Siargao

This island is deemed the best surfer’s spot in the country. It’s filled with cool bars, hipster cafés and tons of tattoo parlours. It’s a great spot to chill for a while, although beware: the rainy season usually runs until the 1st of March, so I wouldn’t recommend going early in the year. I was there in Feb and it rained a lot. And honestly, there’s not much to do on an island when it’s raining nonstop.

  • To do

    Surf
    Head to Cloud 9 and surf some of the best Filipino waves. You’ll find lots of cafés, bars, restaurants and massage parlours in the area too.

    You can also easily find surfing instructors there, no need to book in advance, at least in low season.

    There’s an entrance fee of 100 PHP, which grants you access to the area for the full day.

    Yoga
    Bhadi Yoga offers some lovely sessions. Just make sure to book in advance as they tend to sell out.

    Massage
    Get a massage at Isla Natura. It’s a low-key spa with competitive pricing for the area. A one-hour start from about 750 PHP.

    Get a tattoo or piercing
    The main strip is filled with tattoo and piercing parlours, so Siargao is the perfect island to get inked and keep a forever memory of your trip.

    Go shopping
    If the weather is bad, Siargao has plenty of great shops. You’ll find everything from bohemian pieces to authentic pearl bracelets.

  • Eat and Drink

    The Corner Cafe
    A laid-back favourite for good coffee, fresh plates, and easy island vibes.
    Perfect for slow mornings, post-surf brunch, or settling in for a while.

    Shaka Cafe
    Smoothie bowls, good coffee, and the classic surf-café vibe.