Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, has become a popular destination, both for international and local tourists. But with increasing popularity often comes higher prices. So, is Siargao still affordable for Filipino travelers? The answer is yes, but it depends on your travel style and budget. This article breaks down the typical costs, offering insights and tips to help you plan an awesome and budget-friendly trip.
Getting to Siargao: Flights and Ferries
The first big expense is getting there. Most people fly into Sayak Airport (IAO), also known as Siargao Airport, located in Del Carmen. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and other smaller airlines offer flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities. Flight prices vary a lot depending on the season, how far in advance you book, and any ongoing promos.
Generally, expect to pay anywhere between ₱2,000 to ₱8,000 or more for a roundtrip flight from Manila if you book well in advance and catch seat sales. Last-minute flights can be significantly more expensive. Keep an eye out for promotions from airlines; they often announce seat sales, which can dramatically reduce the cost of your flights. Sign up for their newsletters and follow them on social media to stay updated.
Another option, which is more time-consuming but often cheaper, is taking a ferry. Ferries depart from Surigao City on the mainland, and the journey takes several hours. While this saves money, it requires additional travel from your origin city to Surigao City, either by bus or another flight. This is a good option if you are already in Mindanao or are not in a rush. Expect to pay around ₱500- ₱1,000 for the ferry trip itself depending on the type of accommodation you choose onboard. Remember to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the Surigao City port.
Accommodation: From Hostels to Resorts
Siargao offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Where you stay will significantly impact your overall budget.
Hostels: For budget travelers, hostels are your best bet. You can find dorm beds for as low as ₱500 to ₱800 per night. Hostels are great for meeting other travelers and often have social events, making them perfect for solo adventurers.
Guesthouses and Budget Hotels: If you prefer a private room but still want to keep costs down, look for guesthouses or budget hotels. These usually offer basic amenities and can range from ₱1,000 to ₱2,000 per night. Many smaller guesthouses are located slightly outside the main tourist areas, which can also offer a more authentic local experience.
Mid-Range Hotels and Resorts: If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find comfortable mid-range hotels and resorts with amenities like swimming pools and restaurants. Expect to pay between ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 per night. These often include breakfast and offer a more relaxing stay.
Luxury Resorts: For those seeking ultimate pampering, Siargao has several high-end resorts with stunning ocean views, private beaches, and top-notch service. Luxury resorts start at around ₱5,000 per night and can go up significantly depending on the resort and room type. Often these resorts offer all-inclusive packages that can be convenient but may not be the most budget-friendly option.
Consider booking your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season (like the summer months and holidays). Use websites like Booking.com or Agoda to compare prices and read reviews. Look for places slightly away from the main streets of General Luna, as these tend to be cheaper.
Food and Drinks: Eating Like a Local (and a Tourist)
Food is another area where you can save or splurge, depending on your choices. Siargao has a vibrant food scene, with options ranging from local eateries to international restaurants.
Local Eateries (Carenderias): The most budget-friendly option is to eat at local carinderias. These small eateries offer home-style Filipino dishes at very affordable prices. You can get a meal of rice and a viand (meat or vegetable dish) for around ₱80 to ₱150. Explore the side streets and look for places where locals are eating – that’s usually a good sign of tasty and affordable food.
Restaurants: Siargao has plenty of restaurants catering to tourists, offering a variety of cuisines like Italian, Mexican, and seafood. Prices at these restaurants are generally higher, with meals costing between ₱250 to ₱500 or more. However, many restaurants offer happy hour deals or set menus that can help you save money.
Street Food: Don’t forget about street food! Siargao has a decent selection of street food stalls selling snacks like barbecue, banana cue, and kakanin (rice cakes). These are a cheap and delicious way to fill up between meals.
Cooking Your Own Food: If you’re staying in accommodation with a kitchen, consider cooking some of your meals. You can buy groceries at the local market and prepare simple dishes. This is a great way to save money, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Remember to be mindful of food waste and support local vendors when possible.
Drinks: Water is essential, but buying bottled water adds up. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it whenever possible. Some accommodations offer free water refills. Alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, buy beer or other drinks at a local store and enjoy them on the beach.
Transportation: Getting Around the Island
Getting around Siargao is relatively easy and there are several options to choose from.
Motorbike Rental: The most popular way to explore the island is by renting a motorbike. You can find rentals for around ₱350 to ₱500 per day. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and always wear a helmet. Before renting, inspect the motorbike carefully for any existing damage and take photos or videos as proof. Rent from reputable shops and negotiate the price, especially if you’re renting for multiple days. Be cautious on the roads, as traffic can be unpredictable and accidents are common.
Tricycles: Tricycles are another common mode of transportation, especially for short distances within General Luna. Agree on the fare before you get in. A typical tricycle ride within General Luna costs around ₱50 to ₱100.
Habal-Habal: Habal-habal are essentially motorbike taxis. They can be a convenient option, especially if you don’t want to drive yourself or are traveling solo. Negotiate the fare beforehand, just like with tricycles.
Jeepneys and Vans: For longer distances, you can take a jeepney or van. These are generally cheaper than tricycles or habal-habal, but they can be crowded and less frequent. This is ideal for going from General Luna to Dapa, or even to the north, towards Pacifico.
Renting a motorbike gives you the most freedom to explore the island at your own pace. However, be mindful of the road conditions, especially after rain, and drive safely.
Activities and Tours: Surfing, Island Hopping, and More
Siargao offers a variety of activities and tours, from surfing to island hopping. These can add up, so it’s important to prioritize what you want to do and find the best deals.
Surfing: Siargao is famous for its surfing, especially Cloud 9. Board rentals are available for around ₱200 to ₱300 per hour. If you’re a beginner, consider taking surfing lessons. A two-hour lesson usually costs around ₱800 to ₱1,000.
Island Hopping: A popular activity is island hopping to nearby islands like Daku Island, Guyam Island, and Naked Island. A typical island hopping tour costs around ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 per boat, which can be shared by a group of people. Factor in the entrance fees for each island, which are usually around ₱100 to ₱200 per island.
Sugba Lagoon: Visiting Sugba Lagoon is another highlight. The boat ride to Sugba Lagoon and entrance fee costs around ₱1,500 to ₱2,000 per boat, which can also be shared. Consider going with a group to split the cost.
Magpupungko Rock Pools: During low tide, you can visit the Magpupungko Rock Pools. The entrance fee is around ₱50. It’s best to check the tide schedule beforehand to make sure you visit during low tide. Bring some aqua shoes to walk comfortably on the rocky surface.
Other Activities: Siargao also offers activities like cave exploring, waterfall chasing, and mangrove tours. Prices vary depending on the activity. Research and compare prices before booking. You can sometimes get better deals by booking directly with local operators rather than through online platforms.
Consider which activities are most important to you and budget accordingly. Look for group tours to save money, and consider skipping activities that are similar to things you can experience elsewhere for free (like swimming at the beach, which is always free!).
Sample Daily Budget Breakdown (for a Solo Traveler)
Here’s a sample daily budget breakdown for a solo traveler on a budget:
- Accommodation (hostel): ₱600
- Food (local eateries and street food): ₱500
- Motorbike rental (shared with another person): ₱250
- Gas: ₱100
- Activities (shared boat tour): ₱500
- Drinks/Miscellaneous: ₱200
- Total: ₱2150
This is just an example, and your actual expenses may vary. If you’re willing to spend more on accommodation or activities, your budget will increase. If you’re traveling with a group, you can split costs like boat rentals and accommodation, lowering the per-person expense.
Tips for Saving Money in Siargao
Here are some additional tips to help you save money on your trip to Siargao:
- Travel during the off-season (avoid peak season like summer and holidays). Prices are generally lower, and there are fewer crowds.
- Book flights and accommodation in advance to get better deals.
- Eat at local carinderias and street food stalls.
- Rent a motorbike and explore the island on your own.
- Join group tours to split costs.
- Haggle prices, especially when renting motorbikes or hiring tricycles.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it whenever possible.
- Look for free activities like swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.
- Consider volunteering in exchange for accommodation or meals (check websites like Workaway)
- Pack light to avoid checked baggage fees.
Responsible Travel in Siargao
While enjoying Siargao, it’s also important to travel responsibly and respect the local culture and environment. Support local businesses, avoid single-use plastics, and be mindful of your impact on the island’s ecosystem.
Tourism can bring both benefits and challenges to local communities. By making conscious choices, you can help ensure that your visit has a positive impact. Dispose of your trash properly, be respectful of local customs, and consider donating to local charities or organizations. Educate yourself about the environmental challenges facing Siargao, such as plastic pollution and coral reef degradation, and take steps to minimize your impact.
Is Siargao Still Worth It?
Despite the increasing popularity and rising prices, Siargao is still an incredibly rewarding destination for Filipino travelers. The island’s stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and array of activities make it an unforgettable experience. By being mindful of your budget and making smart choices, you can enjoy Siargao without breaking the bank. The key is to research, plan ahead, and be willing to embrace a more local and budget-conscious travel style.
FAQ Section
Q: How much money do I need for 5 days in Siargao?
A: For a budget traveler, expect to spend around ₱10,000 to ₱15,000 for 5 days, excluding flights. This covers accommodation in hostels, eating at local eateries, motorbike rental, and some activities. For a more comfortable trip with mid-range accommodation and restaurant meals, budget around ₱20,000 to ₱30,000. Luxury travelers should budget significantly more.
Q: Is Siargao more expensive than Cebu or Boracay?
A: Generally, Siargao is comparable to Cebu in terms of cost, but slightly less expensive than Boracay, especially if you are looking to stay near Station 1 in Boracay. Accommodation in Boracay tends to be pricier. Food costs can be similar across all three destinations, depending on your dining choices.
Q: What is the best time to visit Siargao for surfing?
A: The best time to visit Siargao for surfing is during the dry season, from March to November. The waves are typically bigger and more consistent during this period. The peak surfing season is from August to November.
Q: Is it easy to rent a motorbike in Siargao?
A: Yes, there are many motorbike rental shops in General Luna and other areas of Siargao. You can easily find a motorbike to rent upon arrival. However, it’s always a good idea to inspect the motorbike carefully and negotiate the price before renting.
Q: Can I use credit cards in Siargao?
A: Many larger establishments, such as hotels and restaurants, accept credit cards. However, smaller businesses and local eateries may only accept cash. It’s a good idea to have cash on hand, especially when exploring outside of General Luna. There are ATMs in General Luna and Dapa, but they may not always be reliable.
Q: Are there any beaches in Siargao that are free to access?
A: Yes, most beaches in Siargao are free to access. However, some areas may charge a small entrance fee or environmental fee. Cloud 9 boardwalk is free to enter but surfing in Cloud 9 itself will require a board fee. Be mindful of signs and local regulations.
Q: Where is the best place to stay in Siargao?
A: The best place to stay in Siargao depends on your preferences and budget. General Luna is the most popular area, with a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and activities. Pacifico is a quieter area with great surfing spots and a more laid-back vibe. Dapa is the main town, with the port and some local markets. Catangnan is also a good choice, as it allows you to be close to General Luna but also offers accommodation choices away from the hustle and bustle. Choose the location that best suits your travel style.
References
Department of Tourism Philippines
Philippine Airlines Official Website
Cebu Pacific Official Website
Ready for Your Siargao Adventure?
Now that you have a solid understanding of the costs involved, it’s time to start planning your Siargao escape! Don’t let budget concerns hold you back from experiencing this incredible island. Use the tips and information provided here to create a memorable and affordable trip. Book those flights, research accommodation options, and get ready to explore the surfing capital of the Philippines. Siargao is waiting for you!
