Aleah TaboclaonSiargao’s reputation as the surfing mecca of the Philippines (which persists even in 2025) often overshadows the island’s many other charms, but this laid-back paradise has something for everyone, whether you’re weaving through coconut palms on two wheels, island-hopping to pristine sandbars or simply sinking your toes into powder-white beaches.
Just a short ferry ride from the bustling town of General Luna, Siargao reveals hidden lagoons, vibrant fishing villages and world-class waves, all wrapped up in warm island hospitality. Ready to discover why so many travellers keep coming back?
Also read: 15 Awesome Things to Do on Siargao Island
Day 1: Go on a Land Tour in Siargao
As a small island, Siargao can easily be explored in a day. Rent a motorbike and explore all by yourself, it’s going to be cheaper and you’re free to stop and go any time you like. In our case, we had to hire a habal-habal since I don’t have a driver’s license and my friend has never been on a motorbike before.
First off on the itinerary is Magpupungko Rock Formation in Pilar, an hour or so from General Luna. The natural rock formations are impressive by themselves, but tourists mostly go there to swim in the deep, natural pool bounded by a large reef that you can walk on during low tide. The blue-green water is so clean and so clear I could easily stay there the whole day! Entrance fee is PHP50 (S$1.12), and there are cottages for rent. If you get hungry, you can buy some food there, too.
From Pilar, we went all the way to Sta. Monica where we checked out Taktak Falls. There’s no hiking involved; when you’re on a motorbike, the parking lot is directly outside the gate.
If you want to go somewhere off-the-beaten-path for foreign tourists, this is it. When we arrived there, the place was packed, but there were no other foreigners except for my friend.
The water’s cool, and there are deep and shallow parts. Best of all, the entrance fee is only PHP 5 (S$0.10). The best thing about going on a land tour is seeing the countryside of Siargao. Lush green vegetation, locals waving at you from their houses, and amazing views are definitely priceless.
Day 2: Go Island Hopping in Siargao
Spend another day island hopping in Siargao. From General Luna, there are 3 islets that are easily accessible: Guyam, Daku, and Naked. Guyam Island is pretty small and full of palm trees. However, it’s uninhabited. You can spend hours there and no one would bother you. Naked Island, on the other hand, is almost just like a sandbar. As its name suggests, there’s nothing there except white sand surrounded by blue-green waters. Perfect for beach bumming!
We had lunch on Daku Island which is bigger than the other two and which has a community of fisherfolk. There are beach cottages there, perfect for a siesta after a yummy lunch of fresh seafood and ripe mangoes.
As our island hopping tour was organised by Kermit Siargao, we were with a group of surfers who wanted to ride the swell in Guiuan, a beginner’s surfing spot. While they sat around on their boards waiting for the waves, we swam around the boat, floated, and just enjoyed the cool waters of Siargao.
Also read: 20 Best Islands in the Philippines for Beach Getaways
Day 3: Food Trip and Beach Bumming
Go beach bumming on your third day in Siargao. There’s nothing more relaxing than going to the beach and just lying on the sand. General Luna has white sand beaches (around a 10-minute walk from Kermit) that are mostly devoid of tourists. Lie back and enjoy the sun (just don’t get burned). Afterwards, go on a food trip. Seafood is pretty inexpensive here, and you can have the fresh catch of fishermen just coming home from a long day at sea.
If you’re tired of seafood, order a margarita pizza at Kermit. It’s the best pizza I’ve had (aside from Luca’s Resto in Puerto Galera), and it’s no wonder. Kermit has a real, honest to goodness Italian pizza maker. At PHP350 an order, it’s worth it. Pizza chains in Manila can’t hold a candle to it.
Accommodations in Siargao
I will write a full review of the place we stayed in later, but I would just like to mention that if you’re staying in General Luna, you have to stay at Kermit Siargao. The clientele is international (the owners are a Swiss and Filipina couple), there are both budget and mid-priced rooms/huts available, and the food is definitely top of the line. Kermit can organise all your activities too, from surfing (of course) and island hopping, to contacting transport for your land tours. They are a friendly bunch and they made our stay there so comfortable.
If you can spend one more day in Siargao, go on a day tour to Bucas Grande Island. We didn’t have time, but we’re definitely going back there. From turquoise waters and a unique cove to stingless jellies, you’d want to go there, too, once I’ve written about it. Wait for it!
Final Thoughts on My Siargao Adventure
Over three days, I find that Siargao’s magic lies not only in its famous surf breaks but in its effortless freedom: motorbike rides through emerald rice fields, barefoot strolls on uninhabited islets and late-night feasts of fresh seafood beneath swaying palms.
Whether you choose to chase waterfalls, dive into turquoise seas or simply lounge in a beachfront hammock, this island serves up a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. So pack light, keep an open mind and let Siargao’s gentle rhythm guide you to moments you’ll treasure long after you’ve left its sandy shores.
Also read: Top 7 Destinations in Southeast Asia for Water Sports [2025 Guide]
Contributed by Solitary Wanderer. All images are credited to Aleah Taboclaon.
