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Manila To Siargao: Flights vs Ferries

Getting from Manila to Siargao can either be costly or time-consuming, depending on the transport option you choose. While direct flights offer the fastest and most convenient option, they come at a higher price. However, taking multiple ferries may not save you as much money as you think and will significantly extend your travel time. This guide breaks down how to get to Siargao from Manila in the most efficient way, helping you choose the option that best suits your budget and schedule.


Siargao is a surfing paradise, attracting surfers from all over the world with epic surf spots all around the island. Beyond the surf, there are also plenty of things to do for non-surfers on Siargao, great for digital nomads, backpackers and families looking to relax on the white sand beaches.


If you’ve been travelling around the Philippines for a while, you’ll know hopping between the islands can be expensive, most of the costs in our two month Philippines budget breakdown is from our travel days, so saving money where you can on the bigger transport routes can go a long way. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling from Manila to Siargao.


How To Get To Siargao From Manila Map

Manila to Siargao travel routes map showing flight options and ferry routes

How To Get From Manila To Siargao



Contents


Where Is Manila In The Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago, home to over 7,000 islands and one of the best places in the world to island hop. Navigating the islands can be tricky but well worth it, with many tourists starting their trip in the bustling capital city of Manila. Home to roughly 14% of the country's population, it can be a hectic place to say the least and a great place to get a feel for the chaos.


Where Is Siargao In The Philippines

Siargao on the other hand is a remote paradise island on the eastern coast of the Philippines, boarding the Pacific Ocean which brings great game fishing and awesome surf spots. Siargao Island is a hub for digital nomads, surfers and families, all looking to have a great time.



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Explore hidden gems, top spots, restaurants and more - instantly available in Google Maps. Download over 300 pins for FREE!






Direct Manila To Siargao Flights



By far the simplest and most convenient option to get from Manila to Siargao is via a direct flight. Multiple airlines (Cebu Pacific & Philippine Airlines) provide daily flights however currently they are limited meaning it’s advisable to book in advance. The flight prices vary massively, from ₱2,500 to ₱8,000+ in high season. This option is best suited for families and travellers with less time to spare.


Siargao Airport to General Luna

To get to Cloud 9 and General Luna from the Sayak airport, your best bet for a solo traveller is in a shared van for ₽375, this will drop you off on the main road where most accommodation is located.


Alternatively, for small groups a tricycle is the cheapest option costing roughly ₽600 which works out cheaper when split between 2 or 3.


For families, we recommend a private taxi which should be the fastest and most comfortable option however expect to pay around ₽2k.


Siargao Flight, sayak airport is small and the planes are smaller than average adding to the local feel

Manila To Siargao Flight via Cebu



Another flight option which can be useful when booking last minute or if all of the direct flights are taken is to reach Siargao from Manila via a Cebu City stopover. Including a layover, this option will take 3-5 hours with slightly more hassle than the direct flight, however still a convenient way of getting around. There are more flight options meaning prices should be more affordable than direct.


Ferry From Cebu to Siargao

Once you reach the island of Cebu, you can also reach Siargao via ferry which will be cheaper than a connecting flight. Fore more information, read Cebu To Siargao’s Best Routes.


Surigao City Flight & Ferry



If you’re booking last minute and the direct flights or Cebu stopovers are unavailable, then flying to Surigao City is another viable option. Once you land in Surigao, you’ll then need to take a shorter ferry to Dapa, Siargao Island’s port town. This route will take roughly 4-6 hours, if your flight and ferry align well.


Philippines ferry docked at the bay, surrounded by bright blue water

Multiple Ferries



The last option to get from Manila to Siargao or vice versa is one for the adventurous backpackers with time to spare and money to save. First of all, you’ll have to get a ferry from Manila to Cebu which will take 22-26 hours. From there you have multiple options on getting from Cebu to Siargao, a direct flight or two ferries via Surigao City.


Dapa (Siargao Port) To General Luna

In order to get to General Luna, a trike should cost roughly ₱300 for the 30 minute drive, however be expected for the locals to overprice it. If there are more than 2 or 3 of you travelling then a shared van would be the best bet, however the vans stay around the airport rather than the port, so this is also better being organised in advance. The final option is a private taxi which will undoubtedly cost the most however will be the most convenient option for families.



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Explore hidden gems, top spots, restaurants and more - instantly available in Google Maps. Download over 300 pins for FREE!






The Route We Recommend

The journey from Manila to Cebu isn’t the most straightforward without taking a plane. A complicated string of connecting ferries will lead to multiple days travelling to save a few pesos, a perfect adventure for broke backpackers, however a nightmare for families. For most people, one of the three flight options will be the best way to travel from Manila to Siargao and the flights should be booked in advance if possible. 



Siargao Map - Top Things To Do On The Island for non-surfers

Best Siargao Tours


Top Recommended Activities



Siargao has lots of accommodation whether you’re looking for a surf school, a luxury resort or a budget hostel you’ll be able to find somewhere. 


We recommend staying in the main hub of General Luna as this is where most of the restaurants are located, as well as easy access to most of Siargao's best tourist attractions. If you want to get away from the crowds you could head up north and stay in Pacifico, which is the northern hub of the island best known for being home to some of Siargao's best surf spots. 

We use Booking.com, Agoda and HostelWorld for all of our stays in The Philippines!

Below we share some recommend places to stay in General Luna, Siargao:

La Boheme Boutique Siargao Stay
Luxury stay on Siargao. Bleu resort

Where We Stayed In General Luna

We chose the budget option of Dream Catcher Nipas when staying in General Luna mainly due to the kitchen which allowed us to cook our own breakfasts and lunches. These are very basic triangular huts which have mattresses on the floor so don't expect anything fancy, but the location is perfect for General Luna and the grounds are lovely.

Dream Catche Nipas Where to stay in Siargao
Agoda Booking Platform

Best time to visit siargao

Tips For Travelling Siargao

If you’re visiting Siargao here’s our top travel tips:


  1. Stay in the General Luna and Cloud 9 area to be amongst the beautiful chaos and be in walkable distance from the best bars & restaurants.

  2. There’s lots to do for non-surfers on the island, don't forget to try out the Siargao Wake Park! 

  3. When getting around the Philippines in a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, agree on a price upfront and try to have the right change handy.

  4. Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected and remove the hassle of a physical SIM, don’t rely on Wi-Fi as the island has frequent blackouts. 

  5. Go on the 3 island tour to see the true beauty Siargao has to offer, it’s not all about surfing after all…

  6. For the surfers, hire a scooter with a surf rack and visit Siargao’s best surf spots


Travel Tools To Help You Plan

These are some of the travel tools we love and use daily, by booking through our links you support our blog and help us grow, thank you.



Thank you for reading and enjoy your Philippine adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!


For our Filipino friends: Maraming salamat sa pag babasa, hangang sa susunod nating pag kikita, mamimiss namin kayo, mabuhay ang pilipinas! Salamat


*Some links in this article are affiliate meaning we may earn a small commission with no extra cost to you! It helps grow the blog so thank you for supporting us.

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Kate & Mike

Hey ✌
We’re Kate and Mike! After selling our campervan and booking a one-way ticket to Southeast Asia, we’ve spent the past few years finding adventures around the globe.

 

If you’re looking for authentic advice from people figuring it out as they go… welcome to our corner of the travel world! 

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