Siargao has become one of the most loved tropical islands in the Philippines, known for its surf culture, palm tree landscapes, turquoise lagoons, and laid-back island life. If you’re searching for the best places to visit in Siargao, this guide covers everything from famous surf spots and island hopping destinations to hidden beaches, waterfalls, natural springs, and unique local experiences.

To make planning easier, this guide groups the best places to visit in Siargao by area so you can explore the island efficiently without spending hours on the road.

General Luna: Best Places to Visit in Siargao for Surf, Cafes & Island Life

Most travelers stay in General Luna because it’s close to many famous surf breaks, restaurants, and island hopping tours. General Luna is the main tourist hub of Siargao. It’s where you’ll find surf schools, smoothie bowls, beach bars, and boutique accommodations.

What to expect: Surf culture, cafes, yoga studios, restaurants, and lively sunset spots.

Why go: It’s the perfect base to explore many of the best places to visit in Siargao.

Getting around: Rent a scooter for around 350–500 PHP per day or use tuk tuks for short trips.

Find places to stay here.

Cloud 9

Cloud 9 is the most famous surf break in the Philippines and easily one of the best places to visit in Siargao. Even if you don’t surf, the wooden boardwalk and viewing tower are worth visiting for sunrise or sunset. 

What to expect: Professional surfers, big waves, surf competitions, and beautiful ocean views.

Entrance fee: Around 100 PHP to access the boardwalk.

Why go: One of the most iconic surf spots in Asia.

Tip: Visit early morning when the light is soft and the crowds are smaller.

Ocean 9

Located not too far away from Cloud 9 (approx 15 minute drive), Ocean 9 is a popular spot for a beach break. It’s a great spot for both beginners and advanced surfers, as it has smaller waves at the front, and at the back out of the way you can find much bigger swells.

What to expect: Beach bar, infinity pool views, sunset cocktails, and a great spot to watch surfers ride waves.

Why go: It’s one of the best sunset viewpoints near General Luna, it’s great for surfing, the beach is beautiful, and there’s a fun vibe!

Entrance fee: 100 PHP to enter. This does include a WIFI password (there’s no 5G here) and also a locker to store your belongings while you go for a surf.

Tip: You can use the pool if you buy drinks or food.

Among this list of best places to visit in Siargao, are a handful of fun activities too:

Doot (Surfskate Lane)

Doot is a scenic road leading to a peaceful beach area south of General Luna. The road itself has become famous for surfskaters riding along the palm-lined stretch. Around golden hour, 100’s of people gather here to surfskate on the road (it’s free). There is usually someone playing music, and sometimes you can find people selling cookies, drinks and homemade crafts along the road too.

What to expect: Coconut trees, quiet beaches, and a peaceful vibe away from the main town.

Why go: One of the most scenic drives and hidden best places to visit in Siargao.

Tip: Go at sunset for golden light over the palms.

Wakepark Siargao

Siargao Wakepark is perfect if you want to try wakeboarding in a tropical setting. On a Sunday, they have a fun event where, when you buy a drink (can be anything) it includes one round on the wakeboard for free. Of course, it gets busy so you have to wait a while for your turn, but it’s a cool crowd and you can make friends with the people in line.

What to expect: Cable wakeboarding over a freshwater lagoon surrounded by palm trees.

Price: Around 500–700 PHP depending on session length.

Why go: Fun activity if you want a break from surfing / exploring beaches.

Padel Courts

Padel has recently become popular in Siargao and there are several courts around General Luna where visitors can play.

What to expect: Social games, tropical outdoor courts, and a fun community vibe.

Why go: Great way to meet travelers and locals while staying active.

Tip: You can find people to play with in the Whatsapp / Facebook communities. You type in your level and the time you are free, and find other people to join you! It’s a lot of fun.

Siargao Island Hopping: Best Places to Visit in Siargao by Boat

Island hopping is one of the most popular activities and easily includes some of the best places to visit in Siargao. Most tours depart from General Luna and visit three beautiful islands. To get to these islands, the typical method is to book on to a 3-island hopping boat tour. The other option (the one we chose) is to walk down to the harbour and make a deal with a local fisherman. It works out cheaper for you, and you get to support the locals directly.

Guyam Island

Guyam Island is a tiny tropical island surrounded by crystal clear water and white sand. It was my FAVOURITE place in Siargao. The island is small, and secluded yet there is a snack bar where you can buy some refreshments and snacks. There was also a basketball court in the middle surrounded by palm trees.

What to expect: Palm trees, a small beach bar, and turquoise lagoons.

Entrance fee: Around 20–50 PHP.

Why go: One of the most photogenic and relaxing places to visit in Siargao! It’s also good for snorkelling, and there’s a fun swing in the ocean.

Tip: Walk around the entire island it only takes about 5 minutes.

Daku Island

Daku Island is the largest island on the typical island hopping tour and a great place to relax for lunch. There are a bunch of restaurant and bars, and also a LOT of dogs! We were followed by a pack of 20 dogs on our walk around the island – it was very bizzare.

What to expect: White sand beaches, coconut palms, and traditional Filipino meals prepared by locals.

Entrance fee: Around 100 PHP.

Why go: Calm swimming water and beautiful tropical scenery.

Tip: If you do organise your own private tour with a fisherman, ask them if you can surf at Daku island (only if you are experienced as the waves are in the middle of the ocean and get quite big). It’s a beautiful wave and the background is beautiful with the palm trees and white sand!

Bonus tip: The third island included in this island hopping tour is Naked Island. It’s a small stretch of sand in the middle of the ocean. It’s cool to see, but adds another 40-60 minutes onto your boat trip. If you organise with a local fisherman, I recommend skipping this and spending more time between Guyam island and Daku island.

Northern Siargao: Best Places to Visit in Siargao

The north of Siargao feels much more remote and is home to some of the most peaceful best places to visit in Siargao. Expect fewer tourists, beautiful beaches, and natural pools.

Alegria Beach

Alegria Beach is one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches on the island. It’s very remote, sitting at the top of Siargao. 

What to expect: Long stretches of white sand, clear water, and very few crowds.

Entrance fee: Around 50 PHP (unless you stay at one of the resorts on the beach, in which case it is free entry)

Why go: One of the most peaceful beaches in Siargao, if you want to escape the busy areas.

Tip: Bring snacks and water because there are limited facilities. You can choose to dine in one of the resorts restaurants if you like. We stayed at 3B for a few nights and the food there was good, and not too overpriced considering its location.

Tangbo Beach

Tangbo Beach is a quieter beach that many travelers miss. It is also a good surf spot in the north of Siargao. 

What to expect: Palm lined shores, soft sand, and peaceful ocean views.

Why go: One of the more hidden best places to visit in Siargao.

Tip: Bring a hammock and enjoy the calm atmosphere.

Magpupungko Rock Pools

Magpupungko Rock Pools are one of the most famous natural attractions and definitely among the best places to visit in Siargao. During low tide, crystal clear pools form between large rock formations. It gets VERY busy, so you need to prepare to share these pools among the crowds. There is another pool behind the big rock, and if you walk around it, you’ll find it is much less crowded. Either way, it’s still worth a visit – the colour of the water here is insane! There is a guide included in the entrance ticket which is obligatory. Personally I don’t think it’s necessary, but it gives more people work, plus they also take pictures of you in the pool which is a nice touch.

What to expect: Natural tidal pools, cliff jumping, and clear blue water.

Entrance fee: Around 100 PHP per person total, including parking and a guide.

Important tip: Visit during low tide or the pools disappear! We went 30-45 minutes BEFORE low tide and it was much quieter! I highly recommend doing this too.

Coconut Road

Coconut Road is one of the most photographed roads in the Philippines and a highlight among the best places to visit in Siargao. Thousands of coconut trees line the road creating an endless tropical landscape. It’s a stunning place to visit, but please be careful. This is a road, and there are constantly cars, tuktuks and scooters driving up and down. Respect them!

Why go: Incredible and scenic scooter rides.

Tip: Visit early morning or sunset for the best lighting.

Coconut Viewpoint

Near Coconut Road is a viewpoint overlooking a valley full of coconut trees stretching to the ocean.

What to expect: Panoramic island views and photo opportunities.

Entrance fee: Free.

Why go: One of the most iconic landscapes in Siargao.

Natural Springs and Waterfalls: Best Places to Visit in Siargao

Siargao isn’t just about beaches. Some of the best places to visit in Siargao are its refreshing waterfalls and natural springs.

Taktak Falls

Taktak Falls is the only waterfall on Siargao.

What to expect: Jungle surroundings, a wide waterfall, and a swimming area below.

Entrance fee: Around 100 PHP.

Tip: Best visited after rainfall when the waterfall is stronger. However, if there is TOO much rainfall, it is not recommended to go, as the falls collect dirt and bacteria.

Beto Cold Spring

Beto Cold Spring is a refreshing natural spring surrounded by forest. It’s located in the centre of the island and is a fun place to spend a few hours. Here many locals also hang out, and there were a few birthday parties happening with food and drinks. There are also people jumping off the platforms into the water, and you can rent kayaks for an hour too. 

What to expect: Clear cold water, bamboo diving platforms, kayak rental and a relaxed local atmosphere.

Entrance fee: Around 30-50 PHP (very cheap!)

Why go: Perfect place to cool off after exploring nearby areas / driving around the island.

Magda Spring Pool

Magda Spring Pool is a popular local swimming spot with bright turquoise water. The water did have a bit of a strange smell when we were there, but perhaps it was because we went in rainy season and it rained A LOT! It was also very muddy to get to, but made the experience fun.

What to expect: Rope swings, clear water, and a social atmosphere.

Entrance fee: Around 50 PHP.

Tip: Visit in the afternoon when locals gather and the vibe becomes lively.

Hidden Nature Spots: Best Places to Visit in Siargao

Siargao Mangroves

Siargao’s mangrove forests are among the largest in the Philippines and are important for the island’s ecosystem. There are many animals living within the Mangroves, including monkeys, crocodiles, many species of birds, etc. It is very hard to spot them though!

What to expect: Wooden walkways through dense mangroves and peaceful nature views.

Entrance fee: Free.

Why go: A quieter nature experience compared to the beaches, and gives you something different to do.

Tropical Academy Cooking Class Experience

The Tropical Academy cooking class is one of the most fun and interactive experiences on the island. his hands-on cooking class teaches you how to prepare traditional Filipino dishes using fresh local ingredients, many of which are grown on the island. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, making it a great way to meet other travelers while learning about local culture. Classes typically last around 3–4 hours and cost roughly 2,000–3,000 PHP per person, depending on the menu and group size. You MUST book in advance online, and pay a deposit. 

What to expect: Learn to cook traditional Filipino dishes using fresh local ingredients.

Price: Around 2,000–3,000 PHP depending on the class. (quite pricey, but a fun experience, and this also includes a HUGE lunch of dishes prepared for you, plus the ones you cook).

Why go: A great way to connect with local culture and learn new recipes.

Helpful Travel Tips for Visiting the Best Places to Visit in Siargao

+ Rent a scooter. The easiest way to explore the best places to visit in Siargao is by scooter.

+ Check tides. Natural attractions like Magpupungko Rock Pools depend on low tide.

+ Bring cash. Many smaller locations do not accept cards. You need cash on a daily basis! The ATM machines often run out too, so go early morning.

+ Start your day trips early. Popular spots can get crowded by midday.

+ Stay flexible. Siargao island life moves slowly, enjoy the relaxed pace.

Siargao is more than just a surf island. From island hopping and waterfalls to quiet beaches and coconut palm roads, the best places to visit in Siargao offer a mix of adventure, nature, and laid-back tropical living. Whether you’re here to surf Cloud 9, explore hidden springs, or relax on remote beaches, this blog post will help you experience the island at its best!

If you’re really short for time, considering doing this full day (intense!) tour of Siargao island.

FAQ Section

How many days do you need in Siargao?

Most travelers spend at least 7 days exploring the best places to visit in Siargao. I would recommend staying 10-14 if you plan to explore the whole island. This gives you enough time to visit the famous surf spots, take an island hopping tour, explore the northern beaches and rock pools, and enjoy waterfalls and natural springs.

What is Siargao best known for?

Siargao is best known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, especially for the famous Cloud 9 surf break. However, many of the best places to visit in Siargao also include island hopping destinations, natural tidal pools, coconut palm landscapes, and peaceful tropical beaches.

Is Siargao worth visiting?

Yes, Siargao is absolutely worth visiting. The island offers surf culture, tropical scenery, island hopping, and a relaxed atmosphere away from busy city destinations.

When is the best time to visit Siargao?

The best time to explore Siargao island is between March and October when the weather is generally sunny and calm. The surf season peaks between August and November, which is ideal if you want to watch or try surfing at Cloud 9.

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The Philippines offers the most picturesque scenery I have ever witnessed, with captivating white beaches, aligned with rows and rows of palm trees, which are surrounded by crystal clear waters and limestone cliffs.

Luckily, it is only just becoming popular among tourists, therefore it is a place you can still visit that hasn’t become completely Westernised!

The Philippines is like nothing I have seen before. The beautiful views are present across every island you visit, and it never fails to disappoint. There is so much to do there, but it is predominately a beachy place. If you don’t enjoy the beach (who are you!?) then you probably won’t appreciate the Philippines as much as you should.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Philippines

Two must sees: Coron and Palawan Island

My favourite two spots are the island of Palawan (recently voted Number 1 as the most beautiful place in the world 2017) and Coron. These two places are incredibly beautiful.

In Coron, you can visit the natural hot springs, climb the mountain to see the sunset and take a night tour to see the glowing plankton. The best part however is the day tours, specifically tour A and C that take you to nearby hidden lagoons and beaches, and they are among the most spectacular things we have ever seen.

The tours are otherwise known as the Island Escape Tour; visiting 3 iconic (and most instagrammable) beaches known as Malcapuya, Banana, and Bulog Dos islands. The second tour we recommend is 7 Highlights tour, visiting the main attractions in Coron.

The island of Palawan offers many different attractions. El Nido is located at the top of the island, just a 4 hour ferry ride from Coron. El Nido is the most expensive place in the Philippines as it has become the most populated with visiting tourists. However, it is still a place worth visiting and once again, tours A and C are the best things to do when you are here.

Further south, you will find the Underground River, located in Puerto Princesa. The river is the longest underground river in the world, and it has been declared a UNESCO heritage site.

More recently it has been voted as one of the Seven World Wanders of Nature 2017 and for good reason. The tour throughout the caves is very surreal as you sit back and enjoy a slow boat ride, motored by a local Filipino and his oars.

You are given a headset to listen to the history of the cave which adds to the whole experience.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Philippines

Other things to do in the Philippines include:

• Swimming with a school of sardines in Moalboal, swimming with something slightly bigger in Oslob – Whale Sharks!

• If you love beaches, you should take a quick boat ride from Oslob to Sumillion Island for the day; an extremely secluded beach on a private island.

• Diving in the Philippines is out of this world; the water is crystal clear and the reefs are among the most colourful in the world.

• South of Oslob is Apo island, a place known for swimming with gigantic turtles and Siquijor Island boasts beautiful waterfalls.

• The Chocolate Hills in Bohol are a unique attraction. Most of the time they are in fact green, but if you go in the dry season you will understand where they get their name from.

Check out my blog post: The Best Things to Do in the Philippines – Our Highlights for more info or carry on reading below to find out about accommodation, food, transport and nightlife in the Philippines!

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Philippines – Accommodation, Food, Transport and Nightlife

The accommodation seems to be either very cheap and run down, or extremely luxurious and expensive. We really struggled to find nice places to stay that were in our budget. In most other places in Asia you can pay $20 a night for a 4* private hotel room.

In the Philippines, that price would get you a very basic private room in an Aparthotel ← This isn’t too big of an issue because you will spend 90% of your time outside exploring. Just be aware that it isn’t as cheap as the rest of Asia when looking for somewhere to stay.

Search online on www.booking.com, www.expedia.com or www.agoda.com to find your accommodation.

TIP! If you find a place online that you like and find out where it is, you can drive to the property and book a room in person. It will save you some money as the hotel don’t have to pay a commission to any of the above companies.

Food in the Philippines isn’t great. There are very few signature dishes to try and there is a serious lack of flavour in the local meals. In fact, the only meals we enjoyed were those in Western restaurants, which is not something you want! This was our only let down about travelling through the Philippines! Here I have written 2 blog posts; Food in the Philippines – What to Expect & The Best Western Restaurants in the Philippines.

The food on the day tours in both Coron and El Nido is really delicious. Lunch usually consists of fresh fish with rice and fried vegetables, and a selection of fruit.

TIP! Eating a fish eye in the Philippines is considered a delicacy.

Transportation in the Philippines

Transport in the Philippines is very diverse and there is something to suit all budgets. The main form of transportation include local buses, private cars and tricycles. Tricycles are the cheapest form of transport, however they can become uncomfortable so you can’t go too far in one! They are great for getting around town, or going to a nearby attraction.

Unfortunately, the transport in the Philippines is not the most reliable. If a bus journey is advertised as 3 hours, it is most probably going to take you at least 5. If a bus is supposed to leave at 2pm, it will more likely leave at 2.30/3pm. If there is bad weather and you have a ferry booked, expect to be told to get off and come back 24 hours later.

Due to the unreliability of the public transport, I highly recommend that you don’t book your accommodation too far in advance. I was delayed a total of 4 times throughout my trip; 3 times were 24+ hour delays, and once was a 6 hour flight delay.

If you want to buy your bus, mini vans or ferry tickets in advance (I recommend no more than 24 hours in advance) and save yourself some time on the day, you can do so here.

Read this blog post to find out How to Plan Your Route Around the Philippines!

Nightlife in the Philippines is quite tame. I don’t particularly think this is a bad thing, as it can ruin a country’s reputation. Boracay Island was a big party scene, but the Government closed it to tourists to avoid just that – ruining its reputation. There are plenty of bars to have a drink in, and hostels can also be fun – but don’t expect anything too crazy!

Safety in the Philippines

I know a lot of people like to discuss safety when choosing a location to visit. However, every country you visit has its dangerous areas but it’s knowing which places to avoid that will ultimately keep you safe.

No matter whether you’re male or female, you shouldn’t wander around alone at night, and don’t carry large amounts of cash on you. If you feel like you are being followed, enter a nearby bar, or mix in with a crowd of people.

The Philippines is a relatively poor country, therefore you need to be aware of your surroundings when there. Wear your bag across your body to avoid motorcyclists stealing your belongings, and just be street smart.

If you want to know more about the most important things about travelling through the Philippines, check out my blog posts here:

6 Top Tips for Travelling the Philippines

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These giant animals can measure up to 18m long, weighing 19,000kg and you are able to swim within metres of them.

If there is one thing you that you need to do when you travel to the Philippines, it has to be swimming with these beautiful creatures.

Where to Stay

We stayed at Sharky Hostel in Oslob which is right next door to the attraction. The hostel has a deal with the tour companies that their group goes out on the water first before the other boats. We woke up at 5.30 as the first boats of the day leave around six.

Our boat did leave first with the others following us minutes after. The Whale Sharks are only about 70 metres from the shore so you don’t need to go far.

Make sure you are kitted up before you arrive at your spot, so you can get in the water ASAP. You are provided with a snorkel and mask so there’s no need to bring your own. There is a total of 30 minutes in the water per boat therefore you want to take advantage.

Although there is a time limit, you do not feel rushed. It gives you enough time to thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Swimming with Whale Sharks Is out of This World

It is incredible how these creatures are humongous, but you do not feel the slightest bit alarmed in their presence. They are completely confident with humans, allowing you to get up very close to them. The whole experience is incredible and I cannot recommend it enough.

TIP! Do not wear sun cream, oils etc. as it can irritate their skin and it is not allowed. You will be told to take it off before you get in the water so it’s better just to not put it on in the first place.

These animals are protected by the Philippine Government and harming them will result in fines and even imprisonment.

As Swimming with Whale Sharks starts so early, you are back by around 7am and have the whole day ahead of you.

If you are looking for something to do for the rest of the day, there are a few things to do in Oslob. There is an abseiling tour in the waterfalls, and a lookout point. Drivers usually make a deal for you and take a group of around 6 people for a reasonable price.

We decided to go over to Sumillion Island for the day which was amazing. Check out this post on Sumillon Island for more information.

The post Why You Should Swim With Whale Sharks in the Philippines appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

Honestly the majority of meals are in need of flavour, and fresh veg.

What to Expect

Boiled rice plays a huge part of the Filipino diet and is usually served with every main meal. Filipinos eat it up to 3x a day, including for breakfast (which I couldn’t stand). I tried as much as possible to eat local foods throughout the day, but there is a point where your body cannot take anymore stodge, or fried food.

Everything is fried.

I went for a month, craving fresh vegetables. I found very few western restaurants that offered boiled vegetables, but when I did, I ate them all day and it was incredible. If you are also fed up of fried food and boiled rice, head to our post about The Best Western Restaurants in The Philippines for some inspo.

There are a few signature dishes that you have to try when you’re in the Philippines, as with all countries. Pollo Abodo is their main dish and it is chicken in soy sauce, with vinegar and a sugar mix. The other main dish basically involves eating an egg with an unborn chick inside (I couldn’t do it).

There is a lot of fish available. Many places tend to fry the fish but there are a number of restaurants that BBQ the fish instead!

On the day tours you are served a lovely meal with fresh fish, [rice], fried chicken and vegetables, with plenty of fruit. These tours offered the best local food we tried throughout the whole of the Philippines.

Speaking of fish, apparently eating the eye of a fish is seen as a delicacy here too. A Filipino lady on our tour, pulled the squishy part out of the socket and ate the whole thing in front of us.

Fruit in the Philippines

The selection of fresh fruit in the Philippines is amazing and probably saved me. I had a fresh fruit smoothie nearly every day. They have exotic fruits such as mangoes, dragon fruit, rambutan, etc…
I must say though, the mango-pineapple combo is definitely the best one!

TIP! If you like to be healthy, make sure you order the smoothies without sugar, as they tend to add both sugar and syrup to them if not.

Speaking from experience, without any offence intended, you will soon get fed up of eating rice just like anywhere else in Asia (it’s totally normal). Sometimes your body just needs a taste of home and can’t handle the quantity of rice that is generally served throughout the day. Luckily there are a number of restaurants around the islands that serve western food alongside local dishes. Visit our Restaurant Reviews page to find the best westernised places to eat in the Philippines.

** Note that food in the Philippines varies in price depending on which island you are on. The food in El Nido is a lot more expensive than anywhere else in the Philippines. The average price for a standard meal is 200php where as it is around 400php in El Nido **

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Below is a diagram of how we did it, using planes, cars/buses and ferries. Below I have explained in more detail costs, length of travel and how effective it was for us. Travelling in this way saved us a lot of time, and money!

If you are heading to the Phillipines, don’t forget to check out my other blog posts here, including my top tips for travelling there!

Manilla –> Cebu  –> Moalboal –> Oslob –> Siquijor Island –> Bohol –> Cebu Airport –> Puerto Princesa –> Coron –> El Nido –> Puerto Princesa Airport –> Boracay –> Cebu International Airport

We took a total of 4 flights, 5 ferries and 2 van journeys.

Planning Your Route Around the Philippines

We flew into Cebu City Airport and took a bus to Moalboal from the local bus station. The bus costs 150 pesos and takes around 4 hours in total. From Moalboal we made our way down to Oslob. If you take the bus, you must change buses half way then get a tricycle to your hostel. We ended up getting a driver between the 4 of us and it was an hour straight ride to our hostel for 50 pesos more each. Oslob is famous for Swimming with Whale Sharks and visiting Sumillion Island.

After spending 2 nights in Oslob we got the boat over to Siquijor Island where we spent 3 nights. The boat costs 200 pesos and takes 2.5 hours. (if you wish to swim with Giant Turtles, make sure you do a de-tour through Dumaguete island to Apo island. Siquijor island is only a 50 minute boat ride from Dumaguete so it is very easy to get to after visiting Apo island).

Island Hopping:

Siquijor island is popular for the Cambugahay falls, which you may have seen pictures of all over Instagram. It is a few waterfalls with huge rope swings and is an extremely fun couple of hours. I would recommend visiting Siquijor island for 2 nights rather than 3 if you are short for time.

From Siquijor Island we went up to Bohol. The journey between the two was the most expensive ferry ride we took, costing 700 pesos. The company also charged another 80 pesos per suitcase and you must pay a terminal fee + environmental fee every time you leave a port in the Philippines. In total we paid over 900 pesos for this journey.

You can book your tickets online in advance here.

We stayed in Bohol for 2 nights before getting a ferry back to Cebu. The main things to do in Bohol are visit the chocolate hills, go see the tarsier monkeys and spend your afternoons at the beach.

Cebu was our last stop on the East side of the Philippines as we flew over to Puerto Princesa. 

We didn’t stay the night in Cebu as we merely needed to fly from here. In Puerto Princesa we went to visit the Underground caves which are a must-visit! They are currently on the list of Seven World Wonders of Nature and are spectacular.

Planning Your Route Around the Philippines

From Puerto Princesa we took an overnight ferry up to Coron which saved us one night accommodation. We planned to stay in Coron for 4 nights but our ferry to El Nido was delayed by 24 hours due a typhoon out in the water. We ended up staying a total of 5 nights in Coron before moving onto El Nido.

Coron was 100% my favourite place in the Philippines. Just take a look at the photo below to see how truly stunning this place is.

The main things to do in Coron are the boat tours. They take you to visit many lagoons and hidden beaches around the surrounding small islands.

In the town of Coron, you can also visit the hot springs, climb up the mountain to see the sunrise and take a night time boat tour to see the glowing plankton.

We stayed in El Nido for 4 nights (originally we planned to stay for 5). El Nido is another spectacular place in the Philippines that is a must-visit. Similar to Coron, the main things to do are the boat tours which take you around the lagoons and beaches.

In El Nido itself, you can also visit Las Cabañas beach, Nacpan Beach and take a trip to see the local waterfalls.

We then took a van back down to Puerto Princesa. We went to the airport and flew over to Boracay for 3 nights. Boracay is a bit more upbeat than the rest of the islands with many bars.

It still has a stunning beach called ‘White beach’ where you can spend your days. It is a good place to end your time in the Philippines.

Our final stop was back in Cebu to fly out to Hong Kong.

TIP! Take note – when you fly internationally from Cebu airport, you have to pay a terminal fee of 750php ($18.5AUS, £10.2) before going through to your gate. Make sure you have money left over or you will be charged to use the ATM to get this money out.

The ultimate guide to planning your route around the Philippines.

Conclusion

There are many ways to plan your trip. I would suggest you go with the flow a little bit, because things change. However, maybe look into flights prior to leaving. Last minute deals don’t exist in the Philippines. Before you set off, read our 6 top tips for travelling the Philippines post for some helpful information.

Our route around the Philippines may sound a bit bizarre but this worked out to be the cheapest route. Flights to Boracay from other locations were working out to be double so we did a complete circle to save a lot of money. We still managed to see everything so it worked out fantastically.

Leave a comment if you have any questions! We would love to help you out 🙂

The post Planning Your Route Around the Philippines appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

My best tips include ways to avoid spending unnecessary money, how to plan for Philippine transport, and other helpful things I picked up along the way.

So here it is, my 6 top tips for travelling the Philippines.

Number 1: Leave Yourself an Entire Day to Travel to Each Destination.

We used all types of public transport in the Philippines and a number of factors can affect their punctuality. The main reason for delays is down to the typhoons. We boarded 2 ferries throughout our trip, both of which were cancelled for up to 24 hours, and our flight to Boracay was delayed by 6 hours. Buses that are supposed to take 3 hours actually take 6… the list goes on.

Just bare in mind that things go wrong!

If they don’t, then hey! you’ve gained yourself a couple of hours – Bonus.

Number 2: Don’t Book Your Accommodation More Than a Day in Advance!

Okay, so if you are looking into a place and everything is booking up, you might make an exception. Booking accommodation in Boracay beforehand is recommended as it is usually really busy with tourists, but hear me out. In general, I would advise that you don’t book anything in advance.

The main reason for this is based on Number 1, things go wrong. If your transport is delayed, you will need to make new arrangements and find a new place to stay on the spot. This also means that the accommodation you have already booked is going to go to waste.

The amount of money that we would have lost if we would have booked our accommodation beforehand is insane! Our plan changed a total of 3 times throughout our trip due to delays and cancellations. We actually re-routed the whole thing at one stage.

The delays didn’t just affect the one day, but they pushed back the whole trip. Don’t book too far in advance!

6 Top Tips for Travelling the Philippines

Number 3: Note That Domestic Flights Aren’t as Cheap as You Would Think

When we planned our trip, we estimated a total cost and tried our hardest to stick to it. The domestic flight prices changed and we paid more than what we had hoped. Booking the flights in advance does save you money, however, the issue is of course that things change!

It is a tricky one to get around because if you book your flight in advance, other plans may fall through and you could end up missing out on an amazing place. If you wait, you could end up paying double.

My honest advice would be to wait and go with the flow. Overall, we did save money by travelling the way we did.

Another issue for anyone travelling with luggage… Philippine Airlines will only accept 10kg checked luggage and there is no option to pay for an upgrade. This means that you have to fly with more expensive airlines.

Cebu Pacific and Air Asia are your two main contenders – although be warned, Air Asia get delayed, A LOT!

If you can travel with a limited amount of luggage, I would highly recommend that you do, you will save even more money and hassle!

Number 4: Choose Your Tours and Make a Deal

The recommended amount of tours to do in both Coron and El Nido is 2 in each. Buy the tours at the same time, with the same company and save yourself some pennies! It’s like anywhere you go, the more you buy, the cheaper they are.

You can also try make a deal such as getting a snorkel and mask thrown in for free. In Coron, you have to pay 100php extra for the snorkels (unless you get a discount) but in El Nido they are already included in the tour.

Make sure you don’t negotiate a deal that is already included (like we managed to do haha!). Once we were on the boat, we realised that EVERYBODY was being handed a mask and snorkel and that we had been mugged off.

6 Top Tips for Travelling the Philippines

Number 5: Tricycles Are Your Main Form of Transport Within the Small Towns and Prices Vary Depending on Where You Are

The cheapest places were in both Puerto Princesa and Coron at only 10 php a head (0.25AUD/0.14p). The locals will try and charge you up to 150 php in some places, especially when arriving in to a port or an airport.

Let them know that you are aware it should only be 10 php and keep walking. They’ll either run after you and take you for the correct price, or you’ll make your way to the main roads and find a tricycle there.

In El Nido they were a little bit more expensive and charged 50 php from the ferry port to our hotel. Just be smart and settle for a fair price – the locals are just there to make a living.

TIP! Be aware that tricycles to attractions (such as the hot springs in Coron, or Nacpan beach in el Nido) are a lot more expensive and cost around 150 php. You’ll understand why once you get on the dirt roads in one of them things!

Number 6: Buy Aqua Shoes for El Nido and Coron Tours

It may seem a bit strange to you that I have included this in my 6 top tips for the Philippines. However, I wish I had bought aqua shoes for the tours and I advise you to do it!

In Coron, it was OK without them. I would have been much more comfortable if I would have bought a pair and it would have been way safer with them on. In El Nido however, we did actually need them.

Of course, nobody on our tour bought aqua shoes as you get the impression that you’re just been ambushed by locals to buy loads of rubbish. We were all very stubborn and ended up having to wear our flipflops in the water. I don’t know if you have ever tried to swim in flipflops but it isn’t very easy.

Luckily flipflops float so you don’t lose them.

At some points in the tour, it was actually quite dangerous to get to the attractions – such as entering the caves. The waves were really rough and people were being knocked into the rocks. We struggled to get into the cave, and getting back to the boat was even worse. There are lots of sharp rocks and the water is shallow enough for you to hit them. With the aqua shoes you could walk over them with much more ease.

There are also millions of sea urchins, lurking about in the rocks and it is difficult to avoid them when the waves are pushing you all over the place.

One of our tour guides also spotted a stone fish, which for those of you who don’t know, can be fatal to humans.

I am not trying to scare you. Coron and El Nido are the 2 most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines and you HAVE to go on these tours. The beaches, lagoons and caves are among the most stunning things I have ever seen. Just be careful and if you can pre-prepare with a simple action of buying aqua shoes, it will make your experience much more enjoyable!

If you are in the Philippines or planning to visit, check out my other available posts here:

How to plan your route around the Philippines

Food in the Philippines – What to expect

The best things to do in the Philippines

The best Western restaurants in the Philippines

The post 6 Tops Tips for Travelling the Philippines appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

Sumillion Island, Oslob

Travelling by Boat

Sumilion Island is a short, 10-15-minute boat trip from Oslob on Cebu Island. The island is known for its sandbar – a small stretch of sand that changes both shape and locations depending on the season.

The water is crystal clear and perfect for both snorkeling and diving. There is not much to do, but the sandbar is the perfect sun trap to spend the day relaxing on this remote island.

There is an environmental fee of 50 pesos to access Sumilion as the island and its marine life are protected by the government. The boat from Oslob to Sumilion island will vary depending on where you buy your ticket and how many people you are. Originally, the locals were trying to charge us 350 pesos, excluding the 50 pesos entrance fee. After a lot of negotiation, we ended up paying 300 in total.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Swimming with Whale Sharks in the Philippines was probably one of the most incredible things we have done to date.

This attraction is also in Oslob so it is perfect to combine with a day at Sumillion island. Swimming with Whale Sharks starts around 6am which means you have the rest of the day to explore the rest of Oslob. You have a total of 30 minutes in the water with the sharks and it is hands down the best thing to do in the Philippines. If you would like to know more about Swimming With Whale Sharks, check out my post.

Coron Day Tours

Coron was my favourite place in the whole of the Philippines. It is located just across from Palawan Island and holds the most stunning views.

The day trips around Coron are not something you want to miss out on. There are numerous options to choose from but we highly recommend visiting 2 tours; one based on the lagoons, and the other visits 3 beaches over an 8 hour day. The lagoon tour may feel quite rushed as they try to squeeze in a total of 5 destinations throughout the day, including travel time, but it is still worth it.

The beach tour is probably the most incredible tour we have been on to date. One of the main beaches in this tour is called Malcapuya island and it is absolutely breathtaking. You have a total of 8 hours to enjoy 3 beaches, giving you around 1-2 hours in each place before moving on to the next. Read about my 6 Top Tips for Travelling the Philippines for more information.

Underground Caves, Puerto Princesa

The Underground caves recently made the Seven World Wonders of Nature list and for good reason. They’re stunning. There is something so surreal about going into the caves on a steady boat tour and seeing them in their natural, un-touched beauty. The guides row the boat from the back, and you are provided with a head set to listen to the history of the caves. Unlike other audio devices I have listened to before, this one is extremely interesting and the voice recording is completely soothing. The Underground caves are a must-do when you are in Puerto Princesa (or El Nido). They are about a 2.5 hour drive from Puerto Princesa and around a 3.5 hour drive from El Nido. A lot of people did the tour on the way to either one, so used it as a stop off point. The only issue with that is the fact that hardly any luggage fits in the cars. If you are travelling with a big backpack, I highly doubt you’ll manage to squeeze it in.

Talk to the tour company you book with and see if they can organise something for you. You never know!

Leave a comment below if you have any other favourite things that you did in the Philippines! We’d love to hear your thoughts.

The post What to Do in the Philippines – Our Highlights appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

Marco Polo,Siquijor Island

This restaurant is a beautiful Italian, in the town of San Juan with an Italian owner. They serve homemade pizzas which are so tasteful, and the prices are very reasonable.

There is an outdoor seating area with hammocks and tables overlooking the sea.

The staff are lovely and so welcoming. Julio the owner is very helpful and loves what he does. There is also fantastic WIFI in the restaurant which is very hard to find in the Philippines. It is a bonus if you have emails to respond too, or someone to message.

Overall a fantastic restaurant.

La brujita, Coron

This restaurant is full of fresh veggies which you begin to crave after a couple of days. They serve all homemade meals such as curries, soups, eggplant based meals.

I would recommend ordering the fried mozzarella to start. It is amazing, (if you love cheese) but oh so heavy! Make sure you have someone to share this with and if you don’t, skip ordering a main course (however this means you’ll just be eating cheese for dinner…I’m not sure that suggestion is viable, or is it?!).

We asked the owner how much cheese was in fried mozzarella dish and he told us there was a whopping 250g. I couldn’t eat half of my main course after eating it (& I shared it!).

Every night this place is busy with people queuing out of the doors. It is only a small restaurant with around 7 tables, but it is definitely worth a visit.

Food in the Philippines

Carl’s BBQ, Coron

Carl’s BBQ provides a lovely atmosphere due to its open-air nature, right in the centre of Coron. The seating areas are surrounded by fairy lights and there is a giant BBQ area where the chefs are cooking up the meat.

I ordered a squid, sweetcorn and melted cheese dish which sounds bizarre but reminded me of a homemade tuna pasta bake. We also had kebabs which were so tasteful. We came back to this restaurant during our stay – and tried the ribs. The restaurant is known for them. They are amazing and costs around 350php for half a rack. There is also seating area that is elevated from the ground – kind of like your own personal tree house for dinner.

Odessa Mama Street Cafe, El Nido

The Ukranian restaurant in the centre of El Nido is a nice change. They serve homemade ale, made upstairs in their own beer factory. They serve dumplings, empanadas and pittas. The food is really good, especially the pittas. The empanadas are quite small and thin so they don’t seem to fill you up as much.

Falafel stand, El Nido

This Falafel stand is amazing. I had read many blogs recommending this place for something cheap and cheerful and they couldn’t be more correct. You must try the Tziakichi and garlic sauce combo as it completes the meal.

Agape Taverna, El Nido

This is a beautiful Greek restaurant serving huge souvlakis and they are delicious. It is located on the beach front so you can look out over the water. You must try the fried cheese to start (yes, I like cheese). The waiters will come set it alight in front out you before shouting “EPAAA”. The souvlaki is so big it is hard to finish so if you are not a big eater,  don’t order anything on the side.

Food in the Philippines

Beach Bar, Las Cabanas

The beach bar is located on Las Cabanas beach in El Nido and is a fabulous spot to watch the sunset. The beach becomes very busy around 4pm in preparation for the sunset. The beer is around 60pesos and fresh smoothies are 150pesos. San Miguel Apple is a fantastic drink for anyone who isn’t a massive beer fan, as it tastes more like a fruity cider. Cocktails were also 150pesos. The bar plays old school tunes throughout the night and provides a really fun atmosphere.

Jonah’s, Boracay

Go to this restaurant even if it is just for a smoothie!!  

They are hands down the nicest one we had while travelling. This place is constantly full of both locals and tourists. They have re-cycled plastic bottles for smoothies if you wish to take it away and drink it on the beach. The Mango-Pineapple combo is amazing – a must try! The food here was good also and again, a reasonable price.

The post The Best Western Restaurants in the Philippines appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

Firstly, make sure you stay somewhere on the island with an easy access to beaches, restaurants and bars. We made the mistake of staying at Lazy Beach Resort. The place itself was beautiful but it was in a remote part of the island. It took us 40 minutes to get to the nearest town, 20 minutes of that was down a horrible dirt road. The resort also had no WIFI or reception, so we were quite stuck.

Luckily, we were able to organise a day trip with the driver who brought us to the resort.

I would recommend staying in San Juan as there is a lot more to do there. There are restaurants, and plenty of beaches. One in particular is a must-visit beach.

Cambugahay Waterfalls

While in Siquijor island you have to visit the Cambugahay Waterfalls. They are so much fun. You pay 50 pesos to use the swing, but this includes unlimited swings. There are 2 in the waterfalls, one that is a little higher which you have to pay another 50 pesos for. The locals are so much fun and have a laugh with you. We played on the swings for about 2 hours before we headed to the beach for the afternoon.

Paliton Beach

The Paliton beach is a beautiful little beach in San Juan. As you arrive you will be slightly disappointed as it doesn’t give off a great first impression. Once you walk down the beach a little further, you will arrive at a stunning part of the beach, white sand surrounded by palm trees. The beach is usually quiet which is a huge bonus!

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If you are in Siquijor for a couple of nights and have a spare day, consider checking one of the many resorts on the island that offer day entry for a fee. The price is usually quite cheap and it gives you access to beaches, restaurants, kayak hire etc. They are good little spots to hang out for the day!

The post What to Do in Siquijor Island appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.