Siargao For Non-Surfers: 17 Unique Things To Do
Siargao is well-known for its pristine beaches, breathtaking waves, and laidback surfers’ vibe.
But what if you’re not into surfing?
This post will detail 17 unique things to do in Siargao for those who don’t fancy picking up a board, updated for 2024.
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Siargao Island is home to some of the best surf spots in the Philippines and the laidback surfers’ vibe is enough to captivate anyone who passes through.
It feels as though everyone in Siargao lives and breathes surfing, it is a way of life here. But maybe you’re not into surfing?
From pristine beaches, emerald lagoons, and limestone caves, to vibrant nightlife, water activities, and untold amounts of coconut trees.
Whether you’re into adventure activities or simply prefer to relax and soak up the vibes, Siargao has something for every type of traveler.
In this post, we will cover 17 unique things to do in Siargao for non-surfers.
A Map of the Best Things To Do in Siargao for Non-Surfers
Below is a map showing all of the best things to do in Siargao for non-surfers.
You can put these locations on Google Maps for directions.
How to get around Siargao
The best way to get around Siargao is with a scooter. This gives you so much freedom to explore the whole island.
A scooter will set you back roughly 300 PHP ($5) per day. This is what we paid for one week.
The price ultimately depends on your bargaining skills and how long you would like to rent for – the longer you want the bike for, the cheaper it will be.
If you are not confident on a bike, then you can take a tricycle to these spots. Discuss a ‘special trip’ with the drivers to hire a tricycle for the whole day.
Likewise, if you decide to go on an organised tour, then this will have transport included.
BOOK YOUR SIARGAO BIKE RENTAL IN ADVANCE HERE
Maasin River: Jumping Platform & Secret Lagoon
Not just tropical beaches and surfing, Siargao is also home to some pretty cool land activities. A visit to the Maasin River is such a unique way to explore the beauty of this island.
A quaint little river in the town of Maasin has become a number-one tourist spot in recent years.
The iconic images of the bent palm tree sticking out of the dense tropical forest have given this place its fame.
Full Post: Maasin River Siargao: EVERYTHING You Need To Know
Previously, the river was also known for its Tarzan-esque rope swing which was unfortunately destroyed during the most recent typhoon.
Rest assured, the swing has been replaced by a jumping platform for those seeking a bit of adrenaline-fueled fun.
The river is a great place to have a paddle, mingle with the locals, and experience island life from a different perspective.
If you’re interested in exploring the Maasin River further, I would highly recommend taking a canoe tour.
Travelling up the river through the palm trees is such a cool experience and the crystal-clear Secret Lagoon at the end is an added bonus.
For my full guide on the Maasin River, including how to get there and what to expect, you can check out my post here.
Doot Beach: Mangrove Kayaking & Sunset
Another great spot for the non-surfers is Doot Beach. J
ust 15 minutes away from General Luna, Doot Beach is a real hidden gem and one of the best things to do in Siargao.
Doot Beach boasts pristine white sand, a coconut-fringed shoreline, and a laidback atmosphere for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of General Luna.
You won’t find hoards of tourists here, despite the unique outdoor activities on offer.
Full Post: Doot Beach: A Complete Guide To Siargao’s Hidden Gem
At Doot Beach, you can rent a clear-bottom kayak and explore the surrounding mangrove forest. You can also kick back with a few beers and enjoy the sunset, which is difficult to come by in General Luna.
For those who stay until the evening, you can also take a boat trip to see the bio-luminescent plankton. This is one of the most interesting and unique things to do in Siargao.
For more information about Doot Beach and its outdoor activities, you can read my detailed post here.
Have you packed your Reef Safe 98% Organic Sunscreen?
Secret Spot Beach
Another super fun thing to do in Siargao is to visit Secret Spot Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Siargao.
Just 30 minutes from General Luna, this is a popular spot for beginner surfers as the waves are mellow and there are very few people.
This is actually where I took my beginner surf lesson, booked through Jings Hostel.
Full Post: Secret Spot Beach Siargao: Best Spot For Beginners Surfing
Due to the peaceful atmosphere, this is also a great spot for non-surfers too. If you come later in the afternoon when the tide is out, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the sun.
After parking and a short 5-minute walk through the palm trees, you will catch a glimpse of the clear turquoise waters.
Secret Spot Beach is a true slice of paradise, with very few tourists and an idyllic atmosphere.
Stay in a rustic private bungalow in the heart of General Luna.
Embrace the tropical island vibes with hammocks, an outdoor bamboo shower, and an amazing surf school.
Sugba Lagoon
When picturing Siargao, no doubt the emerald-green waters and unique rolling hills of Sugba Lagoon will spring to mind.
Although more touristy than other activities, it is well worth a day trip as one of the best water activities on Siargao Island.
Departing on a boat from the port of Del Carmen, you will cruise through scenic mangrove forests for about 20 minutes before reaching the lagoon.
We decided to explore the lagoon by swimming, but there are plenty of fun water activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding to explore the hidden coves a little further out.
For those looking for adventure activities in Siargao, the jumping platform will be sure to catch your eye. With the backdrop of the hills and spectacular waters, it is a great photo opportunity too.
Instead of an organised tour, I would recommend a DIY tour of Sugba Lagoon.
This will not only save you money but give you much more flexibility to explore the nearby Pamomoan Beach and Kawhagan Sandbar as well.
I have written a handy post giving you all the details you need for a DIY tour of Sugba Lagoon and Pamomoan Beach here.
Have you got your Waterproof Dry Bag? (with Waterproof Phone Case included)
Pamomoan Beach & Kawhagan Sandbar
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Siargao, then the lesser-known Pamomoan Beach and Kawhagan Sandbar are a must-visit.
If you take a DIY tour of Sugba Lagoon, you can combine this with a trip to Pamomoan Beach & Kawhagan Sandbar. For an extra fee, they can be part of the same boat trip.
Soft white sand, crystal clear water, and untold amounts of coconut trees. Pamomoan Beach is everything that springs to mind when dreaming of a tropical paradise.
Full Post: Pamomoan Beach & Sugba Lagoon: DIY Guide Siargao
Due to the remoteness of the location, this beach is totally pristine and unspoiled. With only a handful of people when I was there, this is a great spot if you want to escape the flocks of tourists.
The water is the calmest I have experienced in the Philippines and is perfect for swimming or snorkelling. Another quick boat trip across and you will reach Kawhagan Sandbar.
We didn’t have the time to visit the sandbar but it is meant to be pristine.
Philippines Essentials Packing List
Barrel Pub Quiz
Barrel Beachfront Bar is open as a sports bar and restaurant every day but be sure not to miss their Tuesday Trivia night.
This is a great Siargao nightlife spot and one of the most fun things you can do at night in Siargao.
Every Tuesday at 7 pm Barrel hosts its legendary pub quiz. With over 20 teams when I played, it is a great place to meet new people and have some fun.
The quiz master keeps the energy high and there is a decent cash prize for the winning team. With cheap drinks and beers for only 80 PHP ($1.40), the pub quiz is a perfect warm-up for your night.
Barrel also boasts beachfront views and delicious food, so do not miss it as one of the best restaurants in Siargao.
Coconut Road & Coconut View Deck
When people say that Siargao is covered in palm trees, these are the best tourist spots to truly appreciate what they mean.
Visiting Coconut Road and Coconut View Deck are two of the best things you can do on Siargao Island.
Also known as Coconut Mountain View, from Coconut View Deck you can see coconut trees as far as the eye can see. It is beautiful to visit at either sunrise or sunset.
Full Post: The BEST Guide To Coconut Road & Coconut Mountain View Siargao
Coconut Road might be the most aesthetically pleasing road in Siargao. A motorbike ride down this coconut-lined road is a must-do activity when visiting the island.
Both are free to visit and easy to get to about 20 minutes from General Luna. You are likely to drive past both when exploring other parts of the island.
They can be visited with the Maasin River which is only 5 minutes away. You can check out the exact directions and how to combine all 3 in a DIY land tour here.
As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Siargao can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.
Alegria Beach
Great for those who want to escape the crowds of General Luna, Alegria Beach is off the beaten path and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Siargao.
About a 1.5-hour drive from General Luna in the northeast of the island, Alegria Beach is simply breathtaking.
There are no activities here but if you’re craving a peaceful secluded beach and postcard views then this is a must-visit spot.
Alegria Beach is great for the non-surfers who want to relax, top up their tan, and paddle in crystal-clear waters.
Eat, Eat, Eat
Eating and trying the variety of restaurants Siargao has to offer is one of the top things to do on the island.
Siargao offers such diverse cuisine and arguably the best food in the Philippines.
The mixture of local and foreign restaurants creates a harmonious blend of food and cultures and is any foodie’s idea of heaven.
The restaurants in Siargao are vibrant and delicious, with something for every type of budget.
Full Post: Where To Eat in Siargao: Top 9 BEST Restaurants
Trying a different restaurant each day is one of the best things to do if you want to travel the world without leaving Siargao.
From beachfront views to buffet-style restaurants, dining in Siargao is such a unique experience.
I have listed the best restaurants in Siargao here if you need a bit of inspiration.
Also, make sure you don’t skip breakfast in Siargao as there are some delicious breakfast spots too.
Magpupungko Rock Pools
Another top outdoor activity in Siargao is a visit to Magpupungko Beach and Rock Pools, about 45 minutes north of General Luna.
As well as a white sand beach, these crystal clear tidal pools will take your breath away when exposed during low tide.
The Magpupungko Rock Pools are perfect for those seeking adventure activities in Siargao. At 3 meters deep, they are perfect for cliff jumping and exploring the hidden caves and coves.
The pools are only exposed during low tide. I would therefore check the tide times here and plan to arrive about an hour beforehand.
This gives you maximum time to swim about, explore, and marvel at this natural beauty. This is a great spot for those wondering how to enjoy Siargao for non-surfers.
Cloud 9 Boardwalk
One of the most popular tourist spots on the island, a walk out onto the Cloud 9 Boardwalk is one of the best things to do in Siargao for non-surfers.
Whilst this picturesque beach is known for being one of the best surfing spots in the Philippines, the Cloud 9 Boardwalk and Beach are great spots to simply chill, unwind, and enjoy watching the surfers.
To enter the beach, whether as a surfer or lounger, there is a 100 PHP ($1.70) entrance fee. This is valid for 12 hours. The best time to visit would be sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views of the ocean.
You’re welcome to top up your tan and have a paddle or simply take a scenic stroll out onto the pier.
These are some great Cloud 9 activities in Siargao if you’re not so fussed about surfing.
Swim with jellyfish at Sohoton Cove
One of the more underrated and unique things to do on Siargao Island is a day trip to Sohoton Cove National Park.
This is one of the best day trips from Siargao.
Located on the island of Bucas Grande, you can visit Sohoton Cove on a guided tour (which I would recommend) or by yourself by taking the ferry from Dapa to Socorro.
A day trip to Sohoton Cove National Park includes cliff jumping, hidden limestone caves, crystal-clear lagoons, and of course, a visit to the jellyfish sanctuary.
Although we never had the time to visit Sohoton Cove, I have heard that swimming with the stingless jellyfish is one of the most memorable things you can do in Siargao.
Make sure to bring some goggles or a snorkel so you can see the jellyfish under the water.
If you want to enjoy the views and sunset without the tourists, then perhaps staying overnight at one of the resorts is a good option.
You can book the Sohoton-Bucas Grande Tour in advance here.
Enjoy Nightlife & Live Music
Siargao offers one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in the Philippines.
Exploring Siargao’s bars and nightlife is one of the most fun things to do on the island and is well worth the headache in the morning.
Whether you prefer sipping cocktails to live music or doing tequila shots until the early hours, the atmosphere is always buzzing.
Full Post: Siargao Nightlife: Top 9 Best Bars & Party Schedule
Nightlife in Siargao is totally unique and the day of the week determines the venue and genre of music.
It is worth checking out the best bars and party schedule in advance here.
For those who aren’t so interested in parties, many different bars offer live music every night. Therefore, a super fun thing to do in Siargao is bar hop and soak up the atmosphere.
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TakTak Falls
TakTak Falls is the only waterfall on Siargao Island and a great outdoor activity when exploring the island by land.
Located about 1.5 hours northeast of General Luna, it is not the grandest waterfall you will ever see, but great fun for jumping in and cooling down.
It is well worth a visit if you combine it with a trip to the nearby Alegria Beach. The water is just about deep enough for jumping from the trees and ledges.
Tayangban Cave
Another unique thing to do for those interested in water activities in Siargao is a trip to Tayangban Cave.
This cave is located about 30 minutes from General Luna in the town of Pilar.
The entrance is 100 PHP ($1.70) which includes a mandatory guide.
Make sure to bring a dry bag, as you will be guided through the dark cave with the water about chest height. Although it is dark, you can appreciate the bats and unique rock formations.
After about 10 minutes, you will reach an opening and the beauty of the cenote will become clear. You can spend your time jumping off the cliffs and swinging on the vines.
Although not as touristy as the Magpupungko Rock Pools, this adventure activity is gaining popularity for good reason. It is such a fun and unique way to spend your afternoon in Siargao.
Have you got your Waterproof Dry Bag? (with Waterproof Phone Case included)
Island Hopping (Naked Island, Daku Island & Guyam Island)
For those looking for the best things to do in Siargao, an island-hopping tour to the nearby Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands is a must.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to take an island-hopping tour. However, this is one of the best ways to explore the secluded and pristine beaches around Siargao.
Spend the day relaxing, working on your tan, and admiring the beauty of the turquoise waters contrasted with the white sand.
You can book your Tri-Island Tour in advance here.
Relax & Take Things Slow
Whether you’re a surfer or a non-surfer, my final recommendation for Siargao would be to relax and take things slow.
Siargao has so many activities on offer, from beaches to inland exploration. It is easy to get wrapped up and try to tick off as many things as possible.
The best thing about Siargao is its laidback and chilled atmosphere, which is increasingly harder to come by in the modern world.
Therefore, keep an open mind and allow time to appreciate this slower pace of life.
Whilst having action-packed days is great, be sure to leave time to chat with the locals and go for scenic drives away from the main tourist spots.
Try all the amazing food, party the night away, and sweat out the hangover on the beach the next day.
Suggested: How To Spend 3-5 Days in Siargao: Ultimate DIY Itinerary
Where to stay in Siargao
The best area to stay in Siargao is General Luna. This is where you will find all of the main restaurants, activities, and buzzing nightlife.
Jing’s Place Homestay
The best place to stay in Siargao for solo backpackers and travelers on a budget.
With a choice between a private room or a shared dorm, Jing’s is one of the best-value accommodations in Siargao.
With a large common area and a pool table, Jing’s has a great social atmosphere and is a great spot to meet other travelers.
Located in the heart of General Luna, the rustic native-style rooms give an authentic feel of island life. We also booked our fantastic surf lesson with Jing’s.
Shared dorm prices are $6.00 per night and private rooms start from $10.00 per night.
Mao Mao Surf Camp
A great place to stay in Siargao for couples or small groups.
This hostel offers a laidback surfing vibe and rustic private bungalows in the heart of General Luna at a medium-range budget.
Embrace the tropical island vibes and live in the jungle, with an outdoor bamboo shower, hammocks, and an amazing surf school.
Prices for a private room start at $50.00 per night.
Isla Cabana Resort
One of the best luxury resorts in Siargao.
This beachfront resort boasts a private beach, an infinity pool, a spa, a gym, and a pool table. There is also a beach bar and restaurant, as well as activities such as kayaking.
Choose between a hotel-like room, cabana, or villa. The most expensive premier option includes sunrise views over the ocean and a private pool.
Prices range from $150 – $400 per night.
How to get to Siargao
You can get to Siargao either by flight or ferry, depending on your budget.
There are flights from all popular destinations to Siargao, with a change in either Manila or Cebu City. You will arrive at Sayak Airport.
If you prefer to take a ferry, first you will have to take a ferry from Cebu City to Surigao (book here).
Then, you will have to take another ferry from Surigao to Siargao (book here).
Full Post: How To Get To Siargao Island 2024: A Step-By-Step Guide
Is Siargao worth visiting if you don’t surf?
Siargao was my favourite island in the Philippines and deserves a spot on your Philippines itinerary.
The island’s laidback vibe and raw unspoiled nature will be sure to captivate you and leave you wanting more, even if you’re not into surfing.
Great for adventure seekers, nature lovers, party animals, and beach bums, there is something for every type of traveler and budget.
Whilst Siargao is becoming a number-one tourist destination in the Philippines, it still possesses a rustic charm and a slower pace of life.
If you’re planning your Philippines itinerary, you cannot miss this tropical paradise. You can read my full Siargao Travel Guide here.
How many days do you need in Siargao?
I would recommend a minimum of 4 days in Siargao.
Make sure to take advantage of the island and land activities, including Sugba Lagoon, Pamomoan Beach, and the Maasin River.
If you are not short of time, the best amount of time in Siargao would be a week.
This would give you time for activities but also for enjoying the laid-back vibe, surfing, partying, and trying all the amazing food.
What month is best to visit Siargao?
The best time to visit Siargao is in the dry season, from March to October.
This is peak season in Siargao and you are (almost) always guaranteed a lively atmosphere and beautiful weather.
If you are a keen surfer, then the best time to visit would be August- November, which is the best time of year for catching those waves.
Whilst Siargao is hot all year round, the rainiest months are December and January.
However, this is a tropical island so always expect the unexpected. I visited in April and we had a few days of heavy rain.
Don’t feel guilty about taking things slow in Siargao. After all, isn’t that what tropical islands are all about?
This post has detailed the very best things to do in Siargao for non-surfers, for an unforgettable time on this amazing island.
If you enjoyed this post and you’ll be sticking around in Siargao for a while, then feel free to check out the following –
- Siargao Nightlife: The 9 Best Bars and Party Schedule
- How To Spend 3-5 Days in Siargao: Ultimate DIY Itinerary
- ULTIMATE SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget & Itinerary
- How To Get To Siargao Island: A Step-By-Step Guide
- The Top 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Siargao
- Where To Eat in Siargao: The Top 9 Best Restaurants
- The Top 5 Breakfast Spots in Siargao
For inspiration or help planning your Philippines adventure, check out the following –
