Island in Surigao del Norte, Philippines
Siargao
A palm-covered surf island with a laid-back nomad and backpacker crowd around General Luna. Easy to meet people and cheap to stay; internet is patchy, power cuts are common and storms can cancel flights.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$799–1,360Comfortable, one person · ₱50,000–85,000Details
- Value for money80/100Better value than 79% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–Apr, Sep–NovWarmest: May, 29°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water; refill stations sell filtered water cheaply and cafés often offer refills.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRented scooterYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCarry pesos.Details
Where to stay in Siargao
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| General Luna (Tourism Road) | Social center: surf, cafés, hostels, nightlife |
| Cloud 9 area | Surfers who want to be steps from the break |
| Malinao–Pacifico | Quieter surf towns north of General Luna |
| Dapa | Port town: ferry arrivals, markets, cheap and local |
Apps that work in Siargao
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: No ride apps. Tricycles and habal-habal are the local taxis; fares are negotiated. Hostels can book airport vans.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mostly cash Carry pesos. General Luna has few ATMs that often run out of cash; cards work at some resorts and cafés, usually with fees.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
Going to Siargao solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Siargao meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.