Top 3 experiences on Siargao
1. Fireflies watching from a canoe on the Maasin River
One of the best travel experiences and - dare I say - moments of my life. Just imagine >> you spend the whole day exploring the island of Siargao with newly found friends from a surf camp. You ride a tricycle, canoe down a river with local lady telling you stories about her 6 children, snorkel in the pristine waters of a lagoon surrounded by a gorgeous lush of trees, spot bright purple crabs for the first time in your life, try caramelised bananas and some questionable-looking mango ice cream in a plastic bag, listen to mesmerising soft techno, laugh loads. When the sun starts to set, rain comes pouring down like there’s no tomorrow. Your tricycle driver stops you by the same river where in the afternoon you were canoeing and you wait for the rain to pass. Luckily it does, you hop on a canoe again and set sail into the darkness. Billions of stars shining so bright in the sky. Perfect visibility. Their reflections on the water guide your canoe through the dark paths between the mangroves. And there it is. Fireflies. Thousands of them. Partying on one tree, jumping on another, wiggling, flashing in sync, vanishing, reappearing in a fluorescent rush. A natural light show. A disco ball created by her majesty Planet Earth.
2 - Day trip to Sohoton Cove
Sohoton Cove is a serene National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife & plants and perfect for those who are seeking tranquility (and lots of gorgeous insta-spots!). Take a boat tour through the cove's crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs covered in lush greenery. The waters are so clear, you can dive in and observe the fish swimming around the vibrant coral reefs that thrive in the cove's calm waters. Some of the highlights here are the stunning Blue Lagoon, the Jellyfish sanctuary with thousands of stingless jellyfish you can swim with and observe, as well the Hagukan cave named after the sound of the water rushing through it. Bring your swimsuit & dive in - this is the true Philippines experience you will never forget.
2 - Catching the waves on Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is called Cloud 9 for a reason. It’s a true dream come true for surfers attracting enthusiasts from all corners of the globe around the world. Located in the small town of General Luna, this spot is famous for its barreling right-hand wave that breaks over a shallow coral reef. This wave is consistently powerful, fast, hollow and can get as high as 10 feet/3 metres. It does indeed require skill, timing & a bit of luck, but if you’re up for the challenge, I definitely recommend to check it out. An annual Cloud 9 Surfing Cup in autumn attracts some of the world's best surfers to the island to compete. Even if you are not a seasoned surfer, the viewing platform here provides an excellent opportunity to observe the magic of the surf maneuvers.
Other things to do & see
Siargao surf spots
These 2 spots were our favourites, but here are a few more >>
For Beginner surfers:
- Jacking Horse
- Barangay Santa Fe (on the beach by Villa Juan & Bombora Villas - amazing to have your very first lessons)
- Quicksilver (right near Cloud 9, so you can have lessons & inspiration from the pros surfing in the distance)
- Guiuan
For Intermediate surfers:
- Bumee
- Daku Reef
- Cemetery
- Pansukian Reef
- Pilar
- Stimpy's
For Advanced surfers:
- Pacifico
- Tuason's Point
Best surf shop if you need any equipment or swimwear:
Where to stay?
I recommend staying on the South-East side of Siargao, but the exact location depends on your preferences. If you're after being in the centre of all the happenings - restaurants, bars, parties, food markets, etc. - stay in General Luna. If you are looking for something more calm & remote - pick one of the luxurious villas around Dapa or north of General Luna. & personally I love the vibe surf camps have.
My absolute favourite >>
Surf camps >>
Luxurious villas >>
Hustle & bustle on a budget >>
Where to eat & drink?
Restaurants & cafes:
Bars & party spots:
Extra tip for a fun night out - Karaoke Bar
Best time to visit Siargao
I'll be honest - there's no such thing as a 'bad time to visit' Siargao. Trust me, this island has a lot to offer no matter the weather. But here's a little overview >>
Best season (in my opinion): January - February
Yes, there could be occasional rainfall, but the weather is mild and warm, there are almost no tourists - only locals, accommodation is cheaper, and surf spots are not too crowded. It's just beautiful.
High (& therefore super touristy season): March - April
The dry season in Siargao attracts lots of tourists for a reason: the weather is perfect for sunbathing, surfing, canoeing, snorkeling, and any other activity you can imagine. But be prepared that many resorts triple rates around these popular months.
Shoulder season: May - October
Siargao is a bit quieter during these months, so accommodation savings are available and tourist crowds are thinner, but be prepared for rainfall.
Low season: November - December
This is the time of rougher waves, greater chance of bad weather, with passing typhoons sometimes causing days of torrential rain. But November is also the time when the Big Swell Wave comes to Cloud 9, which is almost a festival-like event for all surf lovers and locals. And Christmas time is beautiful on the island with all locals celebrating.
Created by Irina Gorskaia, @irinadoingthings. Hit me up on Instagram if you have any more questions about travelling to Siargao, I'll be happy to support you in planning a visit to one of my favourite islands in the world.
Top 3 experiences on Siargao
1. Fireflies watching from a canoe on the Maasin River
One of the best travel experiences and - dare I say - moments of my life. Just imagine >> you spend the whole day exploring the island of Siargao with newly found friends from a surf camp. You ride a tricycle, canoe down a river with local lady telling you stories about her 6 children, snorkel in the pristine waters of a lagoon surrounded by a gorgeous lush of trees, spot bright purple crabs for the first time in your life, try caramelised bananas and some questionable-looking mango ice cream in a plastic bag, listen to mesmerising soft techno, laugh loads. When the sun starts to set, rain comes pouring down like there’s no tomorrow. Your tricycle driver stops you by the same river where in the afternoon you were canoeing and you wait for the rain to pass. Luckily it does, you hop on a canoe again and set sail into the darkness. Billions of stars shining so bright in the sky. Perfect visibility. Their reflections on the water guide your canoe through the dark paths between the mangroves. And there it is. Fireflies. Thousands of them. Partying on one tree, jumping on another, wiggling, flashing in sync, vanishing, reappearing in a fluorescent rush. A natural light show. A disco ball created by her majesty Planet Earth.
2 - Day trip to Sohoton Cove
Sohoton Cove is a serene National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife & plants and perfect for those who are seeking tranquility (and lots of gorgeous insta-spots!). Take a boat tour through the cove's crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs covered in lush greenery. The waters are so clear, you can dive in and observe the fish swimming around the vibrant coral reefs that thrive in the cove's calm waters. Some of the highlights here are the stunning Blue Lagoon, the Jellyfish sanctuary with thousands of stingless jellyfish you can swim with and observe, as well the Hagukan cave named after the sound of the water rushing through it. Bring your swimsuit & dive in - this is the true Philippines experience you will never forget.
2 - Catching the waves on Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is called Cloud 9 for a reason. It’s a true dream come true for surfers attracting enthusiasts from all corners of the globe around the world. Located in the small town of General Luna, this spot is famous for its barreling right-hand wave that breaks over a shallow coral reef. This wave is consistently powerful, fast, hollow and can get as high as 10 feet/3 metres. It does indeed require skill, timing & a bit of luck, but if you’re up for the challenge, I definitely recommend to check it out. An annual Cloud 9 Surfing Cup in autumn attracts some of the world's best surfers to the island to compete. Even if you are not a seasoned surfer, the viewing platform here provides an excellent opportunity to observe the magic of the surf maneuvers.
Other things to do & see
Siargao surf spots
These 2 spots were our favourites, but here are a few more >>
For Beginner surfers:
- Jacking Horse
- Barangay Santa Fe (on the beach by Villa Juan & Bombora Villas - amazing to have your very first lessons)
- Quicksilver (right near Cloud 9, so you can have lessons & inspiration from the pros surfing in the distance)
- Guiuan
For Intermediate surfers:
- Bumee
- Daku Reef
- Cemetery
- Pansukian Reef
- Pilar
- Stimpy's
For Advanced surfers:
- Pacifico
- Tuason's Point
Best surf shop if you need any equipment or swimwear:
Where to stay?
I recommend staying on the South-East side of Siargao, but the exact location depends on your preferences. If you're after being in the centre of all the happenings - restaurants, bars, parties, food markets, etc. - stay in General Luna. If you are looking for something more calm & remote - pick one of the luxurious villas around Dapa or north of General Luna. & personally I love the vibe surf camps have.
My absolute favourite >>
Surf camps >>
Luxurious villas >>
Hustle & bustle on a budget >>
Where to eat & drink?
Restaurants & cafes:
Bars & party spots:
Extra tip for a fun night out - Karaoke Bar
Best time to visit Siargao
I'll be honest - there's no such thing as a 'bad time to visit' Siargao. Trust me, this island has a lot to offer no matter the weather. But here's a little overview >>
Best season (in my opinion): January - February
Yes, there could be occasional rainfall, but the weather is mild and warm, there are almost no tourists - only locals, accommodation is cheaper, and surf spots are not too crowded. It's just beautiful.
High (& therefore super touristy season): March - April
The dry season in Siargao attracts lots of tourists for a reason: the weather is perfect for sunbathing, surfing, canoeing, snorkeling, and any other activity you can imagine. But be prepared that many resorts triple rates around these popular months.
Shoulder season: May - October
Siargao is a bit quieter during these months, so accommodation savings are available and tourist crowds are thinner, but be prepared for rainfall.
Low season: November - December
This is the time of rougher waves, greater chance of bad weather, with passing typhoons sometimes causing days of torrential rain. But November is also the time when the Big Swell Wave comes to Cloud 9, which is almost a festival-like event for all surf lovers and locals. And Christmas time is beautiful on the island with all locals celebrating.
Created by Irina Gorskaia, @irinadoingthings. Hit me up on Instagram if you have any more questions about travelling to Siargao, I'll be happy to support you in planning a visit to one of my favourite islands in the world.