Siargao Holidays — Cloud 9 Surfing, Lagoons & Island Life
Siargao
Holidays
The surfing capital of the Philippines — Cloud 9 barrels, emerald lagoons, jellyfish caves, rock pools and the most laid-back island in Asia
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Flight Time
14–15h from London (via Manila; then 1h30 to Sayak Airport, Siargao)
Best Time
March–October for surfing (peak swell); November–May for calmer conditions
Country
Philippines
Suppliers
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Siargao Holiday Guide
Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines and one of the most beautiful and laid-back islands in South-East Asia — a teardrop-shaped island of coconut palms, mangrove forests, crystal-clear lagoons and world-class surf breaks in the Philippine Sea. The island has a unique energy — a blend of surf culture, Filipino warmth and natural beauty that has made it one of the most talked-about destinations in Asia.
Cloud 9, the famous hollow right-hand reef break on the northeast coast of Siargao, is the most celebrated surf break in the Philippines and one of the finest in Asia — a powerful, barrelling wave that breaks over a shallow reef and has hosted the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup (one of the most prestigious surfing events in Asia) since 1992. But Siargao is far more than just surfing — the Sugba Lagoon (a vast, emerald-green lagoon in the mangroves), the Sohoton Cove (with its jellyfish sanctuary and cave), the Magpupungko rock pools (natural tidal pools in volcanic rock) and the island hopping to Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island are all extraordinary.
Siargao was severely damaged by Typhoon Rai (Odette) in December 2021 but has largely recovered — the surf breaks are intact, the lagoons are beautiful and the island's spirit is undiminished.
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Average Temperatures
Jan
27°C
Feb
27°C
Mar
28°C
Apr
29°C
May
29°C
Jun
28°C
Jul
28°C
Aug
28°C
Sep
28°C
Oct
28°C
Nov
27°C
Dec
27°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Siargao
The legendary surf break, emerald lagoons, jellyfish caves, volcanic rock pools and island-hopping that make Siargao the Philippines' most soulful and beautiful island.
Cloud 9 — The Philippines' Most Famous Wave
Cloud 9 is the most celebrated surf break in the Philippines and one of the finest in Asia — a powerful, hollow right-hand reef break that barrels over a shallow coral reef on the northeast coast of Siargao. The wave is best from August to November when the typhoon swells arrive from the Pacific. The Cloud 9 boardwalk (a wooden walkway over the reef) is the best place to watch surfers from above. The Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, held annually in September or October, attracts the best surfers in Asia. Beginners can learn to surf at the gentler breaks around General Luna.
Sugba Lagoon — Emerald Waters & Mangroves
Sugba Lagoon, in the Del Carmen municipality on the northwest coast of Siargao, is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Philippines — a vast, emerald-green lagoon enclosed by mangrove forests, accessible only by boat (1 hour from General Luna). The lagoon is extraordinarily clear and calm — excellent for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and jumping from the floating platforms. The surrounding mangrove forest is the largest in the Philippines. The lagoon is best visited in the morning when the light is most beautiful.
Sohoton Cove — Jellyfish Sanctuary & Cave
Sohoton Cove, in the Bucas Grande Islands southeast of Siargao, is one of the most extraordinary natural experiences in the Philippines — a series of sea caves and lagoons accessible only at low tide, with a jellyfish sanctuary (stingless jellyfish that you can swim with safely), a cave with a natural swimming pool inside (accessible by diving under a rock), and extraordinary limestone formations. The trip from General Luna takes 2–3 hours by boat and is usually combined with a visit to the Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island.
Magpupungko Rock Pools — Natural Tidal Wonders
The Magpupungko rock pools, on the northeast coast of Siargao near Pilar, are one of the most extraordinary natural attractions on the island — a series of natural tidal pools carved into volcanic rock by centuries of wave action, accessible only at low tide. The pools are crystal-clear and warm, with extraordinary rock formations and views of the open sea. The largest pool has a natural diving platform. The rock pools are best visited 2 hours before and after low tide — check the tide tables before going.
Island Hopping — Naked Island, Daku & Guyam
The three-island hopping tour from General Luna is the most popular activity in Siargao — visiting Naked Island (a tiny sandbar with no vegetation, just white sand and turquoise water), Daku Island (the largest of the three, with a long white-sand beach, coconut palms and a small fishing village) and Guyam Island (a tiny island with a few coconut palms, perfect for snorkelling). The tour departs by outrigger boat from General Luna and costs around £15–20 per person including lunch on Daku Island.
General Luna — The Heart of Siargao
General Luna is the main town and surf hub of Siargao — a small, laid-back town of surf shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and guesthouses centred on the town plaza. The town has a great selection of restaurants (Filipino food, fresh seafood, international cuisine) and a lively but relaxed nightlife. The Sunday market in the town plaza is excellent for local produce and street food. General Luna is the best base for exploring Siargao — most of the island's attractions are within 30–60 minutes by motorbike.
Mangrove Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Siargao has the largest mangrove forest in the Philippines — the Del Carmen mangroves cover over 5,000 hectares and are a UNESCO Ramsar wetland. Paddleboarding and kayaking through the mangrove channels is one of the most peaceful and beautiful experiences on the island — the channels are narrow, the water is calm and the birdlife (kingfishers, herons, eagles) is extraordinary. Tours depart from Del Carmen (1 hour from General Luna) and last 2–3 hours. The mangroves are best visited in the early morning.
Siargao Surf Schools — Learn to Surf
Siargao is one of the best places in Asia to learn to surf — the waves around General Luna (Jacking Horse, Stimpy's, Quicksilver) are gentler than Cloud 9 and ideal for beginners. Numerous surf schools offer lessons for all levels — a 2-hour beginner lesson costs around £15–20 per person including board and instructor. The best time for beginners is March to June (smaller, more consistent waves). The surf schools also offer board hire, surf guiding and multi-day surf packages.
Explore Siargao on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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