Our beautiful island home has stolen the hearts of many visitors, including ours!
This beautiful tropical island located in the southeast of the Philippines has been voted the best island in the world (2019) by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the best island in Asia by the same magazine (2021) and made it to the Top 10 idyllic islands of the world by the French magazine Vogue (2020).
Siargao is known for its world-class surf breaks, clear turquoise waters, and laidback lifestyle. It is also known for its coconut woodlands and the emerald mangrove forest; however, those are still recovering after the damage caused by typhoon Odette, last December.
Siargao is one of a kind. It is an island that has remained wild, unspoiled, and relatively off the radar for travelerstravellers - despite the fast development in recent years.
Whether you are seeking new adventures or a tranquil time away from the city, the island will keep you busy for days. It is not only filled with stunning landscapes and natural wonders but also with plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants, day-tours, and the coolest people you could ever meet.
In Siargao, days go by fast! You will spend your days surfing, exploring cave pools and hidden lagoons, or going on a road trip. You will go island hopping and meet local people, both Siargaonons and expats. Don’t be surprised if they invite you to karaokes, birthdays or fiestas, go and embrace the island life!
What to do in Siargao?
Everyone’s experience is different, and that’s the magic of Siargao. But to make your life easier find here a list of the best things to do on the island:
Source: Guide to the Phillippines
There is a reason why Siargao is the Philippines’ surf capital. There are more than 15 surf spots on the island, for all levels. Whether you are an experienced surfer or not, give it a try!
Swim in crystal water, sunbathe on white beaches and eat the traditional Boodle fight. While the most famous island hopping tours include Naked Island, Daku, and Guyam, If you have enough time, make sure you also visit Corregidor, Mam-on, La Januza or Anahawan.
These luminous blue rock pools are a quintessential spot to visit while in Siargao. Keep in mind the Rock Pools are tidal pools, which means they are visible and fully enjoyable at low tide.
About 30 minutes away from General Luna, along the Maasin Enchanted River, you will find the iconic bent coconut tree. One of the most photographed and instagrammable places in Siargao. Go and try the swing rope hanging there!
It is one of the Philippines' most popular tourist attractions, quite similar to the big lagoon in El Nido but way less tourist and calmer. This lagoon is an amazing place for kayaking, paddle boarding, freediving, or just jumping and swimming.
A hidden paradise within the paradise. Sohoton is a cluster of small islets where you can explore lagoons, limestone caves, and stunning rock formations. It is known for being home to thousands of stingless jellyfish that you can swim with. It’s a gem for freedivers!
Siargao’s underwater world is as beautiful as it is on the surface. For diving enthusiasts, there are also plenty of options. For scuba divers, there are reef coral formations where you can get certified open waters, or the blue cathedral underwater wonder for experienced divers.
For freedivers, there are way more options. In the summer season, when the waves are not pumping, the surf breaks are a great freediving spot, there are beautiful formations underneath the waves! There are shallow coral reefs and fish sanctuaries nearby, and deep drops where you can train if you are more experienced.
Before the typhoon Odette, driving around the island was one of the best plans to do in Siargao. People were breathless by watching the coconut trees along the road. After the typhoon, the landscape has changed significantly but it is still one of the best experiences you can have. You will visit smaller and remote towns, meet local people and enjoy beautiful white beaches up Noth!
The surfing paradise also offers great conditions for other watersports like Kitesurfing, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, stand-up paddle, kayaking and much more. In you are a water sports lover the season of your favorite water sport.
Last but not least, eat well and enjoy the time with friends. Siargao is relatively new in terms of tourism, however, we are proud to say that the island has one of the best and most diverse food in the Philippines.
You can find affordable local-western carinderias like Kurvada, international cuisine with live music like in Goodies and the Foodtruck, and classic smoothie bowls with oceanview in like Shaka.
If you are a coffee lover and a digital nomad you will love White Beard, Spotted Pig, and also Goodies (the fastest internet on the island!).
And, if you are a night person, Siargao won’t disappoint you! Check out places like Manu, Surfing Temple, Harana, and of course, come to Goodies for great food, cocktails, and music!
Whatever you do remember to take care of the beautiful place that is hosting you. Always respect the locals, their culture and their lifestyle. Leave no trace, use as less plastic as possible, and help clean up the beaches, even if the rubbish is not yours, remember the planet is ours!
If you want to buy stylish and sustainable products for your perfect holidays or new island life, stop by at Goodies shop as soon as you arrive!
