Siargao Island

The island lies off the north eastern tip of Mindanao in the Philippine Sea. It is divided into eight municipalities, with General Luna as the main tourist base and Dapa as the main port.

Much of the island and its surrounding waters were declared a protected area under the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018. In December 2021 Super Typhoon Odette, known internationally as Rai, struck the island hard; much of the tourism infrastructure has since been rebuilt, but typhoons remain a risk late in the year.

Cloud 9, near General Luna, is a right hand reef break known for hollow waves, with a long wooden boardwalk where non surfers can watch. Gentler beginner breaks are nearby. Island hopping trips from General Luna visit Daku Island, Guyam Island and the sandbar called Naked Island.

At Pilar, the Magpupungko Rock Pools appear at low tide. Del Carmen holds a mangrove reserve of about 4,871 hectares, one of the largest in Mindanao, and Sugba Lagoon is reached by boat from there. Sohoton Cove, on Bucas Grande island, is a longer boat trip.

Many sites charge small environmental or entrance fees, paid on arrival; the tourism office in General Luna has current rates. Surfers favour the second half of the year, while calmer months suit island hopping. Low tide matters for the rock pools, so check tide tables. Most visitors stay at least four days and get around by hired van or scooter.

Flights into Sayak Airport via Manila, Clark or Cebu

Most visitors fly into Sayak Airport (IAO) in Del Carmen. Direct flights from Manila began in March 2017, Philippine Airlines has flown from Clark since July 2018, and Cebgo and other carriers link the island with Cebu, the most common connection point. Vans meet flights for the transfer to General Luna.

The island covers about 437 square kilometres, with a population estimated at between 117,000 and 150,000. Its eight municipalities are Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro and Santa Monica.

In July 2018 the island was declared a protected landscape and seascape under Republic Act No. 11038, which is why environmental fees are collected at many sites.

Cloud 9 hosts the annual Siargao Cup, a surfing competition sponsored by the Surigao del Norte provincial government. The event fills General Luna, so book rooms early if your dates overlap.