My Digital Nomad Siargao Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Work Remotely from Siargao in 2025

Last Updated on May 10, 2025 by Oliver

Siargao Island in the Philippines has long been known as the country’s surf mecca and a go-to backpacker hotspot. But over the past few years, it’s started to gain a new reputation—Siargao is quickly becoming the top digital nomad destination in the Philippines.

Hey, I’m Oliver, and this is my personal digital nomad Siargao guide, where I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about working remotely from this island paradise.

I’ve mentioned this in other posts before, but Siargao is slowly starting to feel like a mini-Bali—it reminds me of Canggu maybe six or seven years ago. That’s not a bad thing. The food scene is amazing, the cafes are beautiful, and there are more and more coworking and coliving spaces popping up around General Luna.

I spent almost two months living and working remotely in Siargao, and in this guide I’ll share my full experience—what worked, what didn’t, and what you should know if you’re planning to stay here as a digital nomad.

My intention here is to help you feel prepared before arriving, knowing that yes, it’s absolutely possible to work remotely from Siargao—even if you’re on a 9–5 schedule back home. Let’s get into it with everything Digital Nomads need to live in Siargao.

Is it Possible to be a Digital Nomad in Siargao?

I could give you a vague or diplomatic answer here—but let’s keep it simple: yes, it’s absolutely possible to be a digital nomad in Siargao. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s probably the best place in the Philippines to work remotely from.

I’ve traveled all over the country while working online, and this is just my honest take: Siargao stands out as the top spot for digital nomads.Bohol is also okay, and all the cities are, of course, fine too, but remote islands like Siquijor are fairly unsuitable for working remotely.

In Siargao, there’s at least one proper, well-equipped coworking space, Starlink is available pretty much everywhere, and most cafes or accommodations have either generators or solar setups for when the power cuts out (which still happens frequently). On top of all that, you’ve got a solid, growing community of expats, freelancers, remote workers and digital nomads living, surfing, and thriving here.

So yes—Siargao is a fantastic place to be a digital nomad.

Digital Nomad Siargao Guide: My Experience

Siargao was actually my very first stop in the Philippines. I did a bit of research before coming—not a ton—just enough to know it was possible to work remotely from here. I flew straight in from Manila with the idea that I’d hang around for a month. I ended up staying almost two.

At first, it took a little time to figure everything out. I couldn’t really find much solid information about being a digital nomad in Siargao. It wasn’t that it was difficult—it just takes a bit to discover the best coworking space, the right cafes, and where to find the remote work crowd.

My first few days were mostly spent working from my hotel room or random cafes. But pretty quickly, I found my favorite work-friendly coffee spots and discovered Coco Space, which I still think is the best coworking space in Siargao.

Around the same time, I moved out of General Luna (which is the main tourist hub) and settled into Santa Fe, a quieter town nearby. Coco Space is closer to Santa Fe, so I ended up building my routine around that—commuting to Coco five days a week, enjoying the peaceful residential vibe in Santa Fe (which also has a growing digital nomad and expat community), and only driving into General Luna for dinners, errands, or the occasional night out.

The coworking space made it easy to meet other people—everyone’s super welcoming—and I joined a few digital nomad dinners they organize through their WhatsApp group.

So yeah—living in Santa Fe for the quiet, working from Coco Coworking during the day, and heading to General Luna for food or shopping worked perfectly for me. If you’re planning to try the digital nomad Siargao life, that’s exactly how I’d recommend doing it.

Where to Stay in Siargao as a Digital Nomad

I have a detailed guide on where to stay in Siargao, which is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for more options.

If you’re living in Siargao as a digital nomad, you’ll want to base yourself in the General Luna area—no question. This is where you’ll find all the coworking spaces, cafes, stable internet, and basically everything you need to work remotely.

Now, within General Luna, I’d recommend staying either right in town near Tourism Road, or in Santa Fe, which is a quieter neighborhood just a short drive away.

General Luna is the “mini Bali” I mentioned earlier—it’s busy, lively, and packed with cafes, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. If you want to be in the middle of the action, this is where you’ll want to be.

Santa Fe, on the other hand, has more of a relaxed, residential vibe. It’s just starting to grow, so it still feels local, but it’s becoming more and more popular with digital nomads, expats, and local business owners—many of whom run cafes or restaurants back in General Luna. It’s kind of the sweet spot right now: not too built up, but still super convenient.

• Casitas Santa Fe // Upscale Apartment in Santa Fe
• Communal Coliving Home // Coliving Siargao in Santa Fe
• Araw Boutique Homestay // Budget Room with Shared Kitchen in General Luna

Coworking in Siargao: My Top Coworking Spaces

I also have a guide on coworking Siargao, featuring my favorite coworking spaces and cafes to work from, along with some extra helpful info.

There are currently two proper co working spaces in Siargao: Alterspace Siargao and Coco Space Coworking.

Alter Space is located in General Luna, near Cloud 9. I only worked from there once—it was fine. Great Wi-Fi, air conditioning, comfortable chairs—everything you need. But the vibe just wasn’t really for me.

Coco Space Siargao, on the other hand, became my go-to. I worked there for over a month, and honestly, it was the perfect setup for remote work in Siargao. It is the best co working space Siargao has to offer.

It has a big indoor coworking space with around 25 seats, air conditioning and fans, four private call booths, bathrooms, a chill-out room with bean bags and desks, tons of outlets, and Starlink Wi-Fi that actually works. The best part is, the entire space runs off-grid on solar, so the regular Siargao brownouts (power cuts) won’t interrupt your work.

Outside, there’s a pool overlooking rice fields, a small café serving breakfast and lunch, and even a rooftop where they host yoga classes. It’s not just a workspace—it’s a whole setup. The team also organizes events and digital nomad meetups, so there’s a real sense of community, which I loved.

I paid around $120 USD for an unlimited month pass, but they also offer day passes, 5-day bundles, and longer-term options like 6-month passes.

If you’re serious about working remotely while living that digital nomad Siargao life, Coco Space is 100% the spot.

My Top Cafes to Work From in Siargao

Siargao honestly blew me away with its coffee and brunch scene. The café culture here is strong—like, really strong. I didn’t expect to find so many amazing coffee spots and creative breakfast menus on a remote island, but here we are. That said, not all of them are ideal for working from your laptop.

I’ve tried pretty much all of them, and only a few are actually suitable for getting work done. Before we get into the list, one quick disclaimer:

I read in a blog that White Beard Coffee is a good place to work from, and I just have to say—it’s not. It’s one of the most popular cafés in Siargao, but it has no Wi-Fi, barely any plugs, it’s hot, and it gets packed. It’s definitely not a digital nomad-friendly spot and they clearly prefer you not setting up your remote office there.

Also, just a reminder—these are cafés, not coworking spaces. So please be mindful when you’re working there and don’t overstay without ordering something.

Alright, here are the spots I actually recommend if you’re a digital nomad in Siargao looking for a solid café to work from:

• Spotted Pig – A great indoor café with air conditioning, comfy seating, and solid coffee. It does get busy though, especially during breakfast and lunch rush, so I always feel a bit guilty taking up a whole table for work.
• Las Palmas – Right behind Spotted Pig, this one’s more low-key. They’ll give you a 2-hour Wi-Fi voucher, and it works well. It’s outdoors (no AC), and there’s only one plug near the long communal table, but it’s generally chill.
• Sunday – They’ve got a designated work area with tables and decent Wi-Fi (also via 2-hour vouchers, but they’ll extend if needed). The breakfast is average but lunch is solid. Bonus: you can use the pool for a small fee, which is always a vibe.
• Ohm Café – This spot actually encourages laptop setups (they say so on their Instagram). Fast Wi-Fi, good coffee, proper chairs and tables, and yes—another café with a pool.

This is just a small list of coworking cafes in Siargao. If you’re looking for more options, I recommend checking out my guide on Siargao coworking, and if you are interested in more amazing cafes in Siargao, then check out my article on it.

Sim Card & Internet in Siargao

Internet in Siargao is definitely it’s own whole situation, but don’t worry—it’s actually totally fine if you know what to look for.

Here’s the most important thing: most places now have Starlink, which is Elon Musk’s satellite internet, and honestly, it works great. Pretty much all coworking spaces, a bunch of cafés, and many hotels in Siargao run on Starlink, and it gives you fast, reliable internet even during power cuts. That’s one of the big reasons Siargao has become such a great destination for digital nomads.

Now, outside of Starlink, the Wi-Fi situation gets a little rough. There are only two main providers on the island—Smart and Globe—and both rely on their own mobile towers for service. So if you’re using Wi-Fi at a place that isn’t Starlink, chances are it’s just a SIM card in a router. Which means it’s not going to be any better than the signal you’d get on your phone.

That’s why it’s really important to find accommodation or work spots that run on Starlink (Coco Space does, and so do a lot of the cafés I mentioned earlier).

As for a Siargao SIM card—I barely used mine. I had offline Google Maps saved and was always connected to some Starlink anyway. But if you feel like you want mobile data just in case, I’d recommend getting both Smart and Globe. Each SIM only costs around ₱40 (about $0.60) and you can top them up with a cheap data plan for a couple bucks. Sometimes one provider works better than the other depending on where you are, and during power outages it’s a bit of a mess, so having both is just a good backup plan.

Long story short: just be where Starlink is, and you’ll be totally fine.

Digital Nomad Guide: Extending Your Visa in Siargao

We’ve all been there—you find a place you love, and suddenly a month doesn’t feel like enough. That’s exactly what happened to me in Siargao, and honestly, pretty much every other traveler I met there too.

Luckily, the visa situation in the Philippines is incredibly chill. When you arrive, you automatically get 30 days on a tourist visa, and extending it is super easy. You can technically do it online, but I actually recommend doing it in person at the immigration office in Siargao—it’s way faster and simpler.

The Siargao Bureau of Immigration is located right near the pier in General Luna town, close to White Beard Cafe (I’ll drop the Google Maps location for you). They’re usually open from around 8am to 5pm, and you don’t need an appointment—you can just walk in.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes. You fill out a quick form, pay around ₱3,000 (roughly $50 USD), and boom—you’ve got another 30 days added to your visa.

Even if you accidentally overstay, it’s not a big deal. Just head to the office, pay a small fine (usually around $5), and you can still extend. It’s super relaxed.

And the best part is that you can keep extending over and over again—for up to 36 months total in the Philippines. The process and cost change a little the longer you stay, but it’s basically the same deal. So yeah, if you fall in love with Siargao and think about moving to Siargao, you’re totally covered.

FYI: One thing to note—when you extend your visa for the very first time (meaning you’ve done your initial 30 days and now want another 30), it’s technically called a “Visa Waiver” and not a visa extension. Only after you’ve stayed 60 days in the Philippines do you start filing for a proper Visa Extension. It caused a bit of confusion when I first tried doing it online, so just something to keep in mind.

Cost of Living in Siargao for Digital Nomads

This totally depends on your travel style. The beauty of Siargao is that it really works for all budgets—like all of them. There are plenty of local eateries and budget accommodations, but also upscale restaurants, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts if that’s more your vibe.

Food and accommodation costs are super flexible, but one thing I wouldn’t try to save on is your work setup. I’d definitely recommend investing in a coworking space like Coco Space and getting a monthly pass or whatever makes sense for your stay and pay the coworking fee per month—it’s worth it.

• If you’re on a budget, you can totally live in Siargao on around $30 a day. That would mean staying in a hostel or simple apartment, eating local meals, and maybe making your own breakfast or dinner. Honestly, you could even do it for less if you’re really keeping it low-key.
• For a mid-range budget, I’d say around $50 a day gets you a more comfortable apartment, access to cafes, nice meals out, and some activities like island hopping or motorbike rental.
• If you’re going luxury, you’re probably looking at $70+ a day as a digital nomad. That includes a stylish apartment, daily meals at trendier restaurants, coworking access, and a bit of pampering. Of course, you could spend $300 a day staying at a beach resort—but let’s be real, who’s doing that long term?

Things to Do in Siargao

Siargao isn’t just a surf spot—it’s a full-on island playground. Even if you’re not into surfing (I wasn’t), there’s still loads to keep you busy.

Let’s start with the obvious: surfing. Cloud 9 is the famous break here, and even if you’re a beginner, you’ll find plenty of instructors offering lessons on smaller waves nearby. But the better spot to go as a beginner is actually Ocean 9 in Santa Fe.

Island hopping is another must. Book a tour and visit Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island—they’re all close, and each one is absolutely beautiful.

Sugba Lagoon is also a top day trip. Go paddleboarding, dive off the platforms, or just float in the bluest water you’ve ever seen in your life.

Back on land, you’ve got Magpupungko Rock Pools, which are stunning during low tide. There’s also Maasin River with the famous jumping platform, Beto Cold Springs, and Tayangban Cave Pools if you’re up for a little adventure.

And honestly? Just hopping around cafes, working in cute spots, and scootering through palm-lined roads is a vibe in itself. I loved every single second of it!

The Best Time to Visit Siargao

Siargao has two seasons: wet and less wet—because, yes, it’s tropical and rain is always on the menu. But it’s not a dealbreaker.

The best time to visit is between March and October, when the sun shows up more consistently and surfing season is in full swing (September is peak for waves). The island is lush, buzzing, and everything just feels alive.

If you’re not here for surfing and don’t mind a bit of rain, the rest of the year can actually be pretty chill. November to February gets quieter (and wetter), but that also means fewer tourists, lower prices, and more space for you.

Either way, bring a rain jacket and expect the occasional stormy day. It’s island life—weather does what it wants.

My Personal Tips & Tricks for Siargao Digital Nomad Life

Alright, here’s the good stuff I wish I knew before landing in Siargao:

• Book your accommodation ahead, especially during high season (June–October). The good places book out so fast. We didn’t book in advance and thought there were no nice accommodations in Siargao for a moderate price. What we didn’t realize until later was that they were all just booked out.
• Siargao Long term rentals and accommodation is best booked via Facebook for the best deals. If you want an affordable and nice apartment, join Siargao apartment rental groups on Facebook to find the best long-term deals (1 month+).
• Scooter rental is a must. It’s the only way to get around properly and explore beyond General Luna. A scooter should ideally cost you 300 PHP a day.
• Brownouts happen (Power cuts). Like, a lot. Make sure your place has a generator or Starlink internet if you’re working.
• Bring cash. ATMs exist but are often out of cash or offline. Most places are still cash-only, especially smaller restaurants.
• Mosquitoes are real. Bring spray, use it, and thank me later.
• Be friendly. The island is full of creatives, nomads, and locals who’ve built a life here. Talk to people. That’s how you find the best food, hidden beaches, and real stories.
• Be aware of the voltage. There’s not much you can do about it, but if you plug into a normal outlet (not solar-powered) the voltage fluctuation in Siargao can be crazy and might fry your devices. It absolutely ruined my laptop battery.
• Join the Coco Space Siargao Digital Nomads WhatsApp group. They organize loads of community dinners and events, which are great to meet new friends.
• Join Events and Festivals, such as Nomads in Paradise to meet new people and exchange ideas.

Final Thoughts on My Digital Nomad Siargao Guide

I genuinely loved being a digital nomad in Siargao. The whole island just has this laid-back energy that makes working here feel… easy. Great accommodation, good food, fun bars, reliable coworking spaces—it’s all here.

Looking back, it’s probably my favorite place to work remotely in the Philippines. If you’re picking just one spot to settle in for a bit, I honestly think Siargao is the move.

I hope this Digital Nomad Siargao Guide, based on my own experience, helped you feel more confident about coming here and setting up your remote life. It really is that good.

Check out all my Siargao Guides

Hotels in Siargao: Where to Stay in Siargao Island Philippines

Cafes in Siargao: The 13 Best Cafes in Siargao

Food in Siargao: The 12 Best Siargao Restaurants

Coworking in Siargao: My 6 Favorite Coworking Spaces & Cafes to Work from

Digital Nomad Siargao: My Digital Nomad Siargao Guide

My Review: Is Siargao Worth Visiting?

Maasin River: My Experience and Tips for Visiting Maasin River

When to Visit Siargao: The Best Time to Visit Siargao

How to Get to Siargao: The Easiest Way to Get to Siargao

Siargao Itinerary: My Perfect 4 Day Siargao Itinerary

Yoga Siargao: My 5 Favorite Yoga Studios in Siargao

Siargao Accommodation: The Best Hotel in Siargao: Las Palmas

North Siargao: Explore the North of Siargao Island

Nightlife in Siargao: The Best Cocktail Bars in Siargao

Beaches Siargao: The Best Beaches in Siargao + 1 Hidden Gem

Siargao or Siquijor: Siargao or Siquijor My Comparison

Best Beach in Siargao: My Guide to Pasikon Beach

Villas in Siargao: The 8 Best Villas in Siargao

What to Do in Siargao: The Best Things to Do in Siargao Island

Siargao Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Siargao Island

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