Siargao is famous for being the “Surfing Capital Of The Philippines” not just to us Filipinos but to a big number of foreign travelers. However, contrary to the popular belief that this stunning island is only ideal for surfing enthusiasts is the fact that it has a lot to offer even to non-surfers. This island is simply one of the most beautiful tropical paradises in the country. It is a haven to nature lovers as it showcases the best of what nature can offer from lagoons, caves, waterfalls, mangroves, lakes, and acres of tropical palm trees. It is also surrounded by so many stunning little islands evidence that there are a lot of other things non-surfers can enjoy and discover. Here are 10 Tourist Spots in Siargao that non-surfers would surely love.
1. MAGPUPUNGKO TIDAL POOL
A gorgeous pool of crystal clear turquoise water. Here non-surfers can cliff jump, relax, take in the beautiful view of the vast ocean and wallow at the tropical goodness of the island. Know that Magpupungko only appears during the low tide hours so plan your visit well.
How to get here: Drive your rented motorcycle to Pilar (P500) or hire a driver to drive you there (P1000). You can use waze or google map on your mobile or ask the locals for direction. The place is easy to find but is 45 minutes away from the main town so if you wish to make the most out of your visit, start traveling an hour or so before the forecasted low tide hours. The pools are visible for 2-3 hours. Access is prohibited once the water level rises.
Cost: Entrance Fee – P50
2. TAKTAK FALLS
Known to be the only waterfall in the whole island of Siargao. The vicinity is quite developed with a pool fed by spring water cascade and an area where visitors can lounge and prepare meals. Taktak Falls is another 15-20-minute drive from Magpupungko Tidal Pool so most people pass on the chance of seeing it however it was actually the scenic drive getting there that I found most rewarding during this trip.
How to get here: From Magpupungko Tidal Pool, drive farther north of the island to Sta. Monica. You will then have to take a left off the highway to a dirt road leading to Taktak Falls. Don’t worry. Directions are available at the side of the road so you won’t really get lost. If you are not renting a motorbike, then this can be included in your inland tour which normally cost P1500 to hire a driver to tour you around the island for the entire day.
Cost: Entrance Fee – P25
3. TAYANGBAN CAVE & LAGOON
Another great find in the beautiful town of Pilar is Tayangban Cave and Lagoon. Visiting this place is best done during the lowtide hours before heading to Magpupungko Tidal Pool since water fills the entire cave during high tide. It will also let you appreciate the rock formations of untouched stalactites and stalagmites more since navigating inside it won’t be as difficult as to swim from the entry of the cave to finish. After exploring the inside of the cave, the lagoon awaits you on the other side where you can take a plunge making the experience more exciting.
How to get here: You can drop by at Tayangban Cave & Lagoon when you are headed to Magpupungko since it will just be along the highway.
Cost: Entrance Fee – P50 | Guide Fee – P100
4. SUGBA LAGOON
Sugba Lagoon is one of the reasons people started talking about Siargao recently. It got quite a mystery to itself since most people are not aware that a beautiful lagoon of pristine emerald water exists in Siargao. This isolated paradise in the town of Del Carmen offers its visitors a time of peace and harmony away from the busy main strip of the island. If you long for a place that could afford you the serenity and isolation then Sugba Lagoon is just the perfect place for that matter.
How to get here: With your rented motorcycle, drive to the Tourism Office Of Del Carmen and hire a boat to Sugba Lagoon. The road is straightforward so don’t worry about being lost.
Cost: Entrance Fee – P50 | Boat – P1600/6 People
5. KAWHAGAN ISLAND
Kawhagan Island is normally an optional tour after visiting Sugba Lagoon but this island is definitely more than just a side trip. Towering palm trees, a stretch of fine white sand shores, a sandbar and a wonderful sunset all make this wonderful island a main destination in itself.
How to get here: This can be clubbed with Sugba Lagoon for P2000/boat good for 6 people via the Tourism office in Del Carmen.
Cost: Docking Fee – P150/boat | Boat – P2000/6 People
6. SOHOTON COVE
Sohoton Cove is located in Bucas Grande Island, a nearby island from Siargao which is two hours of wild boat ride away. Although Siargao is heaven in itself but your visit may not be as worthwhile without you seeing Sohoton Cove. This paradise is one of the main ingredients for a perfect Siargao trip. Don’t believe me? Ever been to Coron and El Nido? Well Sohoton Cove might just be their equally stunning little sister.
How to get here: From Dapa or General Luna in Siargao, hire a boat to Sohoton Cove for P3000 which could fit 6 people.
Cost: Boat Siargao-Sohoton Cove-Siargao – P3000 | Sohoton Cove Fees Per Person
Filipino: Permit – P50, Entrance Fee – P25, Environmental Fee – P25
Non-Filipino: Permit – P100, Entrance Fee – P100, Environmental Fee – P50 | Safety Gear Fee – P40 | Meal Package P250-P300
7. TOJOMAN LAGOON/JELLYFISH SANCTUARY
Locally known as Malubog Lagoon due to its hazy water, Tojoman Lagoon is a sanctuary to the friendly and sting-less brown jellyfishes. It got me a little overwhelmed actually. The lagoon itself was so charming that it reminded me of the mystical feels of El Nido’s small lagoon. The boatmen wearing a “non la” gave me the exotic feels of Vietnam. And just when my imagination was taking me to some faraway place, the jellyfishes brought me back to Tojoman Lagoon with them swimming freely along side me. It was such a unique experience that I highly recommend you to try it.
How to go there: Exploring Tojoman Lagoon is part of Sohoton Cove Tour so from Dapa or General Luna in Siargao, hire a boat to Sohoton Cove for P3000 which could fit 6 people.
8. NAKED, DAKU & GUYAM ISLANDS
There’s probably no feeling more beautiful than getting lost in some untouched tropical island and when there is three of them to choose from, you’re definitely in for an awesome time. When you’re up to getting some tan under the unobscured sun, then Naked is your kind of island. When you’re into escaping to the beach but would love to stay connected with the locals and other tourists, then you’ll surely love Daku Island. And when you want to completely disconnect and treat yourself to a beautiful sunrise then there is no better way to do it than spending the night in Guyam Island.
How to get here: From General Luna Port, hire a boat to take you to these three islands. Rental Fee is P1500/boat for the entire day.
Cost: Entrance Fee (Daku Island) – P50 | Boat – P1500
9. CLOUD 9
Cloud 9 is probably the most famous place in Siargao. This is where surfers go to catch some waves. For non-surfers however, this is the perfect place to view the sunset, take Instagram-worthy shots and watch surfers as they dance with the waves while you lay flat on a coconut shaded spot with your bottle of beer or a glass of mojito in tow listening to some reggae.
How to get here: Everybody in Siargao knows this place so it isn’t really hard to get to. You can simply walk here from your hostel or ride a motorcycle for a minimal fee.
Cost: Free
10. DEDON ISLAND
Have you ever caught a glimpse of this luxurious island resort anywhere on Instagram while browsing through some places you would definitely see on your trip to Siargao? Did any of your Instagram celebrity favorites once posted about this place? I have. But. Too bad for me, this one comes at a hefty price. However, if you wanna avoid the crowd and spend some solitary hours in a peaceful island enjoying the comfort and luxury, then this is the absolutely perfect place to be..
Siargao is your one stop paradise. It is the perfect tropical island that you don’t really need to check out all these places to see how beautiful this island really is. Simply driving your motorcycle around will show you the impeccable beauty this island possess. Throw your itineraries away and just let the infectious tropical vibe take you to adventures you never knew were possible, to places you thought only exist in your dreams and to memories you will surely cherish for as long as you are breathing.
Check out my 4D3N DIY GUIDE & BUDGET ITINERARY TO SIARGAO if you need some help planning your visit there. For questions, suggestions and violent reactions, just leave them on the comments below. If you enjoyed this post or helped you out in any way, give me a shout on the comments as well. Show me some love and share this post to your friends. Until next time. Ciao!
Discover more from A Wanderful Sole
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
5 Comments
I find your article quite helpful with all the descriptions and how tos.
Thank you for sharing.
I’ll be in my way to siargao next week.
Do you have recommended places to eat?
Hello. I’m glad that you find it helpful. I haven’t gone back to Siargao yet so I’m not sure if the restaurants I used to see there are still open but highly reco is Mama’s Grill and Kermit.
Hi Keza, please check out Siargao Wakepark on your next visit as well. It’s a great activity for Non surfers and much more easy to learn! You can find all info on our website http://www.siargaowakepark.com
Would be great to get featured as well 😉
Hi Tom. Would surely do. Thanks for dropping the info here 😊
Thank you for sharing this information. This will for sure helpful for people who want to visit places in Siargao. I had great experience my self. I rented a scooter in Siargao city and visit some of the places that you have mentioned.
The scooter rental cost me 390 pesos a day. I found a website call book2wheel.com where I rented the scooter. It was a great experience. I had so much fun. If you guy want to rent a scooter i would recommend you to try book2wheel