Maasin River Siargao: My Experience, Tips & What It’s Really Like in 2025

Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by Oliver

If Siargao isn’t already on your Philippines itinerary, go ahead and fix that. It’s a favorite for so many travelers—and as much as I hate to agree with the crowd, I kinda get it. Siargao really does tick all the boxes: surf, beaches, nightlife, cafes, nature, and just that overall vibe that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.

But when a place becomes the place, you always run the risk of things getting a little too polished, too commercial, too overrun… you know. (Yes, I’m fully aware I’m also part of the problem.)

Which brings me to Maasin River Siargao, one of the must-do activities on the island. It’s on basically every Siargao list, and today I’m sharing my honest experience—including what I loved, what felt a bit “meh,” and what I’d do differently next time.

If you’re planning to visit, this should help you know exactly what to expect (trust me, that’s important), and how to actually make the most of it.

Let’s get into it.

Maasin River Siargao – My Experience

We stayed in Siargao for almost two months, so we had plenty of time to visit most of the well-known sights and nature spots around the island. Having our own scooter the whole time made a huge difference—I’d really recommend renting one in Siargao so you can move around easily and take trips like this on your own schedule.

We left General Luna early, around 7 AM, to get to Maasin River, which is about a 40-minute ride. On the way, we stopped at the Coconut Plantation Viewpoint. It’s a short stop but worth it for the view and a couple of nice photos.

When we arrived at Maasin River, it didn’t quite look like what you see online. It’s right next to the main road, with a big bridge beside it and quite a few souvenir stalls set up along the entrance. Not bad, just not as remote-feeling as it might seem in pictures.

We parked, paid the 50 pesos entrance fee (which includes access to the jumping platform), and then paid 600 pesos for the boat ride. That’s the price per boat, so we split it between three people—200 pesos each, around $3.50.

There was a mix-up with our boat number, so we ended up waiting in the sun for about an hour, which wasn’t great. Once we were on the boat though, it was really peaceful. The ride up the river takes about 10–15 minutes and the surroundings are beautiful—lush greenery and calm water all around.

The boat takes you up to the spring area, which sounds really nice, but when we got there it felt a little busy. There were small shops and wooden stalls set up all around, karaoke music playing loudly, and you had to draw a number so everyone could take turns sitting in the spring (a small pool with clear water) for a photo. We decided to skip that part.

Instead, we swam in the river for a bit to cool off before heading back to where we started.

And honestly, that’s where we had the most fun. We jumped off the platform (no more River Swing), swam around, and just enjoyed the atmosphere by the river. That part really made the trip worth it.

Planning a Trip to Siargao Island? Check out my Guide on Where to Stay in Siargao!

What to Actually Expect at Maasin River

Okay, so here’s the thing: the photos of Maasin River that you see online—yes, they’re stunning. The drone shots, the perfectly timed lighting, the one little blue boat floating peacefully down the jungle river… I get that it looks beautiful in pictures. But as someone actually traveling here (and trying to help others do the same), I think it’s only fair to show you what Maasin River Siargao is really like, the beautiful sides and not so pretty parts of it.

Here’s a quick travel guide of what to actually expect:

• The entrance and jumping platform are located right next to a busy main road and a bridge. So no, it’s not exactly tucked away in the jungle. One direction is beautiful greenery, the other is traffic and souvenir stands.
• The boat ride itself is okay, but unless you’re on the very first boat of the morning, you’ll end up queuing at the spring with loads of other people while karaoke blasts through the speakers.
• You’re not allowed to fly your own drone here (at least according to the locals when we went). If you want drone shots, they’ll try to sell you theirs.
• The ₱50 entrance fee is totally worth it just for hanging out by the river, jumping off the platform, swimming, and taking a few photos.
• Expect around 100 little blue boats docked and tons of people waiting to hop on, especially between 9–11 AM.
• And nope, it’s not like the dreamy shots online with one lonely boat drifting through the jungle. It’s busier, a bit chaotic, and very much a popular stop.
• Also, no, the bent palm tree does not exist anymore and was replaced with a jumping platform.

Don’t let this worry you too much—I still think it’s totally worth visiting Maasin River. Jump off the platform, swim, and take pictures for just 50 pesos—it’s super affordable! I could’ve done without the boat ride, though.

How to Get to Maasin River Siargao (And Why You Should Go Early)

There are usually three main ways to get to Maasin River in Siargao. Most people either:

1. Book a tour that takes you around the island in an air-conditioned minivan,
2. Hire a tuk-tuk for the day (great for two people and more flexible),
3. Or rent your own scooter—only if you feel confident riding one.

Tuk-tuks, minivan tours, and scooter rentals can usually be arranged directly through your hotel or homestay. Just ask at reception—they often get the best deals, and you’ll get picked up right at your doorstep.

Now, if you’re riding a scooter, please wear a helmet, make sure you have travel insurance, and drive responsibly. I’ve seen too many people in the Philippines walking around with scratched-up faces and road rash. Not cute. Not worth it.

Personally, I think renting a scooter is the best way to explore Siargao. You can go at your own pace, stay as long as you want at each stop, and pull over for lunch or a coconut whenever you feel like it. Plus, it’s way more affordable. We rented ours for ₱300/day (around $5 USD), and petrol was another $5 for the day—split between two people, that’s nothing.

Also, the views from a scooter are so much better than sitting inside a van. Siargao is insanely lush, and cruising through it on two wheels just makes you appreciate it even more.

Getting to Maasin River is super straightforward. I’ll drop the Maasin River Siargao Location here—just follow it on Google Maps. Either have your passenger navigate or use the little phone holder that usually comes with your rental scooter. The ride from General Luna takes about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on where you’re staying.

What to Bring & Tips for Visiting Maasin River Siargao Island

There’s not a lot you need to bring to Maasin River, but a few small things can seriously level up your experience—and save you from unnecessary headaches.

First, bring cash. You’ll need it for the Maasin River Siargao entrance fee (₱50), the boat ride (₱600 per boat, which you can usually split), and anything you might want to buy at the little stalls. There’s no ATM nearby and most places won’t accept cards.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes—there’s not really a changing room situation, and it just makes everything easier if you’re already ready to jump in.

Bring a towel or sarong, especially if you plan to swim or jump in from the platform (which you should—it’s honestly the most fun part). The river water is fresh and clean, but you’ll want to dry off before hopping back on the scooter.

Flip flops or waterproof sandals are ideal. You won’t be walking far, but your feet will definitely get wet and muddy in some parts. No need for proper shoes.

Also, pack sunscreen and bug spray. Even though you’re surrounded by jungle and shaded areas, that sun still finds a way to get you. And yes, the mosquitoes are out here living their best lives too.

If you have a dry bag, bring it. It’s great for keeping your phone, money, and towel safe on the boat. Otherwise, a regular backpack is fine—just be mindful it could get a little wet.

And lastly—go early. Like before 8 AM early. Not only do you avoid the heat and the biggest crowds, but it’s a completely different vibe when the river is still quiet and peaceful. Once 9:30–10 AM hits, it gets way more chaotic, and the line for the boat and the spring can get long fast.

Where to Go After Maasin River

Where you head next after visiting Maasin River really depends on what kind of day you’re planning. You’ve already made it pretty far from General Luna, so you might as well keep the adventure going.

One option is to head further north and head from Maasin River to Magpupungko Rock Pools and Flats. Just a heads up though—they’re only visible at low tide, so you’ll need to time this right. (Here’s a tide chart you can check before you go.) When the tide is low, the pools are beautiful, clear, and super fun to swim in.

If you’re in the mood for more of a beach day, keep cruising up north to Pacifico and Pacifico Beach, or even further to Burgos and Alegria Beach. Some of Siargao’s best beaches are up there, and it’s a great way to spend the afternoon if you’ve got the time.

Not feeling the long drive north? No worries—another great option is to loop back through Santa Fe, a small town just north of General Luna (and where we actually lived for over a month). On the way, you can stop at the Siargao Wakepark, which is super fun whether you want to try wakeboarding or just grab a drink and watch others fly across the water.

Just a bit further down the road is Beto Cold Spring—another great little freshwater spot that’s super refreshing. There’s a rope swing too if you’re in the mood for a bit more fun, and it’s way less crowded than Maasin. (Don’t go on a weekend though—we went on a Sunday, and it was full of local kids. It was fun, but it was just super busy.)

After that, make your way through Santa Fe, grab a coffee at Marmelade (one of the best Coffee Shops in Siargao!), and then head back toward General Luna over Sunset Bridge. If you time it right, the views at Sunset from the bridge are super beautiful.

What I’d Do Differently Next Time Visiting Maasin River Siargao

So, I’ve visited Maasin River—and overall, I really enjoyed it—but there are definitely a few things I’d do differently next time.

For starters, we were a bit slow getting ready in the morning and didn’t arrive until around 8 or 9am. If I were to go again, I’d aim to get there right at 7 or 7:30am when they open. That early start makes a huge difference—not just to beat the crowds, but also to avoid the midday heat, which hits hard.

If you manage to get there super early, the boat ride could actually be quite nice, since you might have the spring area all to yourself. But if it’s already busy when you arrive (which it was for us), I’d personally skip the boat ride and just enjoy the jumping platform and go for a swim instead.

And by the way—you can actually swim down part of the river yourself, where the boats usually go. I’m not saying to swim all the way down (that would be far), but just enough to get a feel for it and see the scenery for yourself. That little swim gave me the same vibe the boat ride would’ve, without the wait or the crowd.

For just 50 pesos to jump off the platform and swim, I think it’s well worth it. Yes, it still has a bit of that tourist trap feel, but it’s a stunning place, and it’s genuinely fun. I’d still recommend going—you’ll just enjoy it more if you know what to expect ahead of time and can decide for yourself whether or not the Maasin River kayak tour is worth it.

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