With postcard-perfect beaches, laid-back charm, and a surf scene that embraces both first-timers and seasoned riders, Siargao remains one of the country’s top summer escapes. Travelers can chase waves, slow things down, or find the sweet spot in between—there’s always something to dive into, on the water or off.
We flew to the country’s surf capital via Sunlight Air, which now offers daily early-morning flights from Clark International Airport straight to Siargao. These 4am departures are ideal for early birds and beach lovers alike—you’ll land by 7am, just in time for a warm island sunrise and a full day of adventure ahead.
Four days of relaxation, adventure
We kicked off our four-day trip by checking in to KATIG Beachfront Boutique Hotel, where the rooms open right up to the ocean—perfect for spontaneous dips or lounging with a drink in hand. If you’re traveling with family or just want a bit more space, Siago Beach Resort is a solid pick, with its laid-back luxury and Tatler-approved restaurant that more than lives up to the hype.
Siargao’s food scene has also seriously leveled up. Over at LOKA Siargao Bar and Restaurant near Cloud 9, we found ourselves sipping cocktails and grazing on small plates to the beat of beachside music. During our visit, LOKA launched a new merch collab with Gwapitos, one of the island’s staple surf brands. The event had DJ sets, games, giveaways, and one of the most memorable sunsets we caught all trip.
For dinner, Alma Siargao impressed with bold Spanish flavors that hit all the right notes—don’t miss the gambas and their signature paella.
Beyond the beach
Beyond the beach, there’s more to enjoy for those who like to stay active. As a runner, I loved how easy it was to go for a morning jog—the roads in Siargao are long, flat, and winding, making them ideal for getting in some solid mileage before the heat kicks in. If you prefer to run with a view, the beach is another great option, especially when the sand is cool and packed from the night before.
And if you’re a dog person like myself, you’re in for a treat. The stray dogs in Siargao are unbelievably chill. Most of them just hang out along the beach, and once they realize you’re friendly (or have food), they’ll come over and nudge you for belly rubs. They’re clearly used to people and honestly, playing with them was one of the unexpected joys of the trip.
One place that really stood out was Katangnan Bridge, or as most people call it nowadays, Afam Bridge. It’s a bit of a hotspot, especially in the late afternoon. Locals and foreigners gather there to catch the sunset, grab some street food, and just hang out.
When we visited, the sunset didn’t fully show itself—but that didn’t matter. The scene was still buzzing with energy. There were stalls selling isaw, grilled corn, kikiam, and halo-halo, and people walking up and down the bridge, just taking it all in. It’s a great place to people-watch, walk off a big meal, or simply get your step count up while soaking in Siargao’s slower pace of life.
Classic Siargao adventures
We also packed in some classic Siargao adventures: island hopping to Guyam, Daku, and Naked Islands, which gave us nice little tan lines. We also experienced a very happening party at Siargao Bed & Brew, the island’s first hostel and brewery concept, which is known for its Thursday night parties—a blend of good music from local DJs and a crowd that’s equal parts traveler and local.
By the way, for travelers coming from Cebu or those looking to do a twin-destination trip from Manila, Sunlight Air also offers flights from Cebu to Siargao at 8:50am. If you’re a SmartPass holder, the flexibility makes it even easier to hop between stops.
And the perks don’t stop at the plane ride. Just flash your Sunlight Air boarding pass at select partner spots like Gwapitos, a local brand known for fun and beach-ready apparel, and you’ll score exclusive deals to take home a piece of Siargao style.
From sunrise landings to late-night toasts, Siargao gives you that feeling of never wanting the day to end. So whether it’s your first time or your fifth, this is your sign to go.
