Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, can be surprisingly affordable! But, like any trip, your spending can quickly spiral out of control if you’re not careful. This article breaks down all the costs – from flights and accommodation to food and activities – so you can plan a Siargao vacation that’s both amazing and doesn’t break the bank.
Getting to Siargao: Finding the Cheapest Flights
The biggest chunk of your budget will likely be your flights. You’ll be flying into Sayak Airport (IAO), also known as Siargao Airport in Del Carmen. The good news is that several airlines fly there from major Philippine hubs like Manila and Cebu. Airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia offer routes.
How to snag the best deals? Book in advance! Airlines often release their cheapest fares months ahead of the travel dates. Be flexible with your travel dates, flying midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) is often cheaper than weekends. Also, keep an eye out for airline seat sales – they happen quite frequently. Sign up for their email newsletters to be the first to know.
Budget Airlines vs. Full-Service Airlines: While budget airlines like Cebu Pacific might seem like the obvious choice for saving money, remember to factor in potential extra costs for baggage. Full-service airlines sometimes offer fares that, including baggage allowance, are comparable or even cheaper, especially if you are checking in luggage. It pays to compare!
Estimated Flight Costs: Generally, expect to pay anywhere from PHP 2,000 to PHP 8,000 for a roundtrip ticket from Manila or Cebu, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. During peak season (especially December to May), prices tend to be higher.
Accommodation: From Hostels to Luxury Resorts
Siargao offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. From basic hostels to upscale resorts, there’s something for everyone.
Hostels: If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind sharing a room, hostels are your best bet. You can find dorm beds for as low as PHP 500 per night. Cloud 9 area has a lot of hostel options. Hostels are also a great place to meet fellow travelers and share experiences.
Guesthouses and Budget Hotels: These offer private rooms with basic amenities, such as a bed, fan (or air conditioning), and a private bathroom. Expect to pay around PHP 1,000 to PHP 2,500 per night, depending on the location and amenities.
Mid-Range Hotels and Resorts: If you’re looking for more comfort and amenities, mid-range hotels and resorts offer things like swimming pools, on-site restaurants, and air conditioning. These typically cost between PHP 3,000 and PHP 7,000 per night.
Luxury Resorts: For a truly luxurious experience, Siargao has some stunning resorts with world-class amenities. Expect to pay upwards of PHP 8,000 per night, and often much more.
Location, Location, Location: The Cloud 9 area is a popular choice for surfers and those wanting to be close to the action. General Luna is another popular area, with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops. Staying further away from these areas can often save you money on accommodation.
Tips for Saving on Accommodation: Book in advance, especially during peak season. Look for deals and discounts online. Consider staying in a guesthouse or budget hotel instead of a resort. If you’re traveling with a group, consider renting a small house or apartment instead of multiple hotel rooms.
Food and Drinks: Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank
Siargao’s food scene is booming, with everything from local Filipino eateries (carinderias) to international restaurants. You can definitely eat well without spending a fortune.
Local Eateries (Carinderias): This is the cheapest and most authentic way to experience Filipino food. You can get a hearty meal of rice, meat, and vegetables for as little as PHP 100-200. Look for carinderias in the local markets or along the roadside.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants: Many restaurants offer reasonably priced meals, especially if you stick to local dishes. Expect to pay around PHP 200-400 for a main course.
Mid-Range Restaurants: These restaurants offer a wider variety of cuisines and tend to be more tourist-oriented. Expect to pay around PHP 400-800 for a main course.
Splurge Restaurants: For special occasions or if you’re craving something fancy, Siargao has some upscale restaurants with higher prices. Expect to pay upwards of PHP 800 for a main course.
Drinks: Water is relatively cheap, but other drinks, like soda and beer, can add up. Buying drinks from local stores or supermarkets is usually cheaper than ordering them at restaurants or bars. Tanduay rum is abundant and cheap, and a local favorite.
Tips for Saving on Food and Drinks: Eat at local eateries whenever possible. Cook your own meals if your accommodation has a kitchen. Buy drinks from local stores or supermarkets. Take advantage of happy hour deals at bars.
Activities: Surfing, Island Hopping, and More
Siargao is famous for surfing, but it offers so much more! From island hopping to exploring lagoons, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Be mindful of activity costs when planning your budget.
Surfing: This is the main draw for many visitors. If you’re a beginner, you’ll need to take surfing lessons. A lesson typically costs around PHP 800-1,000 per hour, including board rental. If you are already a surfer, you can rent a board for around PHP 300-500 per day.
Island Hopping: A must-do in Siargao! The most popular tour includes Daku Island, Naked Island, and Guyam Island. Prices typically range from PHP 1,000 to PHP 1,500 per person, including boat rental and lunch. You can save money by joining a group tour or negotiating with boat operators directly.
Sugba Lagoon: This stunning lagoon is another popular attraction. Entrance fees and boat rental typically cost around PHP 500-800 per person.
Magpupungko Rock Pools: These natural tidal pools are a fun place to swim and relax. Entrance fee is around PHP 50. It’s best to visit during low tide.
Tayangban Cave Pool: This adventure involves a short trek through a cave to reach a beautiful pool. It’s budget friendly. Entrance fee is about PHP 100. Prepare to get wet!
Renting a Scooter: Renting a scooter is a great way to explore the island at your own pace. Expect to pay around PHP 350-500 per day. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and wear a helmet.
Tips for Saving on Activities: Shop around for the best prices on tours and activities. Join a group tour to save money. Rent a scooter to explore the island independently. Take advantage of free activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.
Transportation: Getting Around Siargao
Getting around Siargao is relatively easy and affordable. There are several options to choose from.
Scooters: As mentioned above, renting a scooter is the most popular way to get around. It gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Prices range from PHP 350-500 per day.
Tricycles: Tricycles are readily available, but they can be more expensive than renting a scooter. Negotiate the fare before getting in. Expect to pay around PHP 50-100 for short distances.
“Habal-Habal” (Motorcycle Taxi): Another option is to hire a “habal-habal” driver (motorcycle taxi). This can be a convenient option for solo travelers. Agree on the fare beforehand.
Buses and Jeepneys: Public buses and jeepneys are available, but they are less frequent and can be crowded. This is the cheapest transportation option.
Tips for Saving on Transportation: Rent a scooter if you’re comfortable driving one. Use tricycles sparingly and negotiate the fare. Consider using public transport if you’re on a very tight budget.
Sample Budget Breakdown: Dream Vacation or Financial Nightmare?
Let’s break down what a typical daily budget might look like:
Budget Traveler (PHP 1,500 – PHP 2,500 per day):
- Accommodation: PHP 500 (hostel dorm)
- Food: PHP 500-800 (local eateries and budget-friendly restaurants)
- Activities: PHP 200-500 (small entrance fees, scooter rental sharing)
- Transportation: PHP 300-500 (scooter rental sharing)
Mid-Range Traveler (PHP 3,000 – PHP 5,000 per day):
- Accommodation: PHP 1,500-2,500 (guesthouse or budget hotel)
- Food: PHP 800-1,500 (a mix of local and mid-range restaurants)
- Activities: PHP 500-1,000 (island hopping, surfing lessons)
- Transportation: PHP 500-800 (scooter rental)
Luxury Traveler (PHP 5,000+ per day):
- Accommodation: PHP 3,000+ (luxury resort)
- Food: PHP 1,500+ (upscale restaurants)
- Activities: PHP 1,000+ (private tours, surfing lessons)
- Transportation: PHP 800+ (private transportation)
Important Notes: These are just estimates, and your actual spending may vary. Remember to factor in extra costs for souvenirs, drinks, and unexpected expenses. Travel insurance is also a worthwhile investment.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Even with careful planning, some unexpected costs can arise. Be prepared for these:
ATM Fees: ATMs are not as readily available in all parts of Siargao and transaction fees can be high (around PHP 200-250 per withdrawal). Plan your withdrawals accordingly, bring enough cash with you from the mainland if you can help it.
Tip Fees: Sometimes tour guides, drivers, and restaurant servers expect tip fees for their services. Prepare some small change for tips.
Souvenirs: Resist the urge to buy every souvenir you see – they all add up!
Damaged Scooter Fees: Be extra careful when riding a scooter. Small damages can result in hefty repair fees from the rental shop.
Data Roaming/SIM Cards: Consider buying a local SIM card for data use. Roaming charges can be extremely expensive.
Negotiating Prices: Is It Acceptable?
In some situations, negotiating prices is acceptable in Siargao. For example, you can try to negotiate the fare with tricycle drivers or the price of souvenirs at local markets. However, it is generally not acceptable to negotiate prices at restaurants or hotels.
Be polite and respectful when negotiating, and remember that the people you are negotiating with are trying to make a living. A little goes a long way. Also, you may get better deals during off-season compared to peak months.
Money-Saving Hacks: Making Your Peso Stretch Further
Let’s explore some strategies to maintain your budget whilst maximizing your Siargao vacation:
Travel During the Off-Season: The off-season (June to November) has fewer crowds, and you’ll often find lower prices on flights, accommodation, and activities. Although it may rain occasionally, Siargao is gorgeous year-round.
Embrace Local Transportation: Rather than relying solely on tricycles, familiarize yourself with the local bus routes. They serve most of the island and are considerably cheaper. This is a good experience too!
Pack Light: Pay for what you need. Avoid checking in luggage if you don’t have to, use cabin baggage to save on baggage fees.
Prepare Snacks: Buy a few packs of biscuits or snacks at the local market or grocery to avoid buying expensive snacks at stores that are geared towards tourists.
Take Advantage of Free Activities: Siargao is home to beautiful beaches. Relax, go for a swim, or sunbathe. These are free of charge.
FAQ Section: Your Burning Siargao Budget Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to help with your Siargao budget planning:
Q: Is Siargao really expensive?
A: Not necessarily! It depends on your travel style. You can travel on a tight budget by staying in hostels, eating at local eateries, and taking advantage of free activities. If you prefer more comfort and luxury, you’ll need to budget accordingly.
Q: How much cash should I bring to Siargao?
A: It’s hard to say exactly, but a good rule of thumb is to bring enough cash to cover your accommodation, food, and activities for the first few days, plus some extra for emergencies. You can then withdraw more cash from ATMs as needed. However, be aware of ATM fees. Credit cards are also accepted at several establishments.
Q: What is the best time to visit Siargao on a budget?
A: The off-season (June to November) is generally the best time to visit Siargao on a budget. Prices are lower, and there are fewer crowds. Keep in mind that the weather may be less predictable during this time.
Q: Can I use credit cards in Siargao?
A: Credit cards are accepted at some hotels, resorts, and restaurants, but not everywhere. It’s always a good idea to carry cash with you, especially when visiting local establishments or smaller shops.
Q: Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
A: Yes, be aware of ATM fees, tip fees, souvenir costs, damaged scooter fees, and data roaming charges. Planning to buy a local SIM card could reduce the data roaming charges.
References List
Philippine Airlines
Cebu Pacific
AirAsia
Ready to make your Siargao dream a reality without emptying your wallet? Start planning today! Research flights and accommodation, create a realistic budget, and embrace the adventure. Siargao is waiting for you and the memories are priceless! Happy travels!
