The island of Siargao is located in the Philippines and inspires with extensive, snow-white dream beaches, turquoise blue water and magnificent lagoons. Everywhere there are hidden, mysterious caves, which are a special highlight for divers. Siargao is located in the southeast of the island state and is just the right destination if you want to avoid mass tourism and relax on vacation. Siargao is still considered an insider tip for individual holidaymakers and surfers. Impressive surfer hotspots attract surf enthusiasts from all over the world. But away from these hotspots, holidaymakers on Siargao Island enjoy peace and pure nature.
If you don’t want to miss out on shopping and nightlife on holiday, Siargao is the wrong place for you. The island with its fantastic location and extremely friendly inhabitants has neither architectural sights nor hip clubs, but other highlights that can hardly be surpassed. It is best known as a surfer’s paradise and is much less crowded than Bali. There are well-kept accommodations for every budget, run by courteous hosts. On holiday in Siargao you will get to know the proverbial Filipino hospitality and delicious dishes, experience pure bathing pleasures, a relaxed atmosphere and impressive waves right on your doorstep.
How to get to Siargao Island?
The best way to reach Siargao, which is still 725 km from the Philippine capital Manila , is by plane. The route leads from Germany to Abu Dhabi and then on to Manila. Only a few airlines fly to the island’s airport Sayak Airport. One of them is Cebu Pacific Airline, which offers a twice-daily flight from Manila to Siargao. Holidaymakers fly ten times a week from Cebu and three times a week from Davao. You can also take the ferry from Surigao City on the northern tip of the island of Mindanao. It is the capital of the province of Surigao del Norte. This will take you four hours. It is also possible to switch to the night ferry from Cebu. This is smaller and cheaper, but takes longer and you can clearly feel the waves in rough seas. To get from Cebu to Siargao by ferry, the route always leads via the island of Surigao. Of the 7,000 islands of the Philippines , almost all are connected by ferry. It is worthwhile to take your time and do island hopping. This is the best way to discover the beautiful nature. However, anyone expecting ferries by European standards will be disappointed. In the Philippines, it is usually outrigger boats into which water flows again and again.
When is the best time to visit Siargao Island?
The Philippines has a tropical climate, which means that it is warm to hot and humid all year round. The average temperature is 27 °C. Between July and November, most parts of the country have a rainy season, with April, May, June and July at their hottest. The climate on Siargao Island corresponds to these values. The dry season begins in April and ends in September. Now is the best time to travel. For beach vacationers, the months of April, May and June are ideal, surfers prefer the months of August, September, October and November, because this is when the waves are at their highest.
Where and when is the best place to surf in Siargao?
The most famous surf spots are Daku Island, Geewan, General Luina, Rock Island (for experts) and Salvacion. To have great surfing experiences, a holiday in a surf camp is not absolutely necessary. Because in most hotels, but also from locals, you can rent surfboards. There is even the possibility to book a surf instructor. If you want to get from spot to spot comfortably, you can rent a scooter, which is very cheap on the island. There is almost no public transport. To be independent, a scooter is indispensable. In order for the board to be transported safely, you need a special holder for this.
The surfer’s paradise of Siargao is unsuitable for beginners, because the waves at all surf spots often break in shallow water, so you can’t learn any specific techniques here. In addition, there is a lack of the necessary infrastructure for surfing beginners, for example, there are no certified surf schools. The surf spots of Siargao are therefore mostly intermediate and intermediate surfers. The best time to surf is during typhoon season. That’s when the waves are particularly high at the island’s surf spots, created by the typical offshore winds. In September, the international WSL surf contest also takes place here. Even in the rainy season from December to February, the waves can still be quite high, but the winds change strongly during this time.
Going out in Siargao
Switching off with music after a sporty day is possible in various locations on Siargao. Dance or karaoke fans can also gain experience here. If you’re in the mood for a disco feeling, you’ll get your money’s worth at the Siargao Jungle Night. It’s actually just a covered place where locals like to meet on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as the drinks are cheap. The fun factor is also great. In addition, there are other bars on the island where you can sit comfortably, watch and, above all, eat very well.
Facts
- Siargao is known for its surf spots, including the famous Cloud 9, which is considered one of the best surf spots in the world.
- The island is surrounded by a lagoon known as Sugba Lagoon, which is a popular destination for tours and water sports activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
- Siargao is also known for its mangrove forests, which play an important role in protecting the coastline and ecological balance.
- The island is home to abundant wildlife, including many species of birds such as the Siargao barbet and the black-eared barbet.
- Siargao has a population of about 100,000 people and is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, especially surfers and nature lovers.
- The island is connected by a bridge to the nearby island of Dapa, which serves as an important commercial center and ferry port.
- Siargao is also a place for yoga and wellness retreats, as well as culinary experiences with fresh seafood and local dishes.
- The best time to visit Siargao is from September to November, when surfing conditions are optimal and there are fewer tourists.
- Siargao has its own airline, SkyJet, which offers daily flights from Manila and Cebu.
- Siargao is a place where you can experience the Filipino culture and hospitality up close while enjoying the beauty of nature and the exciting surfing and water activities.
