Top Things to Do in Siargao Key Takeaways
Siargao is famous for Cloud 9, but the island offers so much more than barrels and board wax.
- Discover the top things to do in Siargao for non-surfers, from island hopping in pristine turquoise waters to exploring wild mangrove forests.
- Learn where to find the best local food, vegan-friendly cafés, and budget-friendly accommodations across the island.
- Get practical tips for photographers, solo travelers, and honeymooners who want to experience Siargao’s hidden gems.
Why the Top Things to Do in Siargao Aren’t Just About Waves
When most travelers picture Siargao, they imagine surfboards, barrels, and the famous Cloud 9 boardwalk. And yes, the waves are legendary. But the island’s real magic lies in its variety: emerald lagoons, tide pools carved by nature, coconut-lined roads that seem to go nowhere, and a food scene that blends Filipino comfort with global influences. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler looking for a secluded resort, the things to do in Siargao for travelers cover everything from island-hopping adventures to afternoons spent sipping coconut coffee in a bamboo café.
This guide is built for everyone—solo explorers, couples on honeymoon, digital nomads with laptops, and even surfers who want a rest day. Let’s dive into the activities that truly define the island.
The Ultimate Non-Surfing Bucket List: Siargao Activities for Backpackers and Beyond
Most of the top experiences on the island are free or low-cost, making them perfect for budget travelers. But they’re also stunning enough to impress anyone, regardless of your travel style.
1. Island Hop the Turquoise Gems: Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island
This is the quintessential Siargao experience. A standard island-hopping tour takes you to three completely different spots. Naked Island is a literal sandbar with zero shade—just white sand and impossibly clear water. Daku Island offers fresh grilled seafood right on the beach (budget-friendly if you join a group tour). Guyam Island is a small palm-fringed paradise perfect for swimming and photos. Most tours cost around PHP 700–1,000 per person and last half a day. Book through your hostel or a local boatman at General Luna’s tourism wharf. For a related guide, see Siargao Island Hopping Guide: Naked, Daku and Guyam Explained.
2. Soak in the Magical Tide Pools of Magpupungko
Located on the eastern side of the island, Magpupungko Rock Pools are only accessible during low tide. The natural pools form between limestone rocks, creating shallow emerald waters where you can float while waves crash just feet away. Entrance is PHP 50, and you can rent a scooter in General Luna for around PHP 400 per day to get there. Check tide schedules before you go—aim for 0.5 meters or lower for the best experience.
3. Kayak Through the Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen is a protected marine sanctuary surrounded by mangroves. You can kayak, paddleboard, or simply float in the calm, clear water. The lagoon is about an hour’s drive from General Luna, followed by a short boat ride. Entrance plus boat transfer costs roughly PHP 500–700 per person. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers and nature lovers—bring an underwater housing or a drone (with permission).
4. Chase Waterfalls at Tayangban Cave Pool
For adventure seekers, Tayangban Cave Pool offers a unique experience: you hike through a dark cave, then emerge into a natural pool surrounded by ferns and limestone. You’ll need a guide (PHP 200–300 per person) and must be comfortable wading in waist-deep water. The cave is located in Pilar, about 30 minutes from General Luna by scooter. Wear water shoes and bring a headlamp or phone light.
5. Explore the Bucas Grande Group and Sohoton Cove
Further out, in Socorro, lies the Sohoton Cove National Park. This is a full-day tour that includes a boat ride through limestone cliffs, a swim in a jellyfish sanctuary (non-stinging jellyfish season runs from April to November), and a visit to the stunning Magkukuob Cave. Tours start around PHP 1,200 per person and include lunch. It’s less crowded than the main lagoon tours and feels like a true expedition.
6. Rent a Scooter and Do the Siargao Digital Nomad Guide Loop
If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker, renting a scooter is essential. The most popular route is the “surf highway” from General Luna to Pacifico, passing through coconut plantations, small villages, and roadside fruit stalls. Stop at Coconut View Deck for a panoramic shot of the island, grab a fresh buko (young coconut) from a local vendor, and work from a café like Kermit or Bravo Beach Resort for a few hours. Scooter rental is PHP 400–500 per day, and fuel costs almost nothing.
Where to Eat: Siargao Budget Travel Tips for Food Lovers and CafÉ Hoppers
The island’s food scene has exploded in recent years, but you can still eat well without breaking the bank.
7. Try the Local Kinilaw and Grilled Seafood at Dapa Public Market
Dapa Public Market is the island’s main wet market. Go in the morning (around 7–9 AM) and you’ll find fresh tuna, squid, and prawns. Many stalls will grill your catch right there for a small fee. A full meal of rice, grilled seafood, and a side of kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) costs around PHP 200–300 per person. It’s a favorite for backpackers and food lovers. For a related guide, see Seafood in Siargao: Best Places for Fresh Catch Dining.
8. Café Hop in General Luna for Specialty Coffee and Vegan Options
The café culture in Siargao is strong. For specialty coffee, head to Café Lala or Shaka Café (they also serve smoothie bowls). For vegan and plant-based meals, check out Kermit’s vegan pizza or the Buddha bowl at Kawayan Café. Most cafés offer reliable Wi-Fi, making them perfect for digital nomads. Expect to pay PHP 150–250 for a coffee or smoothie bowl.
9. Join a Cooking Class to Learn Filipino Dishes
Several local hosts in General Luna offer half-day cooking classes where you learn to make adobo, sinigang, and pancit. Classes cost around PHP 800–1,200 per person and include a market tour to buy ingredients. It’s a great activity for couples and solo travelers who want a hands-on cultural experience.
Wellness and Relaxation: Top Things to Do in Siargao for Wellness Travelers
Siargao has become a hub for yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness, drawing in lifestyle explorers and remote workers looking to reset.
10. Take a Sunrise Yoga Session at Lamari Wellness Resort
Lamari offers daily yoga classes in an open-air studio overlooking the jungle. Drop-in classes cost PHP 400–600 and are suitable for all levels. After class, you can enjoy a healthy breakfast at their restaurant. Many digital nomads and solo travelers book a week-long stay here to combine work with wellness.
11. Book a Spa or Massage at a Beachfront Resort
After days of island hopping and scooter rides, treat yourself to a traditional Filipino hilot massage or a coconut oil scrub. Many resorts like Siargao Bleu or Kalinaw Resort offer hour-long massages starting at PHP 600–1,000. If you’re on a budget, look for independent massage huts near the beach for as low as PHP 350.
Photography and Instagram-Worthy Spots: For Vloggers and Travel Bloggers
Siargao is ridiculously photogenic. But some spots stand out for their composition and lighting.
12. Capture the Famous Palm Tree Road (Coconut Road)
Located near Pacifico, this straight road lined with towering coconut palms is the most Instagrammed spot on the island. Go early in the morning (6–7 AM) for golden light and fewer vehicles. A scooter and a decent smartphone camera will do the trick.
13. Photograph the Cloud 9 Boardwalk at Sunset (Without Surfing)
Even if you don’t surf, the Cloud 9 boardwalk is worth visiting for sunset. The wooden walkway extends into the ocean, and from the end you get a panoramic view of the reef and the horizon. Arrive by 4:30 PM to secure a good spot, and don’t forget a wide-angle lens. It’s a must for photographers and Instagram travelers.
14. Drone Over the Mangrove Forest in Del Carmen
The Del Carmen mangrove forest is one of the longest contiguous mangrove areas in the Philippines. A drone shot from above reveals winding channels of dark green water surrounded by thick mangroves. You can rent a paddleboat from the eco-tourism center for PHP 150 per person. This spot is a hidden gem for vloggers and nature lovers.
Useful Resources
For more detailed travel tips and updates, check out these trusted sources:
- Philippine Department of Tourism – Siargao Official Page – Government travel advisories, entry requirements, and official attractions.
- Lonely Planet – Siargao Travel Guide – Expert recommendations for accommodations, dining, and day trips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top Things to Do in Siargao
Ready to Explore Top Things to Do in Siargao Beyond the Waves?
Siargao is so much more than a surfing destination. It’s a place where you can spend the morning kayaking through a protected lagoon, the afternoon eating fresh grilled seafood at a local market, and the evening watching the sunset from a palm-fringed road. Whether you’re traveling solo on a budget or treating yourself to a luxury escape, the island welcomes you with warm smiles, clear waters, and endless adventure. Pack your sense of curiosity—leave the surfboard at home if you want—and discover the real Siargao. For a related guide, see Ultimate Siargao Travel Guide 2026: Budget, Itinerary and Hidden Gems.
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