The 10 BEST TRAVEL TIPS For Siargao Island 2024
Are you planning a trip to the tropical paradise Siargao? Or perhaps you’re wondering what you need to know before visiting?
This post will detail the 10 best travel tips for Siargao, updated for 2024.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I earn a small commission if you purchase through a link on my site. Don’t worry, this is at no extra cost to you.
We’ve all been a victim of hindsight, right? There are always things you wish you knew before visiting a destination. Or perhaps things you wish someone gave you a heads up about.
Siargao is a unique island and not like anywhere else I have visited in the Philippines.
It still possesses a rustic laidback surfers’ vibe and a slower pace of life hard to come by in the modern world, despite the influx of tourism in recent years.
Siargao is a typical tropical island with unexpected surprises around every corner. There are a few important things to know before visiting so you can maximise your experiences on this amazing island.
In this post, we will cover the very best travel tips for Siargao, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Do not rush Siargao
A top travel tip for Siargao is to come for more than a couple of days. Siargao is not an island to be rushed.
Whilst you could try to tick off as many activities as possible in a matter of days, this would not give you an authentic experience.
The best thing about Siargao is its laidback and chilled vibe, which is increasingly harder to come by in the modern world. Therefore allow time to appreciate this slower pace of life.
Siargao can also be a bit of a pain to get to, so make the journey worthwhile and stay for more than a few days. I would recommend at least one week in Siargao.
You can check out an ideal one-week Siargao itinerary in my travel guide below.
Full Post: ULTIMATE SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: Budget & Itinerary
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.
Don’t feel bad about taking it slow in Siargao. After all, isn’t that what tropical islands are all about?
Embrace the back-to-basics feel
Another thing to know before visiting Siargao is that, despite the influx of tourism, the island still maintains a rustic charm and laid-back vibe.
Therefore, a top travel tip for Siargao would be to lower your standards a little and keep an open mind.
This is a tropical island, so you can expect power cuts, bugs, and cold showers. Come prepared with bug spray and try to keep your portable chargers charged.
A princess attitude won’t go very far in Siargao as this is not a place for fancy and frills. Open-air dining with shared picnic benches, rustic accommodation, and partying in flip-flops are standard here.
If you’re wondering what to wear in Siargao, then anything casual and comfortable will do.
Leave the jewelry, branded clothes, and make-up at home and embrace the back-to-basics feel of Siargao Island.
Check the tide times in advance
Another one of the best Siargao travel tips is to always check the tide times in advance. You can do so here.
Depending on whether you’re a surfer or sunbather, some beaches are better at either high or low tide.
If you’re a surfer, I would recommend Secret Spot Beach when the tide is in. However, if you’re a sunbather, it is a much better spot when the tide is out, as the sand is more exposed.
Full Post: Top 7 MOST BEAUTIFUL Beaches in Siargao
You will also be refused entry to Magpupungko Rock Pools if you arrive at high tide. Knowing the tide times in advance can be super helpful when planning your Siargao itinerary.
The weather is unpredictable
One important thing to know before visiting Siargao is that the weather is unpredictable.
Be prepared for rain and don’t let it put a downer on your trip – embrace it! Make sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella with you and you’ll be fine.
Don’t make the same mistake I did of assuming that because it was dry season, it wouldn’t rain. We visited in April and had a few days of heavy rain.
When it rains, it pours and all the streets flood, so don’t walk around in your best white trainers.
Try to be as flexible with your time as possible, so if any trips are cancelled due to the weather, they can be rescheduled.
Have you got your Waterproof Dry Bag? (with Waterproof Phone Case included)
DIY tours with a scooter
A scooter is your best friend in Siargao. The island is super accessible and all of the roads are well-maintained.
A top travel tip for Siargao would be to opt for DIY tours with your own scooter, instead of organised tours. These are usually super straightforward and significantly cheaper.
DIY tours are one of the top ways to save money when travelling on a budget.
Full Post: 23 BEST Money-Saving Tips When Travelling On A Budget
Not only this, but you will benefit from flexibility and the freedom to do things on your own schedule.
We did a DIY tour of Pamomoan Beach and Sugba Lagoon for a fraction of the price you would pay for an organised tour.
Biking through the coconut-lined roads is an experience in itself. Always wear your helmet and make sure you have an international license, as they check for this near Cloud 9.
Travel around Siargao like a local and get your bike from a trusted merchant.
Reliable service, a choice of well-maintained bikes, and optional delivery to your accommodation.
The wifi in Siargao has improved
Since the introduction of Starlink in April 2023, the wifi on the island has improved. This is great for digital nomads looking to work from paradise.
Many cafes are kitted out with plug sockets and a stable internet connection. My favourite spot for digital nomads is The Spotted Pig Cafe, which has not only one of the best connections but coffee too.
That being said, I would be lying if I said the signal and wifi were amazing and reliable all over. Another travel tip for Siargao would therefore be to buy a SIM card with a data plan just in case.
Local SIM cards are very cheap and should set you back no more than $10 for the month.
Alternatively, eSIMs are super convenient and give you the added bonus of instant connectivity when you land.
The Airalo SIM for the Philippines works out just as cheap as a local SIM. You can check it out here.
It is also worth downloading maps.me for those exploration days. If you’re ever stuck without a signal in a more remote part of the island, you can access downloaded maps offline with this app.
Do not choose Cloud 9 for beginner surf lessons
Despite being known as one of the best surf spots in the Philippines, one of the best travel tips for Siargao is to avoid Cloud 9 for beginner surf lessons.
The locals advise against this spot as the rocks below are razor sharp and the waves are better suited to advanced-level surfers.
Also, when you take a lesson with Cloud 9, you will be sharing your instructor and the water with many other people. You can have a much better surfing experience at some of the lesser-frequented surf spots and beaches.
Here are some better spots depending on your level –
- Secret Spot Beach for beginner lessons. Located 30 minutes from General Luna, the waves are super mellow and the beach is totally secluded. This means you won’t have to share the water with many people.
- Pacifico Beach for advanced-level surfers. Located 1.5 hours northeast of General Luna, this beach has a sleepy surf town vibe and does not attract many tourists.
We paid 1000 PHP for a 2-hour beginner surf lesson at Secret Spot Beach, booked through Jing’s Homestay. This is also cheaper than what they charge at Cloud 9.
Have you packed your Reef Safe 98% Organic Sunscreen?
Cash is king
Another thing to know before visiting Siargao is that cash is king.
Whilst some places are starting to accept credit cards, this typically incurs an additional fee. In my experience, the locals much prefer if you pay in cash.
There are now a few ATMs in Siargao, so make use of them and try to have cash on you at all times. Smaller bills are also preferred.
Full Post: The 7 BEST Money-Saving Tips When Using ATMs Abroad
Have a mental note of the nightlife schedule
Siargao boasts one of the most vibrant and unique nightlife scenes in the Philippines.
As well as heaps of bars and live music, there is a party every night of the week. The day determines the genre of music and venue.
Whether you prefer sipping on cocktails to live music or doing tequila shots until the early hours, it is worth checking out the Siargao party schedule in advance to avoid the dreaded FOMO.
Full Post: Siargao Nightlife: Top 9 BEST Bars & Party Schedule
One of the best travel tips for Siargao would be to take advantage of the happy hour deals offered by most bars to save some money.
It is also worth knowing that Barrel Beachfront Bar is pre-game heaven. The food and drinks are super affordable with beers for 80 PHP and cocktails for 100 PHP!
Bring some water accessories
This travel tip does not just apply to Siargao, but to the Philippines in general. Come prepared with some water accessories or buy them when you arrive.
A dry bag is a must for Siargao, as you don’t want your things to get wet when taking trips or excursions. I would also recommend bringing some water shoes, as the rocks can be pretty sharp when the tide is out.
If you’re into adventure activities, then water shoes would also be beneficial for cliff jumping and exploring the caves.
Of course, always make sure you have an eco-friendly suncream to avoid harming the corals and marine life.
Philippines Essentials Packing List
Where to stay in Siargao
When visiting Siargao, most people tend to stay in the tourist hub General Luna, close to the main bars, restaurants, nightlife, and activities.
I would recommend Mao Mao Surf Hostel. This hostel offers a laidback surfing vibe and rustic private bungalows 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.
This is a great option for couples. Prices for a private room start at $50.00 per night.
Is it worth it to go to Siargao?
Siargao was my favourite island in the Philippines. The island’s laidback vibe and raw unspoiled nature will be sure to captivate you and leave you wanting more.
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.
Visit the main Siargao highlights including the Maasin River, Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and Coconut Viewdeck.
All entrance fees, a private guide, and roundtrip transport to your accommodation included.
This post has detailed the 10 best travel tips for Siargao Island, so you know exactly what to expect and can plan accordingly!
If you liked this post and you’ll be spending time in Siargao, then feel free to check out my other handy guides –
