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No.1 Surfing on Cloud 9: The Surf Capital of the Philippines
Cloud 9, this iconic wave has put Siargao on the global surfing map. You'll find it in General Luna, right at the southeastern edge of the island. More Surfing Spots in the Philippines>>
The name Cloud 9 came from a chocolate bar that early surfers would eat while surfing these waves. That sweet connection stuck, and now it's known worldwide. The wave itself is famous for its thick, hollow tubes - exactly what serious surfers dream about.
Advanced surfers love the powerful right-hand barrel, especially during the peak season between September and November. If you're interested in learning to surf, start at nearby Jacking Horse or Guyam - gentler waves better suited for beginners. Once you've built up your skills, you can work your way up to Cloud 9's challenges.
No.2 Island Hopping: Discover Naked, Daku & Guyam Islands
When you're ready to swap surfboards for snorkels, Siargao's Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands deliver a perfect day of tropical bliss. Just a short boat ride from General Luna, this trio offers something for everyone—pristine beaches, vibrant reefs, and lazy hammock hangs.
- Naked Island: A tiny sandbar with 360° ocean views—no trees, no huts, just you and the sea. Ideal for Insta-worthy drone shots.
- Daku Island: The “big sister” with palm-shaded cottages, fresh seafood BBQs, and a laidback village vibe.
- Guyam Island: A postcard-perfect islet circled by turquoise water and coconut trees. Snorkel its calm shores or nap in a hammock.
How to Visit
Here's how to do it right: Book through a local operator like Asia Odyssey Travel (around ₱1,500 per person) and leave early to beat the heat. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for your stuff, and some cash for fresh coconuts and grilled fish on Daku.
Don't expect luxury - these islands are all about simplicity. The boats are basic, the toilets are rustic, and that's exactly why people love it.
No.3 Explore the Enchanting Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon - that impossibly blue swimming hole you've seen in all the Siargao travel videos. It sits in Del Carmen, about an hour's drive from General Luna, nestled within Siargao's vast mangrove forest. This turquoise lagoon, surrounded by limestone cliffs, has become one of Siargao's most photographed locations.
The main spot is a wooden platform floating right on the lagoon. There's a diving board where you can jump into the deep water - it's really fun! You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the lagoon at your own pace. People often see fish swimming below them in the crystal-clear water.
From the viewing deck above the platform, you can take amazing photos of the whole lagoon. Just be careful up there - the wood can get slippery when wet. The lagoon is quite deep, so if you're not a strong swimmer, use one of the life jackets they provide.
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No.4 Magpupungko Rock Pools: A Natural Tide-Formed Beauty
You're driving through coconut groves about an hour from General Luna when suddenly the ocean appears, with these perfect natural pools carved into the rocks. That's Magpupungko - the kind of place that makes you wonder how nature even made something this cool.
The magic only happens at low tide. That's when the water gets trapped between volcanic rocks, creating crystal-clear swimming holes that look like infinity pools overlooking the sea. Some spots are deep enough for cliff jumping (maybe 10 feet), others are just right for floating around.
When you get there, you'll notice different pools to explore. Some are deep enough for jumping (if you're brave!), while others are perfect for gentle swimming or just sitting and enjoying the view. Recent visitors love how each pool has its own character - some deep, some shallow, some with tiny fish swimming around.
No.5 From Cloud 9 to the Horizon: Sunset Chasing in Siargao
Cloud 9 is also the ultimate sunset spot in Siargao. Located in General Luna, this iconic wooden boardwalk stretches into the ocean, offering front-row seats to fiery skies and crashing waves. At dusk, the surfers clear out, the crowds thin, and the horizon lights up in shades of orange and pink.
Even if you're not riding waves, Cloud 9's sunset vibe is unbeatable. The energy shifts from daytime adrenaline to laidback awe. Climb the watchtower for panoramic views, sip a coconut from a beach vendor, or just sit on the boardwalk and let the colors wash over you.
Here's what recent visitors suggest for the best experience: Arrive about 1 hour before sunset to find a good spot on the boardwalk. The viewing deck has three levels, and each offers a different perspective.
The atmosphere is always friendly and relaxed. You'll see locals and tourists mixing together, all there to enjoy the same beautiful moment. Recent visitors say it's a great place to end your day, whether you've been surfing, island hopping, or just relaxing.
No.6 Tayangban Cave Pool: Cliff Jumps & Caves to Explore
Tayangban Cave Pool, visitors consistently rank this as their most unexpected highlight in Siargao. The cave stretches about 150 meters underground, leading to a majestic natural pool at its exit.
The adventure begins at the cave entrance, marked by impressive limestone formations. The cave itself features fascinating rock structures, with water typically reaching knee to waist height. The most striking feature is how the cave ceiling occasionally opens up, allowing sunbeams to create magical light shows on the water surface.
This pool at the cave's exit is about 50 feet deep in its center. With crystal-clear freshwater that maintains a cool temperature year-round. The pool is surrounded by 30-foot limestone cliffs, creating perfect natural diving platforms at different heights - 5, 10, and 15 feet.
No.7 Maasin River: The Palm Tree Swing Paradise of Siargao
Maasin River, known as "The Palm Tree River" and famous for its iconic coconut tree swing. This beautiful spot has become one of Siargao's most photographed places, where a bent coconut palm hangs perfectly over the calm river waters.
The iconic spot is where a massive coconut tree curves horizontally over the river – locals have tied a sturdy rope swing here, letting you splash into the deep center pool. Here's the fun part - there's actually a special way to use the swing.
You climb up a bamboo ladder to reach the jumping spot on the palm tree. The local boys who manage the swing will help you get the perfect grip and timing. When you're ready, you swing out over the river and can either hold on for a gentle swing back or let go for a splash into the refreshing water.
The river itself is beautiful too. The water is usually a lovely blue-green color, and it's deep enough for safe jumping but not too deep to be scary. The water stays cool even on hot days, making it perfect for swimming.
No.8 The Coconut Groves
Siargao's coconut groves are massive fields that stretch across the island's heart, from General Luna northwest to Dapa and Del Carmen, and east to Pacifico. Covering over 400 square kilometers (60% of the island!).
These groves are among the Philippines' largest coconut plantations. Picture trees standing tall—some over 30 meters high—forming natural green tunnels along dirt roads.
When you ride through these roads, you'll see tall, proud coconut trees making natural tunnels above you. Some of these trees reach up to 30 meters high - that's as tall as a 10-story building! The best way to see all this beauty is by riding a motorbike or bicycle. You can start from General Luna and follow the winding roads through tiny villages.
Here's something really cool - you might see local farmers climbing these tall trees to get coconuts. They're amazing at it! These farmers can climb all the way up in just a few minutes.
There's this really special place near the road to Pacifico that everyone loves. The coconut trees there grow in a way that makes a perfect arch over the road - like a natural gateway to paradise. And it's one of the most beautiful spots to take photos on the whole island.
No.9 Sohoton Bay: Jellyfish Sanctuary & Caves
Sohoton Bay, tucked away in Bucas Grande Island (2 hours by boat from Siargao), is a hidden paradise that feels like a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean. This protected cove is famous for its jellyfish sanctuary (yes, stingless ones!).
What makes Sohoton special are its three unique features: the jellyfish sanctuary where thousands of stingless golden jellyfish pulse like living lanterns, the Cathedral Cave with its vaulted ceilings that echo with every paddle stroke, and the famous Hagukan Cave where you'll swim through darkness into a glowing blue grotto.
Inside Sohoton, you'll find the famous Jellyfish Sanctuary. Between March and August, thousands of stingless jellyfish float in these waters like tiny, golden balloons. You can actually swim with them - they're completely harmless and feel like soft jelly when they bump into you. It's one of those rare experiences that feels almost magical.
The Crystal Cave is another amazing spot in Sohoton. Local guides will show you how to navigate through the narrow entrance, where inside, the limestone walls sparkle like they're covered in tiny diamonds. The cave stays cool even on hot days, and the rock formations tell stories of thousands of years of natural art.
One of the most exciting parts is the Hagukan Cave, known as the "breathing cave." When you enter during certain times, sunlight hits the water just right, creating this amazing blue glow. Local guides say it looks like the cave is breathing when waves push air through the entrance. They'll time your visit perfectly to see this natural light show.
Ready for a customized Philippines tour to See SIARGAO? Just use Asia Odyssey Travel!
No.10 Siargao Food: A Taste of Island Paradise
Siargao, where local Filipino flavors meet international cuisine. That's the magic of Siargao - good food brings people together, and everyone leaves with happy memories and full bellies.
In the busy area of General Luna, you'll smell amazing food everywhere you go. There's this cool place called Kermit where they make pizza in a real wood fire oven. The pizza maker there tosses the dough in the air and you can watch your food being made right in front of you. It's fun to sit at the wooden tables, meeting other travelers while you eat.
Every morning, people line up at Shaka Cafe for their famous fruit bowls. They fill big coconut shells with frozen fruit that looks like ice cream, topped with fresh mangoes and bananas.
The best local food is found at small family restaurants called carenderias. At Mama's BBQ, you'll sit on plastic chairs under the stars, eating the most delicious grilled pork you've ever tasted. The sauce is sweet and smoky, and the locals say their recipe is a family secret.
How Many Days to Spend in Siargao: Siargao Itinerary 3,4 & 5 Days
The ideal time to stay in Siargao really depends on what you want to do. I'd say you need at least 3 days to get a good feel for the island, but 4 to 5 days lets you experience it without rushing.
Three days gives you enough time to see the main spots like Cloud 9, try some island hopping, and explore the coconut roads. You can fit in Sugba Lagoon or Sohoton Cove, spend time at the beach, and try local food.
- Day 1: Surf at Cloud 9 (or watch pros ride the barrels), sunset cocktails at Rooftop Bar, and dinner at Kermit's.
- Day 2: Island-hopping (Naked, Daku, Guyam) for snorkeling, beach picnics, and hammock naps.
- Day 3: Rent a scooter to explore Pacifico's coconut groves and Maasin River's swing.
With four days, you can add more adventures. You'll have time to learn surfing with a proper instructor, visit the Magpupungko Rock Pools during low tide, and take a relaxed trip to Maasin River for that famous palm tree swing. You won't feel rushed between activities.
Five days is perfect if you want to really sink into island life. You can spend a full day exploring remote beaches, take your time with surf lessons, and even visit the less touristy spots like Pacifico Beach. There's time to revisit your favorite places or just relax at a beach cafe.
Plan a customized Philippines tour to See SIARGAO? Just use Asia Odyssey Travel!
Explore Siargao, Philippines with Asia Odyssey Travel
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