Where to Stay in Siargao (2020 • COOLEST Areas!)

Siargao is about 800 km southeast of Manilla in the Philippine Sea. It was once known only for its amazing surfing, but over the years, word has snuck out about this island’s many other attractions. Siargao offers amazing beach landscapes, as you might imagine. But it also has great infrastructure, so you can easily get around to explore, and some of the best food you’ll eat in the Philippines.

These are all great attractions for travelers, but one of the best things about this island is the vibe. Siargao has a friendly, artsy vibe that attracts people from all walks of life. This makes for a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that you’ll notice almost immediately after you check in to your Siargao accommodation.

Unfortunately, Siargao isn’t on the usual travel route, so you might have trouble finding the best places to stay in Siargao. In fact, hardly anyone talks about this travel destination. But that’s all about to change. With our easy Siargao neighborhood guide, you’ll be able to find where to stay on the island. And that’s the first step towards booking your trip and experiencing all that this destination has to offer.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Siargao

• Where to stay in Siargao first time – Malinao
• Where to stay in Siargao on a budget – Catangnan
• Best neighborhood in Siargao for families – Pilar
• Best area to stay in Siargao for nightlife – General Luna
• The coolest place to stay in Siargao – San Isidro

Where to Stay in Siargao

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Siargao.

Best Hostel in Siargao: I Love Siargao Hostel

For a relaxed and chilled out experience, you can’t go past this hostel. It’s located in one of the best areas to stay in Siargao, close to the beach and shops and local nightlife. And the rooms are bright and cheerful, have air conditioning, and all the modern furnishings. There’s also a small kitchen on site and a comfortable common area.

Best Airbnb in Siargao: Oceanfront Glamping Surf Retreat

This is an unusual entry. It’s a yurt located on an island in the Philippines. It’s just a few minutes from the Cloud 9 surfing area and offers enough room for 2 guests with a private bathroom and complete peace and privacy. Truly a unique and memorable place to stay while you’re in Siargao!

Best Hotel in Siargao: Romantic Beach Villas

This hotel in Siargao offers everything you could want for a short or long stay. It has a private beach, outdoor pool, and air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. There’s an in-house restaurant so you can grab a meal without having to go out and the hotel is close to local restaurants and shops too.

Siargao Neighborhood Guide

Siargao is a relatively small island in the Philippines that has a welcoming and slightly artsy vibe that often reminds people of Bali in the early days before mass tourism. It also has better infrastructure than other islands in the area, which means that you’ll be able to get around to explore no matter where your Siargao accommodation is located. But still, it’s always best to find somewhere to stay that’s close to what you most want to see and do. So, check out the following areas and all they offer.

Malinao is the best area in Siargao to stay in if you want beach and city access but also a quiet place to relax. It’s General Luna’s close neighbor, so you’ll have easy access to all the shopping and bars in this popular tourist spot.

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao on a budget but still want to be close to General Luna, then try Catangnan. This area is slightly north of the main tourist area and still has great bars and restaurants.

The next area to think about is Pilar, home to the stunning lagoons and limestone formations of Magpupungko Beach. There’s lots to do in this part of the island, which makes it an ideal choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao with kids.

The most popular area is General Luna, where you’ll find the most restaurants, bars and shops. But you’ll also find lots of people in this area, so be prepared to share your patch of beach!

And the final choice is San Isidro, which is the best neighborhood to stay in Sairgao if you want beaches, bars, and peace and quiet. This town is in central Siargao and is a mostly neglected island gem.

Siargao’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

No matter what you want to see, eat, or do, here are the coolest places to stay in Siargao.

#1 Malinao – Where to Stay in Siargao First Time

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao for your first time, then try Malinao. This area is very close to the main tourist area, General Luna, and is a calmer and more peaceful area with an even better beachfront. Malinao offers the unique appeal of being close to all the best restaurants, clubs, and shops without being right in the center of all the noise and rush. And if you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, that’s probably exactly what you want.

Malinao is one of Siargao’s best neighborhoods because it has it all. It offers stunning white sand beaches, amazing water sports like snorkeling, and a more relaxed and peaceful vibe that goes perfectly with the beach vacation vibe. And if you have a motorbike, you can also head into General Luna whenever you want to enjoy the shopping or bars, and then return to your peaceful oasis once you’ve had enough of the noise and rush.

Things to See and Do in Malinao

– Relax on the beach and get a tan.

– Go snorkeling to explore the area’s marine life.

– Watch the sunsets over the islands of Guyam and Dako.

– Eat out at restaurants like Gesund Restaurant or wander around and find one of the local eateries.

– Consider having a really relaxing holiday at one of the luxurious resorts in Malinao.

– Head into General Luna for food, bars, and shopping.

Best Hostel in Malinao: Secret Spot Siargao

This hostel in Siargao has everything a budget traveler could ever want. It’s environmentally friendly and set within a tropical setting just moments from the beach. The staff are friendly and there’s a communal kitchen and café on site so that you can grab a meal and get to know your fellow travelers.

Best Airbnb in Malinao: Surfing Carabao Beach House 1

This bungalow is ideal if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao for nightlife but still want some peace and quiet. The beach house has ocean views, a large terrace, and air con as well as shared use of an outdoor kitchen. And it’s surrounded by lush tropical foliage that gives the beach house an enticing jungle feel.

Best Hotel in Malinao: Malinao View Beach Resort

Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao for your first time or on a return trip, this hotel is a good choice. It offers laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, as well as comfortable rooms with all the necessities for your stay. It also provides easy access to nearby islands for day trips.

#2 Catangnan – Where to Stay in Siargao on a Budget

If you’re visiting to do water sports, then Catangnan is one of the best areas to stay in Siargao. It’s located just north of General Luna and is a peninsula surrounded by the Philippine sea. No matter what type of water sport you like or want to try, you will be able to do it in this area. This includes swimming, scuba diving, surfing, and snorkeling. No matter what your level is, you’ll find something interesting to do here under the waves!

Catangnan is also a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao on a budget. There are a range of hostels, homestays, and resorts in the area to suit every budget point. So, if you’re trying to save money on your accommodation so you can enjoy more experiences, this is where to stay.

Things to See and Do in Catangnan

– Head up to the Cloud 9 Surf Tower for incredible views.

– Go surfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving or learn how.

– Take a walk along the Jacking Horse Trail.

– Grab a drink at local bars like the Offshore Sports Bar, Ocean 101 Bar, or the White Banana Beach Club Siargao.

– Have a delicious snack at local eateries like the Shaka Café, Bravo Restaurant, or Mama’s Grill.

Best Hostel in Catangnan: Hiraya Surf Hostel

With large, comfortable dorm rooms, this hostel in Siargao is perfect if you’re on a budget. It’s moments from the Cloud 9 surfing spots and offers lots of common areas and a bar where you can chat with your fellow travelers and make some new friends. There’s also a swimming pool on site and an air conditioned bunk house for those really steamy days.

Best Airbnb in Catangnan: Sierra’s Cottage Homestay

This charming cottage has to be part of any good Siargao neighborhood guide. It’s a new build in a charming small village area with friendly people and complete privacy. The house is fairly large and has a terrace and yard where you can enjoy a drink as well as a private bathroom and kitchen.

Best Hotel in Catangnan: Ocean 101 Beach Resort

For beach and restaurant proximity, this hotel in Siargao is ideal. It offers charmingly decorated, air conditioned rooms, a private beach, airport transfers, and baby sitting services. The hotel is also close to local eateries and shops, so you won’t have to go far to get entertained!

#3 Pilar – Best Neighborhood in Siargao for Families

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao for families, then Pilar is a good choice. This is where you’ll find Magpupungko, one of the top attractions on the island for kids. Magpupungko is a secluded beach on the west side of the island that houses lots of interesting rock formations and tidal pools. Kids of all ages love exploring the tide pools, looking at interesting creatures, and soaking up the sun and peace of this quiet beach location.

But Pilar has more to offer than just the one spot. It has several beaches that are beautiful, less crowded, and quiet. This makes it the ideal choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Siargao with kids who aren’t strong swimmers. And if you want to head into less crowded areas, Pilar is only a short motorbike ride away from General Lunar and the island’s tourist center.

Things to See and Do in Pilar

– Explore the tide pools and unique limestone cliffs of Magpupungko Beach.

– Relax or go surfing on local beaches like Taglungnan Beach or Lukod Beach.

– Go swimming in the Tagbayanga Cave Pool.

– Head out to Del Carmen’s mangrove forest reserve for a day trip.

– Grab a delicious meal at local hotspots like Borgs BBQ & Foodhouse, J Kat Grill and Food, or Danny Tapsihan.

Best Airbnb in Pilar: Beach View Coco Room

Located in the best neighborhood to stay in Siargao if you want a peaceful, laidback experience, this is a good choice for a budget traveler. You’ll get a private room with big windows, air con, and lovely views as well as use of the shared bathroom. And the house is located close to the beach and to local attractions.

Best Hotel in Pilar: Makulay Siargao Resort

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao for families, this hotel will suit your needs. It has a private beach, tour desk, and bicycle rental as well as newly refurbished rooms. The activities offered around the hotel include fishing and snorkeling and other popular areas like San Isidro are a short drive away.

Best Luxury Hotel in Pilar: Shalaka Kubo

Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao for one night, or for a longer visit, this is a charming, comfortable choice. The apartments are comfortable and contain all the essentials and the main tourist areas are just a short drive away.

#4 General Luna – Best Area to Stay in Siargao for Nightlife

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao for one night, then General Luna is probably your best bet. This is the island’s tourist center and it’s crowded with bars, restaurants, places to stay, and great beaches. General Luna is of course vibrant and lively. It can also get a little noisy at times too! But it’s still popular among surfers and travelers who want to enjoy other island attractions.

General Luna offers some of the best restaurants you’ll ever spend time in. In fact, Siargao is becoming known for its amazing food and General Luna’s eateries definitely live up to the hype. It also offers easy access to some of the smaller islands for day trips, great surfing and beach activities, and great accommodation options at every price point. Basically, if you don’t mind the crowds and noise, this is the best area in Siargao to stay in.

Things to See and Do in General Luna

– Go surfing at Cloud 9 for arguably perfect conditions!

– Get off the island with some day trips to Daku, Guyam, and Naked Islands.

– Go bar and club hopping at popular local spots like Viento Del Mark, the RumBar, or the Jungle Disco.

– Try some delicious local food at restaurants like Warung Siargao Indonesian Restaurant or Homemade Taste Restaurant Siargao.

– Try some international food at the Bravo Beach Resort Siargao or Kermit Surf Resort and Restaurant Siargao.

Best Hostel in General Luna: Malayah Siargao

If you want to be in the middle of everything then this is one of the best places to stay in Siargao. The hostel has shared and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a big balcony where you can enjoy the night air. They also have lots of tours and activities available, so don’t forget to book something fun with all your new friends!

Best Airbnb in General Luna: The Triangle Siargao

Located in one the middle of one of Siargao’s best neighborhoods, this house is a quirky find. It’s an a-frame house in the middle of a tropical garden with enough space for up to 2 guests, a private bathroom, and all the modern amenities. The main areas of General Luna are within 5 minutes walk, so you’ll never get bored in this quirky house.

Best Hotel in General Luna: Isla Cabana Resort

This hotel is located in the best neighborhood in Siargao to stay in if you want to be close to everything. The hotel is set up to make things as peaceful and relaxed as possible, with a free shuttle service, private beach, Jacuzzi, and an outdoor pool. The rooms are comfortable and modern and include a fridge, mini bar, and seating area.

#5 San Isidro – The Coolest Place to Stay in Siargao

San Isidro is one of the coolest places to stay in Siargao because of its combination of great beaches and pristine, quiet surroundings. If you want to avoid the crowds and the noise of more popular areas, then you need to find somewhere to stay on this part of the island.

San Isidro is in central Siargao and offers all the same attractions as other parts of the island. The surfing is amazing, the beaches are beautiful, and there are lots of restaurants and bars. This means it’s also a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siargao for nightlife! It’s also a good base for travelers who want to explore the ret of the island, as it’s close to everywhere and has reasonable roads leading to popular attractions.

Things to See and Do in San Isidro

– Grab a board and practice your surfing!

– Just wander along the beaches and enjoy the pristine surroundings and quiet.

– Head to the west coast to explore the Mangrove forests.

– Grab some pizza from Greg’s Place Pizza & Beer.

– Make sure you try some of the local restaurants like Lagkaw Barbecuehan, Kookaburra, or Bamboo Garden Bar and Lodging.

– Try some local beaches like Himaya North and South.

Best Airbnb in San Isidro: Amazing Beachfront Loft

This hut is just moments from the beach and popular surfing spots, so you can walk out anytime and head to the water. It’s located in the best neighborhood in Siargao to stay in if you want to be away from the crowds but still enjoy all the island’s attractions. The hut is suitable for 2 people and includes a private bathroom.

Best Hotel in San Isidro: Sailfishbay Surf and Big Game Fishing Lodge

This hotel is one of the best places in Siargao to stay if you want easy access to the beach and relaxed surroundings. It has a private beach and rooftop terrace so you can enjoy the sun as well as a library and games’ room where you can get to know your fellow travelers. And, of course, it’s right on the beach’s doorstep, so you can head out to the waves after breakfast.

Best Luxury Hotel in San Isidro: White Sands Paradise Beach Resort

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in San Isidro for families, this is a good choice. It offers room service, massage facilities, laundry facilities, and comfortable rooms with all the essentials. There are also common areas where you can sit and chat about your day.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Siargao

The best places in Siargao all offer a combination of beach access, a range of accommodation options, and easy access to eateries where you can try the tasty local food. And this combination of attractions can make for an ideal beach vacation in a relaxed and still lightly touristed part of the world. Just make sure that you get there before that changes and all the tourists pile in!

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