With over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, and more than 2,000 of them inhabited, deciding which islands to visit can seem like a daunting task. Siargao, a collective of islands located at the northeastern coast of Mindanao, has been featured on countless ‘best islands’ lists and is known in surfing communities as the surfing capital of the Philippines.
With a total land area of only 437 square kilometres, the main Siargao Island can be circumnavigated in less than a day. The main island is surrounded by countless smaller islands, offering sparkling white sand, turquoise tide pools, and palm tree-laden lagoons.
Whether you want to explore a lesser-known destination or just enjoy some classic Philippines must-sees and experiences, here are some of the top reasons to add Siargao to your Philippines travel list:
The otherworldly Sugba Lagoon
Nestled within Caob Island, Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen, is a small lagoon featuring blue-green waters and verdant green mangroves and rock formations. You can explore the site by snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or bamboo rafting. The boat ride to the lagoon takes around 20-30 minutes from the main Siargao Island and it is a beautiful trip in its own right.
Lap up the Pacific Ocean’s swell at Cloud 9
The Cloud 9 spot in General Luna on the southeast corner of the main island is an almost guaranteed perfect break. Whether you’re a die-hard surfer or not, a visit to Cloud 9 promises to impress, especially around sunrise and sunset. For surfers, the best time to visit Siargao is during July to November as the swell and wind conditions will give you the best waves to ride.
Discover crystal-clear aquatic-blue pools at Magpupungko Rock Pools
Set against a backdrop of lush landscapes and rugged cliffs, this stunning array of tidal pools reveal themselves only at the arrival of the low tide where natural pools that resemble infinity-like pools emerge. You can spend your time simply relaxing in the pools, or why not explore the caves surrounding it. The Magpupungko Rock pools are located on the eastern coast of the main island, approximately 40 minutes from the main hub of General Luna.
Just you and palm trees on Guyam Island
When you imagine a secluded tropical paradise, Guyam Island is exactly what you’d picture. It’s so small that you can stroll from one side to the other in just 20 seconds, passing through the 100 coconut palms that dot this tiny stretch of sand. The beach is lined with a few huts, perfect for soaking the sun or just chilling out. You can also snorkel your way to the surrounding colourful marine life and experience a different world underwater.
Experience a different type of bare on Naked Island
A 200-metre-long strip of sand in the middle of the Pacific, Naked Island, is completely bare (hence the name), except for a few shells ushered in by the waves. A visit will see you welcomed by nothing but plain white sand and its turquoise-tinged waters – enjoy the excellent contrast between the perfect white sand and blue sky, as well as the sense of pure seclusion and relaxation.
Getting to Siargao
Siargao’s airport, Sayak Airport, is located in the municipality of Del Carmen and is connected to domestic hubs including Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines have regular direct flights.
