Siargao vs Siquijor: My Honest Review & Comparison in 2025

Last Updated on May 24, 2025 by Oliver

As I’m writing this, I’ve just wrapped up over three months in the Philippines—most of that time spent on Siargao. I’ve been putting together all my guides and notes from this trip, and one of the most common questions I keep getting is: “If I only have time for one island, should I go to Siargao or Siquijor?”

It’s a fair question. Most people don’t have unlimited time off—whether it’s school holidays or a quick escape from work—so deciding where to go in the Philippines can be tricky. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a bunch of different islands, but these two come up all the time in conversations.

So, I figured it was time to put together a proper breakdown. This is my personal experience and take on Siargao vs Siquijor—what I liked, what each island offers, and who I think each place is better suited for. No fluff, just honest travel advice from someone who’s been to both.

Let’s get into it.

Siargao or Siquijor – Which Did I Prefer? (My Personal Take)

This one’s actually a bit tricky because I genuinely liked both islands—but for very different reasons. That said, if I had to pick, I’d probably go with Siargao.

I just spent way more time there and honestly loved it. Siargao has such a fun community—lots of digital nomads and expats, incredibly friendly locals, and for me, the best café and restaurant scene in the entire Philippines. And unfortunately, I am a sucker for a good flat white.

There’s also loads to do if you’ve got a scooter. You can explore the north of the island with spots like Pacifico Beach, Alegria Beach, Beto Cold Springs, and the Maasin River. Siargao just has so much going on. The only thing I didn’t love was the beaches in Siargao right around General Luna aren’t that great for swimming or sunbathing.

Siquijor, on the other hand, I also really enjoyed—but my experience there was slightly skewed. We visited during Easter, which meant everything was pretty booked out. And on top of that, the island was doing load-shedding—basically turning the power off for three hours, then back on for three, all day long from 8am to 10pm. Not ideal.

But even with that, I could totally see why people love Siquijor. The waterfalls are stunning, the beaches are amazing, and the island has a refreshing lack of mass tourism. It feels way more low-key and less developed than places like Siargao, Cebu, or Bohol. So if you’re after a more remote, peaceful vibe, Siquijor might be your spot.

Quick Travel Guide to Siargao

Siargao is one of those places that hits just right—laid-back, low-key, and full of personality. It’s known for surfing, but even if you don’t surf, the island has a fantastic mix of cool cafés, yoga classes, beach bars, and a social crowd. It’s often compared to a smaller, more relaxed Bali (minus the chaos), and that feels pretty accurate.

March to May is a great time to visit. I went in March, and while it was a bit rainy, it was much quieter and easier to find a place to stay. Just keep in mind: accommodation during high season books up fast. If you’re coming in peak months or around holidays, definitely book ahead.

Getting there isn’t the cheapest. Flights from Cebu are the fastest option and usually cost around $100 one way. Ferries exist, but unless you’ve got lots of time and patience, they’re not worth the hassle.

Surfing is the big draw here—Siargao has the best surf scene in the Philippines, hands down. If that’s your thing, this is your island. And for digital nomads or remote workers, it’s one of the better spots in the country. Coco Space is a proper coworking space, and plenty of cafés have decent Wi-Fi (when the power’s on). Speaking of—power cuts are common, so look for accommodation with a generator.

Beyond General Luna, head north to places like Pacifico, Alegria, and Maasin River. It’s quieter up there and gives you a different feel for the island—worth the scooter ride for a day trip or even an overnight.

If you’re only after beaches and lazy swims, you might find Siquijor more your vibe. Siargao’s charm is more about surf, sunsets, and the scene.

Where to Stay in Siargao:

• Las Palmas Villas
• Vedya Boutique Hostel
• Wayans Siargao Homestay

Quick Travel Guide to Siquijor

Siquijor is calm, local, and seriously underrated. It’s known for white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and a bit of mystery—locals from other parts of the Philippines still whisper about its traditional healers and spiritual side, which honestly is so cool but also a little creepy.

The best area to stay is San Juan. That’s where you’ll find most of the guesthouses, beach bars, and cafés. It’s also got the best beach access, and you’ll be close to everything without needing to scooter too far.

Paliton Beach is my highlight here—white sand, crystal-clear water, and perfect for sunset. But the island’s also packed with waterfalls and beautiful cliffs. Cambugahay Falls lives up to the hype, and Pitogo Cliffs is a fun stop if you’re up for a little cliff jump and dramatic ocean views.

The food scene’s smaller than Siargao’s but still good. Shaka is a great breakfast spot, Dolce Amore has surprisingly amazing pizza, and Jungle Kingdome Café is worth it for the view alone. Nakabalo is also great—come early for a swim and chill with a drink by their hilltop pool.

Getting to Siquijor is straightforward. You can take a ferry from Cebu via Bohol, and the whole trip costs about 1,600 pesos one way.

It’s way less touristy than Siargao or Bohol, with more of a laid-back, local feel. But that also means things move slower—don’t expect a ton of nightlife or coworking spaces here. And while it’s a smaller island, accommodation still books out quickly around holidays, so plan ahead if you’re coming during peak times.

If you’re into peaceful beach days, waterfalls, local culture, and something a little different—Siquijor will absolutely deliver.

Where to Stay in Siquijor:

• Nakabalo Guesthouse
• Mandala Tribe Treehouses
• Kahoy Cottages

Is Siargao or Siquijor Better?

If you’re torn between these two islands, here’s the quick version. I’ve broken it down by type of trip and traveler to help you figure out which one’s a better fit. Spoiler: Siargao wins most categories, but Siquijor definitely holds its own in a few key spots.

For Things to Do

Siargao’s got way more going on. From surfing and island hopping to checking out rock pools, rivers, and even a wakepark, you’ll never run out of ways to fill your day. Siquijor is more about slow mornings, beach bumming, and the occasional waterfall dip or cliff jump. If you want adventure and variety, Siargao’s where it’s at.
Winner: Siargao

For Budget Travelers and Backpackers

Siquijor is for sure the cheaper island. Accommodation, food, and drinks are all noticeably more affordable, especially if you’re sticking to local spots. It’s also way more lowkey, which means fewer temptations to spend. In Siargao, it’s super easy to blow your budget on cute cafés, cocktails, and boutique stays.
Winner: Siquijor

For a Couples Vacation

If you’re traveling as a couple and want a bit of everything—romantic dinners, jungle views, beach bars, and a touch of luxury—Siargao is my recommendation. You can have slow mornings and fun nights, plus there’s way more variety in food and experiences. Siquijor is lovely, but more suited for a much simpler vacation.
Winner: Siargao

For Food & Nightlife

Siargao is the clear winner here. The food scene is full of variety—healthy breakfasts, great coffee, fresh seafood, and yes, even proper pizza. There’s also a decent bar scene in General Luna with live music, beach parties, and cocktails that don’t taste like juice. Siquijor has a few cool little spots too like Baha Bar, but it’s much quieter in general.
Winner: Siargao

For Digital Nomads

If you’re working while traveling, Siargao makes life way easier. There’s an actual coworking space (Coco Space), a decent crowd of remote workers, and good café Wi-Fi if you pick the right spots. Siquijor isn’t really set up for that—expect slower internet and pretty much no places where you can actually get some work done.
Winner: Siargao

For Surfing

No competition here. Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines and probably the only island with a proper surf culture. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you’ll find surf schools, board rentals, and great breaks like Cloud 9 and beyond.
Winner: Siargao

For Beaches

Siquijor wins this one without even trying. Paliton Beach is the kind of place that looks like a screensaver, and you don’t have to venture far to find stunning white sand and calm turquoise water. Siargao’s beaches are more rugged and better for surf than for sunbathing.
Winner: Siquijor

Who Should Visit Siargao and Who Should Visit Siquijor

Siargao and Siquijor might sound similar, but vibe-wise, they couldn’t be more different.

Siargao is more for the surfer–digital nomad–yoga crowd. It’s got beautiful restaurants serving amazing upscale food, cozy cafes with perfect flat whites, great surf breaks, and a fun nightlife. It’s definitely a bit busier and gives off that mini-Bali energy (in a good way). If you like community, creativity, and being surrounded by people chasing waves or/and Wi-Fi, Siargao’s your spot.

Siquijor, on the other hand, is way more laid-back. It’s much less developed, with just a handful of nice restaurants and bars. The rest is made up of simple local eateries, chill beach bars, cheap drinks, and sandy feet at sunset. The beaches here are better, too—clearer water, whiter sand, and way fewer people. It attracts a more low-key, backpacker-y, slightly hippie crowd. If you’re into slow travel, nature, and culture, Siquijor will feel like magic.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Siargao vs Siquijor

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably figured out that these two islands aren’t really competing with each other—they’re just totally different experiences. And honestly, that’s what makes the Philippines so fun to travel. You’ve got laid-back, local charm in Siquijor and a more built-up, surf-meets-coworking vibe in Siargao.

If I had to choose? Siargao is where I’d go back in a heartbeat. I just loved it there. But if you’re chasing empty beaches, no-frills island life, and a little bit of mystery (hello, witch legends), then Siquijor might be your spot.

Whichever one you pick, you’re in for something special. Just make sure to plan around power cuts—and maybe book that hotel a little earlier than usual.

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