Overview Compare Van Tricycle Motorbike
The countless surf breaks, beautiful bike rides and chilled vibes make Siargao a surfer’s paradise. But even if you are not a surfer, chances are you’ll fall in love with this island!
How to travel from Siargao Airport to City Centre
Siargao Airport (its official name is Sayak Airport) accommodates many popular airlines in the Philippines, including Philippine Airlines, Skyjet, Cebgo and Cebu Pacific.
The airport is located 45 minutes from General Luna, which is also known as “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines.”
COVID-19 Travel Advisory: As of May 2023, Siargao is open to all tourists — both foreign and local, whether you’re vaccinated or not.
Are you taking a flight to the Philippines? International travellers must register on the eTravel website within 72 hours before arrival in the country.
Fully-vaccinated tourists aged 15 and older can enter the Philippines without COVID testing. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you will need to submit a negative laboratory-based antigen test. Unvaccinated children aged 14 and under will need to be tested if they are travelling with unvaccinated adults or on their own.
3 ways to get from Siargao Airport to Siargao City Centre
There are 3 ways to travel the 30 km distance from Siargao Airport to General Luna: you can take a van, a tricycle, or a motorbike taxi. The ride takes about 45 minutes and rates range between 300 PHP ($5.00) and 600 PHP ($10.50).
Staying in Malinao, Pacifico, or other towns up north?
For Malinao you might be lucky to find a van that wants to drop you off at your accommodation in this peaceful region of Siargao. For Pacifico or other places in Siargao, we recommend checking with your accommodation if they offer any form of transport from the airport.
How large is Siargao Airport?
Pictures tell more than words. And yes, the arrival hall in the picture above is the only one.
Looking for more details? We got you covered!
- Van from Siargao Airport to General Luna
- Tricycle from Siargao Airport
- Motorbike from Siargao Airport
Siargao Airport to the City Centre by Van
Finding a van at Siargao Airport is as easy as finding a place to rent a surfboard around Cloud 9. As you walk out of the arrival hall, you will already meet van drivers offering rides to your accommodation.
They all charge the same fixed price of 300 PHP ($5.00) from Siargao Airport to General Luna, the island’s tourist centre.
Private vans are also available, but you’ll need to inquire with the staff and negotiate a good price.
The van journey to General Luna takes about 45 minutes. Note that most often than not, drivers wait for the van to be full before departing from the airport.
This means it won’t be the most comfortable van ride, but at least the view of the beautiful road to GL surrounded with hundreds of palm trees will make up for it.
If heading to the airport, you can ask your hotel to help you with locating a van. The same fare applies going back to the airport, except when staying in one of the backroads of GL. In that case, your accommodation will likely charge 350 PHP ($6.00).
Siargao Airport to General Luna by Tricycle
There are tricycles that can take you from Siargao Airport to General Luna. These can seat up to 4 people, unless you’re carrying massive bags. The tricycle is an option to consider if you’re travelling with a small group.
If you’re alone, you might want to find other travellers who are willing to share the ride. Tricycles aren’t as fast as vans, so the journey can take between 45 minutes to an hour.
We don’t recommend taking the tricycle from the airport to General Luna, but only to consider it as a backup option when travelling from General Luna to the airport.
If you are too late with booking your van, missed it for some reason or just prefer to travel more like a local, you can easily hail a tricycle on the streets.
A tricycle ride between Siargao Airport and General Luna costs 600 PHP ($10.50).
Siargao Airport to the City Centre by Motorbike Taxi
Taking a motorbike taxi is also an option if you prefer a more thrilling transfer between Siargao Airport and the city centre. These motorbike taxis are locally known as habal-habal. They use regular motorbike units, so don’t expect a very high-end ride. Nevertheless, it will get you straight to your hotel.
A motorbike taxi can fit two people or one person including luggage. The standard fare is 400 PHP ($7.00) and it takes about 45 minutes to go by habal-habal from Siargao Airport to General Luna.
Travelling by habal-habal can be a fun alternative, but if you prefer comfort, we recommend taking the van instead!
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
Routes from Siargao
Most popular routes in Philippines
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She’s worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She’s a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.
Thanks for sharing. Very helpful tips 👍
Hi Bernz, I appreciate your comment. I hope you had a great time in Siargao!