The Slow Season That’s Testing Siargao’s Local Businesses

 

Siargao feels quieter these days, and people are starting to talk about it.

Tourism has been the island’s main source of income for years, and every shift in visitor numbers is felt right away. Over the past few months, locals and long-term residents have seen fewer tourists compared to the post-pandemic rebound. Flights remain limited, travel costs are high, and frequent power outages add pressure on both travelers and business owners.

A few establishments have quietly closed, while others have cut down hours or staff to manage expenses. Rising rent and operational costs, especially for small cafés, surf shops, and guesthouses, make it difficult to stay profitable during slow months. Some business owners say sales dropped sharply after the summer peak and have not picked up since.

Why Some Businesses Struggle

The challenges are not just about fewer visitors. For many owners, it is also about higher costs. Fuel prices, imported goods, and electricity bills continue to rise. Power interruptions mean extra expenses for generators. Rent in areas like General Luna and Catangnan has not gone down either, keeping overheads high even as foot traffic slows.

Competition has also intensified. Every new season brings more cafés, restaurants, and homestays, all offering similar menus and prices. The market has become crowded, and without a steady stream of guests, some businesses simply cannot sustain operations. A few have shifted focus toward the local market, offering delivery, weekday discounts, or events to attract residents rather than tourists.

Those Who Stay Open

Still, not everything is closing. Many long-running establishments are staying strong by adapting. Some cafés now double as co-working spaces, attracting remote workers who live on the island full time. Resorts are focusing on long-term packages for guests staying weeks or months. A few local-run eateries are surviving through consistent community support.

There is also a quiet shift toward collaboration rather than competition. Small businesses are partnering with each other, hosting pop-up markets and local art nights. These gatherings remind everyone that Siargao’s appeal is not only in its waves but in the people who keep the island’s rhythm alive.

What It Means for Siargao

This quieter season might be temporary, but it shows that Siargao is evolving. The boom years brought growth, but also dependence on tourism. Now, the island is learning to balance both worlds, serving travelers while sustaining local life. The slowdown is not just about closures, but it’s also a pause that reveals what the island truly needs.

For many, it is a reminder that Siargao has always been more than its surf and bars. It is a community that can adapt, rebuild, and find new ways to move forward. Businesses may come and go, but the spirit that made Siargao thrive is still very much alive, just a little quieter for now.