If you are wondering how to get to Siargao Island as a first-timer, I have put together a guide based on our family’s first visit, covering flight and ferry options, travel costs, and practical tips to help you plan your journey.
I’m a Filipino, born and raised in the Philippines before moving to Australia, and Siargao was a first-time adventure for our family, too!
I’m sharing our experience as well as tips I’ve picked up as someone who grew up travelling around the Philippines and understands how things work locally.
I can also share local knowledge and advice to help you navigate your trip more confidently, save money where possible, and avoid common travel hassles.
Whether you’re coming from Australia, Manila, Cebu, or anywhere overseas, I hope this makes getting to Siargao a little easier and less overwhelming.
Where Is Siargao Island?
Siargao Island is tucked away in the northeastern part of Mindanao, in the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines.
Is Siargao Island Worth It?
Aside from being known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao has so much more to offer beyond its popular waves.
What many people do not know is that this island is not just for surfers. It is also home to hidden gems with stunning turquoise-blue waters, pristine beaches, and peaceful spots where you can slow down and soak up the island life.
What made it even more special were the locals. Everyone we met was so friendly, helpful and genuinely welcoming.
Is Siargao Expensive to Visit?
I personally wouldn’t consider Siargao an expensive destination. The beauty of Siargao is that you can make the trip your own. It offers plenty of choices for different budgets.
We didn’t feel like we had to spend a fortune to enjoy the island, and that was one of the things I loved about our trip.
There are plenty of affordable local eateries serving not only Filipino favourites, but also a vibrant mix of global cuisines, different accommodation options to suit your budget, and beautiful beaches to explore without paying an entrance fee.
Of course, you can also splurge on beachfront resorts, island-hopping tours, and other activities if you prefer a more luxurious experience.
Your overall expenses will depend on your travel style, accommodation, activities, and flights. But with a little planning and a willingness to explore beyond the popular tourist spots, you can enjoy Siargao without breaking the bank.
What airport do you fly into for Siargao?
The main airport you fly into when visiting Siargao Island is Sayak Airport (IAO), also known as Siargao Airport.
This is a domestic airport, so international travellers need to connect through Philippine cities such as Cebu, Davao and Manila, with available routes depending on the airline and travel date.
How to Get to Siargao Island by Plane
If you’re travelling from another part of the Philippines, you can only find DIRECT flights from Cebu, Clark, or Davao to Sayak Airport in Siargao.
How to Get to Siargao Island from Australia
If you’re travelling from Australia, getting to Siargao Island usually involves an international flight to the Philippines, followed by a domestic flight to the island.
While there are no direct flights from Australia to Siargao, the journey is relatively straightforward if you plan your connections ahead of time.
I suggest comparing international flights to find fares that fit your budget.
For domestic flights within the Philippines, I recommend booking through Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines to check the latest fares, baggage allowances, and seat-sale promotions.
Flights from Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne to Siargao
If you’re flying from Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne, you can look for flights to major Philippine gateways – Manila, Cebu or Davao. From there, you’ll need to connect to Sayak Airport (IAO), the airport serving Siargao Island.
Flying to Siargao from Manila
One important thing to note is that just early this year, there are no more direct flights from Manila (NAIA) to Siargao Airport (IAO).
If you’re coming from Manila, getting to Siargao takes a little planning, but don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it might sound!
Manila – Cebu – Siargao
You can look for flights from Manila to Cebu, then catch a connecting flight to Sayak Airport (IAO). Just make sure you leave enough time between flights, especially if you’re booking them separately.
Manila – Clark – Siargao
Another option is to check flights departing from Clark International Airport, where direct flights to Siargao may be available depending on the schedule.
However, if you’re coming from Manila, you’ll need to factor in the extra travel time and cost of getting to Clark before booking your flight. Clark is located in Pampanga, around 2–3-hour drive from Manila, depending on traffic and your starting point.
Flying to Siargao from Cebu
From personal experience, flying to or from Siargao via Cebu is a great option because you can book a direct domestic flight. The airport is clean, modern, and easy to navigate, which makes the whole travel experience much less stressful.
I actually lived in Cebu for most of my uni years and adult life before moving to Australia, so I know the place pretty well. From my experience, Cebuano people are generally friendly, welcoming, and happy to help if you need directions or assistance.
Another thing I love about Cebu Airport is the food options. There are plenty of restaurants and places to grab something to eat, so even if you have a long layover, you won’t have to worry about going hungry!
If Cebu is a convenient option for your trip, I’d definitely consider flying through here. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a smoother airport experience, and you might even want to spend a few days exploring while you’re there.
Is It Better to Fly to Siargao via Manila or Cebu?
Personally, I’d recommend flying via Cebu if you can. It’s more convenient because you can catch a direct flight to Siargao.
As a Filipino who grew up in the Philippines, trust me, I’d avoid NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) in Manila if I had a choice! If you can fly straight to Cebu instead, do it.
You’ll save yourself some hassle and have a smoother start to your Siargao holiday.
Can You Take a Ferry to Siargao?
Getting to Siargao by ferry is another option, especially if you’re already in Surigao City. From there, you can take a ferry across to Siargao, making it a practical choice if you’re exploring this part of the Philippines or prefer travelling by sea.
However, if you’re coming from Manila, Cebu, or Australia, taking the ferry can be less convenient because you’ll need to factor in the extra journey to Surigao City, ferry schedules, and waiting times.
For most travellers with limited holiday time, flying directly to Siargao or connecting through Cebu is likely to be the easier option.
If you’re travelling with young kids like we were, I personally wouldn’t recommend the ferry unless you’re already in Surigao City.
The longer travel time and extra transfers can make the journey more tiring for little ones, especially if you’re travelling with luggage.
That said, the ferry can still be worth considering if you want to include Surigao City in your itinerary or are travelling around Mindanao.
How to Get to Siargao Island by Ferry
The main ferry route to Siargao Island is from Surigao City to Dapa Port in Siargao. You can choose between fast-craft ferries, which generally take around 1.5–2 hours, and slower roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferries, which can take around 3.5–4 hours.
In the Philippines, the cheapest way to book your ferry tickets is directly at the port. During peak season, I recommend booking a few days ahead, while off-peak tickets may be available on the day.
Another convenient option is to book your ferry tickets to Siargao online with 12GO, so you can arrange everything before your trip. Just keep in mind that online bookings may cost a little more than buying your tickets directly at the port.
If you’re already exploring Mindanao, this can be a convenient way to include Siargao in your itinerary. You’ll just need to make your way to Surigao City first, then take the ferry across to the island.
If you are already in Surigao City, taking the ferry is the best and most affordable way to reach the island.
Travelling by ferry can also be a fun little adventure for kids! They’ll get to experience a boat journey and enjoy the views along the way, which can be a memorable part of the trip.
Of course, this depends on your children’s ages, how comfortable they are on boats, and the sea conditions on the day.
We actually took a ferry to Siargao from a smaller port in Surigao del Norte because we were already travelling around Mindanao.
We only found out about this alternative route through locals, and there are other smaller ferry options depending on where you’re coming from.
However, if it’s your first time visiting Siargao, I’d recommend sticking to the main ferry route from Surigao City to Dapa Port. It’s easier to plan and find information about, especially if you’re travelling with kids.
Keep in mind that Dapa Port isn’t right in General Luna, where many visitors choose to stay, so you’ll also need to arrange transport from the port to your accommodation.
What Is the Best Way to Get to Siargao Island?
Trying to decide whether to fly or take the ferry to Siargao? If convenience is your priority, I’d recommend flying from Cebu directly to Siargao. It’s the easiest option, especially if you’re travelling with kids.
However, if you’re already travelling around Mindanao or happen to be in Surigao City, taking the ferry could be a more affordable alternative and a fun adventure for everyone.
Ultimately, the best option depends on where you’re coming from, your budget, and your travel dates. My advice is to compare the total cost and travel time before booking so you can choose what works best for your trip.
How Far Is Siargao Airport from General Luna?
Once you arrive at Sayak Airport, General Luna is approximately a 45-minute to one-hour drive away, depending on your transport and your exact destination.
How to Get from Siargao Airport to General Luna
Once you land at Sayak Airport (IAO), you’ll still have a bit of travelling to do before reaching General Luna, where many of Siargao’s resorts, restaurants and cafés are located.
Airport Transfers, Vans and Tricycles
You have a few options for getting from the airport to your accommodation. Shared vans are a popular and practical choice, while private transfers are worth considering if you’re travelling with kids, a large group, or have lots of luggage.
Tricycles, or more commonly known as tuktuks, are another option. Cheaper but they’re generally less comfortable for the longer journey, especially with suitcases.
On our recent trip to Siargao, I arranged for airport pick-up and drop-off for a fee, before our arrival, given we were travelling with kids and had luggage. Hotels do not offer complimentary airport transfers, but you can negotiate the price.
Personally, if you’re travelling as a family, I’d arrange your airport transfer ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about transport after landing. You can also ask your accommodation if they offer airport pick-up.
How Much Does an Airport Transfer Cost?
Shared vans typically cost around ₱300–₱400 per person, while private vans cost more depending on the group size.
Ours was ₱2000 for a group of 8, including kids, plus luggage taken into consideration. Prices can change, so confirm the fare before your trip.
How Much Does It Cost to Get to Siargao Island?
The cost of getting to Siargao depends on where you’re flying from, when you book, and whether you can score a good flight deal.
For our trip, we actually took a small fast craft from a smaller province in Mindanao to Siargao, as we were already travelling around the area. The ferry fare was only around ₱220 (A$6) per person, one way!
For our return journey, we flew from Siargao to Cebu with Cebu Pacific, which cost us approximately ₱2,500 (A$65) per person, one way. It included 20kg of checked baggage. We were lucky because there was a seat sale promotion available when we booked.
Since we were already exploring Mindanao, taking the ferry made sense for us. However, if you’re travelling from Cebu or Manila, flying may be more convenient, depending on the airfare and your itinerary.
I always keep an eye out for airline promotions when travelling around the Philippines. Saving money on transport means having more to spend on delicious local food, island-hopping tours, and exploring Siargao’s beautiful beaches!
When Is the Best Time to Book Flights to Siargao?
Honestly, I’m no flight-booking expert, but I can share what worked for us! We visited Siargao in August, during my birthday month, and managed to get an affordable Cebu Pacific flight through a seat sale.
The Philippines generally has two seasons: the dry season, from December to May, and the rainy season, from June to November. August falls within the rainy season and the Philippines’ typhoon season.
But here’s the thing: it rained only once on our five-day Siargao trip, and it was sunny the rest of the days! Of course, our experience won’t be the same for everyone, and Siargao’s weather can differ from other parts of the Philippines.
It’s always worth checking the forecast before your trip.
When it comes to booking flights, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for airline seat sales and comparing prices across different dates. If you find affordable flights that fit your schedule, don’t feel you have to wait for the perfect month or the perfect deal.
My biggest lesson from this trip? Weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes you just have to go! Don’t let the fear of a little rain stop you from exploring somewhere beautiful.
Plan wisely, keep your itinerary flexible, and make the most of whatever weather you get.
What to Know About Flight Schedules and Delays
Flights to Siargao, well, domestic flights in the Philippines in general, can sometimes be affected by weather conditions, and delays are quite common.
In my experience, Cebu Pacific flights can also be prone to delays, so it’s best to be prepared for possible changes to your schedule.
If you’re travelling with kids, I recommend allowing extra time between connecting flights and avoiding tight connections or activities booked immediately after landing.
Check your flight status before heading to the airport, and keep some flexibility in your itinerary. I couldn’t stress this highly enough, especially when travelling in the Philippines.
Travel Tips Before Flying to Siargao Island
After travelling to Siargao with our kids, here are a few things I wish every first-time visitor knew before going. These are based on our experience and can help you prepare for a smoother, less stressful trip.
Compare Flight Prices Before Choosing the Ferry
Don’t assume the ferry is always cheaper! For our family, we thought about taking the ferry back to Cebu, but after checking the prices online, flying worked out better because we managed to book Cebu Pacific flights during a seat sale.
Compare the total cost, including baggage, transfers and travel time, before deciding.
Check Your Hand-Carry Baggage Allowance
In our experience flying with Cebu Pacific whenever we travel to the Philippines for holidays, our hand-carry bags are weighed quite often.
So, my advice is to be prepared and stick to the airline’s baggage allowance, which is typically 7kg for hand-carry luggage (always check the latest rules for your flight).
It’s better to weigh your bags at home before leaving for the airport than risk paying an additional fee for excess baggage.
Expect Possible Flight Delays
Domestic flight delays can happen quite often in the Philippines. Allow plenty of time between connecting flights and avoid scheduling important activities immediately after landing.
Prepare for a Small, Busy Airport
Sayak Airport is relatively small, and the arrival and transport arrangements may feel less organised than you’re used to. We found the experience a little chaotic, although it was still better than our experience in Boracay.
Be patient, follow airport staff instructions, and arrange your transfer ahead of time if possible.
Arrange Airport Transfers in Advance
If you’re travelling with a large group or young children, it may be worth it to check with your hotel first and ask about airport pickup and drop-off, and negotiate the price before confirming or before booking elsewhere.
You might be surprised at how much you can save while making your arrival in Siargao a lot easier.
We found that booking airport transfers directly through our hotel was much cheaper and more convenient for our family, especially since we were travelling as a group with kids and luggage.
It actually worked out as better value for us than booking a shared van!
Keep Your Hotel or Driver’s Contact Details Handy
In our case, we communicated with our hotel driver through WhatsApp, which was very helpful since I was using an eSIM during our trip.
When we arrived, there was some confusion about where to meet our driver, and there were lots of passengers arriving at the same time. Having WhatsApp made it easy to message each other and clarify our meeting point.
Make sure you have your hotel or driver’s contact details saved before travelling, and arrange a working internet connection so you can contact them as soon as you arrive. This is especially helpful when travelling with kids and luggage!
Pack Essentials When Travelling With Kids
Siargao has shops and basic supplies, but choices may be more limited than in a big city. Bring your children’s essential medicines, sunscreen, insect repellent and any specific items they need.
It’s better to have these ready than spend precious holiday time searching for them.
Be Prepared for Power Interruptions
Power interruptions can occur in Siargao, so it’s sensible to be prepared. Bring a power bank, charge your devices when electricity is available, and check with your accommodation about its backup power arrangements.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Trip to Siargao Island
Planning a trip to Siargao doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Our biggest takeaway? Don’t wait for perfect weather, the perfect deal, or the perfect time to travel.
Plan wisely, stay flexible, and take the chance when you can. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having a perfect trip; it’s about the places you discover and the memories your children will carry with them long after the holiday ends.
Siargao was worth the wait, and sometimes, the best adventures begin when you simply decide to go.
