From the humble bahay kubo to the rise of beach villas, Siargao’s housing reflects tradition, adaptation, and change.
Traditional Origins: Bahay Kubo and Resilience
The bahay kubo has long been part of Siargao’s landscape. Traditionally built from bamboo, nipa, and coconut lumber, it was designed for the tropical climate. Elevated floors kept out floods and pests, while bamboo walls and nipa roofing allowed air to flow and cool the interiors.
Today, many of these homes are no longer made purely of light materials. Instead, you see hybrid versions. Concrete is used for foundations or half-walls, while bamboo, wood, and nipa still shape walls, ceilings, or roofing. This mix makes the houses sturdier during typhoons while keeping the breezy, island style of the kubo. In towns like Pilar, Del Carmen, and Pacifico, such homes remain common, balancing cost, resilience, and tradition.
The kubo also carried social meaning. Neighbors helped one another build, repair, or move homes in a bayanihan spirit. Even with new materials, that sense of shared effort still shows in how families maintain and rebuild after storms.
From Heritage to Hybrid: The Rise of Resorts and Modern Touches
As tourism expanded in Siargao, housing styles shifted further. Resorts and guesthouses needed to attract visitors while respecting the island setting. Many adopted kubo-inspired silhouettes but used stronger materials such as concrete, hardwood, and metal roofing. The aim was to combine island character with durability.
In General Luna, several resorts and homestays showcase this blend. Open layouts, nipa-style roofing, and wooden finishes create the island feel. At the same time, tiled bathrooms, modern kitchens, and reinforced beams meet the expectations of travelers. Some also experiment with Mediterranean or bohemian design while still relying on local materials like bamboo and rattan.
The evolution was also shaped by necessity. After Typhoon Odette in 2021, many homes and resorts rebuilt with stronger walls, storm-resistant roofing, and raised structures. These changes reflect how architecture adapts not only to tourism but also to climate realities in Siargao.
Modern Living: Expat Homes and Beach Villas
Alongside traditional and hybrid homes, modern villas now stand across parts of Siargao. Expats, long-term visitors, and investors have fueled this development, especially around General Luna and in northern beach areas.
These villas often feature wide glass windows, open-plan living spaces, and landscaped gardens. Pools and direct beach access are common. Some highlight sustainability by using bamboo, rattan, or recycled wood in modern ways. Others lean toward luxury with imported finishes and high-end appliances.
Not all modern housing is upscale. In smaller towns, many families replace old kubo structures with simple concrete houses topped with tin roofs. These may lose some of the natural ventilation of bamboo and nipa, but they provide better storm resistance and require less frequent repairs.
The contrast is clear: kubo-inspired hybrids, tourist resorts, and modern villas now coexist on the island. This mix shows how Siargao has grown from a fishing and farming community into a global destination.
The evolution of homes in Siargao is a story of resilience and change. The bahay kubo, now often mixed with concrete and wood, remains a foundation of local housing. Resorts and hybrid homes reflect adaptation to tourism and climate. Modern villas represent global influence and new lifestyles. Together, they reveal how Siargao balances tradition with transformation.
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