lagoons around the famous Cloud 9 break.
Photo: Spraken eboy2887 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island off the north-east coast of Mindanao, and the surfing capital of the Philippines. Its main break, Cloud 9, a fast, hollow reef wave breaking just off General Luna, has hosted international surfing competitions since the 1990s, and the island now supports a laid-back scene of surf schools, cafés, yoga studios and hostels. It was hit hard by Typhoon Rai in December 2021, and has since rebuilt.
Surfing is best from August to November, when swells are biggest, but Siargao is an attractive island year-round. Coconut palm forests cover much of it, and inland there are mangrove-lined lagoons. Off the coast near General Luna, three islands, Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island, form the classic island-hopping trip. In the north-east, the Magpupungko rock pools appear at low tide, and Sugba Lagoon offers clear green water for swimming.
Beginners can learn to surf on gentler waves, and non-surfers can enjoy scooter rides through palm groves, sunsets and beach clubs. The town of General Luna is the base, and the island is reached by a short flight from Cebu or Manila. The vibe is relaxed and increasingly cosmopolitan, and it is calmer than Boracay.
Why visit
Siargao is the Philippines' surf capital and a great laid-back island escape.
A world-famous wave.
Magpupungko and Sugba.
Naked, Daku and Guyam.
Cafés and yoga.
Through palm groves.
Main attractions
Sights are spread around the island, best by scooter.
A wooden boardwalk and viewing tower over the famous surf break, good for watching surfers.
Tip Go at sunrise.
Natural tidal pools in the rocks on the north-east coast, best at low tide.
Tip Check the tide chart.
A clear green lagoon with a diving platform.
Tip Join a tour.
A sandbar with no trees, off General Luna.
Tip Bring shade.
A lagoon and cave system on nearby Bucas Grande.
Tip Book a boat.
A road lined with palm trees.
Tip Good for photos.
Things to do
Siargao is about surfing and slow days.
At Cloud 9 or a gentler break.
Tip Go early.
Naked, Daku and Guyam.
Tip Book a boat.
Around the island.
Tip Wear a helmet.
On the beach.
Tip Bring a drink.
In General Luna.
Tip Book.
Clear water.
Tip Go in the morning.
Local food
Siargao's food is fresh and increasingly international.
Grilled and raw.
Where to try it Beach restaurants.
Raw fish.
Where to try it Local eateries.
Café culture.
Where to try it General Luna cafés.
Local staples.
Where to try it Markets.
Tropical fruit.
Where to try it Stalls.
Accommodation
Stay in General Luna or a quieter beach.
Transport
Siargao is reached by air or ferry.
Scooters and tricycles.
When to go
Siargao has surf seasons and calm seasons.
Biggest swells, but typhoon risk.
Rain and rough seas.
Dry, calm and hot.
Transitional.
Worth planning around: Typhoon storms.
Itinerary
Surfing, islands and pools.
General Luna.
Lessons.
Boat day.
North.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
Yes, with lessons.
Fly from Manila or Cebu.
August to November.
Moderate.
It helps.
Yes, in 2021, and it has rebuilt.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Siargao, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Central Visayas, Philippines
A long island and a city with Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño, plus Moalboal's sardine run, Kawasan Falls canyoneering, Oslob and Malapascua.
Don't miss Snorkelling in the middle of a swirling ball of millions of sardines at Moalboal.
Explore Destination — CebuCentral Visayas, Philippines
A central Philippine island with the Chocolate Hills, Philippine tarsiers, Loboc River cruises, Baclayon church and the beaches and reefs of Panglao Island.
Don't miss The Chocolate Hills stretching to the horizon in the dry season, when the grass turns brown.
Explore Destination — BoholAklan, Western Visayas, Philippines
A 7-km island with White Beach, Puka Shell Beach, sunset paraw sailing, kitesurfing, and restaurants and nightlife, after a 2018 environmental clean-up.
Don't miss Watching the sails of the paraw boats glide across the water at sunset off White Beach.
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