# data[].attributes.body
The province has 2 major islands, the Siargao and Bucas Grande and it can be found in the Philippine sea

# data[].attributes.body
Surigao del Norte is a province located in Caraga region. Its capital is Surigao City and it is known as the City of Adventures because of its 17 panoramic islands with long stretches of pristine white sand beaches, mystical caves, vast mangrove forest and underwater sceneries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore what to see and do in the Philippines and book your desired tours instantly.

# data[].attributes.body
The mainland portion of the province borders Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur

# data[].attributes.body
The population of Surigao del Norte as of the 2015 Census is 486,088 where most of it came from its capital city which is 154,137

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Contents

1. § Map

2. § Local government units

3. § Economy

4. § Demographics

5. § National Roads

6. § Rankings

7. § Notes

Type
province

Island group
Mindanao

Region
Caraga (Region XIII)

Cities

1

Municipalities

20

Barangays

335

Coastal/Landlocked

coastal

Marine waterbodies

Philippine Sea, Bohol Sea, Surigao Strait

Area (2007)

1,972.93 (761.75 km² sq mi)

Population (2015)

485,088

Density (2015)

246 (637 / km² / sq mi)

Surigao del Norte is a province in the Philippines situated in the Caraga region occupying the northeastern section of Mindanao. Its capital is the City of Surigao.

The province has a land area of 1,972.93 square kilometers or 761.75 square miles. Its population as determined by the 2015 Census was 485,088. This represented 18.68% of the total population of the Caraga region, 2.01% of the overall population of the Mindanao island group, or 0.48% of the entire population of the Philippines. Based on these figures, the population density is computed at 246 inhabitants per square kilometer or 637 inhabitants per square mile.

Map

Surigao del Norte is bordered, clockwise from the North, by Surigao Strait, Dinagat Islands, Dinagat Sound, Philippine Sea, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Lake Mainit, and the Bohol Sea.

details

Local government units

Surigao del Norte has 20 municipalities and 1 city. The total number of barangays in the province is 335.

details

Name

Type

Population (2015)

Population (2010)

Annual Population Growth Rate (2010‑2015)

Area (2007), in km²

Density (2015), per km²

Brgy count

Surigao City

city ( CC), capital

154,137

140,540

1.77%

245.30

628

54

Surigao del Norte Total

485,088

442,588

1.76%

1,972.93

246

335

Economy

According to the Bureau of Local Government Finance, the annual regular revenue of Surigao del Norte for the fiscal year of 2016 was ₱ 1,005,239,883.81.

details

Demographics

Population by age group

According to the 2015 Census, the age group with the highest population in Surigao del Norte is 10 to 14, with 53,668 individuals. Conversely, the age group with the lowest population is 80 and over, with 4,256 individuals.

details

Age group

Population (2015)

Under 1

9,729

1 to 4

43,269

5 to 9

52,679

10 to 14

53,668

15 to 19

51,162

20 to 24

43,771

25 to 29

37,809

30 to 34

32,129

35 to 39

29,796

40 to 44

26,934

45 to 49

24,520

50 to 54

21,436

55 to 59

17,704

60 to 64

13,374

65 to 69

9,992

70 to 74

7,715

75 to 79

5,145

80 and over

4,256

Total

485,088

Historical population

The population of Surigao del Norte grew from 172,220 in 1960 to 485,088 in 2015, an increase of 312,868 people. The latest census figures in 2015 denote a positive growth rate of 1.76%, or an increase of 42,500 people, from the previous population of 442,588 in 2010.

details

Census date

Population

Growth rate

National roads

As of December 2016, the National Roads in Surigao del Norte as classified by the Department of Public Works and Highways are:

Primary Roads

Daang Maharlika (Lipata-Surigao Section)

Daang Maharlika (Surigao-Agusan Section)

Secondary Roads

Dapa-Gen. Luna Road

Dapa-Junction Cancohoy Road

Sayak Airport

Surigao Wharf Road

Surigao-Davao Coastal Road

Tertiary Roads

Bad-as Cadre Road

Dapa-Union-Gen. Luna Road

Junction Cancohoy-Del Carmen Road

Junction Cancohoy-Pilar Road

Junction Capalayan-Cabongbongan Road

Junction del Carmen-Santa Monica-San Isidro Road

Junction National Road-Antipolo-Tuboran-Quezon-Mabini Road

Junction Osmeña-Pilar Road

Magpayang-Mainit Road

Quezon-Mapawa-Capalayan-Espina-Navarro Road

Socorro-Nueva Estrella-Brgy. Pamosaingan Road

Surigao Airport Road

Surigao City-San Juan Coastal Road

Surigao-Davao Bacuag By-Pass Road

Surigao-Davao Placer By-Pass Road

National rankings

Population (2015): 485,088, ranked 57 out of 81

Land area (2007): 761.75 square kilometers, ranked 65 out of 81

Population density (2015): 246 inhabitants per square kilometer, ranked 33 out of 81

Annual population growth rate (2010 to 2015): 1.76%, ranked 21 out of 81

Notes

1. Unless otherwise specified, population count (excluding percentages) and land area figures are derived from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

2. Maps utilize OpenStreetMap data available under the Open Data Commons Open Database License.

3. Data on annual regular income is from the Bureau of Local Government Finance, Department of Finance

4. Data on National Roads is from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

(Back to top)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
§ Map § Local government units § Economy § Demographics § National Roads § Rankings § Notes Type province Island group Mindanao Region Caraga (Region XIII) Cities 1 Municipalities 20 Barangays 335 Coastal/Landlocked coastal Marine waterbodies Philippine Sea, Bohol Sea, Surigao Strait Area (2007) 1,972.93 (761.75 km2 sq mi) Population (2015) 485,088 Density (2015) 246 (637 / km2 / sq mi) Surigao del Norte is a province in the Philippines situated in the Caraga region occupying the northeastern section of Mindanao.

# data[].attributes.body
The province products consists of palay, corn, coconut, gold, banana, rubber, oil palm, calamansi, prawns, milkfish, crabs, seaweeds and mango. Due to its proximity to Cebu, it is a favorable shipping point for products to and from these markets

# data[].attributes.body
One of the tourist spot of the province is the Siargao Island due to its beauty and there are a lot of activities to be done like surfing, snorkelling, and diving. You can also explore caves, waterfalls or lagoons.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Siargao Tourist Requirements & Guidelines | COVID-19 New Normal

Starting November 23, 2020, travelers from the Philippines can once again discover Siargao's surfing sites, majestic beaches, and other scenic attractions. With the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) has announced a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow before you fully enjoy your stay at the Surfing Capital of the Philippines.

1. Who are allowed to go to Siargao?

Siargao is open to residents and domestic tourists in the Philippines starting November 23, 2020 provided they have a negative RT-PCR test or COVID-19 Saliva Test result taken 48 hours before arrival, a valid identification card, an e-Health pass, a confirmed booking in an accommodation duly accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) for at least 2 nights. All requirements must be sent to sdntourism@gmail.com.

For the residents of Surigao Del Norte going to Siargao, they must also submit a negative RT-PCR test result within 48 hours prior to arrival and a valid Identification card/proof of residency in Surigao del Norte.

2. What are the entry points in Siargao?

Flights to Siargao resumed on December 1, 2020. Domestic tourists can enter Siargao through Sayak Airport (Siargao) and Surigao Airport. Only 1 round trip flight per day is allowed regardless of origin.

Here are the routes available starting December 1, 2020:

Manila to Siargao

Cebu to Siargao

Clark to Siargao

Davao to Siargao

Cebu to Surigao

Manila to Surigao

Other entry points in Siargao include Eva Macapagal Passenger Terminal and Lipata Ferry Terminal.

3. What travel requirements do you need to prepare?

Here are the requirements that you need to prepare before going to Siargao:
Secure a negative RT-PCR or Saliva test result
The IATF has mandated a test-before-travel requirement. All domestic tourists must provide a negative RT-PCR or Saliva test within 48 hours prior to travel to Siargao. Check out the list of accredited laboratories here.

If the test is taken more than 48 hours of departure from the point of origin, a negative antigen swab test result will be required upon arrival at the cost of the tourist.
Valid Identification Card and e-Health Pass
Tourists planning to visit Siargao must provide a valid identification card, along with an e-Health pass for contact tracing. The e-Health pass can be obtained through https://covid19.ssct.edu.ph/healthform.
At least 2 Days Confirmed Booking of Accommodation
Tourists must have a confirmed booking at a DOT-accredited accommodation for at least 2 days.
Transportation from the Airport/Seaport
Upon arrival at either Sayak Airport (Siargao) or Surigao Airport, tourists must present the necessary documents and be transported directly to the accommodation via duly accredited vehicles only. For guests wanting to be transported on a private vehicle, a clearance must be obtained from the Task Force to ensure compliance of the health and safety guidelines.

For those coming from the Eva Macapagal Passenger Terminal or Lipata Ferry Terminal, complete travel requirements must be presented before getting transported to the chosen accommodation via a duly accredited vehicle. A clearance must also be obtained for private vehicles.
Observe strict quarantine
Tourists must comply with the strict quarantine protocols until their arrival. Some of the mandatory guidelines include proper usage of face masks, face shields, observing proper social distancing, and regular washing of hands.

4. What are the guidelines and protocols to follow when you're in Siargao?

Once you're in Siargao, make sure you follow these safety protocols:
Minimum Health Standards: Mask and face shield
Tourists must wear face masks, face shields, wash hands frequently and observe proper social distancing especially in public areas. This is to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
No Quarantine Required
Tourists coming to Siargao are no longer required to undergo quarantine upon arrival, but they are required to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test 7 days after their RT-PCR test at their own cost.
Dining Protocols
There are restaurants in Siargao that offer dine-in facilities. Only DOT-accredited restaurants with Certifcate to Operate (CAO) can operate. Food establishments and restaurants must comply with the health and safety protocols imposed by the government while guests must wear face masks, face shields, and observe social distancing to fight the spread of COVID-19 disease.
Observe Curfew
A curfew will be enforced from 11 PM to 4 AM

5. What activities can you do in Siargao during quarantine?

Don't miss the chance to enjoy the tourist spots of Siargao, which includes surfing spots, enchanting lagoons, powder-white beaches, and more.
Surfing and water sports - reduced capacity
Tourists are allowed to participate in popular leisure activities like surfing, kayaking, leisure swimming, and more but at a reduced capacity.
Travel health protocols
Tourists must follow the health protocols such as wearing face masks, face shields, and observing proper social distancing in these tourist attractions.

Best Time to Go to Siargao

The best time to plan your Siargao trip depends on your purpose: surfing or island or beach lounging. If surfing is your main agenda for traveling to Siargao, then plan your trip sometime between July to November.

These months are the peak surfing season in Siargao. For non-surfers, any time between March to September is ideal. It is sunny, so the waters are clearer.

Surfing Season | July to November

The swell and wind conditions during these months will give you the best waves to ride. The annual Siargao International Surfing Cup is also held every September. It's a good event to catch for those who want to see the best in the sport compete against each other.

Dry Season | March to September

Aside from great waves, Siargao also boasts beautiful beaches and islets that any beach lover can't resist. If you prefer to go swimming or go on island-hopping trips in Siargao, March to September are the ideal months to go. These months receive the least rainfall, so you'll be able to fully-enjoy any water activities.

Climate and Weather

The temperature in Siargao varies very little throughout the year. May, the hottest month of the year, has an average high of 32°C and a low of 26°C. January, on the other hand, the coldest month of the year, with an average low of 24°C and a high of 29°C.

Rain falls throughout the year in Siargao. However, May receives the least rain, while March to September has the least chance of rainfall. On the other hand, January receives the most rain, and November through January are the months with the highest chance of rainfall.

Here's an overview of the average monthly Siargao temperature and rainfall:

Source: Weather Sparks

What to Wear

During the hot season, it's best to wear light, comfortable clothes as the weather can get hot and humid. Additionally, bring beach necessities such as sunscreen, swimsuit, rashguard, shirts, shorts, slippers, eyewear such as shades and goggles, towels, and a hat or cap.

Regardless of the season, make sure to bring an umbrella with you. It is to protect you from the heat of the sun and the unexpected downpour of rain.

How to Get to Siargao

Traveling by plane to Siargao is the most efficient way to reach the island. You can fly to Siargao directly from the main jump-off points in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao - three primary island groups of the Philippine archipelago. You can also choose to fly to Surigao City and then travel via ferry to Siargao Island.

By Flights

Siargao has its own airport, the Sayak Airport, located in the municipality of Del Carmen. Sayak Airport is only connected to domestic destinations.

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Skyjet have regular direct flights to Siargao from Manila, Cebu, and Davao. It's best to book months in advance, as prices can skyrocket the closer you get to your departure date.

If you're coming from outside of the Philippines, you will have to travel to either Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Luzon, Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Visayas, or Surigao Airport and Davao International Airport in Mindanao.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Airport in Luzon would be your jumpoff point if you're connecting flight is in Manila. NAIA is connected to several international destinations in North East and Southeast Asia, Middle East, Oceania, North America, and Europe. From NAIA, you can fly directly to Sayak Airport in Siargao.

Photo by Mactan-Cebu International Airport

You also have the choice to fly to the Mactan-Cebu International airport in the Visayas. You can then catch a flight to Siargao Island from there. Cebu is closer to Siargao than Manila so travel time is shorter and plane fares are most likely lower. Mactan-Cebu airport is connected to 21 international destinations.

Another option is to fly to Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao, commonly referred to as the Davao International Airport in Mindanao. This airport is connected to Asian destinations like Hongkong, Singapore, and Taiwan. You can ride a plane to Siargao from Davao airport.

By Flights and Ferry

Some travelers prefer to fly from Cebu to Surigao City and take the ferry to Siargao Island from Surigao Port. This is a considerably cheaper route than flying directly to Siargao from Cebu.
From Surigao City
You can fly to Surigao Airport from Mactan-Cebu airport, and then catch a ferry heading to Siargao at the Surigao Port. Cebu Pacific has direct flights from Cebu to Surigao City.

There are daily fast craft trips from Surigao Port to Dapa in Siargao Island. Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport and Atlantis Yohan Express are the primary shipping lines with ferries plying Surigao City to Siargao Island every day.

Photo by Evaristo & Sons

Evaristo & Sons fast crafts have trips to Siargao at 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM, while Atlantis Yohan Express ferries leave for Siargao at 6:0 AM and 10:30 AM. The ferry trip typically takes approximately 2 hours.

Getting Around Siargao

You will have many options for getting around Siargao. Aside from local public transportation like the habal-habal (motorcycle), tricycle, and jeepney, you can also rent a private car or even a tuk-tuk!

Depending on where you're staying and your budget for commuting, it's essential to take note of these following types of transportation for a more convenient getaway.

Habal-Habal (Motorcycle)

If you're traveling solo or in a small group, you can hire local motorcycle drivers to give you a lift or drive them yourself. These motorcycles for hire are locally known as habal-habal. It's a popular mode of transportation in many small islands in the Philippines, especially in the southern provinces. Riding a habal-habal around the island can be quite an adventure. You can hire or rent one to go around the island.

Mini-Multicab Rental

If you're only traveling with a small group of three to four, a van rental may not be economical. A good alternative would be renting a mini-multicab. Binggo offers the first and only private mini multicabs for rent in Siargao.

Mini-multicabs combine the convenience and comfort of a van rental with the excitement and immersive experience of exploring the island in an open-air vehicle. You can tour the island on your own or get a driver to take you around.

Van or Car Rental

If you prefer to get around the island on a private vehicle, you can rent a car or van. There are several car and van rental companies in Siargao. You can hire a private car or van with a driver for your trip.

It is more convenient, especially when you're traveling with a group and doing an inland tour of Siargao. There are also car rentals in Siargao that allow you to drive the vehicle yourself.

If you arrived in the Siargao via plane you'll be landing in Sayak Airport in Del Carmen. To get to General Luna you can catch a van for rent parked outside the airport. You can share the van with other travelers who are also on their way to General Luna.

Tricycle

Motorized tricycles, or simply tricycles, are public utility vehicles that are usually made locally by building a sidecar affixed to a motorcycle. They can accommodate 2-4 passengers only. Riding a tricycle is a great way to explore the island. Since it's open-air, it can be quite an immersive trip.

You can find tricycles anywhere in Siargao. You can hire a one like a taxicab, or charter to take you to Siargao's tourist spots for the whole day. This type of arrangement is tagged as a "special trip," and so will cost you considerably more than a regular tricycle trip.

Where to Stay in Siargao

You have a lot of options when it comes to accommodation in Siargao. If you're on a budget, Siargao hostels and homestay lodgings are your best bet. If you're traveling with family or you prefer private rooms that are reasonably priced, you'll find that mid-range Siargao hotels will fit your needs.

On the other hand, if you're after an ultra-luxe experience, there are several luxury resorts in Siargao Island that will cater to your creature comforts.

Types of Accommodations

Depending on your budget and preference, it's essential to research Siargao beach resort and other types of accommodations before your visit. Here are some of the usual accommodations in Siargao. Be sure to check if this accommodates the number of people you are traveling with.
Hostels and Homestays
You can find a number of great hostels in Siargao. For budget backpackers and solo travelers, staying at a hostel is an excellent choice. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it's also a good way to meet people and make new friends.

Photo by Mad Monkey Siargao

Siargao hostels offer budget-friendly dorm-type rooms and single rooms with shared bathrooms. They also typically have a communal area where you get to mingle with other travelers!

Photo by Mad Monkey Siargao

Homestay in Siargao is also very popular. As the name implies, homestay means you will be staying at the home of a local resident. It is good to note though that homestay tends to be used interchangeably with hostels in Siargao.
Beach Resorts
Being an island, there is no shortage of beach resorts in Siargao. And being a surfing hotspot, you can bet that they aren't just any beach resort, they're also surf resorts. Aside from beachfront accommodations and typical resorts, Siargao beach resorts also have surfing facilities and offer surfing lessons to beginners.
Hotels
If you're looking for a private and cozy place to stay, then it might be best to stay at a hotel in Siargao. They offer private rooms with comfortable beds and other basic amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, minibar, and wifi.

Although most Siargao hotels aren't necessarily on the beachfront, some are located only a few meters away from the beach.

Neighborhoods and Areas

Siargao Island is only 437 square kilometers, a relatively small island. Hence, it's pretty easy to decide which area to book your accommodations.

The municipality of General Luna would be every traveler's obvious choice, and in the past, it was the only choice for travelers. Now, there are several accommodations popping up in neighboring municipalities such as Pilar and Del Carmen.
General Luna
General Luna is where most of the excitement in Siargao happens. It is home to the island's hottest surfing spot, Cloud 9, and boasts a lively night scene. It's no wonder that most travelers book their accommodations here.

However, if you want a more laid-back vibe with fewer travelers, you can opt for accommodations along Malinao Road in General Luna.
Del Carmen
Del Carmen is seeing a surge of travelers, thanks to the rising popularity of Sugba Lagoon. Additionally, Siargao's Sayak Airport is located in this municipality. As such, you can now find now several accommodation options here.
Pilar
The municipality of Pilar is another rising Siargao tourist destination. Pilar is famous for the Magpupungko Lagoons and Rock Formations. The Magpupungko Pool which can only be seen during low tide offers travelers a unique swimming spot with a picturesque backdrop of limestone rock formations.

Accommodation Highlights in Siargao

You'll never run out of options when it comes to hotels and resorts in Siargao. The island attracts travelers within the full spectrum of budget preferences. Whatever your own budget is, there is a hotel, hostel, or resort to fit your needs. Here are some recommended places to stay in Siargao.
Luxury Accommodations
If you like to travel in style and you have the resources to book premium accommodations, then you'll love our list of luxury recommendations. These are the hotels you'll get the VIP treatment you deserve. Most of them offer top-notch amenities not found in other hotels.
Nay Palad Hideaway
Formerly known as Dedon Island, Nay Palad Hideaway is an all-inclusive resort in General Luna. This 5-star resort offers villas and private rooms. Nay Palad particularly prides itself on its premium villas with glass walls and canopy beds. Their other rooms boast a terrace with either an ocean or a garden view.

Photo by Nay Palad Hideaway

Nay Palad's premier facilities include a restaurant, a bar, a private beach, and an outdoor pool. They also offer water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, and island hopping in Siargao.
Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa
Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa is a plush beachfront resort that is just a few meters from the famous Cloud 9 Boardwalk. This upscale resort offers classy rooms with wi-fi, flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, and a patio with serene garden views. Siargao Bleu also has poolside cottages that are equipped with a whirlpool tub and a minifridge.

Siargao Bleu's top amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a spa, a bar, and a restaurant. They also offer diving lessons, and paddleboard and kayak rentals.
Isla Cabana Siargao
Isla Cabana is another highly-recommended luxury resort in Siargao. Located in General Luna, the resort is only a few minutes' walk to Cloud 9 and the bars and restaurants along Tourism Road.

Isla Cabana offers villas with wooden floors, a seating area, and an en-suite bathroom. Their villas are equipped with cable TV, a fridge, and a minibar. The resort even has suites with an outdoor hot tub.

Isla Cabana also boasts a beachfront infinity pool, a beachfront restaurant, a fitness center, a spa, and a pool table. They also offer water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and canoeing.
Mid-Range Accommodations
If you want a cozy place that is still reasonably priced, go for the mid-range hotels. You can find several accommodations that offer excellent service and facilities without burning a hole through your wallet. Check out these top-rated mid-range hotels in Siargao.
Kermit Surf Resort
Photo by Kermit Surf Resort

Kermit Surf Resort is one of the most well-loved accommodations in Siargao. Although it is only 200-meters from the surf spots and white sand beaches of General Luna, this resort flaunts a secluded tropical hideaway vibe.

Kermit Siargao offers a wide array of rooms that cater to different budgets; from private bungalows to shared bathroom rooms. They also serve free breakfast at their restaurant. Being a surf resort, Kermit offers one of the best surf lessons and packages especially geared for beginners.
Bravo Beach Resort
Bravo Beach Resort Siargao is a beachfront resort that overlooks the Pesangan reef and the Pacific Ocean. This resort features a beautiful garden, an outdoor pool, and rooms that are just a few steps away from their private white sand beach.

Bravo Beach Resort has three types of accommodations you can choose from; the garden room, the double room, and the surf bunk. Their guests enjoy free wi-fi, and free continental breakfast at the Bravo Restaurant. Bravo Beach Resort also offers surfing lessons, surfboard rentals, and massage services.
Buddha's Surf Resort
Located in front of the Hawaiian Jack surf spot, this small, 2-star resort is best known for its in-house restaurant and relaxed ambiance. It is easily accessible to bars and restaurants in General Luna, too. Buddha's Surf Resort is ideal for surfers and travelers looking for a laid-back and zen atmosphere.

Photo by Buddha's Surf Resort

They offer private rooms with flat-screen TV, free wi-fi, and a balcony. They also have suites with a seating area, as well as family rooms that can accommodate up to 6 people. Their guests enjoy breakfast in their restaurant with a stunning sea view.

Aside from surfing lessons and surfboard rentals, Buddha's Surf Resort also offers yoga classes, motorbike rentals, paddleboard, kayak, and kitesurfing rentals.
Budget Accommodations
If you're backpacking or traveling on a tight budget, then don't worry. Siargao has several low-cost accommodation options for you.

You can find top-rated budget-friendly accommodations that have all the basic amenities plus a warm and welcoming staff. Here are some of the top homestays and hostels in Siargao you can choose from.
Paglaom Hostel
Paglaom Hostel is a humble hostel that is a 5-minute walk to the beaches of General Luna. It is well-loved by many solo and budget travelers. The hostel features traditional wooden houses and prides itself for its homey vibe and clean accommodations.

Paglaom Hostel's open-air mixed dorms have bunk beds, mosquito nets, linens, electric fans, and shared bathrooms. They also offer lockers for your belongings. The hostel has a shared kitchen, a garden with hammocks, as well as a spacious common area for guests to chill at and interact with each other.
Jing's Place Homestay
Jing's Place Homestay is another beloved budget accommodation in Siargao. If you want to cut on your travel expenses, Jing's Place is an excellent choice. This family-friendly homestay features native-style cottage rooms and is walking distance to Cloud 9 Beach.

Jing's Place Homestay has 20 different rooms you can choose from. They dorm-type rooms, as well as air-conditioned rooms and fan rooms that can accommodate 2,4 and 6 people. Jing's Place Homestay also offers surfing lessons. The owner himself, Jing, is a surf instructor with a license to teach.
Footprints Homestay
Footprints Homestay is a modest accommodation that is only 600 meters away from Guyam Island. This homestay/hostel features a shared lounge, a garden, and free private parking. Some of their rooms have a terrace and a garden view.

Footprints Homestay offers three dorm-type rooms and two private rooms. You can choose from their 4-bed dorm room or the 6-bed dorm room. You also have the option between a single bed or a bunk bed. Footprints Homestay guests also enjoy free wi-fi, a shared kitchen, and an à la carte or an American breakfast

What to See and Do in Siargao

There are a number of tourist spots in Siargao that you can visit in a day or two. Here are some of the recommended things to do on the island from surfing, island-hopping, must-see attractions.

Surf at Cloud 9 and Other Spots

Cloud 9, a surf spot found in General Luna, is definitely the best-known of all Siargao tourist spots, and for good reason. It has barreling right-hand waves that break over a shallow reef, and its thick, hollow tubes make it irresistible to advanced surfers.

There are a number of stories as to where the famous Cloud 9 got its name. But the most famous one is about traveling surfers in the 1980s who discovered this spot while searching for the perfect wave.

Cloud 9 pioneer and photographer John Callahan who took photographs of the place and published it in a magazine said that he and his friends would often go there in the afternoon with a bottle of Coke and a local chocolate bar called Cloud 9. And so they called it Cloud 9.

Cloud 9 does attract crowds as it is easily accessible and has a nice, picturesque boardwalk. Even beginners and non-surfers go there to watch the pros at work. There are surf spots for beginners to intermediate levels, too.

Aside from the waves, the area also boasts of one of the most highly commercialized spots in Siargao. You can see a lot of cool restaurants here and some good clothing brands. There's also the famous boardwalk, which is a very photogenic place and which you can see in any Siargao travel guide.

If you're not really a surfing aficionado and would like to start with some beginner-level waves first, head to the Jacking Horse surf spot instead. It is walking distance from Cloud 9 and easy to spot, as the wave is right in front of the Ocean 101 resort. It doesn't have the same hype as Cloud 9, but it can definitely get you into the sport. It's often swamped with beginners, though.

Swim at Magpupungko Rock Pools

Be careful, however, as climbing the jagged rocks can result in scratches and bruises. Magpupungko Rock Pools is best visited during low tide, as you won't be allowed to swim there otherwise.

Go Island-Hopping

Siargao itself is already an island, but you could go further and check out the beautiful islets surrounding it. There are three that are easily accessible from General Luna; you can get to them through a half-day Siargao island-hopping boat tour.

Naked Island - A 200-meter long strip of sand in the middle of the Pacific. It's completely bare (hence the name), except for a few shells ushered in by the waves. It may be scorching hot in the noonday sun, but you're bound to enjoy the excellent contrast between the perfect white sand and blue sky.

Daku Island - A long strip of beach peppered with cottages and coconut trees. There are a lot more things to do here, as you can go kayaking or fishing. It's the biggest of the three islands, and it's great if you're coming in as a group. You can also bring in some raw seafood from the mainland and cook them here for a seafood boodle lunch.

Guyam Island - This island is small enough to walk around in just a few minutes. It's covered in palm trees, and if the great blue ocean is a desert then Guyam is pretty enough to be an oasis. The beach is lined cozily with a few huts, so you can just chill out and enjoy your solitude.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Siargao Island Travel Guide: What to Do + Resorts + COVID...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Starting November 23, 2020, travelers from the Philippines can once again discover Siargao's surfing sites, majestic beaches, and other scenic attractions. With the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) has announced a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow before you fully enjoy your stay at the Surfing Capital of the Philippines.

# data[].attributes.headline
Sustainable Development Goals #16 Security

# data[].attributes.subject
Sustainable Development Goals #16 Security

# data[].attributes.body
Ever since the Battle of Marawi, I can't help but feel fear for my relatives in Surigao del Norte because of the terrorists. Especially when I read this article where I learned of the existence of CPP which is a terrorist group that aims to overthrow the government.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CPP aborts annual plenum in Surigao del Norte citing security concerns

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
(UPDATED) Ka Oto, spokesperson of the Guerrilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command, says the situation in Bacuag is tense as soldiers from the 30th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division are in the town

# data[].attributes.body
What I fear now is that they might attack now in order to take advantage of the chaos that the covid pandemic is causing. It is important to take care of this issue to avoid a terrorist attack like what happened Marawi.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution I can think of for this problem is to always have a military battalion on standby in Mindanao in case anything happens. The only problem this solution might have is that there would be a lack of military personnel in the other areas of the Philippines but the positive effect is that Mindanao will be more safer.

# data[].attributes.body
One of my problem when we went to Surigao del Norte is the occasional brownout every now and then and until now, my cousin said that they still received interrupted power connection from NGCP and it causes the whole Surigao to have a blackout.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc.

# data[].attributes.body
Sometimes the problem comes from the substation of SURNECO and it causes the blackout by municipality. It is important to take care of this issue because technology can't advance without electricity and most of the people right now are working from home so they also need electricity for their work.

# data[].attributes.body
The solution I could think of for this problem is to have an alternative source of power asides from the hydroelectric plant from the Maria Cristina falls. The alternative source of enery I could think of is by windmill, or solar panel this way if there is a brownout occurring, one of these 2 energy source will provide electricity while the hydropower plant is being repaired. The downside for this is the cost that will be incurred as well as the effective area of the alternative energy source might be small and it might not be enough for the whole province.