Siargao Travel Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

🧳 SIARGAO → SURIGAO DEL SUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST (Simple, practical, and easy to follow during your trip)

✅ BEFORE YOUR TRIP

● Book early morning flight to Siargao

● Book return flight with 1 buffer day

● Screenshot all bookings (flights, hotel, ferry)

● Download offline Google Maps

● Prepare cash (₱3,000–₱5,000 minimum)

● Pack light (easy transfers between ferry + van)

🎒 WHAT TO PACK (ESSENTIALS)

● Dry bag / waterproof pouch

● Powerbank

● Snacks (for long van rides)

● Reusable water bottle

● Slippers + light shoes

● Swimwear (2–4 sets)

● Small towel

● Sunscreen

● Insect repellent

● Extra plastic bags (wet clothes)

🚤 SIARGAO → SURIGAO DAY

● Leave accommodation early

● Arrive at port 30–45 mins before ferry

● Take 6:00 AM ferry if possible

● Sit on the right side of the boat (less sun)

Upon arrival:

● Take tricycle to van terminal

● Look for vans going to Bislig / Barobo

● Tell driver: “Drop me at Hinatuan”

● Sit near the front seat if possible

🚐 VAN TRAVEL SURVIVAL

● Eat before boarding (no guaranteed stops)

● Keep valuables accessible

● Tell driver your destination clearly

● Expect **4–6 hours travel time**

● Prepare for weak/no signal

🏝️ BRITANIA ISLANDS DAY

● Go early (before noon if possible)

● Ask locals for low tide schedule

● Share boat to save cost

● Bring waterproof bag

● Keep small cash for entrance fees

🌊 ENCHANTED RIVER DAY

● Go early morning OR after lunch

● Avoid peak at 12 noon (crowds)

● Bring dry bag (limited lockers)

● Rent cottage only if needed

● Stay for fish feeding if interested

💧 TINUY-AN FALLS DAY

● Visit in the morning (for rainbow effect)

● Expect rough road near entrance

● Bring extra clothes

● Try bamboo raft experience

🛵 LOCAL TRANSPORT

● Expect “special trip” rates (₱100–200) per ride not per person

● Confirm fare before riding

● No ride-hailing apps available

● Be ready to negotiate politely

💸 MONEY & CONNECTIVITY

● Withdraw cash in Siargao or Surigao City

● Do NOT rely on GCash/cards

● Expect hours without signal

● Save offline maps and directions

🚨 COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

● Don’t start travel late in the day

● Don’t rush all activities in 1 day

● Don’t skip meals before long drives

● Don’t assume transport runs on schedule

● Don’t plan tight same-day flight connections

⭐ IDEAL FLOW (QUICK GUIDE)

Day 1: Travel to Hinatuan (check-in, rest)

Day 2: Enchanted River + Tinuy-an Falls

Day 3: Britania Islands + return

✔ FINAL REMINDER

Travel here is simple but not fast:

→ Expect delays

→ Stay flexible

→ Start early every day

That’s the key to enjoying the trip instead of getting stressed.

⚠️Careful, Siargao Island has a way of stealing hearts… some travelers come for a few days and never leave, while others leave already planning their return 🌴