Recently, Siargao Island has cemented its title as one of the most sought-after islands in the Philippines. According to figures, Siargao saw a surge in tourism, with arrivals jumping from 125,088 in 2022 to 529,822 in 2023. That is around a 323% difference !
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Destination
Now, you must note that Siargao island is not necessarily a massive island, which means an array of transportation modes is not seeing much demand. But, it doesn’t take away the fact that there are still public transportation options when getting around the island.
That’s what this guide is all about, so read on so you can plan your next Siargao trip accordingly!
From Siargao Airport to General Luna
General Luna, now hailed as the “surfing capital of the Philippines,” is where most of the Siargao magic happens. It is also home to a lot of accommodations, activities, and more. So, if you plan on riding a plane to Siargao, here’s how you’ll get from the airport to General Luna.
By Van
Finding a van at Siargao Airport is as simple as surfing at Cloud 9. As you exit the arrival hall, a fleet of vans greets you, offering rides to General Luna, the island’s central tourist hub.
All vans charge a flat rate of Php 360 ($6.40) for the trip. If you prefer a private van, inquire with airport staff for options and negotiate a fair price.
The trip to General Luna should take about an hour. Vans often wait for a full load before departing from the airport.
If you’re heading to the airport, your hotel can arrange a van for you. The same fare applies for the return trip unless you’re staying in a more remote area of General Luna. In that case, your accommodation may charge a slightly lower fee of Php 350 ($6.20).
By Habal-habal (Motorbike Taxi)
For a more adventurous journey from Siargao Airport to General Luna, consider a motorbike taxi, locally known as a habal-habal. These motorcycles offer a thrilling ride but aren’t as comfortable as a van.
A habal-habal can carry up to two passengers or one with luggage. Expect to pay around Php 400 ($7.10) for a 1.75-hour trip. While it’s a fun option, we recommend taking the van if comfort is your priority.
By Tricycles
A budget-friendly option for short distances, tricycles can accommodate up to 4 passengers but may be less spacious for those with large luggage.
If you’re traveling solo, consider sharing a tricycle with other travelers to save costs. A tricycle ride may take 45 minutes to 1 hour, but you should expect a slightly longer journey compared to vans.
While tricycles can be convenient for short trips within General Luna, we recommend using them as a backup option for airport transfers. If you cannot secure a van, you can easily find a tricycle on the streets.
A tricycle ride from Siargao Airport to General Luna typically costs Php 600 ($10.60).
By Private Transfer
A private transfer offers convenience and flexibility for groups traveling from Siargao Airport to General Luna. Rates start at Php 1,940 ($34) for a 9-seater vehicle, which is approximately Php 215 ($3.80) per person. The journey typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
From Dapa Port to General Luna
Now, if you decide to travel by sea from Surigao City (mainland) to Dapa, Siargao, here’s how you can get to the esteemed tourism capital:
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Destination
Datsco Bus
This bus service is among the island’s most popular public transport modes. It specifically operates between Dapa and General Luna. It can accommodate up to 20 passengers, so it is technically a ridesharing service. Also, compared to the prices when going to GL from the airport, DATSCO buses are cheaper.
Price ranges may be around Php 100 – 300 ($1.78 – 5.34). One bus ride may take 30 to 45 minutes because, despite the number of tourists present, there isn’t much heavy traffic on the island.
Bao-bao Tricycle
This ride is the Filipino version of Indonesia’s Bajaj and is widely used from Dapa to GL and throughout the island. You can even rent one to stroll around Siargao at your own pace. Since this is technically a private transport arrangement (although you can still share it with others if you are traveling alone), it may cost higher than the DATSCO bus. Expect to pay Php 300 – 500 ($5.34 – 8.91) for a bao-bao ride, which may take 45 to 1 hour travel time – depending on the driver’s pace.
Getting Around the Island
As you settle in General Luna, your transportation option depends on the vibe you want. Generally, the most common ways of getting around the island from General Luna are via motorbike, bao-bao, and car rental. You may also walk around the tourism road if you want to socialize, especially during the evenings.
However, since we are talking about public transportation, the best way is through local tricycles scattered throughout the island. A one-way short trip may cost Php 10 – 20 ($0.17 – 0.34). However, some drivers have the reputation of overcharging first-time tourists, so you must be keen on this. Avoid asking how much (“pila ang pamasahe?”) as they tend to answer with an overpriced rate of maybe Php 50 – 100 ($0.89 – 1.78) for even a short ride.
Island Hopping and Tours
A Siargao trip wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t go island hopping. It is the highlight of every Siargao adventure. Now, here are the most popular island hopping tours you can take:
- Poneas Lake – Dahican Beach – Pagbasayan Island – Kangkangon Island
10 hrs Tour (Php 2,450 or $43.71)
- Siargao Sugba Lagoon Tour with Kawhagan Island & Pamomoan Beach
9 hrs Tour (Php 2,563 or $45.74)
- General Luna – Sohoton Cove – Titktikan Lagoon
9.5 hrs Tour (Php 3,250 or $58.10)
- Maasin River, Sugba Lagoon , Secret Beach & Coconut Farm Viewdeck
9.5 hrs Tour (Php 2,600 or $46.41)
- Guyam Island – Daku Island – Naked Island – Cloud 9 – Magpupungko Rock Pools
10 hrs Tour (Php 2,382 or $42.52)
These are among the most popular tour routes in Siargao. You can say you fully experienced the island’s magic by taking these tours.
Renting a Vehicle
As mentioned earlier, renting your own vehicle is the most common way of getting around the island. You can rent a car, a motorbike, or a tricycle to explore the island at your own pace. Car rentals may charge around Php 2,000 – 5,000 ($35.69 – 89.24) depending on the unit you’ll take. Meanwhile, a motorbike rental may only cost you Php 300 – 500 ($5.35 – 8.92) per day.
If you plan to go surfing, rent a motorbike with a surfboard holder on the side. Although Siargao Island is not strict with its traffic rules, it’s still best to secure your IDP online if you need it during your trip. This way, you can enjoy the island without any worries.
Siargao Is Waiting For You
There you have it! You now have a good idea about the public transportation system in Siargao. Although there’s not much of an option, it doesn’t change the reality that the island is full of magic, and you can explore it on your own terms. So prepare those notes because you’ll be planning your Siargao itinerary next!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an Uber in Siargao?Unfortunately, Uber is not available in Siargao at the moment.
Is public transport safe for solo female travelers?Yes, most drivers are respectful toward tourists.
Are there any discounts for students?Discounts are often reserved for locals. However, DATSCO is offering a discount to students, but only if they hold a Filipino school ID.
Do accommodations offer transportation services?Yes. Most accommodations offer pick-up and drop-off services, but it may depend on the package you choose.
