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Siargao, a little hidden gem in The Philippines, checks all the boxes for an unforgettable family adventure!
Pristine white sandy beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters, delicious food, trendy shops and loads of kids’ activities – if there’s one place that has all the elements you need for a picture-perfect family getaway, it’s Siargao. Nestled in the southeast of The Philippines, Siargao is a hidden paradise you can visit with your family without breaking the bank. Read on to find out everything you need to know to plan a family vacation to Siargao.
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The Best Time To Visit Siargao
Siargao island has two main seasons, each with unique characteristics. Before you plan your trip, consider the most suitable time for your family.
- Dry Season (November to April): This period is considered the peak tourist season in Siargao. The weather is typically dry and sunny, creating ideal conditions for beach activities, surfing, and exploring the island. But this is also the busiest time and prices for accommodations and flights may be higher.
- Wet Season (May to October): During this time, Siargao experiences more rainfall and occasional storms. While the island remains accessible, some beach activities and boat tours may be limited due to rougher seas and weather conditions. However, the wet season offers a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists, and you may find better deals on accommodations and flights.
If your family loves surfing, Siargao has consistent waves between August and November – attracting surf enthusiasts from all over the world.
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How To Get To Siargao
Travelling from Hong Kong to Siargao requires a minimum of two flights. First, you’ll fly to either Cebu or Manila, followed by a connecting flight to Siargao Airport. Luckily, the flights are relatively short, lasting around two hours to Manila or three hours to Cebu and an additional couple of hours to reach Siargao by plane. It is possible to book your flights in a way that minimises the waiting time and complete the entire journey in about 6 to 7 hours.
Sassy Mama Tip: The airport in Cebu is much smaller than the one in Manila, which often translates to a smoother travel experience with fewer chances of delays.
Read More: Navigating HKIA – Family Facilities At Hong Kong International Airport
Transport Options And Getting Around In Siargao
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll find plenty of shared or private taxi vans. If you’re headed to General Luna (located to the south of Siargao), a shared taxi van costs around PHP300 per person each way, while a private car will be around PHP1,000.
To explore the island, there are various options to suit your family’s needs. For larger groups, hiring a van is a great choice. Alternatively, you can opt for a motorcycle taxi (known as a habal-habal) or rent a scooter. Most hotels on the island offer assistance in organising transportation and can arrange organized tours if you prefer.
During our visit, we decided to explore the island by scooter, which cost around PHP300 per day for rental. Gasoline is readily available along the roadside, typically priced at around PHP50-60 per litre. Navigating Siargao is relatively easy, but sometimes the best memories are made when we venture off the beaten track. Don’t be afraid to get a little lost and discover the island!
Sassy Mama Tip: Remember, safety is paramount when travelling with children. Ensure you have appropriate helmets and safety gear for everyone and always follow local traffic rules.
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Hotels And Resorts At Siargao
At Siargao, you’ll find loads of accommodation options that cater to different preferences and budgets. For adventure-seeking families, staying in or around Cloud9 and General Luna means you’ll be close to the famous surf spots, bustling markets, and a variety of dining options. But if you prefer a more serene experience, Siargao offers secluded accommodations tucked away from the hustle and bustle, providing the perfect opportunity for quality family time.
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Siago Beach Resort – A balance of tranquillity and convenience
This charming boutique hotel may be petite with just a handful of rooms, but it is gorgeous! Nestled in a prime location, it offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and convenience. We stayed at their beachfront villas and loved how spacious and comfortable it was. The food there is excellent, don’t miss the delicious breakfast!
Siago Beach Resort, Purok V, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, www.siagobeachresort.com
Bravo Beach Resort – Beachfront getaway in Siargao
Located in General Luna, Bravo Beach Resort is a beachfront hotel that has a wonderful swimming pool and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves delicious food, plus you can watch skateboarders practice at the nearby skateboard park. There’s also a small café nearby where you can grab a light snack and a refreshing drink.
Bravo Beach Resort Siargao, Tourism Road, Barangay 5, General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, www.bravosiargao.com
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Nay Palad Hideaway – Family resort near untouched beaches
The only 5-star resort on the island, the Nay Palad Hideaway offers an incredibly unique, personalised and luxurious experience. While it’s known for its luxurious and exclusive accommodations, it also offers a range of activities and amenities that cater to families with children.
Nay Palad Hideaway, Malinao, General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, 8419, Philippines, www.naypalad.com
Things To Do With Family In Siargao
Go Surfing
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, Siargao has something to offer for everyone. The quality of teaching here is exceptional, as it is locally governed. Instructors have to undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet high standards. If you’re confident in your abilities and don’t require guidance, you can expect to pay around PHP300+ per day for board rental. On the other hand, if you’re learning to surf, you might consider pre-booking a surf camp that offers daily lessons and accommodation such as Buddha’s Surf Resort or Harana Surf School.
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Explore Siargao Island
During our trip, one of the best experiences was when we rented a scooter and explored the island. If you are planning to visit the island, some must-visit spots include Alegria Beach, Cloud9 Pier, Tayangban Caves, Magupunko Rock Pools, and Maasin River. For those who have a full day to spare, it is worth taking a 1.5-hour drive to the north of the island to visit Tak Tak Falls. Many resorts also offer tours for around PHP1,500 per person.
Island Hopping
Booking a guided island hopping in Siargao is a fantastic way to explore the stunning surrounding islands (be sure to check out Sohoton Cove, Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island). You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides who prioritize safety and ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone; they usually also provide life jackets and snorkelling gear. Alternatively, you can book private island hopping tours which can offer more flexibility and exclusivity, though the costs will be higher.
Sassy Mama Tip: Make sure to bring sun protection, towels, snacks, and drinking water for the family. Also, keep in mind the weather conditions and plan your island hopping trip on a day with calm seas for a more enjoyable experience.
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Shopping
Shopping in Siargao is a unique and laid-back experience, with a focus on local products, beachwear, surf gear, and handmade crafts. While it may not be a shopping destination in the traditional sense, you can find a variety of shops such as surf shops, boutiques and beachwear shops, handicrafts and souvenirs, organic and local products and night markets.
Family-Friendly Restaurants And Cafes In Siargao
- L’Osteria – A beachfront restaurant with an open kitchen, pizza oven, a bright and modern dining area and the most delicious pizzas (we loved it so much that we couldn’t resist going back on our last night!). facebook.com/losteria.siargao
- Shaka Cafes– Offers healthy shakes, cold-pressed juices and IG-worthy power bowls served in coconut shells. facebook.com/ShakaSiargao
- Kermits Restaurant – Brick-oven pizzas and generous portions of entrees, fresh fish, pasta and more. kermitsiargao.com/restaurant
- Kawayan Boulangerie – A traditional French patisserie and bakery, with the most amazing sweet and savoury treats. instagram.com/kawayangourmand
- CEV – Serving excellent ceviche and kinilaw with super fresh, unique flavours and ingredients. facebook.com/cevsiargao
- Bayani – Filipino fusion food with a twist. haranasurf.com/en/restaurant
- Brunch Spot (BS Siargao) – Timeless brunch dishes from corned beef breakfast burritos to Korean fried chicken burgers and fluffy pancakes. bs-siargao.com
- Coco Frio – A charming little roadside shack offering a refreshing selection of treats such as fresh coconuts, coconut ice cream, coconut affogato, and pure coconut water. facebook.com/cocofriosiargao
