Getting to Siargao: When the Journey Costs More Than the Destination

 

Before you even step foot in Siargao, the cost of getting there can be the biggest shock. Plane tickets often outweigh the rest of the travel budget, and some say it’s cheaper to fly abroad than to reach the island’s tiny airport in Del Carmen.

Why Flying to Siargao Costs So Much

Airfares from Manila to Siargao often jump up and down depending on the season. During holidays or long weekends, round-trip fares can feel out of reach for many. Tourists grumble about it, but for locals the situation cuts deeper. Students who study off the island or families who need medical treatment in bigger cities often have to weigh whether they can even afford to travel. Visiting loved ones can turn into a luxury instead of something ordinary.

So why does this happen? Siargao’s airport is tiny, with just a few flights arriving and leaving each day. With limited seats and strong demand, airlines naturally push fares higher. Add to that Siargao’s rise as an international destination after years of media attention, and the prices climbed even more. What was once a quiet surf spot is now on everyone’s travel list, and the cost reflects that.

The challenge isn’t just about vacations. It shapes everyday life for the people who call Siargao home. A ticket to Manila or Cebu is not just another trip by air. It can be a life-changing decision that affects studies, health, or work. For many families, the numbers simply don’t add up.

How Locals and Travelers Cope

Still, travelers and locals alike find workarounds. Some book months ahead the moment promos drop. Others take longer routes, combining ferry rides with connecting flights to save a few pesos. It takes patience and planning, but that determination is part of island life.

Even with these hurdles, the island continues to draw people in. Surfers, digital nomads, and families still make the trip, and locals keep moving between places because they have to. The question that lingers is simple: should reaching Siargao really be this expensive? Until travel becomes more affordable, the island risks being seen as exclusive, a place reserved only for those willing or able to pay the price of the ticket.