How to get from Puerto Princesa to Siargao
Siargao is known as a surfer’s paradise in the Philippines. The whole town embodies a surfer’s lifestyle, and travellers come to relax and chill. Whether you’re into surfing or just want to sit on a beach with a book, Siargao Island is definitely worth including in your island-hopping itinerary.
The distance from Puerto Princesa to Siargao is 806 km (501 miles). In this post, we compare the two best options to travel from Puerto Princesa to Siargao: by flight (3.5 hours) and by ferry (at least 46 hours). Ticket prices range from 3,000 PHP ($54) – 3,840 PHP ($69).
2 ways to get from Puerto Princesa to Siargao
The flight is the fastest way to travel from Puerto Princesa to Siargao. Note that all flights make a stopover in Manila or Cebu and the shortest travel time is 3 hours 30 minutes, including the layover. Flight fares start from 3,000 PHP ($54), but for this fare, the total flight time might be around 10 hours.
With the ferry, you have to travel for at least 46 hours, and that’s excluding transfer time. The one advantage, though, is this is an adventure across 3 other provinces that makes it a great opportunity to explore several less touristic, but stunning places in the Philippines. Combined fares start from 3,840 PHP ($69).
Itinerary from Puerto Princesa to Siargao
Ferry
- Puerto Princesa
- 24 hours
- Iloilo
- 12 hours
- Cebu
- 8 hours
- Surigao
- 2 hours
- Siargao
Puerto Princesa to Siargao by Flight
Flying is the most practical option to travel from Puerto Princesa to Siargao. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights available for this route.
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific both offer flights with a layover in Manila Airport or in Cebu Airport. This means that when you book the indirect flight, you have the opportunity to choose where to spend the layover in. This doesn’t require an extra booking.
Comparison between layover in Manila or Cebu
| Duration | via Cebu | via Manila |
|---|---|---|
| First flight | 1hr 45min | 1hr 30min |
| Second flight | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| Total duration | 3.5 hours | 4.5 hours |
The flight from Puerto Princesa to Siargao can take at least 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the duration of the layover. Layovers take a minimum of 45 minutes via Cebu and a minimum of 1 hour via Manila.
When you book an indirect flight as one ticket, the airline will take care of the transfers. However, that doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed you will always get your connected flight. If your first flight is delayed, there is a chance you will miss the connecting flight and have to wait till the next flight with the same airline.
Since travelling from Puerto Princesa to Siargao involves 2 flights, flight fares can get a bit expensive. Tickets can range from 3,000 PHP ($54) to 6,600 PHP ($120) regardless if you choose a flight via Manila or Cebu.
During peak season, you may struggle to find cheap flights, so be sure to book in advance or during promotions.
Once you’re in Siargao Airport, you’ll need to take public transportation to the town centre in General Luna. For more details on getting there from the airport, check out our article on Siargao Airport.
Pro-Tip: Cebu Pacific offers many ‘piso fare’ promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these if you want to book cheaper flights!
Puerto Princesa to Siargao by Ferry*
*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (June 2022), there are no ferries operating between Puerto Princesa and Iloilo, so the ferry option to travel from Puerto Princesa to Siargao is not possible. For now, we suggest taking the flight option for this route.
Below, we will explain the steps you had to take pre-pandemic. You can always check the links to see if the boats operate again.
Travelling this route by ferry used to be two long days, but it was an interesting travel experience and was surely a great way to see new places.
There are no direct ferries from Puerto Princesa to Siargao. It involved several stops and transfers at Cuyo Island in Palawan, Iloilo, Cebu, and Surigao. The overall travel time for all ferries was 46 hours.
Step 1: Puerto Princesa to Iloilo by Ferry
The trip to Iloilo takes a full day. There are 2 ferry companies available: Milagrosa Shipping departs at 15:00 on Thursdays and Sundays; and Montenegro Lines operates on Mondays, with an 18:00 departure.
Both ferries make a few hours of stopover on the beautiful Cuyo Island.
To buy tickets, you’ll need to contact the ferry operators directly or go to their ticketing office. Read how to go from Puerto Princesa to Cebu for more details.
Step 2: Iloilo to Cebu by Ferry
Trans-Asia Shipping and Cokaliong Shipping Lines provide a number of trips from Iloilo to Cebu weekly. A one-way ferry ticket costs 930 PHP ($18.50). It takes about 12 hours to travel this route via ferry.
Ferry Schedule from Iloilo to Cebu
Above rates are for when you book through their ticketing offices or their website. Their websites are not very up-to-date, however. And we’ve encountered problems on the few times we tried to book.
Another option is to book your ticket beforehand via BookAway through the link below. Their rates are a few dollars more expensive, but you’re assured of good customer service and less hassle during your actual trip.
Step 3: Cebu to Surigao by Ferry
Cokaliong Lines is the top choice when taking a ferry from Cebu to Surigao as they operate daily trips for this route. This departs from Cebu Pier 1 at 19:00 and arrives at Surigao City Port at 3:00.
Medallion Transport provides an alternate option, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This ferry leaves Cebu Pier 4 at 20:00 and docks in Surigao at 4:00.
Economy fares start at 830 PHP ($16.50). More details are available on how to go from Manila to Siargao.
You can buy tickets at their respective piers or book online beforehand through BookAway. It’s more expensive, but well worth the ticket guarantee and good customer service.
Check Ferry Tickets with BookAway
Step 4: Surigao to Siargao by Ferry
The earliest departures from Surigao to Siargao are at 4:00 and 5:30. Note that the ferry bound for Siargao departs from another port, which is still about 40mins away by tricycle from the port you will be arriving at. The tricycle ride costs 300 PHP ($6).
Ferry fares start at 280 PHP ($5.60) for a fastcraft. They also charge 10 PHP ($0.20) for the port fee. It takes at least 2 hrs to reach Dapa Ferry Terminal in Siargao.
See the table below to help you plan your trip:
Ferry Schedule from Surigao to Siargao
You can also read more on how to go from Manila to Siargao.
More routes in the Philippines
About the author(s)
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.
