Plan 01
1 day in Siargao
- 01
Day 1: General Luna and Cloud 9
Walk the Cloud 9 boardwalk at first light and watch the surfers. Have breakfast at a cafe on Tourism Road, then book a short island-hopping boat trip in the afternoon or rest. Have an early dinner at one of the plant-based cafes.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Cloud 9 45 minutes to 1.5 hours Easy Early morning or late afternoon; the biggest swells are usually from September to November Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
Plan 02
2 days in Siargao
- 01
Day 1: Boats and beaches
Join a morning island-hopping tour to Naked Island, Guyam and Daku. Be back by mid-afternoon, rest, and walk the Cloud 9 boardwalk in the evening.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Cloud 9 45 minutes to 1.5 hours Easy Early morning or late afternoon; the biggest swells are usually from September to November Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Magpupungko by tide
Check the Pilar tide table, then ride to Magpupungko Rock Pools for low tide. Stop in Pilar or Dapa on the way back for lunch and supplies.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Magpupungko Rock Pools 2 to 3 hours including the ride Moderate Around low tide, ideally in the morning; dry months of roughly March to June Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Magpupungko Rock Pools: The approach is a walk on uneven rock and sand, with wet surfaces and little shade. A hat, water shoes and a steady arm help. Facilities are simple, and there is no easy way to shorten the walk, so older travellers may prefer to view from the shore.
Plan 03
3 days in Siargao
- 01
Day 1: Arrival and Cloud 9
Settle in General Luna, walk the boardwalk and eat at a plant-based cafe. Keep the afternoon free.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Cloud 9 45 minutes to 1.5 hours Easy Early morning or late afternoon; the biggest swells are usually from September to November Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Island hopping
Take a boat tour to Naked Island, Guyam and Daku, with Casolian if the operator includes it. Return by mid-afternoon.
- 03
Day 3: Magpupungko or a surf lesson
Visit Magpupungko Rock Pools at low tide, or take a beginner surf lesson in the morning and rest in the afternoon. Allow a spare buffer for flights or ferries.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Magpupungko Rock Pools 2 to 3 hours including the ride Moderate Around low tide, ideally in the morning; dry months of roughly March to June Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Magpupungko Rock Pools: The approach is a walk on uneven rock and sand, with wet surfaces and little shade. A hat, water shoes and a steady arm help. Facilities are simple, and there is no easy way to shorten the walk, so older travellers may prefer to view from the shore.
Read before you go
Guides for the stops on these routes
Pacing
Pacing a Siargao trip for parents and children
- Choose a base in General Luna so that food and tour desks are a short ride away, and arrange airport and port transfers in advance.
- Time Magpupungko by the tide and go early; the walk is over uneven wet rock with little shade.
- Boat transfers involve stepping on and off a banca. Ask for a hand, wear water shoes and choose operators who supply life jackets.
- Heat and humidity are high in most months. Plan one outdoor activity a day, rest in the afternoon and drink water regularly.
- Medical facilities on the island are limited as far as I could verify. Carry your regular medicines and a prescription, and buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
- Avoid motorbike taxis if you are unsteady; a hired car with a driver or a tricycle is safer on uneven roads.
Book the pieces
Stay close to the route
Pick a base near the first day's sights. Our guide to where to stay in Siargao compares the areas.
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