Thinking about a trip to Siargao but worried about the cost? You’re not alone! Siargao, with its famous waves and beautiful scenery, can seem expensive. But don’t let that scare you off. This guide breaks down all the costs, from flights and accommodation to food and activities, so you can see if a Siargao adventure fits your budget.
Getting to Siargao: Airplane Tickets
First things first: how do you actually get to Siargao? The most common way is by plane. The main airport is Sayak Airport (IAO), also known as Siargao Airport. Airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and sometimes smaller airlines fly directly to Siargao from Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Keep an eye out for deals and sales. You might find roundtrip tickets from Manila for around PHP 6,000 to PHP 12,000 (roughly $100 to $200 USD), depending on when you book and the time of year. Booking in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (like summer or holidays), can save you a lot of money.
Another option, especially if you’re already in the Philippines, is to take a flight to Surigao City and then a ferry to Dapa, Siargao. The ferry ride takes a few hours. While this might be cheaper than flying directly to Siargao, you need to factor in the extra travel time and the cost of transportation to and from the Surigao City airport and the ferry terminal.
Accommodation: Where to Stay Without Breaking the Bank
Siargao has places to stay for every budget. If you’re on a tight budget, hostels are your best friend. You can find dorm beds for as little as PHP 500 to PHP 800 (around $9 to $15 USD) per night. These are great for meeting other travelers and saving money. Guesthouses offer more privacy and can range from PHP 1,000 to PHP 2,500 (about $18 to $45 USD) per night, depending on the location and amenities.
If you’re looking for a bit more comfort without spending a fortune, consider budget-friendly hotels or resorts. These might cost you around PHP 2,500 to PHP 5,000 (approximately $45 to $90 USD) per night. You’ll usually get a private room with air conditioning and maybe even a swimming pool. Consider checking out booking websites or Airbnb for better deals.
For those who want a luxurious experience, Siargao has some amazing resorts. Expect to pay upwards of PHP 5,000 (around $90 USD) per night and beyond for these. Think private villas, ocean views, and top-notch service.
Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season. The earlier you book, the better chance you have of finding a place that fits your budget and preferences. Cloud 9 area is the most popular, but General Luna is a great hub and is close to where you want to be for the main activities.
Food: Eating Well on a Budget
Food in Siargao can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you eat like the locals. “Carenderias” or local eateries offer delicious and filling meals for around PHP 80 to PHP 150 (about $1.50 to $3 USD) per dish. You can get rice, meat, and vegetables for a very reasonable price.
There are also plenty of mid-range restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines, from Filipino and Asian to Western food. Expect to pay around PHP 200 to PHP 500 (roughly $3.50 to $9 USD) per meal in these restaurants. If you’re craving pizza, pasta, or a burger, you’ll find it in Siargao. Look into restaurants in General Luna to find a lot of options.
For upscale dining experiences, you will pay a premium. Expect prices similar to what you would find in a major city. However, the ambiance and food quality might be worth it for a special occasion. Consider looking into more isolated restaurants away from the main hub.
To save money on food, consider buying snacks and drinks from local stores or markets. You can also try cooking your own meals if your accommodation has a kitchen. This is a great way to control your spending and eat healthier.
Activities: Exploring Siargao Without Emptying Your Wallet
Siargao is all about outdoor activities. Surfing is the most popular, and lessons can cost around PHP 1,000 to PHP 1,500 (approximately $18 to $27 USD) for a two-hour session. Board rentals are around PHP 300 to PHP 500 (about $5 to $9 USD) per day. If you’re already experienced, just rent a board and hit the waves! Cloud 9 is the most famous surf spot, but there are other breaks around the island that are suitable for different skill levels.
Island hopping is another must-do activity. A day trip to the three islands (Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island) typically costs around PHP 1,500 to PHP 2,000 (roughly $27 to $36 USD) per boat, which can be shared among a group. The boat trip includes transportation to and from the islands. Food and drinks are usually extra, so pack your own or buy them on the islands.
Exploring the Magpupungko Rock Pools is also a fantastic (and relatively cheap) option. The entrance fee is minimal, and you can spend hours swimming and exploring the unique rock formations during low tide. Make sure to check the tide schedule before you go, as the rock pools are only accessible during low tide.
Renting a motorbike is a great and affordable way to explore the island at your own pace. You can rent one for around PHP 300 to PHP 500 (about $5 to $9 USD) per day. Just be sure to wear a helmet and drive safely on the unpaved roads. Gas is relatively inexpensive.
Don’t forget to simply enjoy the beaches! They’re free! Lounge on the sand, swim in the ocean, and soak up the sun. Siargao has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines.
Transportation: Getting Around Siargao
As mentioned before, renting a motorbike is a common and cost-effective way to get around Siargao. However, if you’re not comfortable driving a motorbike, you can also hire tricycles or “habal-habal” (motorcycle taxis). Tricycle fares typically range from PHP 50 to PHP 150 (roughly $1 to $3 USD) depending on the distance. Habal-habal is usually cheaper, but it can be a bit more risky.
You can also rent a car, but this is usually more expensive and less practical, especially if you’re planning to explore the more remote areas of the island. Tricycles and motorbikes are much more maneuverable on the narrow and unpaved roads.
Sample Budget Breakdown: A Week in Siargao
Let’s break down a sample budget for a week in Siargao, assuming you’re traveling solo and on a moderate budget. This is just an estimate, and your actual costs may vary depending on your spending habits.
Flights: PHP 6,000 – PHP 12,000 (roundtrip from Manila)
Accommodation (7 nights): PHP 7,000 – PHP 17,500 (PHP 1,000 – PHP 2,500 per night for a guesthouse)
Food (7 days): PHP 4,200 – PHP 10,500 (PHP 600 – PHP 1,500 per day)
Activities: PHP 3,000 – PHP 6,000 (surfing lessons, island hopping, Magpupungko Rock Pools)
Transportation: PHP 2,100 – PHP 3,500 (motorbike rental for 7 days)
Miscellaneous: PHP 1,000 – PHP 2,000 (souvenirs, drinks, snacks)
Total estimated cost: PHP 23,300 – PHP 51,500 (approximately $420 to $930 USD) for a week.
This budget can be further reduced by staying in hostels, eating at local carinderias, and sticking to free activities like swimming and sunbathing on the beach. It can substantially increase if you opt to stay in luxury accommodation and eat in tourist-centric restaurants.
Tips for Saving Money in Siargao
Here are some practical tips for saving money while enjoying your Siargao trip:
Travel during the off-season: Flights and accommodation are usually cheaper during the off-season (June to November). Keep in mind that the weather might be less predictable during this time, but you can often find great deals. However, be mindful of the typhoon season.
Book flights and accommodation in advance: The earlier you book, the better chance you have of finding good deals.
Eat at local “carinderias”: These offer delicious and filling meals at very affordable prices.
Rent a motorbike: This is the most cost-effective way to get around the island. You can use public transportation if you don’t like motorbikes; it’s cheaper but can be unreliable (sometimes slow).
Share costs with other travelers: If you’re traveling solo, share accommodation, transportation, and activity costs with other travelers to save money.
Bring your own snacks and drinks: Buying snacks and drinks from local stores or markets is much cheaper than buying them at restaurants or tourist shops.
Take advantage of free activities: Siargao has plenty of free activities, like swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the beaches.
Bargain: Don’t be afraid to bargain like a local when you make purchases.
Other Expenses to Consider
Apart from the expenses already mentioned, here are some other costs you might want to factor into your Siargao budget:
Travel insurance: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance in case of accidents or emergencies.
Visa fees: If you’re not a Filipino citizen. Make sure to check the visa requirements for the Philippines before you travel. Most visitors can enter the Philippines visa-free for a certain period of time.
Souvenirs: If you plan on buying souvenirs, set aside some money for that.
Tips: It’s customary to tip service staff in the Philippines, especially in restaurants and hotels.
Unexpected expenses: Always have a little extra money set aside for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or flight delays.
Data and Connectivity
Staying connected in Siargao is easy and affordable. You can get a local SIM card with data from either Globe or Smart, the two major telecommunications providers in the Philippines. (target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Smart tends to work better in Siargao. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or in General Luna for around PHP 50-100. Data plans vary in price depending on the amount of data and the duration, but you can typically get a decent data package for around PHP 300-500 for a week. Wi-Fi is also available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes. But don’t rely on it for important calls or work.
Safety Considerations
Siargao is generally a safe place for tourists. However, it’s always important to take precautions to protect yourself from theft and other crimes. Keep your valuables in a safe place, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. It’s also a good idea to avoid drinking too much alcohol, as this can make you more vulnerable to crime. If you’re planning to surf, make sure you’re aware of the conditions and only surf within your abilities. Water sanitation facilities are generally poor, so only drink bottled water or bring a filtering water bottle.
Best Time to Visit Siargao
The best time to visit Siargao is generally from March to May, during the dry season. The weather is sunny and dry, and the waves are usually good for surfing. The peak season is from December to February and from July to August. During these times you can expect higher prices and more crowds. The rainy season is from June to November, and while the weather can be unpredictable, you can still find good deals and avoid the crowds.
FAQ Section
Is Siargao expensive to visit?
Siargao can be as expensive or as affordable as you make it. You can save money by staying in hostels, eating at local eateries, and taking advantage of free activities.
How much money do I need for a week in Siargao?
A week in Siargao can range from PHP 23,300 to PHP 51,500 (approximately $420 to $930 USD), depending on your spending habits. This budget includes flights, accommodation, food, activities, and transportation.
What is the best way to get around Siargao?
Renting a motorbike is the most cost-effective and convenient way to get around Siargao. You can also hire tricycles or “habal-habal” (motorcycle taxis).
What are some must-do activities in Siargao?
Surfing, island hopping, and visiting the Magpupungko Rock Pools are some must-do activities in Siargao.
Is Siargao safe for tourists?
Siargao is generally a safe place for tourists, but it’s always important to take precautions to protect yourself from theft and other crimes.
Can I use my credit card in Siargao?
Many establishments in Siargao, especially larger hotels and restaurants, accept credit cards. However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, as smaller businesses and local eateries may not accept credit cards. ATMs are available in General Luna, but it’s a good idea to withdraw cash in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel to more remote areas of the island.
Do I need to speak Tagalog to visit Siargao?
While Tagalog is the national language of the Philippines, English is widely spoken in Siargao, especially in tourist areas. You can easily communicate with locals in English, and you don’t need to learn Tagalog to visit Siargao.
References
Philippine Department of Tourism
Cebu Pacific Official Website
Philippine Airlines Official Website
Ready to experience the magic of Siargao? Don’t just dream about those perfect waves and stunning sunsets – start planning your affordable escape today! Book your flights, research accommodation options, and begin budgeting. Siargao is waiting, and with a little planning, you can make your tropical adventure a reality without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for? Your Siargao adventure starts now!
