Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. It has a land mass of approximately 437 kilometers. The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet, Port Pilar. The coastline is marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white, sandy beaches. The neighboring islands and islets have similar landforms. 

Siargao Island Characteristics 

Siargao Island contains the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, at Del Carmen. Long stretches of wetlands indicate a potential for commercial seaweed propagation. Siargao Island is greatly influenced by the winds and currents coming uninterrupted from the Pacific Ocean, intensified by the Mindanao current running westward through the Siargao Strait. A classic tropical island lies protected within its surrounding coral reef with dozens of coconut palms dressed in the center circle of the island.

Off to the right, well within the massive coastal reef, lies a shining white sand bar, (Pansukian, or Naked island) some 200 meters long. The tide of Siargao is diurnal with tidal curves typically present, especially on the east coast of the island. The Island's Pacific-facing reefs are situated on the edge of the Philippine Trench, and the extremely deep offshore waters assure the ocean swells have undiluted power when they encounter the many coral and rock reefs.

Siargao has excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest "habagat" monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore.

How to get to Siargao Island

From Manila, there are daily flights to Cebu, then connect with either the Supercat fast ferry or any regular passenger boats to Surigao City. There is also a daily flight to nearby Butuan City via Philippine Airlines , then a 2 ½ hr.-bus ride to Surigao City.

Upon reaching Surigao City, there are daily fast craft transfers to Dapa town in Surigao Island; then a short jeepney or motorcycle ride to General Luna town, the surf site.

Boats also ply the Manila-Surigao and Cebu-Surigao route.

Route 1:
Manila > Cebu City > Surigao City > Siargao Island

Route 2:
Manila > Butuan City > Surigao City > Siargao Island

Siargao Attractions

General Luna Beach - A bewitching 27 kilometer stretch of sugar-fine white beaches, stunningly sapphire seas and natural coral barriers which keeps the inlet waters placid - a perfect destination for surfers and sun-worshippers.

Cloud 9 (General Luna) - Its powerful waves challenges surfers during the annual international surfing cup held every September or October.

Guyam & Daku Islets (General Luna) - Islets with powdery-white sand, palm-fringed beaches and well preserved marine flora and fauna, a complete hide-away in this part of the Pacific.

Del Carmen Swamps - A sanctuary of the large species of salt water crocodiles. One can take a closer look into tall marine jungle of mangroves and other endemic swamp creatures. A boat ride along the narrow passageway is a thrilling experience.

Magpupungko Rock Formation (Pilar) - Surrounded by limestone and granite sculptures facing the Pacific Ocean, its pockmarked limestone floor reveals poolks of assorted shapes and sizes resembling basins, barrels, tubs and ponds during low tide.

Santan Monica Waterfalls - The gentle bursts of falling water amid the tranquility of lush vegetation make the environs conducive to nature lovers.

Sohoton Cave (Socorro, Bucas Grande Island) - This enchanting care is half-submerged in water most of the time and accessible only during low tides. Inside is a lagoon with countless islets and crystal waters that sparkle with the bright reflection of the sun.

Best surfing in the philippines - Siargao island

Just up the road at Tuason Point, is world class Cloud 9, the best surf break (a barrelling right hander) in the Philippines. A short boat ride out in the lagoon beyond, takes you out to Rock island, Stimpy's and a few more breaks, stretching right up the east coast to Pilar, Pacifico and Burgos. Just a short walk from the town is the Cemetery's, and Jacking Horse, and depending on the season there's even a mellow break in front of Dako Island, right in front of GL itself.

When you can see the waved breaking on Dako Island from GL, you'll know it's pumping at Cloud 9. The surfing season starts from August to March, but you might be lucky and catch a good wave at any time of the year. In October, an International Surfing contest is held at Cloud 9, with world class and local participants (who are learning fast).

The sea bed drops to 500 meters, then to 1500 just a mile off Tuason Point and the reef. Just thirty miles off GL, it is 10,000 meters deep. (That is Mt. Everest plus another 3000 feet). Typhoons in season pass GL to the North East, and they bring the big waves in from the deep water.