Getting Around Siargao Without Grab: What Locals and Travelers Use Every Day

Getting around Siargao is part of the island experience. There are no ride-hailing apps here, no Grab or Uber waiting at the tap of a button. Instead, transportation is built on local connections, small engines, and shared patience. It is simple, sometimes slow, but it works in its own way.

Tricycles, Habal-habal, and Scooter Rentals

The most common way to move around town is by tricycle or habal-habal, the island’s motorbike taxi. Tricycles are the main choice for short rides within General Luna, while habal-habal is used for longer trips or areas outside the main road. The fare depends on distance and, sometimes, on how well you can ask.

During busy hours or when it rains, tricycles can be hard to find, so locals often keep a driver’s number saved on their phones. Many residents use Messenger to book regular drivers instead of relying on apps. It is the island’s own version of Grab, built on trust and familiarity.

For anyone staying more than a few days, renting a scooter is the easiest option. Daily rates usually range from 350 to 500 pesos, and monthly deals are available in General Luna, Dapa, and Pilar. Gas stations are limited, so locals often buy fuel from small roadside stalls sold in clear bottles.

Traffic rules are loose, but helmets are still required. Roads can get slippery after rain, and stray dogs are common, so riding carefully is part of the deal. Despite these challenges, scooters give the most freedom. You can drive to Cloud 9 for a morning surf, stop for coffee, and explore nearby towns all in one ride.

Vans, Shared Transfers, Walking and Biking

For airport trips or large groups, vans and multicabs are the practical choice. Many resorts offer airport transfers, while some independent drivers organize shared rides between Sayak Airport and General Luna. Prices are fixed per person, and trips are timed with flight arrivals.

There are also private vans for hire that can take you around the island. These are often used for surf trips, family outings, or business errands that require moving equipment or supplies.

In small neighborhoods like Catangnan and Purok 1, many people still prefer walking. Streets are narrow, shaded by coconut trees, and filled with friendly faces. Some locals use bicycles for short errands or quick rides to the beach. It is slower, but it matches the pace of island life.

Moving the Island Way

Transportation in Siargao is not about speed or convenience. It is about connection. Whether you hop on a tricycle, rent a scooter, or walk to your next stop, every ride tells a small part of the island’s story. Life here moves differently, but it keeps moving all the same.