The Soul of Siargao: Must-See Spots in the Surfing Capital

"Siargao: Where the Waves Kiss the Sky."     

Siargao Island, located in Surigao del Norte, is known as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” and is a top destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Famous for its world-class surf break Cloud 9, the island attracts surfers from all over the globe. 

Beyond surfing, Siargao offers stunning natural wonders such as the Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and picturesque white sand islets. The island’s lush coconut forests, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere create the perfect tropical escape. Siargao is also home to warm and welcoming locals whose culture and hospitality enrich every visitor’s experience. In recent years, the island has embraced eco-tourism, promoting sustainable practices to preserve its beauty. 

In this blog I will guide you through Siargao’s must-see spots and the unique experiences that make the island unforgettable.

Spots in Siargao Island:

1. Cloud 9 Surfing Area (General Luna)

Why must visit? 

Cloud 9 known globally as one of the best surfing spots in the Philippines, located in General Luna. Cloud 9 features a powerful right-hand reef breaks. 

It is perfect for both professional surfers and those wanting to learn, in surfing area there are surfers are willing to teach you how to ride a surf-board. 

The iconic boardwalk and viewing deck also offer great sunrise and sunset views, there is also a entrance fee for about $0.89. 

Things to do:

• Surf or Surf lesson
• Watch Surfers form the boardwalk and viewing deck
• Take photos of the sunrise or sunset
• Explore nearby cafes and shops in General Luna

2. Sugba Lagoon (Del Carmen)

Why visit:

A serene emerald-green lagoon surrounded by lush mangroves and limestone cliffs. Ideal for paddleboarding, swimming, and diving off the wooden platform. It’s a peaceful escape from the more tourist-heavy zones. 

To get here in this place you need to rent a pump boat which typically it cost around $38.19 for 6 pax, also an additional $1.78 environmental fee.

Things to do:

• Paddleboarding or kayaking
• Swim in the clear lagoon waters
• Jump from the diving board

3. Magpupungko Rock Pools (Pilar)

Why visit?

These stunning natural rock pools are only visible during low tide. The clear turquoise waters and natural rock formations create a scenic and safe swimming area — a natural infinity pool feel. 

The name "Magpupungko" refers to a large rock, distinctive rock formation that appears to be squatting on a smaller rock, a prominent feature of the area. This unique rock formation is a major attraction at Magpupungko, where natural rock pools are revealed during low tide. 

To get here on this spot, rent a tricycle or a pickup service because it is far away from other spots. If you are renting a tricycle it will take more than an hour to get on Magpupungko on the other hand a pickup service it will only take an hour to arrive.

Things to do:

• Swim and relax in the natural pools
• Cliff jumping (some spots)
• Explore nearby caves and rock formations
• Time your visit with the tide schedule

4. Naked Island

Why visit: 

A small, bare Island made purely of white sand, no vegetation — hence the name. It’s a great stop for sunbathing, photography, and appreciating raw nature surrounded by crystal-clear water.

To get here on this Island, there are a few ports that you can rent a pump boat. Either in Dapa, Barangay Union, and General Luna.

Things to do:

• Island hopping stopover
• Sunbathe and chill
• Enjoy snorkeling in the surrounding shallows
• Bring your own food

5. Daku Island

Why visit:

The largest of the three island-hopping stops, Daku Island offers palm tree-lined shores, white sand, and crystal-clear water. It’s ideal for picnics, swimming, and experiencing laid-back island life.    

To get here on this Island, It depends on which island you get first, because Daku Island are in the middle between Naked Island and Guyam Island.

Daku is particularly ideal for a lunch stop. There are cheap meals at beachside shacks and further inland. But the best way to enjoy lunch here is to bring fresh seafood from General Luna, rent a bungalow hut on the shore, and hire the local beachside cooks for a barbecue feast.

Things to do:

• Swim and snorkel in clear waters
• Play beach volleyball
• You can rent cottages around $17.76
• Eat fresh seafood in native cottages

6. Guyam Island 

    

Why visit:

A small, private island known for its picturesque coconut grove and calm tide pools. Perfect for quiet beach time and drone photography. It’s often the last stop in the tri-island hopping tours.

To get here on this Island, there are a few ports that you can rent a pump boat. Either in Dapa, Barangay Union, and General Luna.

Things to do:

• Relax in hammocks provided by locals
• Have a picnic or nap under palm trees
• Take drone shots of the circular island
• Swim or explore tide pools

7. Pacifico Beach

Why visit:

Less crowded than Cloud 9 but with equally good waves, Pacifico Beach is a paradise for intermediate surfers. It’s also a peaceful place to relax and take in the untouched beauty of Siargao.

Pacifico Beach is located on the north-eastern coastline of Siargao Island. It’s approximately a 1-hour drive from General Luna to reach Pacifico.

  

Things to do:

• Picnic or Surf intermediate-level waves
• Bring own foods
• Stroll along the long, quiet beach

8. Coconut Road (Palm Tree View Deck)

Why visit:

    

This scenic road lined with endless coconut trees is a popular photo spot and symbol of Siargao’s natural beauty. A short stop but highly photogenic. Near the Maasin River, about a 25-minute motorbike ride from General Luna.

This spot is especially popular during sunset, when people pull over to watch the sky change colors over the trees as the sun dips below the mountains. Because of this, it is a popular spot for single or couple or group photos. Local photographers hang out in the spot to offer their ‘human drone’ services for a tip. 

Things to do:

• Take wide-angle and drone shots
• Use it as a scenic stop while biking or motorbiking
• Enjoy a short walk

9. Secret Beach

Why visit:

A lesser-known beach that offers solitude, clean white sands, and peaceful waves. A great spot for travelers who want a break from the crowds. 

    

A spot perfect for catching sunsets and unwinding from the parties and bustle of Siargao. While the beach itself may not be the most picturesque, its grassy area, shaded by swaying palm trees, is a relaxed setting for lounging or hanging out with friends. 

To get on this spot, Secret beach used to be much harder to find, but nowadays it’s a known spot with an official entrance. It’s located at the end of Malinao Road, just outside of General Luna. Or you can rent a pump boat from Barangay Union because the Secret beach is on the other side from Barangay Union.

Things to do:

• Swim with minimal crowd
• Bring your own food/snacks for a quiet picnic
• Good for Hanging out with friends

10. Maasin River & Bent Coconut Tree Swing

Why visit:

Made famous by the coconut tree rope swing, the Maasin River is nowadays known for its river canoe tours. These tours take you upstream through a winding path of palm trees, leading to a spot known as the “Secret Lagoon” — a clear, cold spring where you can take a refreshing swim.

The Maasin River is a 20-minute motorbike ride from General Luna in Siargao. It’s located right along the main Siargao Circumferential Road, so you can visit there on your way to Magpupungko Rock Pools or Pacifico Beach.

Things to do:

• Swing from the iconic coconut tree
• Paddleboard or canoe down the river