My 4 Days in Siargao Itinerary: What I Did, Loved & Would Do Again

Last Updated on May 10, 2025 by Oliver

I’ve said this in plenty of my other blog posts already, and I’ll say it again here—Siargao is my number one island in the Philippines, and I fully stand by that.

I ended up staying for about two months, and it gave me pretty much everything I was looking for. Sure, I wish the beaches were a bit better, but honestly, it made up for it in so many other ways. Great coworking spots for my digital nomad setup, some of the best food I’ve had anywhere in the country (seriously, the food scene here is incredible), and so many fun, beautiful, low-key things to do.

Siargao is also just naturally stunning—lush beyond belief, packed with palm trees, rivers, cold springs, quiet beaches in the north, and remote little islands you can explore by boat. It actually took me a bit to fall in love with Siargao, but once it did, I became obsessed.

This travel guide is exactly what I’d do again if I had four days in Siargao. It’s bases on my own experience, staying here for almost 2 months. I’ll walk you through my favorite things I did, the little tips I picked up, my personal food recommendations, and how to plan it all out so you get a mix of adventure, chill time, and everything that makes this island so special.

4 Day Siargao Itinerary – My Personal Experience

I mentioned earlier that I stayed in Siargao for a full two months, even though I originally only planned on staying for three weeks. That’s just how it goes sometimes with places like this—you arrive, and suddenly it feels impossible to leave.

When I first got to Siargao, I was in full-on explorer mode. I crammed in all the fun activities early on before settling into a more day-to-day rhythm as a digital nomad (which, by the way, is amazing here—there are so many good spots to work from).

I explored pretty much the entire island solo by scooter. If you’re not super confident on one, you can also grab a tuk-tuk driver or join a minivan tour. But honestly, doing it on your own is so much better—you’ll have way more freedom and way more fun.

I started out in General Luna, like most people do, but later moved up to Santa Fe—a smaller town north of GL that’s way more chill and definitely on the rise. From there, I did a bunch of weekend trips to the north of the island, which is more remote, has better beaches, and is where all the fun stuff is. Maasin River, the Magpopongko Rock Pools and Flats, and beach towns like Pacifico.

Other than that, I had the best time in Siargao. The food scene is genuinely incredible—it reminded me a bit of Bali with its high-quality cafes and restaurants. But what I loved most was the community vibe. It’s friendly, social, and super easy to meet people whether you’re staying for a week or a few months.

The only thing I’ll complain about (as always) is the beaches—specifically in General Luna. They’re not the best, and the tides can be pretty wild. If your idea of a dream trip is laying on perfect beaches every day, Siargao might not hit that mark. Maybe look into Boracay or Siquijor instead. But everything else? Siargao was honestly one of the best travel experiences I’ve had.

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Siargao Island

Before we dive into the itinerary, here’s a quick list of things I wish I’d known before living in Siargao—little tips and insights that might help you have a smoother (and more fun) trip:

• The tides in Siargao are no joke. If you’re a beach lover, just know that some days the low tide lasts forever, and all you’ll see is rocks and coral. Not ideal for a swim.
• Siargao has the best food in the Philippines. Seriously. Some of the cafes and restaurants here are amazing. My favorites are Cev, White Beard, Marmalade, and Kermit—so good.
• Book your accommodation early, especially during high season or on Philippine public holidays. Siargao is super popular with both international travelers and local tourists.
• If you’re learning to surf, skip Cloud 9 (it’s for the pros) and head to Ocean 9 in Santa Fe—it’s way better for beginners.
• Explore North Siargao. It’s more remote, has better beaches, and the scenery up there is stunning. Definitely worth a weekend trip.
• Siargao is actually a great place to learn how to ride a scooter. The roads are super quiet, especially once you leave General Luna.
• Power cuts happen regularly. Make sure your accommodation has a backup generator, especially if you’re working remotely or need to charge gear.
• The power here can be unstable. Voltage fluctuations are common and can damage devices—definitely something to be aware of.
• Stay in General Luna (or nearby areas like Santa Fe or Malinao) if you want to be near the action. Places like Pacifico or Burgos up north are beautiful but way quieter and more disconnected.

4 Days in Siargao Itinerary

Day 1: Cold Springs & Wakeboarding in Santa Fe

With just four days to explore Siargao, I’d definitely recommend easing into it. You’ve got time—no need to start with the big, all-day activities right away. Day 1 is all about settling in, soaking up the vibe, and getting a feel for the island.

We’re starting in Santa Fe, a small town just 12 minutes north of General Luna by scooter. The ride is beautiful—lush rice fields, palm trees, and hardly any traffic. I actually stayed up here for most of my time in Siargao. It has a more laid-back digital nomad and expat community, with lots of long-term visitors and business owners based in the area.

First things first: breakfast. And the only proper place to do that in Santa Fe is Marmalade. They make the perfect flat white, really good toasties, banana bread, and the whole place has airconditioning and cozy vibes. I always ended up staying way longer than I planned to.

After breakfast, it’s time to explore. One of the coolest (and closest) things to do near Santa Fe is Beto Cold Spring. It’s especially great during low tide when the beaches aren’t super swimmable. The springs are tucked into the jungle, with clear cold water, a rope swing, and a jumping platform—perfect for cooling off. It’s also super cheap—just 30 pesos to get in.

Next up is Siargao WakePark. You’ll need to book a slot in advance, but it’s really affordable and such a fun time. They’ll properly show you how to do it, even if you’re a complete beginner. The setup is brand new, and if you’re not wakeboarding, there’s a grassy hangout area where you can grab a beer and chill while watching the sunset.

To wrap up the day, I recommend heading to Ocean 9, a beach bar right in Santa Fe. It’s super chill and has a pool on the beach, and the sunset views are beautiful. Grab a San Miguel Light (that’s the go-to beer in the Philippines), and just relax by the water or float in the pool.

Day 2: Island Hopping Tour – Naked, Daku & Guyam

Alright, now that you’ve had a chill first day to get settled in, it’s time for one of the classic Siargao experiences: island hopping tours. And yes—it’s touristy, but for good reason. The three main islands just off the coast of General Luna, Naked, Daku, and Guyam, are all absolutely worth it.

I booked the Tri-Island Hopping Tour with one of the local tour operators in General Luna (you’ll find these everywhere, or you can ask your hotel/hostel to help you book). Most tours are group-style and start in the morning, around 10 AM, and they usually include a fresh seafood lunch and drinks on the beach—super chill vibes.

We started with Naked Island, which, as the name suggests, is literally just a sandbar in the middle of the ocean. No trees, no shade, just white sand and turquoise water all around. It’s kind of surreal and beautiful, especially for photos, but you don’t stay long here—there’s only so much you can do on a naked island.

Next is Daku Island, which is the biggest of the three and where you’ll most likely stop for lunch. Daku has that perfect tropical island feel—lots of palm trees, soft sand, little nipa huts to chill under. This is where we had our grilled fish, rice, and mango feast, all served beachside.

Then comes Guyam Island, which is tiny but super cute, like a tropical postcard. It’s got this cluster of palm trees in the middle and a rocky part you can climb for views. There’s usually a little bar set up, so you can grab a fresh coconut or a drink before heading back to the main island.

The whole thing is pretty laid-back and doesn’t require much planning—they’ll take care of everything, including lunch and snorkeling gear. Just don’t forget sunscreen and maybe some extra water, because the sun out here is no joke.

Day 3: Exploring North Siargao (Maasin River, Magpopongko Rock Pools and Pacifico Beach)

After a full day of island hopping, Day 3 is another big one—but totally worth it. You’ll be heading up north to explore some of Siargao’s most stunning natural spots.

There are a few ways to do this trip:
– You can hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day (around $30)
– Join a minivan Siargao Land Tour (usually bookable through your hotel or host)
– Or—what I did and definitely recommend—rent your own scooter and do it yourself.

Scootering around Siargao is one of the easiest and most scenic rides I’ve done in Southeast Asia. Traffic in General Luna can get a little hectic, but once you’re outside of town, it’s smooth roads, palm trees, and rice fields. Just wear a helmet and have travel insurance—better safe than sorry.

First stop: Maasin River—this is the famous coconut tree river where there used to be a rope swing on a bent palm tree (now a jumping platform with a diving board). It’s a peaceful spot to float, swim, or rent a kayak and paddle to the spring upstream.

Next up: Magpupungko Rock Pools, which you absolutely have to time with low tide. These crystal-clear pools are only visible when the tide is out. Plan your day so low tide hits around 10–11 AM. That way, you can hit Maasin first and then catch the pools at the perfect time. (Here’s the Siargao tide chart if you need it.)

After that, head to Pacifico Beach for lunch. I always stop at Common Ground Café—best avo toast and flat whites on the north coast. It’s a relaxed surf town vibe and a great break in the middle of your day.

From there, cruise to Pasikon Beach (yes, Pasikon—not to be confused with Pacifico). It’s a bit hidden—use Google Maps and keep an eye out for a small sign off the main road. Once you find it, you’ll understand why I think it’s the best beach on the island. Soft sand, barely any people, and when the tide comes up, it’s absolutely dreamy.

If you’re like me, you’ll probably just want to stay here and chill with a beer or two. Some people swear Alegria Beach is the best in Siargao—but honestly, I think they’re just gatekeeping Pasikon. You can keep going north, stop in Burgos, and check out Alegria if you really want—but I’d say just plant yourself at Pasikon Beach and enjoy golden hour right there.

Day 4: Food, Cafés & Chilling in General Luna

After two pretty full-on days, your last day in Siargao is all about taking it easy and enjoying the vibe in General Luna. There are some fantastic spots here to treat yourself to good coffee, food, and drinks before wrapping things up.

I’d start with White Beard Café—probably the best flat white on the island, and definitely the biggest breakfast portions. If you’re hungry, this is the place. Their plate of eggs, bacon, and French toast hits the spot every time.

After breakfast, head over to Secret Beach. It’s not a typical sandy beach, but it’s the best place on the island for paddle boarding, even at low tide. Super peaceful, and you’ll probably run into the two local golden retrievers—honestly a highlight on its own.

In the afternoon, check out Cloud 9 Boardwalk, the iconic surf spot where you can watch surfers do their thing. For sunset, you’ve got options: you can stick around Cloud 9 or head over to Sunset Bridge, which connects General Luna to the north. It’s a local favorite—every evening, people gather here to watch the sky change colors, snack on street food, and browse the little souvenir stalls.

For dinner, I have to recommend my favorite restaurant in Siargao: CEV. They serve ceviche and kinilaw (the Filipino version of ceviche), and it’s absolutely incredible—just make sure to book a couple of days in advance.

If raw fish isn’t your thing, go to Kermit instead—legendary Italian food, and always a vibe.

To close out the night, Siargao has a few small but amazing bars. For live music, check out Sibol. For cocktails, head to The Last Chance or Manu—both have great drinks and chill atmospheres.

Alternatives for you Siargao Itinerary

If you’ve got more time or want to switch things up, here are a few great alternatives and add-ons for your Siargao trip:

• Tayangban Cave Pool – A short adventure through waist-deep water, tight cave walls, and a refreshing cliff jump at the end. Super fun if you’re into a little thrill.
• Sugba Lagoon – A serene, turquoise lagoon perfect for paddleboarding, swimming, and jumping off the diving board into crystal-clear water.
• Sohoton Cove – Part of the Bucas Grande Islands, this is a full-day trip but absolutely worth it—expect jellyfish sanctuaries, caves, and surreal limestone scenery.
• Bucas Grande Island – Often paired with Sohoton Cove, this island is stunning and much less crowded than the usual tourist spots around Siargao.
• Corregidor Island – A more relaxed island-hopping spot with panoramic viewpoints and lush landscapes—perfect if you want a quiet escape with fewer people.

FAQs About My Siargao Itinerary 4 Days

What are the best restaurants in Siargao?

There are so many good ones, but a few standouts for me were CEV for incredible ceviche and kinilaw, Kermit for pizza and pasta (worth the hype), White Bears Cafe for coffee in General Luna and Marmelade in Santa Fe.

Is Siargao worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s still got that offbeat island charm that’s getting harder to find in Southeast Asia. You’ve got jungle, surf, white sand islands, rope swings, waterfalls, and some of the friendliest people I’ve met.

How many days do I need in Siargao?

Four days is perfect if you want a mix of adventure and chill. You’ll have time for island hopping, a road trip up north, some beach time, and a few lazy afternoons at cafés and sunset spots. If you’ve got more time—stay longer!

What are the best things to do in Siargao?

Island hopping to Naked, Daku, and Guyam is a must. A road trip up to Maasin River, Magpopongko Rock Pools, and Pacifico Beach is stunning. I also loved the wakeboard park near Santa Fe, hanging out at Secret Beach, watching the surf at Cloud 9, and just café-hopping around General Luna. And honestly—some of the best moments were just riding my scooter through the palm tree roads.

When is the best time to visit Siargao?

The best time to visit Siargao, in my opinion, is either in March (though you’ll have to hope for minimal rain) or in April and May. Just be sure to avoid Easter holidays, as it gets very busy. This period marks the start of the dry season, offering great weather and ideal conditions for beginner surfers.

Final Thoughts on My Perfect Siargao Itinerary

I love Siargao—obviously. I ended up staying almost two months, so that should tell you something. But even if you’ve only got 3 or 4 days, please go. Yes, it’s a little trickier to get to than other places, but it’s 100% worth it.

From my own experience, if you’re short on time, Siargao is not the island to skip. Honestly, I’d skip Cebu or Bohol before skipping Siargao. Even just 4 days here gives you a great mix of beaches, jungle, good food, and chill island vibes. And if you have more time? Stay longer. You won’t regret it.

It’s also the best spot in the Philippines for surfing and working remotely. So if you’re into either of those, Siargao should definitely be on your radar.

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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