Siargao is famous for its waves, but can you actually live there without emptying your bank account? The short answer is yes, but it depends on your lifestyle. This guide breaks down the costs of food, accommodation, transportation, activities, and other expenses to help you figure out if island life in Siargao is truly affordable for you.
Accommodation Costs in Siargao
Where you stay will be a big factor in your budget. Options range from super cheap dorm rooms to fancy resorts. Let’s look at the basics:
Hostels: If you’re on a really tight budget, hostels are your best bet. You can find dorm beds for around ₱400-₱800 per night (roughly $8-$16 USD). Hostels are great for meeting other travelers, but you’ll be sharing a room.
Guesthouses and Budget Hotels: These offer private rooms, usually with a fan or air conditioning. Prices range from ₱800-₱2,000 per night ($16-$40 USD). The closer you are to General Luna (the main tourist area), the more expensive it will be. Look for places a little further out for better deals.
Mid-Range Hotels and Resorts: If you want more comfort and amenities, you’ll be looking at ₱2,000-₱5,000 per night ($40-$100 USD). These usually include air conditioning, a private bathroom, maybe a pool and breakfast. Consider places like Harana Surf Resort, for an idea of what’s normal pricing. Remember to check reviews before booking.
Luxury Resorts: For the ultimate splurge, Siargao has some beautiful luxury resorts. Prices start at ₱5,000 per night and go way up from there. Expect top-notch service, stunning views, and all the amenities you could want.
Long-Term Rentals: If you’re planning to stay in Siargao for a month or longer, renting an apartment or house can save you money. You can find studios or small houses for ₱10,000-₱25,000 per month ($200-$500 USD), depending on the location and size.
Food and Drink Expenses
Eating and drinking can also significantly affect your budget. Siargao has a wide range of options, from local eateries to fancy restaurants.
Local Eateries (Carenderias): This is the cheapest way to eat. You can get a meal of rice, meat or fish, and vegetables for around ₱80-₱150 ($1.60-$3 USD). These places offer simple, delicious Filipino food.
Restaurants: Expect to pay ₱200-₱500 ($4-$10 USD) for a meal at a restaurant in General Luna. There are many options, including Filipino, Western, and international cuisine.
Grocery Shopping: If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, buying groceries and cooking your own meals can save you money. Local markets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices. Expect to spend around ₱500-₱1,000 ($10-$20 USD) per week on groceries, depending on what you buy.
Drinks: Water is essential! A bottle of water costs around ₱20-₱30 ($0.40-$0.60 USD). Soda or juice will cost around ₱50-₱80 ($1-$1.60 USD). Alcoholic drinks, like beer, are around ₱50-₱100 ($1-$2 USD). Cocktails can be higher, averaging around ₱200-₱400 ($4-$8 USD).
Example Daily Food Budget: If you are extremely thrifty, you could potentially live on ₱300-₱500 per day for food. That would mean eating mainly at carenderias. However, a more realistic budget, allowing for some restaurant meals, is ₱500-₱1,000 per day.
Transportation Costs
Getting around Siargao is pretty straightforward. You have a few options:
Motorbike Rental: This is the most popular option. You can rent a motorbike for around ₱350-₱500 per day ($7-$10 USD). Rent for a longer period (weekly or monthly) and you can get a cheaper rate. It gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
Tricycles: Tricycles are a good option for shorter distances. A short ride within General Luna will cost around ₱50-₱100 ($1-$2 USD). Be sure to agree on the price before you get in.
Habal-Habal (Motorbike Taxi): Similar to tricycles, but on a motorbike. Haggle the price before getting on. Price range is similar to tricycles.
Jeepneys and Vans: These are less common for tourists, but a cheap option for longer distances. They travel between towns on the island. Expect to pay very low fares.
Example Transportation Budget: If you rent a motorbike for a month at ₱6,000 (roughly $120 USD), your daily transport cost is around ₱200. Gas is relatively cheap. If you use tricycles and habal-habals, the daily cost can vary drastically, but expect it to be similar to a motorbike if you’re using them frequently.
Activities and Entertainment
Siargao has a lot to offer in terms of activities and entertainment, but these can add up quickly.
Surfing: This is the main reason most people come to Siargao. If you’re a beginner, you’ll need to take lessons. A surf lesson costs around ₱1,000-₱1,500 ($20-$30 USD). Board rental is around ₱300-₱500 per day ($6-$10 USD). Depending on the spot, you may also need to factor in boat fees to reach the surf break, such as Cloud 9. They usually split the cost on a shared boat, but expect to pay around ₱150-₱300 ($3-$6 USD) per person.
Island Hopping: Popular islands to visit are Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island. Island hopping tours cost around ₱1,000-₱1,500 per person ($20-$30 USD), but you may be able to negotiate in a group. This usually includes lunch.
Sugba Lagoon: A beautiful lagoon with clear turquoise water. Entrance fees and boat rentals cost around ₱500-₱1,000 per person ($10-$20 USD).
Magpupungko Rock Pools: These tidal pools are only accessible during low tide. Entrance fee is around ₱50 per person ($1 USD).
Nightlife: Siargao has a lively nightlife scene, especially in General Luna. Expect to spend around ₱500-₱1,000 ($10-$20 USD) per night on drinks and entertainment, depending on how much you drink.
Example Activity Budget: If you surf every day, island hop once a week, and visit Sugba Lagoon or Magpupungko once a month, your monthly activity budget could be around ₱10,000-₱20,000 ($200-$400 USD). This really depends on your choices.
Other Expenses to Consider
Don’t forget these little things that can add up:
Visa Extensions: If you’re staying in the Philippines longer than your visa allows, you’ll need to extend it. A visa extension costs around ₱3,000 – ₱3,500. Check the Bureau of Immigration website for the most up to date fees and regulations.
Laundry: Laundry services are relatively cheap. Expect to pay around ₱50-₱100 per kilo ($1-$2 USD).
Toiletries and Personal Care: These items can be more expensive in Siargao than in other parts of the Philippines. Stock up before you go, or buy them in bulk from a supermarket in a bigger city before arriving.
Internet: If you need reliable internet, you might want to get a pocket WiFi device. Data plans vary, but expect to pay around ₱1,000-₱2,000 per month ($20-$40 USD) for a decent connection. Be warned that internet outside of General Luna can be spotty.
Souvenirs: Budget for souvenirs to bring back home. Prices vary depending on what you buy.
Sample Siargao Budgets: Different Scenarios
Here’s a breakdown of potential budgets for different types of travelers:
Backpacker Budget (₱1,500-₱2,500 per day / $30-$50 USD):
- Accommodation: Hostel dorm bed (₱400-₱800)
- Food: Carenderias and occasional restaurant meals (₱500)
- Transportation: Motorbike rental shared with a friend, or tricycles only when needed (₱200-₱400 allocated per day)
- Activities: Surfboard rental a few times a week, free activities like exploring beaches (₱300)
- Other: Laundry, occasional drinks (₱100-₱200)
Mid-Range Budget (₱3,000-₱5,000 per day / $60-$100 USD):
- Accommodation: Private room in a guesthouse or budget hotel (₱1,000-₱2,000)
- Food: Mix of restaurants and occasional carenderia meals (₱800-₱1,500)
- Transportation: Motorbike rental (₱400)
- Activities: Surfing lessons, island hopping tours, Sugba Lagoon visit (₱800-₱1,500 allocated per day)
- Other: Laundry, drinks, souvenirs (₱300-₱500)
Luxury Budget (₱5,000+ per day / $100+ USD):
- Accommodation: Luxury resort (₱3,000+)
- Food: Restaurants, bars, and room service (₱2,000+)
- Transportation: Private transportation (₱500+)
- Activities: Private surf lessons, customized tours (₱2,000+)
- Other: Spa treatments, premium drinks, shopping (₱1,000+)
Tips to Save Money in Siargao
Alright, so how can you cut costs and make your money stretch further? Here are some tips:
Travel During the Off-Season: Prices are generally lower during the off-season (June-November). The weather might be a little wetter, but there are still plenty of sunny days.
Cook Your Own Meals: If you have access to a kitchen, cook your own meals to save money on food.
Rent a Motorbike for a Longer Period: You’ll get a better rate if you rent a motorbike for a week or a month.
Travel in a Group: Sharing transportation and activity costs can save you a lot of money.
Look for Deals and Discounts: Some restaurants and tour operators offer discounts, especially during the off-season.
Haggle: Don’t be afraid to haggle, especially at markets and with tricycle drivers.
Drink Local: Local beer (like San Miguel) is much cheaper than imported drinks.
Free Activities: There are plenty of free things to do in Siargao, like swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the beaches.
Is Siargao Really Affordable? The Verdict
Yes, Siargao can be affordable, but it all depends on your lifestyle. If you’re willing to live like a local, eat at carenderias, and travel during the off-season, you can get by on a relatively small budget. However, if you want to stay in luxury resorts, eat at fancy restaurants, and do all the popular activities, you’ll need to spend a lot more. Realistically, budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-$50 USD per day, while those looking for more comfort and convenience will likely spend $60-$100+ USD per day. Plan carefully, and you can have an amazing time in Siargao without breaking the bank.
FAQ: Commonly Asked Questions
What is the average daily budget for a backpacker in Siargao?
A backpacker can expect to spend around ₱1,500-₱2,500 per day ($30-$50 USD), including accommodation in a hostel, eating at local eateries, and renting a motorbike shared with a friend. This budget will allow for some activities like surfing and exploring the island, but it requires being fairly thrifty in all aspects.
How much does it cost to rent a motorbike in Siargao?
You can rent a motorbike for around ₱350-₱500 per day ($7-$10 USD). Renting for a longer period, such as a week or a month, can significantly reduce the daily rate.
What are the cheapest accommodation options in Siargao?
Hostels are the cheapest option, with dorm beds costing around ₱400-₱800 per night ($8-$16 USD). Guesthouses and budget hotels offer private rooms at a slightly higher price, starting from ₱800 ($16 USD).
How much does a surf lesson cost in Siargao?
A surf lesson in Siargao typically costs around ₱1,000-₱1,500 ($20-$30 USD). This usually includes board rental and instruction from a certified surf instructor. Be sure to shop around and compare prices before booking.
When is the best time to visit Siargao on a budget?
The best time to visit Siargao on a budget is during the off-season (June-November). Prices for accommodation and activities are generally lower, and there are fewer crowds. Keep in mind that this is also the rainy season, but there are still plenty of sunny days to enjoy.
Is it necessary to book accommodation in advance for Siargao?
It’s recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season (December-May) and holidays. This will ensure you get the best prices and availability, especially for budget-friendly options.
References
- Bureau of Immigration, Philippines
Ready to experience the magic of Siargao? Now that you have a better understanding of potential cost breakdowns, start planning your trip! Research accommodation options that fit your budget. Book your flights in advance, especially if traveling during peak season, and most importantly, prepare to be amazed by the beauty and charm of this amazing island paradise. Siargao is calling—will you answer?
