Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, can be surprisingly affordable if you know how to budget. This article breaks down the real costs of visiting Siargao on a shoestring, covering everything from accommodation and food to transportation and activities, helping you plan an epic adventure without breaking the bank.
Getting to Siargao on a Budget
The first big expense is getting to Siargao. Flying is the most common and quickest option. To score the cheapest flights, book well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (March-May and September-November). Airlines like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines often have promotional fares. Check their websites and sign up for email alerts. Consider flying into Cebu or Manila first and then taking a connecting flight to Siargao. These connecting flights might be cheaper than direct flights.
Another more budget-friendly option but significantly longer travel time is taking a ferry. You’ll likely need to travel to Surigao City on mainland Mindanao first. From Surigao, you can take a ferry to Dapa Port in Siargao. This option is far more time-consuming. Check ferry schedules and book in advance especially during popular travel periods. Look at companies like 2GO Travel for ferry schedules and pricing. Consider that this journey is significantly longer and usually best suited for backpackers with plenty of time.
Accommodation: Where to Sleep Without Emptying Your Wallet
Accommodation will be one of your major expenses, but there are plenty of options for budget travelers. Hostels are your best bet for the absolute cheapest stay. You can find dorm rooms for as low as 500-800 pesos per night. These are great for meeting other travelers and saving money. Guesthouses are another affordable option. Usually located a bit outside of General Luna, these can offer private rooms at a fraction of the price of resorts. Look for places with shared bathrooms and no air conditioning to save even more.
AirBnB can sometimes offer surprisingly good deals, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Look for apartments or homestays slightly outside of General Luna, where prices tend to be lower. Check reviews carefully before booking to ensure the place is clean, safe, and as advertised.
When searching for budget accommodation always confirm if breakfast is included to save more money. Some guesthouses offer free breakfast or have a simple kitchenette that guests can use. While camping is theoretically possible, it’s not widely practiced in Siargao, and it’s generally safer and easier to stick to established hostels and guesthouses.
Food: Eating Well on a Budget
Eating in Siargao doesn’t have to be expensive. The key is to avoid the touristy restaurants in General Luna, which tend to be pricier. Instead, head to local eateries called “carinderias”. These small, family-run restaurants offer delicious Filipino food at incredibly affordable prices. A meal of rice, meat or fish, and vegetables can cost as little as 100-150 pesos.
The Siargao Public Market in Dapa is a great place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks. Stock up on bananas, mangoes, and other local produce for a healthy and cheap breakfast or snack. You can also find cooked food at the market, often at very reasonable prices.
If you have access to a kitchen, consider cooking some of your own meals. The public market in Dapa has all that you need and more for preparing simple dishes. Eating in is significantly cheaper compared to consistently dining out. Also, embrace street food! You can find delicious and affordable snacks like banana cue (fried bananas coated in caramelized sugar) and fish balls sold by street vendors throughout General Luna.
Drinking can also add up. Buying alcohol at convenience stores and drinking at your accommodation is a much cheaper alternative than going to bars every night. Local rum like Tanduay is very affordable and widely available.
Transportation: Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank
Renting a motorbike is the most common way to get around Siargao, and it’s also the most affordable. Expect to pay around 350-500 pesos per day for a motorbike rental. Make sure to inspect the motorbike carefully before renting it and take photos of any existing damage. Always wear a helmet – not only is it required by law, but it’s also essential for your safety. Negotiate the rental price, especially if you’re renting for multiple days.
If you’re not comfortable driving a motorbike, tricycles are another option but more costly when travelling medium to long distances. Agree on the fare before getting in. Tricycles are generally cheaper for short distances within General Luna. You can also share tricycle rides with other travelers to save money.
Walking is free! General Luna is small enough to explore on foot. Walking is a great way to discover hidden gems and save on transportation costs, especially in the evenings when the town is lively and full of food options. Also, if your accommodation is near the beach or surfing spots, walking is a great and healthy option.
Finally, consider renting a bike. Some places rent out bicycles for as low as 200 pesos a day. This is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to explore the island at a slower pace.
Activities: Enjoying Siargao Without Spending a Fortune
Surfing is the main draw for many visitors to Siargao. If you’re a beginner, taking a surf lesson is highly recommended. Lessons generally cost around 500-800 pesos per person. Experienced surfers can rent a board for around 300-500 pesos per day. If you’re planning to surf for several days, consider renting a board for a longer period to get a better rate. Alternatively, many guesthouses allow you to rent a surfboard for the duration of your stay for a discounted price
Beyond surfing, there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy without breaking the bank. Visiting the Magpupungko Rock Pools during low tide is a popular and affordable option. The entrance fee is minimal, and you can spend hours exploring the pools and taking photos. Make sure to check the tide schedule before heading there.
Island hopping is a must-do in Siargao. The most popular tour includes visits to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island. These tours typically cost around 1000-1500 pesos per person. To save money, try to join a group tour or find other travelers to share the cost of a private boat. Bring your own food and drinks to avoid paying tourist prices on the islands.
Exploring the lagoons and waterfalls of Siargao is another fantastic and inexpensive activity. Tayangban Cave Pool and Taktak Falls are two popular options. Entrance fees are usually minimal. Rent a motorbike and drive yourself to these locations to save on tour costs.
Free activities abound! Spend time relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and enjoying the sunsets. General Luna Beach is a great place to unwind and soak up the island vibes. Consider hiking to a viewpoint for panoramic views of the island. Many viewpoints are accessible without any entrance fee.
Sample Daily Budget Breakdown (Shoestring)
Let’s look at a possible daily budget, assuming you’re really trying to keep costs down:
Accommodation: 500-800 pesos (hostel dorm)
Food: 500-700 pesos (carinderias, market purchases, and occasional treat)
Transportation: 200-400 pesos (motorbike rental shared fuel, shared tricycle ride)
Activities: 0-500 pesos (beach visits, Magpupungko Rock Pools entrance fee, or saving up for island hopping)
Miscellaneous: 100-200 pesos (water, sunscreen, laundry)
Total: 1300-2600 pesos per day (approximately $25-$50 USD)
This is a very tight budget, and it requires you to be mindful of your spending. It’s definitely possible to survive in Siargao on this budget, but you’ll need to prioritize cheap food, accommodation, and transportation. You may also need to limit your activities or find free things to do.
Tips for Saving Money in Siargao
Travel During the Off-Season: Prices for accommodation and flights are significantly lower during the off-season (June-August and December-February). The weather might be slightly less predictable, but you’ll save a lot of money.
Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for motorbike rentals, tricycle rides, and souvenirs. Most vendors are willing to lower their prices if you ask politely.
Travel with Friends: Sharing accommodation, motorbike rentals, and tour costs with friends can significantly reduce your expenses.
Pack Light: Save on baggage fees by packing only the essentials.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Refill your water bottle at your accommodation or at water refilling stations to avoid buying bottled water every day. Water is safe to drink after boiling.
Learn Basic Tagalog: Knowing a few basic Tagalog phrases can help you communicate with locals and potentially get better deals.
Avoid Tourist Traps: Steer clear of restaurants and shops that cater exclusively to tourists, as they tend to be more expensive.
Use Local Sim Cards: Buy a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls. Globe and Smart are the two major telecommunication providers in the Philippines.
Be Mindful of ATM Fees: Withdraw larger sums of money to minimize ATM transaction fees. Inform your bank that you’re traveling to avoid having your card blocked.
Embrace the Local Culture: Participate in local events and activities to experience the real Siargao and save money on organized tours.
Is it Possible to Live Really Cheap?
Absolutely! It depends on your definition of “surviving.” If you’re willing to stay in the most basic accommodation, eat only the cheapest food, and limit your activities to free options like swimming and sunbathing, you could potentially get by on even less than the budget outlined above. However, you’ll be sacrificing some comfort and convenience. Long-term stays are significantly cheaper as you may find accommodation offerings that allow monthly payments. Also, becoming a local worker may add additional money. Please remember to comply with all applicable immigration and labor laws.
The Importance of Contingency Funds
No matter how carefully you plan your budget, it’s always a good idea to have some contingency funds for unexpected expenses. Things can happen – you might need to visit a doctor, your motorbike might break down, or you might simply want to splurge on a nicer meal one night. Aim to have at least 10-20% of your total budget set aside for emergencies.
FAQ: Your Burning Siargao Budget Questions Answered
What is the cheapest month to go to Siargao?
The cheapest months to visit Siargao are generally June, July, and August. These months fall during the rainy season in the Philippines which means fewer tourists and lower prices on flights and accommodation. While there might be more rainfall, Siargao is beautiful regardless of the season, and you’ll still have plenty of sunny days.
How much does it cost to surf in Siargao?
For beginners, a surf lesson accompanied by board rental, will cost you around 500 to 800 pesos. If you’re already comfortable surfing, board rental alone can be around 300 to 500 pesos per day. Many hostels and accommodations offer surfboard rental as well to save money for long stays.
Can I use credit cards in Siargao?
Credit card usage is becoming more common in Siargao, particularly in larger establishments like resorts and some restaurants in General Luna. However, it’s still a primarily cash-based economy. It’s always a good idea to have enough cash, especially when visiting smaller shops or restaurants or exploring other areas of the island.
Is Siargao safe for solo travelers?
Siargao is generally considered safe for solo travelers. The locals are friendly and helpful, and there’s a strong sense of community. However, it’s always important to take precautions, especially when traveling alone. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables safe and be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited assistance.
How much should I tip in Siargao?
Tipping is not as widely expected in the Philippines as it is in some other countries. However, it is always appreciated, especially for good service. A tip of 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not already included in the bill. You can also tip tour guides and drivers if you are happy with their service. This is not required but a polite gesture of you liking their service.
Do I need a visa to visit Siargao?
Most nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for a certain period, generally 30 days, provided they have a valid passport and a return ticket. Check the visa requirements for your specific nationality with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs or your country’s embassy.
What kind of power outlets are used in Siargao?
The Philippines uses Type A and Type B power outlets, with a standard voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 60 Hz. If your devices use a different voltage or plug type, you’ll need a power adapter and/or a voltage converter.
References
Department of Tourism, Philippines
Philippine Airlines
Cebu Pacific
2GO Travel
Ready to Book Your Budget-Friendly Siargao Adventure?
Now that you have a detailed breakdown of how to explore Siargao on a shoestring, what are you waiting for? Don’t let a limited budget hold you back from experiencing the beauty and adventure that Siargao has to offer. Start planning your trip today, book your flights and accommodation in advance, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable island getaway… without emptying your wallet! Find the adventure that awaits for you on this exciting island.
