Roads, Rides, and Risks: Getting Around Siargao in 2025

 

The road still cuts clean through coconut fields.
From Dapa to General Luna, from Burgos to Pilar, the island’s narrow lanes remain Siargao’s lifeline. But as tourism and population grow, so do the wheels that roll on it.

Roads That Tell the Story

In 2025, Siargao’s main roads are partly improved but still uneven. The highway linking Dapa Port to General Luna is smoother than it was a few years ago, but cracks and gravel patches reappear after every rainy season. Farther north, towards San Isidro and Santa Monica, the pavement narrows, and tricycles share space with surfboards, tourists, and trucks carrying construction materials.

Local government units continue to patch and pave, but heavy rain and salt air take their toll. In smaller barangays, side roads turn to mud when the monsoon settles in. For locals, it’s routine. For new visitors, it’s a reminder that island travel runs on time and patience in equal parts.

Rides of Choice

Motorbikes remain Siargao’s main ride.
Rentals line the streets of General Luna, most at ₱400 to ₱600 a day. E-bikes joined the mix in 2024 and now glide quietly through town. They cost less to rent and use no fuel, but charging stations remain few. Some resorts offer plug-in spots, though power interruptions can stall a ride.

Tricycles still connect the main barangays, while vans and multicabs serve larger groups. A trip from Dapa to Cloud 9 averages ₱300 to ₱500 depending on the driver and weather. At night, few rides run past 10 p.m., and visitors who plan to explore far should return early or arrange a return trip in advance.

Local transport groups are calling for clearer fare guides and better lighting along key roads, especially the stretches between Catangnan and Union. Night rides remain risky with poor visibility and wandering livestock.

Risks on the Road

Traffic has grown.
What was once a quiet 20-minute drive from Dapa to General Luna can stretch longer with trucks, bikes, and surf racks crowding the narrow lanes. There are more police checkpoints now, and locals see it as both safety and sign of the times. Helmets are required, though not always worn. Accidents involving tourists often trace back to unlicensed or untrained riders.

Fuel prices remain high across the island, pushing more people to share rides. E-bikes and carpooling groups are slowly changing habits, while resorts encourage walking or cycling for short distances.

Still, the road reflects the island’s pulse, steady, slow, adjusting. Progress brings smoother concrete, but also more wheels and more risk.

The best way to move around Siargao has not changed much. Drive slow. Stay aware. Respect the road and the island that carries it all.