What to expect when visiting 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.
2 ways to get from Puerto Princesa to Siargao
There are 2 ways to travel the distance of 806 kilometers (501 miles) from Puerto Princesa to Siargao by flight (3 hours 30 minutes) and ferry (3 days). The journey duration ranges between 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 days and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 3,000 PHP ($53) for the flight.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.
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.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Comparison between layover in Manila or Cebu
| Duration | via Cebu | via Manila |
|---|---|---|
| First flight | 1h 45min | 1h 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 ($53) to 6,600 PHP ($115) 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
Travelling this route by ferry takes three long days, but it’s an interesting travel experience and is a great way to see new places.
There are no direct ferries from Puerto Princesa to Siargao. This option involves several stops and transfers at Cuyo Island in Palawan, Iloilo, Cebu, and Surigao. The overall travel time for all ferries is 3 days. Combined prices start from 7,800 PHP ($140).
Step 1: Puerto Princesa to Iloilo by Ferry
The trip to Iloilo takes 2d. Montenegro Lines operates on Mondays, with a 19:00 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 starts from 1,960 PHP ($35) when you book through BookAway. It takes about 12h to travel this route via ferry.
Book your ticket beforehand via BookAway to avoid long queues at the pier.
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 2,270 PHP ($40). 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.
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 340 PHP ($6).
Ferry fares start at 315 PHP ($5.60) for a fastcraft. They also charge 11.30 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:
You can also read more on how to go from Manila to Siargao.
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
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
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
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 — 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Princesa to Siargao
What is the distance from Puerto Princesa to Siargao?
The distance from Puerto Princesa to Siargao is 806 kilometers (501 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Siargao?
The fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Siargao is by flight and takes 3 hours 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Siargao?
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Siargao is by flight with ticket costs starting from 3,000 PHP ($53).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Puerto Princesa 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!
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.
