How to get from Puerto Princesa to Siargao
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 2 ways to travel from Puerto Princesa to Siargao?
There are 2 ways to travel the 806 kilometre (501 miles) distance from Puerto Princesa to Siargao. You can choose between the flight and ferry. The journey takes 4 hours 25 minutes to 3 days and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at 3,350 PHP ($56).
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 way to travel from Puerto Princesa to Siargao, although there are no direct flights available.
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific both offer connecting flights with a layover in Manila Airport or Cebu Airport. Layover time varies, so choose one that gives you just enough time to catch your connecting flight — some layovers take up to 5 hours!
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Puerto Princesa City to Puerto Princesa Airport by Tricycle
All airlines depart from Puerto Princesa Airport. From the town centre, you can take either a tricycle or a taxi to the airport. Rates start from 50 PHP ($0.80) and 200 PHP ($3.30), respectively.
Step 2: Puerto Princesa to Siargao by Flight
The flight from Puerto Princesa to Siargao takes at least 2.5 to 3.5 hours, excluding layover:
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Via Cebu: around 2.5 hours (Siargao to Cebu: 1 hour, Cebu to Puerto Princesa: 1.5 hours)
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Via Manila: around 3.5 hours (Siargao to Manila: 2 hours, Manila to Puerto Princesa: 1.5 hours)
Layovers typically range from 1 to 5 hours, whether you’re connecting in Cebu or Manila.
When you book an indirect flight under a single ticket, the airline is responsible for managing your transfers. However, this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll make your connection. If your first flight is delayed, you may miss the next one and have to wait for the next available flight with the same airline.
Since travelling from Puerto Princesa to Siargao involves 2 flights, flight fares can get a bit expensive. Ticket prices can range from 3,000 PHP ($50) to 6,000 PHP ($100), no matter which route you take. Fares tend to go higher during peak season, so we recommend booking early.
PRO TIP: Cebu Pacific offers many “piso fare” promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these if you want to book cheaper flights!
Step 3: Siargao Airport to General Luna by Van
Once you’re at Siargao Airport, you’ll need to take public transportation to the town centre in General Luna. A shared van ride costs 300 PHP ($5) and takes around 45 minutes.
For more details and transport options, check out our article on Siargao Airport.
Puerto Princesa to Siargao by Ferry
Taking the ferry from Puerto Princesa to Siargao to Siargao is a long journey — it takes at least three days, sometimes more. But if you’re up for an adventure, it’s a unique way to explore the Philippines and see places you might otherwise skip.
There are no direct ferries on this route. You’ll need to make several stops and transfers, usually passing through Cuyo Island in Palawan, followed by Iloilo, Cebu, and Surigao.
Combined ferry fares from Puerto Princesa to Siargao start from 5,800 PHP ($98).
Step 1: Puerto Princesa to Iloilo by Ferry
Montenegro Shipping Lines is the only ferry company operating the Puerto Princesa to Iloilo route. The ferry departs from Puerto Princesa Port every Tuesday at 14:00, with boarding starting at noon.
The total estimated travel time is around 39 hours, including the layover in Cuyo. Here’s what to expect on the journey:
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Puerto Princesa to Cuyo – 16 hours
Departs Tuesday at 14:00, arrives Wednesday at 06:00 -
Layover in Cuyo – 11 hours
From Wednesday 06:00 to 17:00 -
Cuyo to Iloilo – 12 hours
Departs Wednesday at 17:00, arrives Thursday at 05:00
The 11-hour layover on Cuyo Island in Palawan gives you time to swim, enjoy a local meal, or simply unwind and take in the island’s laid-back vibe.
IMPORTANT: Ferry schedules can change depending on the weather. To check updates, it’s best to contact Montenegro Shipping Lines through their website or Facebook page.
Step 2: Iloilo to Cebu by Ferry
Trans-Asia Shipping and Cokaliong Shipping Lines operate several weekly ferries from Iloilo to Cebu. Trans-Asia sails on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while Cokaliong operate trips on Mondays and Fridays.
This means that if you arrive in Iloilo early on a Thursday morning, you’ll have time to explore the city before catching the next ferry: Friday with Cokaliong or Saturday with Trans-Asia.
The ferry journey takes around 14h 30m, and one-way tickets start from 1,400 PHP ($23.50).
Ferries leave from Port San Pedro within Iloilo City. Book your ticket beforehand via BookAway to avoid long queues at the pier.
PRO TIP: Also called the “City of Love,” Iloilo is an urban city known for its colourful traditions and tasty cuisine. If you’re stopping over for more than a day, we highly recommend checking out the nearby island of Guimaras, the mango capital of the Philippines.
Step 3: Cebu to Surigao by Ferry
Several ferry companies operate daily trips from Cebu to Surigao.
Fares start at 1,300 PHP ($21.50) for a basic seat, but it’s a long journey with a RoRo ferry — usually up to 10 hours — so we recommend booking at least an economy bed for more comfort.
If you’re looking for the fastest option, go with OceanJet. Their fast crafts can make the trip in just 5.5 hours.
You can buy tickets at their respective ports in Cebu or book online in advance through BookAway. It’s a bit more expensive, but well worth the ticket guarantee and good customer service.
Step 4: Surigao to Siargao by Ferry
Ferries from Cebu usually arrive early in the morning at Surigao Port. From there, you can catch the first ferry to Siargao, or hang around for the next one later in the day.
If you have some time before your ferry to Siargao, head over to Cafe Ethereal. It’s a cosy little spot near the port where you can grab a coffee or something to eat while you wait.
See the supplier table below to help plan your trip:
You will arrive at Dapa Port. From here, it’s about 15km to General Luna, the main tourist hub on Siargao. You can get there via a 30-minute tricycle ride that costs around 250 PHP ($4.20).
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:
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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 — 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
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!
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 kilometre (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 4 hours 25 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 3,350 PHP ($56).
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
