Where the soul finds its saltwater rhythm.
There are places that don’t just exist on maps but live in the whispers of waves and the hush of sunrise. Siargao Island is one of those rare places—a tropical dream shaped by tide and time, kissed by the Pacific and wrapped in coconut trees. If you’re aching to be somewhere wild, untouched, and deeply soulful, this guide is your compass.
Let us take you, step by step, through the beautiful journey of getting to Siargao. Because the island doesn’t just wait at the end of the road—the journey is a poem in itself.
Step 1: Choose Your Entry Point into the Philippines
If you’re flying in internationally, your likely gateways into the Philippines are:
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu
Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga
Manila and Cebu are your best bets, with Manila offering more frequent connecting flights to Siargao. Cebu, on the other hand, often provides shorter layovers and a more relaxed airport experience.
Step 2: Fly to Siargao (Sayak Airport - IAO)
Once in Manila or Cebu, book a domestic flight to Sayak Airport (IAO), located in Del Carmen, Siargao. Airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Sunlight Air offer regular flights. During peak seasons (March to September), flights fill quickly—so book ahead.
Tip: If you’re chasing waves, fly in early and sit by the window. The aerial view of the reef-laced island is a reward in itself.
Step 3: The Scenic Route - Alternative Overland & Ferry Options
If you crave the slow journey, you can travel to Siargao via Surigao City:
Fly to Butuan Airport (BXU) or Surigao Airport (SUG).
Take a van or bus to Surigao Port (2 to 4 hours).
From Surigao Port, board a ferry to Dapa Port, Siargao. Travel time is 2 to 4 hours depending on the vessel.
Ferry lines include: Evaristo & Sons, Montenegro, and JP Shipping Lines. Book tickets at the port or check with local agencies online.
Though longer, this route offers a raw, cinematic transition from mainland chaos to island calm.
Step 4: Arriving at Dapa or Sayak Airport
Once you touch down in Sayak Airport or disembark at Dapa Port, the final stretch awaits:
From Sayak Airport: Take a van, habal-habal (motorbike), or tricycle to General Luna (45 minutes to 1 hour).
From Dapa Port: You’re just 30 minutes away from the heart of Siargao.
The roads curve gently through groves of palms, and the air begins to taste like possibility.
Step 5: Choose Your Base - General Luna or Beyond
General Luna is the vibrant soul of Siargao, home to Cloud 9, cafes, hostels, boutique stays, and the heartbeat of surf culture. But Siargao is more than General Luna:
Pacifico for solitude and big waves
San Isidro for a quiet local vibe
Del Carmen for mangrove adventures
No matter where you stay, you’ll find yourself waking up to birdsong and sleeping to the lull of the tide.
A Final Note: Let the Journey Transform You
Getting to Siargao isn’t just about logistics; it’s about shedding layers. The longer the route, the more time you have to let go of everything you thought you needed. It is a pilgrimage to a place where the days are measured not in hours, but in tides.
Here, your phone signal weakens but your inner signal strengthens. You lose track of time, but remember who you are. You chase sunsets, not deadlines. You listen more. You breathe deeper.
So pack lightly—not just your bag, but your spirit. Because the island calls to those ready to wander, and welcomes those brave enough to arrive.
Siargao awaits.
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