Siargao Travel Guide 2025: Budget, Tips, and First Time Experience

Siargao had always been on my bucket list, and in this season of my life, I decided to stop waiting for the “perfect” travel buddy and just go for it. It turned out to be my little island of self-discovery. 🌊✨ I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to tick this off my list in September 2024.

Just a week before my trip, I almost canceled—my dog had an accident, and I couldn’t imagine leaving. But God truly has His ways; He made it possible, and my fur baby fully recovered in time. ❤️ On top of that, I was worried about the budget. Siargao has a reputation for being one of the more expensive tourist destinations in the Philippines, but I was determined to make it work without breaking the bank.

Here’s how my solo adventure went — complete with my itinerary and actual expenses.

✈️ Airfare 

I was able to score a piso fare via Cebu Pacific Anniversary! I only paid ₱ 2,188.36 for my roundtrip airfare via MNL to IAO. Yes, direct flight! I checked the regular fare for this trip and it originally costs ₱ 12,000 and I know Siargao flights are really expensive. I know I saved a lot with the piso fare!

As someone who overpack, I purchased add on check in baggage for ₱ 1,100 for roundtrip already. This is almost a non negotiable to me.

From Manila airport, air travel takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. The airport is actually just small and I think it's one of the hardest to land here in the Philippines (Batanes is on top). Ang liit ng landing area! Haha.

From airport, you need to ride a van going to General Luna. You can find them just outside the airport. One way costs 300 pesos. Travel time is around 30-45min. No traffic! 

🏝️ Where to Stay in Siargao

Siargao offers a wide range of accommodations depending on your budget and travel style—from cozy hostels perfect for backpackers to beachfront resorts for those who want to splurge a little.

✨ Budget-friendly stays

If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find plenty of hostels and homestays around General Luna, the main tourist hub. Nightly rates start as low as ₱500–₱1,000, and most include free Wi-Fi, common areas, and even surfboard rentals.

✨ Mid-range hotels

For more comfort without breaking the bank, boutique hotels and B&Bs are a great choice. Many are walking distance from Cloud 9 and come with amenities like swimming pools, in-house cafés, and modern interiors. Rates usually range from ₱1,500–₱3,000 per night.

✨ Luxury resorts

If you’re looking to relax in style, Siargao also has high-end resorts with beachfront views, infinity pools, and private villas. Prices typically start at ₱5,000 per night, making it ideal for couples, families, or anyone who wants a full island getaway experience.

📍 Pro tip: Stay in General Luna if you want easy access to restaurants, bars, and surf spots. But if you prefer something quieter, consider Pacifico or Malinao for a more laid-back vibe.

I actually had a lot to consider with my accommodation back then — location, accessibility, wifi, and bathroom. I haven't tried hostels, it was my first time in Siargao, and I was alone so I decided to book a solo room instead for my safety. I was also able to save a lot from my airfare so I can allocate it to my accommodation.

I booked at Puyo Suites for ₱ 7,023 for 5 days and 4 nights via Booking. The room was surprisingly bigger than my expectation. The room has wifi, ac, and own bathroom. There is no breakfast included in the booking but the hotel was accessible to the main road. The restaurants and cafes are just walking distance. They also have parking for cars and motorcycles. 

For me, it also saved me that I booked a hotel near the restaurants and cafes. I didn't have to worry about the transport fee. 

🛬 Day 1 – Arrival in Siargao

I arrived in Siargao with that mix of excitement and island vibes already kicking in. From the airport, I took a van transfer heading to General Luna, which is the main tourist hub of the island (around 45 minutes to an hour ride). After checking in at my accommodation, I decided to keep things light for the first day — just settling in, strolling around the area, and grabbing some food.

General Luna is full of cozy cafés, surf shops, and chill spots by the beach, so it was the perfect way to ease into the trip. Nothing too packed on Day 1 — just soaking in the Siargao air and preparing for the adventures ahead. 🌴✨

I walked around to find a resto for dinner and found Kurvada. It looks like a carindirya style restaurant. But girl, I'm shocked when I paid. Haha! The meal I had was more than ₱ 300. Madami naman yung ulam but still. Haha! 

I walked more around the area and found Isla Turon. I've been seeing this online and of course I had to try it. I can't remember how much it costs but I can say sulit naman sya because it's masarap! 

🚐 Day 2: DIY Siargao Land Tour

For my second day in Siargao, I decided to go on a DIY land tour after my work. Sayang kaya kahit half day and tanghali na, push na! I rented a Bukyo (tuktuk) for ₱2,000. This rate is good for the whole day tour, and what’s nice is you get to customize your own itinerary depending on which spots you want to see. This rate doesn't include the entrance fees, parking fees, tip, and the driver's lunch.

You can actually rent a car or motorbike but since I'm a first timer, I don't have any idea where to go. Also, there are spots or areas that doesn't have signal at all. If you're gonna rent, better to download the map for offline so you can still navigate even without the signal.

Here’s where I went:

✨ Magpupungko Rock Pools – Famous for its stunning natural tidal pools. Make sure to go during low tide so you can really swim and explore. 

There's an environmental fee of ₱ 30 and ₱ 50 parking fee. There are restaurants here where you can have lunch. It was so hot that day so I bought a mango shake. Not surprised this is already 150 pesos. Haha! 

✨ Pacifico Beach – A quieter side of Siargao with beautiful waves and a relaxing vibe, perfect if you want to escape the busier General Luna. Locals recommend this as the best surfing spot in the island.

✨ Trogon's Perch Resort - This is a restaurant in Pacifico. I saw a Tiktok post about this and his video was soo good! I really wanted the shot. I didn't know it was a restaurant. Unfortunately, it was closed for a private event when we went there. But my driver was so extra, he asked if we can come inside and just take photos. Haha! 

✨ Coconut View Deck – One of the most iconic views on the island. You’ll see endless rows of coconut trees as far as your eyes can see. Best time to here is early morning or late afternoon as the weather can get really hot. There's no entrance fee here but locals will offer to take your photos and videos. I just tipped ₱ 100 pesos for Kuya's effort. 

✨ Coconut Road – Another must-stop for photos! This stretch of road is lined with towering coconut trees. However, there's a sign that no taking photos for road safety but it's a Siargao classic that locals still recommend. Another driver offered to take my photos so I gave him ₱ 50 tip.

✨ Sunset at Catangnan Bridge (Afam Bridge) – I wrapped up the tour with this scenic spot near General Luna. I asked my driver where's the best spot for sunset and he recommended Catangnan Bridge. And locals are right, best time to go here is during sunset while strolling around the kiosks for street foods. I tried the famous Halika Ice Cream here. It's worth ₱ 200! 

You can also go to Sugba Lagoon, Maasin River Bridge, and more but I wasn't able to maximize the day tour since we started half day. But still, I'm happy I was able to add this in my itinerary. 

📍 Pro tip: Renting a Bukyo is not only fun but also practical if you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike around the island. Plus, it gives a more local and unique experience.

🏝️ Day 3: Tri-Island Tour

No trip to Siargao is complete without the famous Tri-Island Tour, so that’s exactly how I spent my third day. This tour usually covers Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island—each one with its own charm. The tour starts at 8:00 AM. 

The Tri Island Tour costs ₱ 1,500 pesos per person. This also includes your lunch (the famous boodle fight) and the shuttle from your hotel going to the port and vice versa. I booked via my hotel and they were the one who arranged it. You can also book through Klook and it's almost the same. You can actually save more if you use my Klook promo code WILDANDSASSYKLOOK. 

Our first stop is Guyam Island which is a small but picturesque stop, great for chilling, and swimming on a relaxed note. 🌊 I didn't bought anything here because I already ate breakfast before the tour started. It's so nice to sit here and chill. I spent most of my time here taking photos though! Haha. Yep, for the gram. 

Second stop is Naked Island. It's literally just a stretch of white sand in the middle of the sea, the perfect spot for photos and quick dips. Instagramable almost everywhere! 

Our last island stop is Daku Island, the biggest of the three, is where you’ll often have lunch—fresh seafood and island vibes all around.

We wrapped up the tour at Secret Beach. It's already going high tide when we went there so the beach is already underwater. The tour ended at 4 PM. To be honest, I did not expect that I would gain much friends from this tour and actually, most of them are from the other boat. Haha! 

👉 I’ll be sharing a separate blog post soon with a detailed guide and tips for booking the Tri-Island Tour, so stay tuned for that!

🌅 Day 4: Slow & Laid-Back

After a few days of tours and adventures, I dedicated my fourth day to a more laid-back Siargao experience. It was my last full day in the island and I actually had the urge to rebook my flight. Haha! The Siargao curse is real!

I started the day late because I still had work to do and I was a little tired from the island tour. I met up with my new friend whom I met from the van and we got reunited at Guyam Island. We had a hearty lunch at CEV, where their poke bowls and fresh island flavors are definitely a must-try. Their Kinilaw is sooo good! We spent at around ₱ 1,200 pesos and it's already good for two.

Good thing, it's not crowded when we went there so we were seated right away. But it's best to book in advance or have a reservation to be sure. 

In the afternoon, we stopped by Happy Islanders for some coffee—perfect for a slow day on the island. It's famous in the island because the owner is Andi Eigenmann. However, she was not there when we dropped by. My friend ordered their poke bowl while I just had an iced coffee. 

Siargao trip is not complete without dropping by at Isla Corgis. As a furmom and follower of Colz Vidal, I really want to go here. There's a ₱ 350 pesos entrance fee with one drink included. It's well maintained and the dogs are really cute! 

Later, I headed to Cloud 9, the iconic surfing spot, but this time just to chill by the beach and wait for the stunning Siargao sunset. 🌴 There's an entrance or environmental fee to pay and it costs ₱ 150 pesos.

Unfortunately, it's gloomy that afternoon so the sunset is calm. I did not try surfing because I had my period during my flight going here. Haha! Saaad! 

The night wrapped up with a casual dinner, which eventually turned into a spontaneous bar night—because when you’re in Siargao, sometimes the best memories are the unplanned ones. ✨

✈️ Day 5: Until Next Time, Siargao

For my last morning on the island, I kept things simple yet cozy with breakfast at White Beard Coffee — the perfect spot to slow down and savor my final hours in Siargao. I also bought a few pasalubong stuff before heading back to my hotel. By 10:00 AM, I headed to the airport, ready for my 1:00 PM flight back to Manila.

It was a short trip, but Siargao left me with a heart full of memories. 🌊✨

💸 Major Expenses

Airfare: ₱ 2,188.36

Check in baggage: ₱ 1,100

Airport to Hotel Transfer: ₱ 300 per way

Accommodation: ₱ 7,023

DIY Land Tour: ₱ 2,000 

Tri Island Tour: ₱ 1,500

Food and Night Life: ₱ 5,000 (estimate only, I allocated ₱ 1,000 per day)

(All prices in PHP — budget-friendly mode but still enjoying the island)

🚐 Transportation in Siargao

🛵 Motorbike Rental – The most popular and budget-friendly way to explore the island. Rental rates usually start at ₱350–₱500 per day. It’s perfect if you know how to drive a motorbike since you can visit spots on your own pace. Gas is cheap too, making it ideal for solo travelers or couples.

🛺 Tuktuk / Bukyo – If you don’t drive (like me 😅), renting a tuk-tuk or “bukyo” is another good option. Whole-day rentals cost around ₱2,000, and you can choose where you want to go. It’s slower compared to a motorbike, but comfortable and fun especially for groups of 2–3 people.

🚖 Tricycles – For shorter distances within General Luna, tricycles are the go-to. They have a fixed rate of ₱30 per ride. They’re convenient for quick trips to cafes, bars, or the market. 

🚐 Vans / Private Cars – Some tourists book private vans or cars, especially for airport transfers or if traveling with a big group. It’s more expensive, but convenient and time-saving.

✨ Tip: If you’re planning to DIY your tours, renting a motorbike will save you the most money. But if you’re not comfortable driving, tuk-tuks are the next best choice.

🌴 Final Thoughts + Travel Tips for First-Timers in Siargao

Siargao is more than just surfing — it’s sunsets, island hopping, road trips on a bukyo or motorbike, and the laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay longer. Even in just a few days, you can truly experience the island’s charm. No wonder it is known for the Siargao curse! It's the lifestyle there! 

Quick Tips for First-Time Travelers:

📍 Stay near General Luna for easy access to cafes, bars, and tour pick-up points. Some of my friends booked a hotel before and it was a little far from General Luna. It was sketchy especially if you're not familiar with the island so this is an advice that I got from them before my trip.

🛵 Rent a motorbike or tuk-tuk (bukyo) if you want flexibility for DIY land tours. You can really maximize the tour if you rent a motorbike. Unfortunately, I don't know how so it's not an option for me. Haha! You can also check on Klook for the land tours! 

💡 The tap water in Siargao isn’t safe for drinking, so it’s best to stick with bottled water during your stay. Even for tooth brush! I've seen so many videos for awareness which is a good thing. I didn't get any digestive issues. 

🌊 Don’t skip the Tri-Island Tour — each island offers something different, from sandbars to crystal-clear waters.

☀️ Bring reef-safe sunscreen — protect your skin while protecting the island’s marine life.

💸 Bring enough cash — not all establishments accept cards, and ATMs can run out.

🍴 Explore the food scene — Siargao is home to so many cafes and restos worth trying, from poke bowls to local eats. To be honest, it's really true that it can be expensive. But good thing there are karindiryas out there which you can dine and save money. 

🕶️ Take it slow — Siargao’s magic is in its laid-back lifestyle, so don’t feel pressured to do everything at once. I think it's best to be there for at least a week. I feel bitin with the 5 days especially I didn't even get to surf. But at least, I have reasons to go back! Hehe. 

As a first-time and budget traveler, I can honestly say that Siargao is worth every peso. Yes, it’s often tagged as an expensive tourist spot, but with a bit of planning and the right choices, you can definitely enjoy the island without breaking the bank. From DIY tours to affordable eats and staying mindful of where you spend, you can still experience the best of Siargao — the stunning beaches, laid-back vibes, and unforgettable sunsets. Thanks to Cebu Pacific's anniversary sale talaga! 

Siargao taught me that travel doesn’t always have to be luxurious to be meaningful. It’s about the little adventures, the people you meet, and the moments you’ll always look back on. I went there solo but I came back home with lots of memories and new friends!🌴✨

👉 Planning your trip soon? Book your land tours, island hopping, or motorbike rentals hassle-free through the Klook app — and don’t forget to use my code WILDANDSASSYKLOOK for extra savings! 💸✨