Philippines

How to get from Manila to Siargao

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 762 kilometers (473 miles) from Manila to Siargao. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Abegail - Travel Writer

Leaving from...

Going to...

Why visit Siargao?

Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines — an island beloved for its chill vibe and laidback lifestyle. Its most popular tourist draw is Cloud 9, one of the top surfing sites in the world.

But this tear-drop-shaped island has a lot more to offer, to non-surfers too. With pristine beaches, an ethereal lagoon, a palm-tree-lined river, and a rapidly growing food and coffee scene, you cannot go wrong with a visit to Siargao.

What are the 4 ways to travel from Manila to Siargao?

There are 4 ways to travel the 762 kilometers (473 miles) from Manila to Siargao. You can choose between the direct flight, ferry, indirect flight via Cebu and indirect flight via Butuan. The journey takes 2 hours to 1 day 11 hours and the quickest way is by direct flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by indirect flight via Butuan with tickets starting at 1,550 PHP ($28).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Indirect Flight via Butuan

6h 25m - 7h 25m

From 1,550 PHP ($28)

Indirect Flight via Cebu

4h 30m

From 2,500 PHP ($45)

Ferry

1d 5h - 1d 11h

From 3,400 PHP ($61)

Direct Flight

From 3,500 PHP ($63)

Where to stay in Siargao?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Siargao at the bottom of this page.

Manila to Siargao by Indirect Flight via Butuan

Duration: 6h 25m - 7h 25m

Costs: 1,550 PHP ($28)

Duration: 6h 25m - 7h 25m

Costs: 1,550 PHP ($28)

An adventurous and budget-friendly way to travel from Manila to Siargao is by an indirect flight via Butuan.

The entire journey goes like this:

1. Flight from Manila to Butuan (1 hour 40 minutes)

1. Van to Surigao Bus Terminal (3 hours)

1. Tricycle to Macapagal Port (15 minutes)

1. Ferry to Siargao (1.5 hours)

The total travel time is 6 hours 25 minutes to 7 hours 25 minutes. We explain every step for this route below.

Step 1: Manila to Butuan by Flight

Duration: 1h 40m

Costs: 1,000 PHP ($17.90)

Duration: 1h 40m

Costs: 1,000 PHP ($17.90)

Flights from Manila to Butuan are cheaper than direct flights to Siargao and indirect flights via Cebu. You can find tickets as low as 1,000 PHP ($17.90) if you’re booking for the next month.

You can also book with Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific when flying from Manila to Butuan. The flight can take around 1h 40m, depending on the airline.

For this option, you will be arriving at Butuan Airport in Agusan del Norte, which is just a few hours away from Surigao City and Siargao. This airport is also known as Bancasi Airport. For the cheapest flights, check out Skyscanner.

Check Flights from Manila to Butuan

Step 2: Butuan Airport to Surigao Terminal by Van

Duration: 3 hours

Costs: 250 PHP ($4.50)

Duration: 3 hours

Costs: 250 PHP ($4.50)

Outside Butuan Airport, you can find vans heading to Surigao City. The van ride can take around 3 hours and costs 250 PHP ($4.50) per person.

These vans will drop you off at Surigao Bus and Jeepney Terminal.

If there are no vans available at the airport, you can take a jeepney, multicab, or tricycle to Butuan Integrated Bus Terminal. The ride would take around 20 minutes. From this terminal in Butuan, there are vans and buses available going to Surigao Terminal.

Step 3: Surigao Terminal to Macapagal Port by Tricycle

Duration: 15 minutes

Costs: 20 PHP ($0.40)

Duration: 15 minutes

Costs: 20 PHP ($0.40)

From the bus terminal, you can take a multicab or a tricycle to Macapagal Port in Surigao City. The terminal is just 5 km away from the port, and the ride would take around 15 minutes.

A multicab ride costs 10 PHP ($0.20) per person, while a tricycle ride would be around 20 PHP ($0.40). We recommend taking a tricycle if you have a lot of luggage or prefer a direct ride to the port.

Upon arriving at the port, you need to pay a port fee of 20 PHP ($0.40).

Step 4: Macapagal Port to Dapa Terminal by Ferry

Duration: 1h 30m - 2h 30m

Costs: 280 PHP ($5)

Duration: 1h 30m - 2h 30m

Costs: 280 PHP ($5)

There are multiple ferry trips available at Macapagal Port daily. These ferries can bring both passengers and cargo to Dapa Ferry Terminal on Siargao Island.

The two main ferry operators for the Surigao to Siargao route are JP Shipping Lines Inc. and Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport Corp.

Macapagal Port

Dapa Terminal

11:30

2h30m

14:00

JP Shipping

280 PHP ($5)

No Online Tickets

Macapagal Port

Dapa Terminal

06:00

1h30m

07:30

10:00

1h30m

11:30

15:00

1h30m

16:30

Evaristo & Sons Sea (Fastcraft)

350 PHP ($6.30)

Get Your Tickets

The prices provided are for Economy class tickets. There are also Premium class tickets that are more expensive.

JP Shipping Lines Inc.

JP Shipping Lines Inc. has two ships plying the route daily: Fortune Angel 1 and 2. The last time we checked (May 2022), both ships have the same schedule.

The ferry trip takes 1h 30m - 2h 30m from Surigao to Siargao. Tickets cost 280 PHP ($5).

If you want to book with JP Shipping Lines in advance, you will need to call the numbers posted on their Facebook page.

Evaristo & Sons Sea

Evaristo & Sons Sea offers fast craft ferries and RoRo (Roll On Roll Off) for both passengers and cargo for this route. The last time we checked (May 2022), though, they briefly stopped operations for RoRo Passenger, so you can travel only with fast craft ferries.

Fast crafts take 1.5 hours from Surigao to Siargao Island. Economy tickets cost 350 PHP ($6.30).

You may book with Evaristo & Sons Sea via the link on their Facebook page. Alternatively, you can buy tickets at Macapagal Port.

We recommend taking a fast craft ferry with Evaristo & Sons Sea for a shorter travel time. You also have more options with departure times because they offer multiple trips daily.

From Dapa Ferry Terminal, you can take a tricycle going to General Luna, where most hostels, resorts, villas, and establishments are located. A tricycle ride costs 300 PHP ($5.40), and it can fit up to 3 people with luggage. The travel time is about 40 minutes.

Manila to Siargao by Indirect Flight via Cebu

Duration: 4.5 hours

Costs: 2,500 PHP ($45)

Duration: 4.5 hours

Costs: 2,500 PHP ($45)

If the direct flights are sold out or out of your budget, you can also take an indirect flight from Manila to Siargao via Cebu.

Layovers in Cebu tend to be short so it normally won’t cost you too much extra time.

Indirect flights via Cebu

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific also offer indirect flights from Manila to Siargao that make a stop in Cebu Airport. This first flight from Manila to Cebu takes 1.5 hours.

These indirect flights are a bit cheaper than the direct flights to Siargao, with flight ticket prices starting from 2,500 PHP ($45). These fares can still get cheaper if you are booking months in advance. You can find cheap flights from Manila to Siargao via Cebu that cost around 1,700 PHP ($30.50).

Note that these indirect flights are available when you browse Manila to Siargao flights on Skyscanner. The results would show both non-stop/direct flights and flights with stops in Cebu. The cheapest flights are usually the flights with stops in Cebu.

Check Flights from Manila to Siargao

Layover in Cebu

The layover in Cebu between the two flights varies, but it can range from 2-5 hours. You can use this time to explore a bit of Cebu, but make sure to check in in time for your connecting flight.

For the second flight, it takes only an hour from Cebu to reach Siargao Island.

Check out our post on Siargao Airport (Sayak Airport) to know how to get to General Luna from the airport.

Manila to Siargao by Ferry

Duration: 1d 5h - 1d 11h

Costs: 3,400 PHP ($61)

Duration: 1d 5h - 1d 11h

Costs: 3,400 PHP ($61)

Taking a ferry all the way from Manila to Siargao requires almost 1.5 days of travelling. Although we don’t recommend this, we still wanted to present this option for those looking for adventure and travelling on a tighter budget.

To get from Manila to Siargao, by other means than flying, you will need to follow these 3 steps:

1. Ferry from Manila to Cebu (22 hours)

1. Ferry to Surigao (8 hours 30 minutes)

1. Ferry to Siargao (1.5 hours)

Step 1: Manila to Cebu by Ferry

Duration: 22 hours

Costs: 1,910 PHP ($34)

Duration: 22 hours

Costs: 1,910 PHP ($34)

This route is popular among locals who prefer to travel by sea. 2Go Travel is the most trusted ferry operator for the Manila to Cebu route.

2Go Travel has direct trips from Manila to Cebu every Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday. There is also a Thursday trip that makes a stop in Batangas, making the trip much longer, so we don’t recommend booking on this day.

Here are the schedules for 2Go Travel ferries from Manila to Cebu:

Sunday 06:00-04:00 (22 hours)
Monday 09:30-12:00 (26 hours 30 minutes)
Wednesday 18:0-16:00 (22 hours)

Travellers generally choose Tourist Class Premium that costs 1,910 PHP ($34) or Mega Value Class at 2,030 PHP ($36.50). Note that these ticket fares can still change depending on how early you book.

You can book through the 2GO Travel website or with 12Go.Asia.

The 2Go Travel ferry departs from North Harbour Pier 4 in Manila and docks at Cebu Port.

Check Ferry Tickets

Step 2: Cebu to Surigao by Ferry

Duration: 5h 30m - 10h

Costs: 1,220 PHP ($22)

Duration: 5h 30m - 10h

Costs: 1,220 PHP ($22)

From Cebu, you need to take a ferry to Surigao.

Cebu Starlite Ferries

120 Reclining Seats

Surigao City Ferry Terminal

21:00

10h

07:00

Starlite Ferries

1,220 PHP ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Cebu Pier 3

Economy Seat

Surigao City Port & Ferry Terminal

21:00

10h

07:00

Starlite Ferries

1,310 PHP ($23.50)

Get Your Tickets

Cebu Starlite Ferries

Economy Bed

Surigao City Ferry Terminal

21:00

10h

07:00

Starlite Ferries

1,360 PHP ($24.50)

Get Your Tickets

Cebu Pier 4

Economy Bed

Surigao City Port & Ferry Terminal

21:00

10h

07:00

Starlite Ferries

1,560 PHP ($28)

Get Your Tickets

Cebu Starlite Ferries

Tourist Bed

Surigao City Ferry Terminal

21:00

10h

07:00

Starlite Ferries

1,620 PHP ($29)

Get Your Tickets

Cebu Pier 1

Tourist

Surigao Port

07:00

5h 30m

12:30

OceanJet

2,250 PHP ($40.50)

Get Your Tickets

Cebu Pier 1

Economy

Surigao City Port & Ferry Terminal

19:00

03:00

MYE Travel and Tours

2,580 PHP ($46)

Get Your Tickets

Cebu Pier 1

Tourist

Surigao City Port & Ferry Terminal

19:00

03:00

MYE Travel and Tours

2,820 PHP ($51)

Get Your Tickets

Cebu Pier 1

Business

Surigao Port

07:00

5h 30m

12:30

OceanJet

3,290 PHP ($59)

Get Your Tickets

Cebu Starlite Ferries

Tricycle

Surigao City Ferry Terminal

21:00

10h

07:00

Starlite Roro Vehicle Booking

4,240 PHP ($76)

Get Your Tickets

Show 5 more operator(s)

Cokaliong Lines

Cokaliong Lines is the only company operating daily ferry trips from Cebu to Surigao. The vessel departs from Cebu Pier 1 at 19:00 daily and arrives at Surigao City Port at 03:00.

The trip from Cebu to Surigao takes about 5h 30m - 10h. An economy ticket costs 1,100 PHP ($19.70).

You can buy your tickets at the ticketing outlet outside Pier 1 or through accredited travel agencies listed on their website.

Starlite Ferries

Starlite Ferries also started offering trips between Cebu and Surigao. They have six trips in a week that depart every day except on Saturdays.

The ferry leaves Cebu Pier 3 at 21:00 and arrives at Surigao Port at 06:00. The trip takes 9 hours.

You can book an economy bed that costs 1,270 PHP ($23). A tourist bed that has more features is also available at 1,750 PHP ($31.50).

Tickets are available on BookAway. If you want to book directly, you may also call them on the numbers indicated on their w ebsite.

Medallion Transport

Another ferry operator for Cebu routes is Medallion Transport, but they haven’t resumed their trips yet for the Cebu to Surigao route. Pre-pandemic, it used to operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The ferry used to depart Cebu Pier 4 at 20:00 and would arrive at Surigao at 4:00. Ticket costs were around 1,220 PHP ($22).

If you prefer to book online, you can also do so via BookAway through the link below. Rates are at least 280 PHP ($5) more expensive, but at least you won’t have to worry about your connecting ferry ticket when you arrive in Cebu.

You should have enough time between your arrival in Cebu and your departure for Surigao City. You can use this spare time to explore the city or freshen yourself up.

Step 3: Surigao to Siargao by Ferry

Duration: 1h 30m - 2h 30m

Costs: 280 PHP ($5)

Duration: 1h 30m - 2h 30m

Costs: 280 PHP ($5)

The last leg of this journey is taking a ferry from Surigao to Siargao.

Surigao City

Siargao Island

11:30

2h30m

14:00

JP Shipping

280 PHP ($5)

No Online Tickets

Macapagal Port, Surigao City

Tourist

Dapa Ferry Terminal

06:00

1h 30m

07:30

10:01

1h 30m

11:31

13:00

1h 30m

14:30

15:30

1h 30m

17:00

Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport

610 PHP ($10.90)

Get Your Tickets

Macapagal Port, Surigao City

Business

Dapa Ferry Terminal

06:00

1h 30m

07:30

10:01

1h 30m

11:31

13:00

1h 30m

14:30

15:30

1h 30m

17:00

Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport

675 PHP ($12.10)

Get Your Tickets

The prices provided are for Economy class tickets. There are also Premium class tickets that are more expensive.

JP Shipping Lines Inc.

JP Shipping Lines Inc. has two ships plying the route daily: Fortune Angel 1 and 2. The last time we checked (May 2022), both ships have the same schedule.

The ferry trip takes 1h 30m - 2h 30m from Surigao to Siargao. Tickets cost 280 PHP ($5).

If you want to book with JP Shipping Lines in advance, you will need to call the numbers posted on their Facebook page.

Evaristo & Sons Sea

Fast crafts take 1.5 hours from Surigao to Siargao. Tickets start from 350 PHP ($6.30).

You may book with Evaristo & Sons Sea via the link on their Facebook page. You may also buy your ticket at the port.

We recommend taking a fast craft ferry with Evaristo & Sons Sea for a shorter travel time. You also have more options with departure times because they offer multiple trips daily.

Manila to Siargao by Direct Flight

Duration: 2 hours

Costs: 3,500 PHP ($63)

Duration: 2 hours

Costs: 3,500 PHP ($63)

Taking a direct flight is the easiest and fastest way to travel from Manila to Siargao. Flight fares can be pretty expensive for a flight of 2 hours.

There are two airlines that operate direct flights from Manila to Siargao:

Philippine Airlines or PAL Express
Cebu Pacific or CebGo

Note that PAL Express and CebGo are subsidiaries of the two main airlines mentioned.

SkyJet also used to offer direct flights for this route. However, they stopped operating during the pandemic and haven’t resumed any flights yet.

TIP: Make sure to book a window seat as the view from above with these small propeller airplanes is just magnificent!

Manila Airport

Flights from Manila to Siargao depart from Manila Airport in Pasay City.

Direct flights from Manila to Siargao

When flying with Philippine Airlines or PAL Express, flights from Manila to Siargao take 2 hours. Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific or CebGo flights take a bit longer, around 2 hours 30 minutes.

On average, flight fares start from 3,500 PHP ($63). These fares can be even more expensive if you are booking days away from the scheduled flight.

If you’re booking months in advance, though, you can find cheap flights as low as 1,700 PHP ($30.50). Make sure to also take advantage of seat sales to avail cheap tickets from Manila to Siargao.

Check Flights from Manila to Siargao

Siargao Airport

Flights arrive at Siargao Airport, also known as Sayak Airport. This small airport is on the west side of the island.

Upon arriving at the airport, you need to take a van to General Luna for around 45 minutes.

PRO TIP: Cebu Pacific offers many promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these promotions so you can book a cheaper flight for this route!

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Best places to stay in Siargao

Whether you’re a budget traveller looking for a simple guesthouse or a luxury seeker in search of a relaxing resort, Siargao has something to offer for everyone.

We’ve made sure that our favourite accommodations cater for everyone — places in the heart of things in General Luna, but also remote resorts for anyone looking to escape the world and relax.

Here’s a bit about the different areas in Siargao, so that you can pick the one that suits you the most:

- General Luna is the most popular area for tourists and is known for its famous surf spots (like Cloud Nine), restaurants and nightlife. This is where most of our favourite stays are.

- Pacifico is a more laid-back area located on the northeastern coast of the island. It’s less crowded than General Luna and is known for its quieter beaches and beautiful scenery.

Soultribe Beach Retreat - Treating Yourself

Area: General Luna — Next to Alegria beach (North Siargao)

As soon as you see this place, you won’t be able to stop yourself from saying ‘wow’. This is the ultimate island paradise spot, with beach cabanas that open up to the private beach and a pool only metres from the ocean.

You can literally hear the sound of waves from your bed, you’re that close! You can even get room service to your room, so you can wake up to breakfast in bed. The staff here do everything they can to make your stay phenomenal.

Also do note that Soul Tribe is located just outside of General Luna. It’s a 1-hour walk or an 8-minute drive to reach the town.

Private beach
Pool overlooking the sea
Delicious on-site restaurant
Amazing staff

Double rooms start from $50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Alpas Siargao - Treating Yourself

Area: General Luna — centre

You could take a picture of any corner of Alpas Siargao and it would look straight out of a travel magazine. Every detail has been considered, creating a rustic design that brings together nature and comfort.

Offering a mixture of luxurious private rooms and dorms, Alpas boasts a friendly and sociable ambience. It’s so good that you won’t want to leave.

Stunning design
Great location
Helpful staff
Dorm and private rooms

Double rooms start from $50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Camanolo Homestay - Mid Range

Area: General Luna — walking distance to centre

The wooden beach bungalows at Camanolo are what most of us spend our days dreaming about — having a coffee on your own private terrace, surrounded by luscious jungle vegetation.

The location is great, only minutes from bars, restaurants and the beach. The helpful and friendly owners will also make sure that you don’t miss out on the best recommendations for Siargao.

Stunning wooden bungalows
Relaxing garden area
Great location
Friendly and welcoming hosts

Double rooms cost between $30-$50 per night

Check Available Rooms

DaRosa Del Mar - Mid Range

Area: Alegria, Santa Monica — approx. 10-minute drive to Santa Monica town centre

You’ll wish that you booked at least a week extra at DaRosa Del Mar. If you’re looking for the ultimate retreat, away from the rest of the world and right on the beach, then this is the place for you to stay.

Situated in a more secluded part of Siargao, the spacious bungalows overlooking the sea provide the perfect place to relax. Lay back in a hammock, pop yourself on a sunbed or lay your towel on the sand — there are relaxation spots everywhere.

Right on the beach
Accommodating and friendly hosts
Secluded location
On-site bar

Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Casa de Loren - Budget Friendly

Area: General Luna — walking distance to centre

Casa de Loren is great value for money, offering private cottages with a bohemian vibe. Whilst the rooms might look simple, they contain everything you need to feel comfortable and at home.

An added bonus, every room has a water filter so you’re saving money and the environment. It’s these little things that the owners have thought about to make sure you have the best stay possible.

Bohemian style cottages
Garden chill out area
Great owners
Situated in General Luna

Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Manila to Siargao

What is the distance from Manila to Siargao?

The distance from Manila to Siargao is 762 kilometers (473 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Manila to Siargao?

The fastest way to get from Manila to Siargao is by direct flight and takes 2 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Manila to Siargao?

The cheapest way to get from Manila to Siargao is by indirect flight via Butuan with ticket costs starting from 1,550 PHP ($28).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Manila to Siargao. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

[ss_social_share]

About the author(s)

Ela

Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.

Abegail

Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.