My Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide to Siargao
Siargao Island was once just for surfers and backpackers, but its appeal is definitely growing. This Philippine gem is fast becoming the ultimate place for digital nomads, thanks to its lively community, beautiful scenery, and practical remote work setup.
My name is Martina, I’m Italian, and I’ve been living in Siargao since 2022. When I first visited the island back in 2019, I never would have imagined it could become an ideal destination for digital nomads. But after the pandemic, something changed.
Since moving here permanently at the end of 2022, I’ve watched the digital nomad community grow day by day. Alongside it, more and more remote work–friendly places have popped up: cafés, resorts, hostels with reliable wifi connections, and even dedicated co-working spaces. And the cherry on top? The arrival of fiber internet and Starlink on the island!
If you’re a digital nomad looking for a tropical paradise where you can work, surf, and spend your days with amazing people, Siargao is without a doubt one of the best choices you can make.
As mentioned earlier, Siargao now offers a great range of spots ideal for remote work. Many resorts, hotels, and hostels feature common areas set up for working, and the best part is, they’re often open to non-guests too.
Cafés across the island are also remote-work ready, with fast wifi, comfortable seating, plenty of power outlets, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to focus (or take breaks when you need them).
Lately, new co-working spaces have been popping up, drawing in more and more digital nomads and turning Siargao into an increasingly smart-working-friendly destination.
If you're looking for a dedicated space to focus, take calls, and spend your workday without any distractions, Siargao offers three co-working spaces designed exactly for that.
These are not just spots with decent wifi, they’re actual work hubs where you can be productive, meet like-minded people, and stay on track while enjoying island life.
Check out these 3 top co-working spaces:
CocoSpace stands out as the most spacious co-working facility, offering a large open-plan area with remarkable views. It features a beautiful rooftop, an on-site cafe, and a swimming pool, providing all the essential amenities for a productive work environment:
CocoSpace offers adaptable membership options to fit your schedule. From hourly passes for quick visits to day passes and longer-term weekly and monthly memberships, there's a plan for every need.
What I appreciate about CocoSpace is the vibrant digital nomad community it attracts. They also host a great variety of interesting events and workshops. You can also do yoga on the rooftop at sunset!
Location: Libertad
Open from 8am until midnight.
Operating 24/7, the facility provides consistent access for various work schedules.
Here you can find reliable internet connectivity, supported by a generator to ensure uninterrupted operations during power fluctuations.
Located in General Luna, near significant points of interest like Cloud 9, the space includes essential amenities such as private meeting rooms and complimentary coffee (which is always a must, I would say). The atmosphere is super cool and all the vibrant colors of the space spark creativity!
Location: General Luna (Cloud 9)
Open 24h.
WaveWork is a dedicated co-working space located within the Rucksack Inn hostel. It features high-speed wifi, air-conditioning, private meeting pods, and comfortable seating. Flexible pass options are available, including daily, 3-day, 7-day, and 30-day passes.
Rucksack Inn also runs various events and hosts weekly events at a bar/restaurant called Cabrones. Great atmosphere too!
Location: General Luna, Tourism Road
Open from 9am to 9pm.
You'll find countless cafes in Siargao these days that are perfect for working on your laptop. The options are plentiful, and I particularly appreciate being in a comfortable spot, enjoying a good coffee, and being surrounded by like-minded professionals.
I frequently visit at lunchtime (the gastronomic variety in Siargao is genuinely impressive!), treat myself to a good plate, and then begin my work feeling full and happy. You'll also find that many resorts have restaurant sections, which you're welcome to use even if you're not staying overnight.
My 5 go-to cafes/restaurants include:
Okay, I want to add a sixth one too! It’s called Lamari Siargao.
This isn't just a cafe; it's a restaurant and resort, with a spacious dining area open to everyone. The chill music creates a perfectly atmosphere for work. It's truly a relaxing spot, and I often come here for lunch or right after. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the internet works very well. Just a tip: come with your laptop battery at 100% since power outlets are limited.
Quick note: many cafés have their own generators, because here in Siargao (and we can count this as one of the few downsides), power outages happen now and then. Brownouts are fairly common (sometimes they last 10 minutes, sometimes, if scheduled for maintenance, a whole day). Luckily, there are many spots that can save your day, and your work! ;)
The digital nomad community here in Siargao is incredible. You'll find many nomads, like myself, who have been living on the island for months, or even years (at this point, maybe we're not so "nomadic" anymore, haha!). There are also plenty of others who arrive to spend a few weeks or months immersed in the island's magic.
To connect and grow our network, we meet every Thursday. The Siargao Digital Nomads community, founded through CocoSpace, organizes a weekly dinner that's perfect for sharing stories, experiences, and skills.
We also have a Facebook group, a WhatsApp group, and of course, all the social media channels. If you're looking for inspiration or advice on other destinations in the Philippines, be sure to also check out the Instagram profile @digital.nomads.philippines.
Siargao is located in the southeastern part of the Philippines, an area where the climate is divided into two main seasons.
The dry season runs from April to October, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 33°C (82°F to 91°F). The hottest months are May and June, perfect for those looking for plenty of sunshine and clear skies.
The rainy season lasts from November to March. During this time, rainfall can be frequent, although you’ll still get sunny days here and there. Keep in mind that when it rains, it can sometimes last for several hours, especially during the peak of the season.
If you're planning to enjoy sunny days, explore the island by scooter, and go island hopping between work sessions, the best time to visit Siargao is between May and October.
However, if your main goal is surfing, the rainy season can be a great option too. As locals like to say: "If it rains in Siargao, what do you do? You surf!"
The best waves actually roll in during the rainy months, making it an ideal time for more experienced surfers looking for consistent swell and exciting sessions.
Over the past couple of years, I've met so many people who came to Siargao intending a short two or three-week trip, but ended up staying for months. A few, like myself, haven't left at all. If you're considering a longer stay on the island, it's helpful to look into a few key aspects.
Yes, on the island you can find tricycles everywhere (which operate like taxis) and even recently introduced local buses. However, if you plan to live in Siargao and move around daily, for example, to go grocery shopping or reach a cafe to work from, the most convenient solution is definitely to have your own scooter.
Monthly scooter rentals range from 5,000 to 7,000 PHP, depending on the model and the rental provider. If you rent by the week, the price will be proportionally a bit higher.
And even though you'll see many Filipinos without helmets... never forget yours! LTO (police) roadside checkpoints are becoming increasingly frequent.
By the way, on the island Uber, or Grab, are not working.
In the Philippines, the main internet service providers are Globe, Smart, and PLDT.
If you're looking for a reliable home internet connection, PLDT is generally the best choice, while Globe and Smart are more commonly used for mobile data.
To get internet connection at home you can also choose Starlink or the Fiber.
For mobile internet on your smartphone, you'll find a lot of subscription options available. Your first step is to purchase a SIM card, which you can easily do upon arrival at the airport or at any of the numerous mini-marts across the island.
Once you've bought your SIM and registered the number, I recommend downloading the Globe or Smart app. Through the app, you can choose the internet plan that best suits your needs, whether it's for 7 days, 2 weeks, or an "unlimited" option.
The basic SIM card costs a negligible fee of around 50 PHP (you'll need to add an internet subscription on top of this). However, some SIM packages already might come with a pre-included subscription.
This year the Philippines finally launched a Digital Nomad Visa!
To qualify for it, foreign applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of remote work that relies on digital technology. They must also demonstrate sufficient income earned outside the Philippines and have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of the visa.
This is still a fairly recent development, so it's likely that the country is still adjusting to manage this type of visa more efficiently.
As an alternative, and like most digital nomads do, you can stay in the Philippines with a regular tourist visa.
The tourist visa is granted for free upon arrival at the airport and is initially valid for 30 days. Once it expires, you can renew it directly at the Immigration Office in Siargao, choosing to extend it by one or two months at a time (and renewals can be done multiple times).
Important: with a tourist visa, you are not allowed to work for local clients or companies in the Philippines. In other words, you can work remotely or freelance, but only for clients or businesses based abroad (your income must come from outside the Philippines).
The Philippines generally offer a low cost of living, although traveling between islands can impact your budget, internal flights are often necessary and tend to be pricier than in other Southeast Asian countries.
But let’s focus on Siargao!
When it comes to accommodation, much depends on how long you’re staying.
For short to mid-term, or if you want to scope the island out before committing to a longer stay, Coworksurf in Siargao is a great option. This way, you'll get plugged into a community and have access to a workspace straight away. You can see pricing by clicking "check availability" at the top of the property page.
If you’re planning to stay for more than just a couple of weeks, long-term rental is definitely a more cost-effective option. Even if you’re staying just a month or two, it’s worth looking for a place directly through local contacts.
That said, the island has become more and more touristy, and prices are rising, but with a bit of patience, you can still find affordable options.
For example, you can rent a small house for 20,000–22,000 pesos per month (roughly €300–400), depending on the location and amenities. Note: electricity and water are often not included.
I recommend staying in the southern part of the island. The main villages — General Luna, Catagnan, Malinao, and Santa Fe — are the most popular and tourist-friendly areas. Here, you’ll find all the essential services: restaurants, supermarkets, banks and pharmacies.
If you prefer a quieter lifestyle surrounded by nature, consider living in the northern part of the island, in villages like Pacifico or Alegria. Just keep in mind that life there is slower-paced, most places close by 8pm, and for things like a well-stocked pharmacy or a bank, you’ll need to travel south to General Luna, which takes about an hour and a half by motorbike.
Eating out in Siargao is easy and budget-friendly. The popular carinderias (local eateries) offer generous meals of rice with meat, vegetables, or fish starting from just €1.
If you prefer international cuisine, expect to pay more: for example, a pizza might cost around €10, and a paella between €15–18.
Personally, I love local food and rarely spend more than €2–3 per meal (in a carinderia).
If you enjoy going out at night, Siargao has a vibrant party scene. There’s something happening every evening, and as soon as you arrive, someone will likely hand you a list of the daily events.
I knew all the hot spots by my third day on the island!
Cocktails are priced similarly to Europe, or slightly cheaper. Places like Manu and Last Chance serve some excellent drinks.
And don’t miss out on the live music scene, one of Siargao’s highlights. The island is full of talented singers and songwriters — no surprise, as the Philippines is the land of karaoke!
For live music, I highly recommend checking out Sibol and Strum.
Last but not least!! :)
Siargao is a surfer’s paradise, offering a wide range of surf spots, each with its own unique charm. One of the best things about the island is that it caters to all skill levels: whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find the perfect wave here.
Some of the most iconic surf spots include Cloud 9, Jacking Horse, Quicksilver, Guiwan, Cemetery (also known as Pesangan), Stimpy’s, and Rock Island. Heading north, you’ll also find great breaks at Tangbo and Pacifico Beach.
Surf schools and instructors are easy to find, they’re practically everywhere! :)
A one-hour lesson typically costs around 500 php, while a two-hour session is about 1,000 php. Rates may vary slightly depending on the location, and if you're surfing in more remote spots, expect an additional 200 php to cover pick-up and drop-off. Surfboard rental is always included in the price.
Surfboard rentals typically cost between 500/600 php per day. Short-term rentals (1-2 hours) cost around 250/300 php. Longer-term rentals (weekly or monthly) offer significant discounts.
And if you feel like taking a break from surfing, here’s what you can do on the weekend or during your days off (a lot of things to see and do in Siargao):
Join an island hopping tour to visit Daku, Mam On, and Corregidor islands
Head to the Magpupungko Rock Pools (natural tide pools)
Watch the sunset from the Sunset Bridge in Catagnan
Hop on a scooter and explore the northern part of the island
Take a dip in Sugba Lagoon
Discover the Tayangban Cave Pool
Go for a canoe ride along the Maasin River
Try the Siargao WakePark experience
Unwind on the nearly deserted beaches of Santa Fe
Siargao blends connection, creativity, and calm in a way few places do.
I came for the beach and the palm trees, but found the perfect spot to work, live, and breathe.
Here, productivity meets paradise, and it actually works.
If you're looking for a tropical island to work from for a few months, love working in shorts and flip-flops, and want to surf… give Siargao a thought!
------------------
If you want to follow my other projects, you can check them out here:
https://www.photographerofdreams.com/
https://www.instagram.com/photographer_of_dreams/
https://www.instagram.com/digital.nomads.philippines/
My name is Martina, I’m Italian, and I’ve been living in Siargao since 2022. When I first visited the island back in 2019, I never would have imagined it could become an ideal destination for digital nomads. But after the pandemic, something changed.
Since moving here permanently at the end of 2022, I’ve watched the digital nomad community grow day by day. Alongside it, more and more remote work–friendly places have popped up: cafés, resorts, hostels with reliable wifi connections, and even dedicated co-working spaces. And the cherry on top? The arrival of fiber internet and Starlink on the island!
If you’re a digital nomad looking for a tropical paradise where you can work, surf, and spend your days with amazing people, Siargao is without a doubt one of the best choices you can make.
Working remotely from Siargao: the best places to go
As mentioned earlier, Siargao now offers a great range of spots ideal for remote work. Many resorts, hotels, and hostels feature common areas set up for working, and the best part is, they’re often open to non-guests too.
Cafés across the island are also remote-work ready, with fast wifi, comfortable seating, plenty of power outlets, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to focus (or take breaks when you need them).
Lately, new co-working spaces have been popping up, drawing in more and more digital nomads and turning Siargao into an increasingly smart-working-friendly destination.
Coworking
If you're looking for a dedicated space to focus, take calls, and spend your workday without any distractions, Siargao offers three co-working spaces designed exactly for that.
These are not just spots with decent wifi, they’re actual work hubs where you can be productive, meet like-minded people, and stay on track while enjoying island life.
Check out these 3 top co-working spaces:
- CocoSpace - 8am - 12 midnight
- AlterSpace. Open 24h
- Wave work at Rucksack Inn. 9am - 9pm
CocoSpace
CocoSpace stands out as the most spacious co-working facility, offering a large open-plan area with remarkable views. It features a beautiful rooftop, an on-site cafe, and a swimming pool, providing all the essential amenities for a productive work environment:
- Connectivity: fast and reliable internet powered by Starlink.
- Focus rooms: quiet spaces equipped with extra monitors and adjustable desks for deep work.
- Call booths: private, sound-controlled rooms perfect for online meetings and calls.
- Outdoor workspace: an option to work amidst nature.
- Conference room: available for team meetings, workshops, or presentations.
- Private desks: dedicated desks for those needing a more permanent setup.
CocoSpace offers adaptable membership options to fit your schedule. From hourly passes for quick visits to day passes and longer-term weekly and monthly memberships, there's a plan for every need.
What I appreciate about CocoSpace is the vibrant digital nomad community it attracts. They also host a great variety of interesting events and workshops. You can also do yoga on the rooftop at sunset!
Location: Libertad
Open from 8am until midnight.
AlterSpace
Operating 24/7, the facility provides consistent access for various work schedules.
Here you can find reliable internet connectivity, supported by a generator to ensure uninterrupted operations during power fluctuations.
Located in General Luna, near significant points of interest like Cloud 9, the space includes essential amenities such as private meeting rooms and complimentary coffee (which is always a must, I would say). The atmosphere is super cool and all the vibrant colors of the space spark creativity!
Location: General Luna (Cloud 9)
Open 24h.
WaveWork
WaveWork is a dedicated co-working space located within the Rucksack Inn hostel. It features high-speed wifi, air-conditioning, private meeting pods, and comfortable seating. Flexible pass options are available, including daily, 3-day, 7-day, and 30-day passes.
Rucksack Inn also runs various events and hosts weekly events at a bar/restaurant called Cabrones. Great atmosphere too!
Location: General Luna, Tourism Road
Open from 9am to 9pm.
Cafes to work from
You'll find countless cafes in Siargao these days that are perfect for working on your laptop. The options are plentiful, and I particularly appreciate being in a comfortable spot, enjoying a good coffee, and being surrounded by like-minded professionals.
I frequently visit at lunchtime (the gastronomic variety in Siargao is genuinely impressive!), treat myself to a good plate, and then begin my work feeling full and happy. You'll also find that many resorts have restaurant sections, which you're welcome to use even if you're not staying overnight.
My 5 go-to cafes/restaurants include:
Pwesto Cafe Siargao
Pwesto is a centrally located cafe in General Luna, right next to the Mediterranean restaurant Lokanto. Although Pwesto only has outdoor seating, you can use Lokanto's air-conditioned space and order from both menus. Grab a coffee from Pwesto and try Lokanto's delicious hummus for lunch. Fantastic!Naga Siargao
A popular spot for digital nomads. They have a dedicated work area with multiple tables and power outlets. While Naga offers an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and stays open late, I recommend working there in the morning or early afternoon. It tends to get busy around 5pm, often with live music, making it harder to concentrate later in the day.Amon Café
A delightful cafe in General Luna, well-known for its excellent croissants (at least for me!). Given its smaller size, laptop users are kindly asked to occupy the stools by the street-facing window, as this area is reserved for those staying with their computers. However, if the cafe is not too busy, other tables are also available.The Ohm Café & Bistro
A relatively new spot located on the back road of General Luna. It offers a very welcoming atmosphere and fast internet. It's perfect for relaxing, treating yourself to a healthy meal, and even enjoying a well-deserved swim in the pool after some hard work.Sunday Siargao
Definitely one of my favorite spots (especially if I'm staying for sushi at dinner!). They have a dedicated work area as well, great wifi, and super fresh and delicious food. Highly recommended!Okay, I want to add a sixth one too! It’s called Lamari Siargao.
This isn't just a cafe; it's a restaurant and resort, with a spacious dining area open to everyone. The chill music creates a perfectly atmosphere for work. It's truly a relaxing spot, and I often come here for lunch or right after. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the internet works very well. Just a tip: come with your laptop battery at 100% since power outlets are limited.
Quick note: many cafés have their own generators, because here in Siargao (and we can count this as one of the few downsides), power outages happen now and then. Brownouts are fairly common (sometimes they last 10 minutes, sometimes, if scheduled for maintenance, a whole day). Luckily, there are many spots that can save your day, and your work! ;)
Communities
The digital nomad community here in Siargao is incredible. You'll find many nomads, like myself, who have been living on the island for months, or even years (at this point, maybe we're not so "nomadic" anymore, haha!). There are also plenty of others who arrive to spend a few weeks or months immersed in the island's magic.
To connect and grow our network, we meet every Thursday. The Siargao Digital Nomads community, founded through CocoSpace, organizes a weekly dinner that's perfect for sharing stories, experiences, and skills.
We also have a Facebook group, a WhatsApp group, and of course, all the social media channels. If you're looking for inspiration or advice on other destinations in the Philippines, be sure to also check out the Instagram profile @digital.nomads.philippines.
Best time to visit
Siargao is located in the southeastern part of the Philippines, an area where the climate is divided into two main seasons.
The dry season runs from April to October, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 33°C (82°F to 91°F). The hottest months are May and June, perfect for those looking for plenty of sunshine and clear skies.
The rainy season lasts from November to March. During this time, rainfall can be frequent, although you’ll still get sunny days here and there. Keep in mind that when it rains, it can sometimes last for several hours, especially during the peak of the season.
If you're planning to enjoy sunny days, explore the island by scooter, and go island hopping between work sessions, the best time to visit Siargao is between May and October.
However, if your main goal is surfing, the rainy season can be a great option too. As locals like to say: "If it rains in Siargao, what do you do? You surf!"
The best waves actually roll in during the rainy months, making it an ideal time for more experienced surfers looking for consistent swell and exciting sessions.
A few tips to live and work from Siargao
Over the past couple of years, I've met so many people who came to Siargao intending a short two or three-week trip, but ended up staying for months. A few, like myself, haven't left at all. If you're considering a longer stay on the island, it's helpful to look into a few key aspects.
Recommended for Remote Working Surfers
A few things we at Coworksurf rely on as remote working surfers.
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
Flexible travel insurance designed for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Reliable, affordable, and built for remote lifestyles.
Get covered →The Basis Paddle Trainer
Get your paddle power up when you’re away from the ocean. A compact, portable way to stay in surf shape between trips or get surf-fit before your next trip.
Improve your paddling anywhere →Just a heads up — the links above are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you decide to try them — at no extra cost to you, and it helps keep our surf coffee fund going.
Getting around
Yes, on the island you can find tricycles everywhere (which operate like taxis) and even recently introduced local buses. However, if you plan to live in Siargao and move around daily, for example, to go grocery shopping or reach a cafe to work from, the most convenient solution is definitely to have your own scooter.
Monthly scooter rentals range from 5,000 to 7,000 PHP, depending on the model and the rental provider. If you rent by the week, the price will be proportionally a bit higher.
And even though you'll see many Filipinos without helmets... never forget yours! LTO (police) roadside checkpoints are becoming increasingly frequent.
By the way, on the island Uber, or Grab, are not working.
Connectivity
In the Philippines, the main internet service providers are Globe, Smart, and PLDT.
If you're looking for a reliable home internet connection, PLDT is generally the best choice, while Globe and Smart are more commonly used for mobile data.
To get internet connection at home you can also choose Starlink or the Fiber.
For mobile internet on your smartphone, you'll find a lot of subscription options available. Your first step is to purchase a SIM card, which you can easily do upon arrival at the airport or at any of the numerous mini-marts across the island.
Once you've bought your SIM and registered the number, I recommend downloading the Globe or Smart app. Through the app, you can choose the internet plan that best suits your needs, whether it's for 7 days, 2 weeks, or an "unlimited" option.
The basic SIM card costs a negligible fee of around 50 PHP (you'll need to add an internet subscription on top of this). However, some SIM packages already might come with a pre-included subscription.
Visa
This year the Philippines finally launched a Digital Nomad Visa!
To qualify for it, foreign applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of remote work that relies on digital technology. They must also demonstrate sufficient income earned outside the Philippines and have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of the visa.
This is still a fairly recent development, so it's likely that the country is still adjusting to manage this type of visa more efficiently.
As an alternative, and like most digital nomads do, you can stay in the Philippines with a regular tourist visa.
The tourist visa is granted for free upon arrival at the airport and is initially valid for 30 days. Once it expires, you can renew it directly at the Immigration Office in Siargao, choosing to extend it by one or two months at a time (and renewals can be done multiple times).
Important: with a tourist visa, you are not allowed to work for local clients or companies in the Philippines. In other words, you can work remotely or freelance, but only for clients or businesses based abroad (your income must come from outside the Philippines).
Cost of living
The Philippines generally offer a low cost of living, although traveling between islands can impact your budget, internal flights are often necessary and tend to be pricier than in other Southeast Asian countries.
But let’s focus on Siargao!
When it comes to accommodation, much depends on how long you’re staying.
For short to mid-term, or if you want to scope the island out before committing to a longer stay, Coworksurf in Siargao is a great option. This way, you'll get plugged into a community and have access to a workspace straight away. You can see pricing by clicking "check availability" at the top of the property page.
If you’re planning to stay for more than just a couple of weeks, long-term rental is definitely a more cost-effective option. Even if you’re staying just a month or two, it’s worth looking for a place directly through local contacts.
That said, the island has become more and more touristy, and prices are rising, but with a bit of patience, you can still find affordable options.
For example, you can rent a small house for 20,000–22,000 pesos per month (roughly €300–400), depending on the location and amenities. Note: electricity and water are often not included.
Best areas where to live?
I recommend staying in the southern part of the island. The main villages — General Luna, Catagnan, Malinao, and Santa Fe — are the most popular and tourist-friendly areas. Here, you’ll find all the essential services: restaurants, supermarkets, banks and pharmacies.
If you prefer a quieter lifestyle surrounded by nature, consider living in the northern part of the island, in villages like Pacifico or Alegria. Just keep in mind that life there is slower-paced, most places close by 8pm, and for things like a well-stocked pharmacy or a bank, you’ll need to travel south to General Luna, which takes about an hour and a half by motorbike.
Eating Out
Eating out in Siargao is easy and budget-friendly. The popular carinderias (local eateries) offer generous meals of rice with meat, vegetables, or fish starting from just €1.
If you prefer international cuisine, expect to pay more: for example, a pizza might cost around €10, and a paella between €15–18.
Personally, I love local food and rarely spend more than €2–3 per meal (in a carinderia).
Nightlife: parties, cocktails & Live Music
If you enjoy going out at night, Siargao has a vibrant party scene. There’s something happening every evening, and as soon as you arrive, someone will likely hand you a list of the daily events.
I knew all the hot spots by my third day on the island!
Cocktails are priced similarly to Europe, or slightly cheaper. Places like Manu and Last Chance serve some excellent drinks.
And don’t miss out on the live music scene, one of Siargao’s highlights. The island is full of talented singers and songwriters — no surprise, as the Philippines is the land of karaoke!
For live music, I highly recommend checking out Sibol and Strum.
Surf and Weekend Adventures
Last but not least!! :)
Siargao is a surfer’s paradise, offering a wide range of surf spots, each with its own unique charm. One of the best things about the island is that it caters to all skill levels: whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find the perfect wave here.
Some of the most iconic surf spots include Cloud 9, Jacking Horse, Quicksilver, Guiwan, Cemetery (also known as Pesangan), Stimpy’s, and Rock Island. Heading north, you’ll also find great breaks at Tangbo and Pacifico Beach.
Surf schools and instructors are easy to find, they’re practically everywhere! :)
A one-hour lesson typically costs around 500 php, while a two-hour session is about 1,000 php. Rates may vary slightly depending on the location, and if you're surfing in more remote spots, expect an additional 200 php to cover pick-up and drop-off. Surfboard rental is always included in the price.
Surfboard rentals typically cost between 500/600 php per day. Short-term rentals (1-2 hours) cost around 250/300 php. Longer-term rentals (weekly or monthly) offer significant discounts.
And if you feel like taking a break from surfing, here’s what you can do on the weekend or during your days off (a lot of things to see and do in Siargao):
Join an island hopping tour to visit Daku, Mam On, and Corregidor islands
Head to the Magpupungko Rock Pools (natural tide pools)
Watch the sunset from the Sunset Bridge in Catagnan
Hop on a scooter and explore the northern part of the island
Take a dip in Sugba Lagoon
Discover the Tayangban Cave Pool
Go for a canoe ride along the Maasin River
Try the Siargao WakePark experience
Unwind on the nearly deserted beaches of Santa Fe
Siargao blends connection, creativity, and calm in a way few places do.
I came for the beach and the palm trees, but found the perfect spot to work, live, and breathe.
Here, productivity meets paradise, and it actually works.
If you're looking for a tropical island to work from for a few months, love working in shorts and flip-flops, and want to surf… give Siargao a thought!
------------------
If you want to follow my other projects, you can check them out here:
https://www.photographerofdreams.com/
https://www.instagram.com/photographer_of_dreams/
https://www.instagram.com/digital.nomads.philippines/
N
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