Surfing Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte for 6 Days – I made it!

Would you believe that I’ve been to Siargao recently? Yes, it happened last March 2017. A few years ago, several people have asked me the question if I’ve been there just because it’s a must place visit for backpackers. I was hesitant to visit because it was far and I had no idea how to get there. But Siargao is a surfing paradise for surfers. I wasn’t a fan of surfing until I experienced it in Leyte.

After learning to surf in Leyte, I was just looking for a perfect timing of going to Siargao. When I was in Boracay last February 2017, I told myself that this year I make sure to visit Siargao.

My friend Alieth told me she would go to Siargao. She’s been there like almost every year. Her original was to stay there for two nights as she had work the next day. When I learned that she needed to left, I decided to extend my stay.

How to Get to Siargao Island?

There are two ways to get to Siargao Island.

#1 The fastest way to reach Siargao is to fly from Manila or Cebu.

You can take a flight from Cebu Pacific Airlines.

#2 From Cebu, take the 12-13 hours of the ship ride to Surigao del Norte through Cokaliong Shipping Lines or Medallion Shipping Lines.

We took the latter. To reach Siargao, you need to take another 2-hour ferry ride.

Tips: Upon arrival at the port of Surigao del Norte at 5 AM, make sure to get out of the ship and catch the earliest ferry ride to Siargao. Since my friend and I were lazy, we found out that the next ferry ride was at 11:30 AM.

Side trip to Mabua Pebble Beach Resort

To make use of our wasted time while waiting, we decided to do something around Surigao City. I asked Facebook friends on where to go. Friends answered Mabua Pebble Beach Resort. We hired a tricycle and spent our time on the beach. We went back to the port to catch our boat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRwyQk4h_uv/?taken-by=itravelrox

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRwxpeyBhfw/?taken-by=itravelrox

Where to Stay on Siargao Island?

Ocean Pacific Inn
Catangnan, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines
Contact no.: 0947 229 3848
Check out their Facebook page: Ocean Pacific Inn

We stayed at Ocean Pacific Inn with a fan room for 2 people just for PHP 500 per day. The staffs are really friendly with good food. They have their own wifi but not really that fast. Siargao Island needs to improve their internet facilities. Since the place is just close to Cloud 9, every afternoon I go surfing.

How to Get Around Siargao Island?

The best thing to get around Siargao Island is a motorbike. The best if you know how to drive or ask friends who know how to drive. I know how to drive but my friend was a better driver. My surfing coach offered me to drive around so I had no problem with transportation.

Things To Do on Siargao Island

#1 Visit the Magpupungko Tidal Flats and Lagoon

https://www.instagram.com/p/BR0u2xphUuf/?taken-by=itravelrox

#2 Go on Island Hopping

https://www.instagram.com/p/BR3ETWOBaxZ/?taken-by=itravelrox

#3 Surfing Siargao Island

Good thing my friend Alain is in Siargao and he was my surf coach for the whole week I stayed there. I was able to join the island together with his guests who were surfing for 2-3 weeks. For contact, it’s 09308789141.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BR72YaFh7KE/?taken-by=itravelrox

#4 Sunset Watching

https://www.instagram.com/p/BR-iaNOB81H/?taken-by=itravelrox

#5 Party Every Night

This video was taken at HotSpot but there are party places every night and some bars you can enjoy a karaoke.

Expenses and Budget on Siargao Island

I can’t tell how much was the exact total amount but these were the basic expenses I’ve encountered. For 6 days, I guess I spent like more or less Php 7,000.

Medallion Shipping Lines – P1080.23 (P1025 ticket + service fee)

Tricycle to Mabua Pebble Beach – P200

JP Shipping Lines from Surigao to Siargao – P220

Terminal fee – P10

Tricycle to Accommodation – P50

Accommodation – P500 / 2 = P250 per night (room good for 2 people)

Island hopping – P500

Surf Board – P250 per day

Surf Coach – P500 per day

Food – P150-300 per day

Motorbike fare – at least P50

Motorbike rental – P500

Gasoline – P40 per liter

Airfare ticket from Siargao to Cebu – P2701.88

Note: All photos were taken using Oppo Neo7 with a cheap water phone case.