Siargao
The surfing capital of the Philippines: Cloud 9 waves, a green lagoon, tidal rock pools and tiny palm islands, about an hour by direct flight from Cebu.
Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island off the northeast tip of Mindanao, in Surigao del Norte. It is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, but you do not need to surf to love it. Think palm-covered roads, tiny white-sand islands, a calm green lagoon and tidal rock pools, with a friendly, easy-going island town at its heart. Most visitors stay in General Luna, and from Cebu it is only about an hour by plane.
Why go to Siargao
- Cloud 9, a world-famous surf break with a wooden boardwalk and viewing tower.
- Island hopping to Naked, Daku and Guyam islands.
- Sugba Lagoon, a calm, clear lagoon surrounded by forest.
- Magpupungko Rock Pools, natural swimming pools that appear at low tide.
Surfing at Cloud 9 and beyond
Cloud 9 in General Luna is a powerful reef break for experienced surfers, best on a mid to high tide. Even if you do not surf, walk out on the boardwalk to watch, especially at sunrise or sunset. Beginners can take lessons at gentler breaks nearby; surf schools and local instructors in General Luna usually include the board and a boat ride out. The main surf season is roughly August to November, when an international surf competition is usually held at Cloud 9.
Island hopping: Naked, Daku and Guyam
The classic three-island tour leaves from General Luna. Naked Island is a bare sandbar with no shade at all, just white sand and blue water. Daku Island is the biggest, with a small village and a long beach where boats usually stop for a seafood lunch. Guyam Island is tiny and round, covered in palms, and lovely for a swim. Each island usually collects a small entrance or docking fee, so bring small bills, and take your trash back with you.
Sugba Lagoon and Magpupungko
Sugba Lagoon is in Del Carmen, on the west side of the island. You drive from General Luna to Del Carmen, then take a boat through the mangroves to the lagoon, where you can swim, kayak or paddleboard in calm, clear water. Expect an entrance fee and an environmental fee, plus the boat. Magpupungko Rock Pools in Pilar are only exposed at low tide, so check the tide times before you go and pay the small entrance fee at the site. On the way, stop at the coconut tree view deck for the famous sea of palms.
Where is Siargao?
General Luna, Surigao del Norte
Directions open in Google Maps, starting from where you are. Its travel times are estimates, and ferries and island boats may not be included.
Getting there from Cebu
- Fly from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Siargao (Sayak) Airport in Del Carmen. Direct flights take about 1 hour, with several a day on most days; check the airlines for current times.
- From Sayak Airport, take a shared van or a pre-booked transfer to General Luna. The ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- On a budget? Take an overnight ferry from Cebu to Surigao City, then a fast craft from Surigao to Dapa port on Siargao (about 1.5-2 hours), and a van or tricycle to General Luna.
Flights fill up in the surf season and during holidays, so book ahead. Ferry schedules change often, so check them the day before.
Getting around
Most visitors rent a scooter to explore, since the island roads are quiet and scenic. Wear a helmet and avoid riding at night. If you do not ride, hire a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) or a tricycle, or join a tour that includes transport. Agree on the price first.
Where to stay and eat
General Luna has the widest choice, from surf hostels to boutique resorts, along with cafes, bakeries and restaurants on the main road towards Cloud 9. For a quieter stay, look at places outside the town centre or in Pilar or Del Carmen. Siargao is still rebuilding after Typhoon Odette hit it hard in December 2021, so supporting local businesses really helps.
When to go
For sunshine and calmer seas, aim for about March to October. Surfers come for the bigger waves from about August to November. From about November to January there is more rain and wind, and boat trips may be cancelled on rough days, so keep your plans flexible.
Tips for a good trip
- Bring enough cash. ATMs exist in General Luna but can run out or go offline.
- Check the tide times for Magpupungko and the surf.
- Never touch coral or stand on the reef, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Take your trash back from the islands and the lagoon.
- Respect the line-up at surf breaks and listen to local instructors.
Flying out from Cebu? See our guide to getting between Mactan Airport and Cebu City. If you love island hopping, try Mactan island hopping on a free day in Cebu.
Photo gallery
Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.
Watch before you go
Photo: "Picturesque Guyam Island, Siargao" by Michael Angelo Luna, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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