How to Travel to Siargao: A Complete Guide

Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, is a dream destination for travelers seeking pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back island vibe. Whether you're visiting for the waves, island-hopping adventures, or—in this case—our wedding, getting to Siargao takes a bit of planning. Here’s a complete guide to help you get there smoothly! :)

Flights to the Philippines:

From the USA – There are no direct international flights to Siargao, so you'll need to transit through major hubs in the Philippines. The best option is to fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), as it is the closest major airport to Siargao and offers convenient domestic connections.

Essential Travel Requirement – As part of Philippine immigration requirements, all travelers must complete the eTravel form at https://etravel.gov.ph/ before entering the country. I highly recommend filling this out before flying out and taking a screenshot of the confirmation page, as it will be required at the immigration gate. The confirmation page should look like this:

E-Travel Confirmation Receipt

If you arrive in Cebu at night, it's best to stay at least one night before catching your flight to Siargao the next day. There are plenty of affordable hotels nearby, such as BAI Hotel or Goldberry Suites & Hotel Mactan, to ensure a comfortable stay.

This stopover will give you time to rest after your long flight and take care of essentials, such as exchanging USD to PHP. For the best exchange rates, it's recommended to visit nearby malls like Parkmall or SM City. Keep in mind that ATMs are limited in Siargao, and many establishments accept only cash, so it's best to withdraw or exchange money while you're still in Cebu.

From Cebu (CEB) to Siargao

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Siargao is by air. The island is served by Siargao Sayak Airport (IAO) in Del Carmen, with direct flights from Cebu taking approximately 1 hour via Cebu Pacific.

Upon arrival, please note that all travelers are required to pay a ₱20 (~$0.35 USD) environmental fee before exiting the airport.

Once you arrive at Siargao Airport, you can take a van to General Luna, the island's main tourist area. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes and costs around ₱300-400 (~$7.00 USD). Van drivers are usually familiar with the locations of hotels, so simply providing the name of your hotel name should be enough for them to find it. If you're staying at an Airbnb, just make sure to give them the full address for a hassle-free drop-off.

Getting Around Siargao

Siargao is best explored on two wheels or through local transport options:

• Motorbike/Scooter Rental – Costs around ₱350-₱500 per day (~$6-$9 USD).

• Tricycles (Tuktuks) – Perfect for short distances, with fares ranging from ₱30-₱100 (~$0.50-$1.75 USD) depending on the distance.

• Car Rentals – Ideal for groups or families traveling together. We recommend CRA Car Rentals for reliable options.

Siargao is more than just a surf spot—it’s a paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you’re coming for adventure, relaxation, or the vibrant island culture, this guide will help you get there with ease.

Here's Sample Itinerary:

October 18 – Depart from the U.S. ✈️

Time to kick things off!

October 19 – Arrive in Cebu, Philippines 🇵🇭

Welcome to paradise!

October 20–21 – Rest & Reset 🧘‍♀️🌴

Take these days to unwind, adjust to the time zone, grab any island must-haves, and exchange currency. Think of it as your soft landing before the adventure begins.

October 21 – Quick local flight to Siargao 🛩️

Just 45 minutes away from Cebu and you'll be in island mode.

October 26 – Depart Siargao ✌️

Fly out—and maybe continue the journey? Explore more of the Philippines or hop over to Japan or Korea!

For easy booking and transfers, contact Romeo Marimat at romeomarimat@me.com (JDT Global Travels) with the subject line: "Siargao with Ace & Bianca."

Have you been to Siargao? We look forward to exploring the island with you!