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How to get from Manila to Siargao
Siargao Island is a favourite of many travellers. While it used to be an island that was only popular among surfers, its chill vibes have attracted many other tourists in the past years. Besides surfing, Siargao also offers several other activities like the Maasin River swing, the Magpopongko rock pools, and island-hopping tours.
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The distance from Manila to Siargao is 762 km (473 miles). In this post, we compare the four best options to travel from Manila to Siargao: by direct flight (2 hours), by flight via Cebu (4.5 hours), by flight via Butuan (6.5 hours), and by ferry (at least 32 hours). Ticket prices range from 1,620 PHP ($28.50) – 3,500 PHP ($61.00).
2 ways to get from Manila to Siargao
The direct flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Manila to Siargao, but this is also the most expensive option. For a 2-hour direct flight, flight fares can cost around 3,500 PHP ($61.00).
Another option is to take an indirect flight from Manila to Siargao with a stop in Cebu. This option is less expensive than the direct flight, with flight fares starting from 2,500 PHP ($44.00). The downside is that you have to spend some hours on layover.
The cheapest option to go to Siargao from Manila is by an indirect flight via Butuan. However, the trip is a bit of a hassle, as the journey involves a flight, a van ride, a tricycle ride, and a ferry ride. Overall costs are around 1,620 PHP ($28.50) for this journey that lasts 6.5-hour excluding transfer time.
The ferry is another alternative, with combined rates starting at 3,360 PHP ($59.00). Note that you will have to take 3 ferries, with stopovers in Cebu and Surigao City. Total travel time is 32 hours excluding the transfer time.
Looking for more info? We got you covered!
Manila to Siargao by Direct Flight
Taking a direct flight is the easiest and fastest way to travel from Manila to Siargao. Flight fares can be pretty expensive for a 2-hour flight, though.
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.
NAIA Terminal 2 is exclusive for Philippine Airlines and PAL Express flights. Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific and CebGo flights depart from NAIA Terminal 4.
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 range from 3,500 PHP ($61.00) to 5,700 PHP ($100.00). 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 ($29.50). 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!
Manila to Siargao via Cebu by Indirect Flight
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 tickets costing around 2,500 PHP ($44.00) – 3,500 PHP ($61.00). 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 ($29.50).
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 via Butuan by Indirect Flight
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:
- Flight from Manila to Butuan (1 hour 40 minutes)
- Van to Surigao Bus Terminal (3 hours)
- Tricycle to Macapagal Port (15 minutes)
- Ferry to Siargao (1.5 hours)
The total travel time is around 6.5 hours. We explain every step for this route below.
Step 1: Manila to Butuan by Flight
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 ($17.50) 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 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, 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
Outside Butuan Airport, you can find vans heading to Surigao City. The van ride can take around 3 hours and costs 250 PHP ($4.40) 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
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 ($0.10) per person, while a tricycle ride would be around 20 PHP ($0.30). 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 ($0.30).
Step 4: Macapagal Port to Dapa Terminal by Ferry
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.
Ferry schedule from Surigao to Siargao
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 2.5 hours from Surigao to Siargao. Tickets cost 280 PHP ($4.90).
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 ($6.00).
You may book with Evaristo & Sons Sea via the link on their Facebook page. Alternatively, you can buy tickets at Macapagal Port.
Check Ferry Tickets with BookAway
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 ($5.00), and it can fit up to 3 people with luggage. The travel time is about 40 minutes.
Manila to Siargao by Ferry
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:
- Ferry from Manila to Cebu (22 hours)
- Ferry to Surigao (8 hours 30 minutes)
- Ferry to Siargao (1.5 hours)
Step 1: Manila to Cebu by Ferry
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 ($33.50) or Mega Value Class at 2,030 PHP ($35.50). 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.
Step 2: Cebu to Surigao by Ferry
When travelling from Cebu to Siargao, there are multiple ferries that you can take.
Ferry schedule from Cebu to Surigao
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 8 hours. An economy ticket costs 1,100 PHP ($19.00).
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 ($22.00). A tourist bed that has more features is also available at 1,750 PHP ($30.50).
Tickets are available on BookAway. If you want to book directly, you may also call them on the numbers indicated on their website.
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 830 PHP ($14.50).
If you prefer to book online, you can also do so via BookAway through the link below. Rates are at least $5 more expensive, but at least you won’t have to worry about your connecting ferry ticket when you arrive in Cebu.
Check Ferry Tickets with BookAway
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
The ferries from Cebu arrive very early at the Surigao City Port. You can catch the earliest trip for Siargao at 06:00 or choose to wait for a few hours for the other trips.
There are two main ferry operators for the Surigao to Siargao route: JP Shipping Lines Inc. and Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport Corp.
Ferry schedule from Surigao to Siargao
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 2.5 hours from Surigao to Siargao. Tickets cost 280 PHP ($4.90).
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. Tickets start from 350 PHP ($6.00).
You may book with Evaristo & Sons Sea via the link on their Facebook page. You may also buy your ticket at the port.
Check Ferry Tickets with BookAway
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.
Our favourite 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:
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- 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.
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- 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— approx. 10-minute drive to town centre
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
Alpas Siargao - Treating Yourself
Area: General Luna — approx. 10-minute drive to town 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
Camanolo Homestay - Mid Range
Area: General Luna — approx. 5-minute drive to town 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
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
Casa de Loren - Budget Friendly
Area: General Luna — approx. 5-minute drive to town 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
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.
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.
