Things to Do in Siargao

Siargao sits in the Philippines' far northeast, a teardrop-shaped island that's managed to balance its reputation as a world-class surfing destination with the laid-back charm of a tropical hideaway. The island gained international fame for Cloud 9, a powerful right-hand break that draws surfers from around the globe, but there's much more here than just waves. You'll find mangrove forests threading through lagoons the color of jade, coconut palms that actually sway in the breeze like they do in postcards, and a local culture that remains refreshingly unhurried despite the island's growing popularity. The main town of General Luna has evolved into a hip little hub with surprisingly good coffee shops and restaurants, while the northern part of the island feels wonderfully untouched, dotted with fishing villages where life moves to the rhythm of the tides.

Siargao's food scene has evolved remarkably in recent years, blending fresh local seafood with international influences brought by the island's growing expat and tourist community. You'll find everything from traditional Filipino dishes featuring the day's catch to surprisingly sophisticated cafes serving excellent coffee and healthy bowls. General Luna offers the most variety, with standout spots serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh sushi, and creative fusion cuisine, while local eateries throughout the island serve incredible grilled fish, kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), and other regional specialties at very reasonable prices. The island's coconut-growing heritage means fresh buko (young coconut) is everywhere, and the local specialty of stuffed squid shouldn't be missed.

The dry season from March to October offers the most reliable weather, with September through November being particularly ideal as you get consistent surf, minimal rain, and fewer crowds than the peak December-February period. That said, Siargao can be visited year-round - the wet season from November to February actually brings the biggest swells for experienced surfers, though you'll need to deal with occasional typhoons and more unpredictable weather. If you're primarily interested in surfing, the waves are most consistent from August through April, while the calmest conditions for island hopping and lagoon tours occur during the drier months of March through June.