Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₱400–700 | ₱1,500–3,000 |
| Food | ₱250–500 | ₱600–1,200 |
| Transport | ₱200–500 | ₱500–800 |
| Activities | ₱300–800 | ₱1,500–2,500 |
| Drinks | ₱80–200 | ₱300–600 |
| Daily Total | ₱1,230–2,700 | ₱4,400–8,100 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Getting There
- Direct flights from Manila and Cebu on Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Skyjet (₱2,000–6,000). Book early — flights are on small planes with limited seats
- The airport (IAO) is in Del Carmen, 45 minutes from General Luna. Vans meet every flight (₱300) or arrange accommodation pickup
- Ferries from Surigao City (mainland Mindanao) to Dapa port run several times daily (₱200, 2.5 hours). Then tricycle to GL (₱300)
Connectivity
- Globe and Smart have coverage in GL but signal is patchy elsewhere on the island. Buy a SIM in Manila or Cebu before arrival
- WiFi exists at cafes and hostels but is slow and unreliable — Siargao is not a digital nomad island. Embrace the disconnect
- Download offline maps and entertainment before arriving. Streaming barely works outside of the main GL strip
Money
- Only 2–3 ATMs in GL and they frequently run out of cash, especially on weekends. Bring sufficient pesos from the mainland
- Almost everything is cash-only — tours, restaurants, motorbike rental, accommodation. GCash mobile payments are growing but not universal
- Budget ₱2,000–3,000/day to be comfortable. Activities (tours, surf lessons) are the biggest expense
Visa & Entry
- Standard Philippine visa rules — 30 days visa-free for most nationalities. Extend at immigration in Surigao City if needed
- Tourism fee of ₱50 may be collected at the airport or port on arrival. Keep the receipt
- Environmental fees (₱30–50) are charged at most natural attractions. Carry small bills for these
Health & Safety
- Siargao is very safe but the biggest risk is motorbike accidents — roads are narrow, dogs sleep on them, and rental bikes lack insurance
- Reef cuts are extremely common and can become infected in tropical water. Bring antiseptic cream and waterproof bandages
- The nearest proper hospital is in Surigao City (2.5 hours). Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended
Packing Tips
- Reef booties or water shoes are essential — sharp coral is everywhere. Rash guards protect against sun and reef rash during long surf sessions
- Pack a dry bag for boat trips and motorbike rides in rain. A waterproof phone pouch is worth its weight in gold here
- Bring mosquito repellent with DEET — evenings in GL can be buggy. A light rain jacket is useful year-round for sudden tropical showers
Cultural tips
Surf Etiquette
Respect the lineup — don't drop in on other surfers, wait your turn, and give priority to those already on the wave. Local surfers at Cloud 9 are friendly but expect basic etiquette. When in doubt, ask.
Island Pace
Siargao runs on island time. Boats leave when the captain is ready, restaurants serve when the food is done, and nothing happens on schedule. Relax into it — frustration gets you nowhere and patience is rewarded.
Protect the Island
Siargao's ecosystem is fragile and tourism is growing fast. Carry out all trash, avoid single-use plastics, use reef-safe sunscreen, and support businesses that demonstrate environmental responsibility.
Support Locals
Hire local surf instructors over foreign-run schools. Eat at carinderias, not just tourist cafes. Buy from the market, not resort shops. Tourism money that stays in the local community keeps Siargao authentic.
Party Respectfully
Siargao's nightlife is fun but the island is also home to fishing families with early mornings. Keep noise down after midnight in residential areas. Clean up after beach gatherings. Respect quiet zones near homes.
Marine Wildlife
Sea turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks are occasionally spotted around Siargao. Never touch, chase, or feed marine wildlife. Keep 3 meters distance when snorkeling. Flash photography disturbs marine animals.
