Where to Stay in Siargao Island, Philippines: My Top Areas and Hotels in 2025

Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by Oliver

Siargao Island in the Philippines is 100% about to blow up—even more than it already has. (And no, not literally blow up. I’m talking full-on tourism takeover.) So if you’re thinking about going… go now. Before it turns into the next Bali. You’ve been warned.

We just spent nearly two months living, exploring, and sipping our way through Siargao, and by now, I feel like we’ve flipped the whole island upside down. If you haven’t heard of it yet, Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines and the country’s unofficial backpacker hotspot.

And you know how this story goes—first the surfers arrive, then the backpackers, then come the smoothie bowls, boutique hotels, and suddenly there’s a co-working café on every corner. The digital nomads roll in, the prices go up, and before you know it, it’s influencer central. Okay, okay—it’s not quite there yet, but you get the idea.

So after spending weeks hopping around different parts of the island and testing out all kinds of stays, I’ve got opinions. And today, I’m sharing all my favorite areas to stay in Siargao, plus the best hotels, guesthouses, and beachy hideouts I think are actually worth it.

Where to Stay in Siargao: My Experience

We stayed on Siargao Island for almost two months. Before we even arrived, we blindly booked ourselves in for 3–4 weeks—no research, no real plan. We just knew Siargao was the place in the Philippines to work remotely (yep, the unofficial digital nomad capital), so we figured we’d give it a proper go. Naturally, we ended up extending. Because of course we did.

We started in General Luna, the main tourist hub. We had a week booked there and… honestly? It wasn’t love at first sight. Don’t get me wrong—it’s fun, lively, and full of stuff going on. But it felt a bit hectic and not super island vibes, if that makes sense. Like, it had more motorbikes and noise than palm trees and peace. Not exactly what we were looking for.

The thing with Siargao is that no one really tells you where to stay, where to eat, where to hang—so you have to figure it out yourself. It’s not hard, but it takes a minute. That’s why I’m writing this: so you don’t waste a week like we did just trying to vibe-check the place.

After that, we moved just outside General Luna to Malinao for a few nights. Now that felt more like it. Way quieter, more peaceful, still close enough to everything (just a 10-minute scooter ride into town), but without the party noise and honking tricycles. Big yes from us.

By the way, if you’re not planning on renting a scooter in Siargao—please reconsider. The island is so much better when you can actually explore it. Everything’s kinda spread out, and you’ll miss a lot without wheels.

After Malinao, we decided to settle in for the long haul. We wanted a nice place to chill for a month—somewhere we could actually feel at home. That’s when we moved up to Santa Fe, and honestly, it was the best decision. It’s a bit more residential and low-key, but you can feel it starting to get busier. Lots of expats and digital nomads are moving up here, and I get why—it’s the perfect mix of peaceful and interesting. We stayed most of our time here and loved it.

We also did two little weekend trips up north, which I’d 100% recommend. Burgos and Pacifico are two small surf towns that feel completely different from General Luna—super quiet, laid-back, and surrounded by raw nature. They’re ideal for a weekend escape or even a chilled day trip if you’re based further south.

Best Areas to Stay in Siargao Island

Here’s my quick, no-fluff breakdown of the 5 areas in Siargao I’d actually recommend staying in. I’ve personally stayed in all of these—some for a weekend, others for over a month—so this is coming straight from experience. You could stay elsewhere, sure, but these are the ones that actually make sense if you’re visiting the island.

General Luna (GL)

This is the main tourist hub of Siargao and about a 45-minute van ride from the airport. It’s where everything’s happening—surf, food, nightlife, and the digital nomad scene. Tourism Road and Back Road are where most restaurants, bars, and cafes are, and yes, it absolutely gives off Canggu or Uluwatu energy. It’s busy, sometimes chaotic, and not the most “island vibe” spot on first impression. But once you settle in, you’ll see the food scene is excellent and the bar scene is actually fun. This is also where the famous Cloud 9 surf break and boardwalk are, so you’ll probably end up here at some point anyway.

Santa Fe

This is where we ended up staying most of our time in Siargao, and it’s easily our favorite area. It’s just over Sunset Bridge, about 10–12 minutes north of General Luna by scooter. It’s much more local and residential, but you can already feel it starting to grow. Spots like Marmelade Café, Kamaya, and Villa Veloso are popping up, and there’s even Coco Space coworking nearby. It’s got a gorgeous beach right by Ocean 9, a quieter vibe, and everything we needed for day-to-day life—without being in the middle of the GL chaos. For us, it was the best area to stay in Siargao with a balance of local, chill, and just enough happening.

Malinao

If Santa Fe is the chill spot just north of GL, Malinao is the laid-back area just south. It’s where Secret Beach is located, and it’s great for people who want to stay right on the ocean without spending a fortune. We stayed here for a few nights and loved the quiet energy, ocean views, and easy access to places like Hostel Bajala and some low-key restaurants. It’s more relaxed and peaceful than GL, but still super close. The only thing we felt missing here was a bit of that digital nomad or expat community feel—which is why we ended up choosing Santa Fe as our long-term base instead.

Pacifico

A small surf town about an hour north of General Luna and one of the prettiest places on the island. People are always talking about it in GL—“Oh, we did a weekend up in Pacifico”—and for good reason. The beaches here are stunning, the vibe is calm and local, and there are just enough cafes, restaurants, and hotels to keep you comfy. We spent a whole weekend here and honestly loved the slow pace. If you don’t care about nightlife or being in the thick of things and just want to surf, chill, and maybe read a book under a palm tree, Pacifico is the spot. Great for a weekend getaway or even a full escape-from-the-world situation.

Burgos

Just a bit further north from Pacifico is Burgos, home to the gorgeous and underrated Alegria Beach. It’s even quieter and more local than Pacifico with peaceful neighborhoods, ocean views, and a few flat-white-type cafes popping up. We stayed here for a weekend and totally got the appeal. It’s still got surf, a few great beaches, and some low-key restaurants, but it’s definitely not the place to go if you’re looking for a social scene (or good internet). We personally wouldn’t base ourselves here long-term—it’s a bit too quiet—but for a short stay, it was a dream. Also way cheaper than anything around General Luna.

1. Siargao Hotels and Resorts in General Luna

• $$$ Las Palmas Vilas & Casitas Siargao
• $$ Vedya Boutique Hostel
• $ Araw Homestay

Las Palmas Villas & Casitas Siargao

We stayed at Las Palmas Villas for our last couple of nights on the island—it was kind of a treat or celebration, whatever you want to call it. We had known about Las Palmas because we had breakfast at their restaurant (The Spotted Pig), and we saw the beautiful pool and rooms and thought, “Wow, we just have to stay here.”

When we checked in, the staff was super friendly and showed us around. The spacious rooms are beautifully decorated, and the property has a large infinity pool. Every room also has a private bathroom, which is great.

The location of the hotel is right on Tourism Road, within walking distance of many different cafes and restaurants in Siargao.

In my opinion, it is one of the best Hotels in Siargao General Luna.

Book: Las Palmas Villas & Casitas Siargao

Vedya Boutique Hostel

Funny enough, Vedya is another hotel in Siargao that we discovered after visiting their restaurant. Vedya has a super cool full vegan cafe located within their hostel.

This Siargao Hostel is one of the most beautiful accommodations in Siargao. The whole property looks absolutely stunning. They offer spacious private rooms as well as dorm rooms, a communal kitchen, and free parking. Of course, every room also comes with air conditioning—you’ll definitely need it here in Siargao. Vedya hostel does not have an outdoor pool, but you’re not far away from the nearest beach.

I would say this is the best hostel in Siargao if you are looking for something a little more upscale.

Book: Vedya Boutique Hostel

Araw Homestay

We stayed at Araw Homestay for the first 5 nights when we arrived in Siargao, and we were so happy with it. Araw Homestay is an amazing Budget Stay in Siargao. It’s a small property with about 5 rooms, a nice and clean common kitchen, and a lounge area.

We had a spacious and clean room with air conditioning (which was only turned on at night), and the room was very well decorated too.

The owner, John, was very helpful. He rented us a scooter for a very cheap price, helped us organize tours, and gave us great advice on what to do in Siargao while we were there. This is the best place to stay in Siargao on a budget.

Book: Araw Homestay

2. My Favorite Accommodation Siargao Santa Fe

• $$$ Kamaya Villas
• $$$ Manao Villas
• $$ Casitas Santa Fe
• $ Haole Surf Hostel

Kamaya Villas

Kamaya Villas is every influencer’s dream. This private villa is beautifully designed, featuring spacious bedrooms with a large king-size bed and a sofa bed, accommodating up to 4 people. The villa includes a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a large outdoor bathtub, and an outdoor shower.

The highlight of this Siargao villa is the huge outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery, and located close to the beach (Ocean 9) in Santa Fe.

This is the perfect spot for couples or young families looking for luxury accommodation in Siargao.

Book: Kamaya Villas

Manao Villas

Manao Villas is similar to the previous Kamaya Villas. It’s a beautifully designed one-bedroom private villa. The bedroom is very spacious, with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and elegant decor, including a freestanding bathtub right in the room.

This luxury accommodation features a stunning outdoor swimming pool and an outdoor kitchen, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee.

This luxury villa in Siargao is a bit smaller, so I would recommend it only for a couple on a honeymoon or a luxury getaway.

Book: Manao Villas

Casitas Santa Fe (This is Where We Stayed)

Casitas Santa Fe is, in our opinion, the most beautiful property in Santa Fe. We fell in love with it and were so happy to stay here for a whole month.

The entire property feels like one huge lush garden with three different houses located within it. All of them are fully equipped apartments with a kitchen, private bedroom, private bathroom, air conditioning, and even an outdoor plunge pool.

The decor here is stunning and full of character, making you want to stay forever. It was the perfect long-term apartment stay for us because it had everything we needed—we could cook here and fully enjoy island life.

These villas in Siargao come in one, two, or three-bedroom options, making them perfect for couples or groups wanting to stay in Siargao for an extended period.

Book: Casitas Santa Fe

Haole Surf Hostel

Haole Surf Hostel offers great and affordable accommodation in Siargao. It’s a small hostel in Santa Fe but also has spacious private rooms with air conditioning, a private balcony, and a private bathroom.

The hostel is fairly basic but clean, cheap, and comfortable, making it a convenient place to stay near Ocean 9, where beginner surfing takes place. They also have a great local restaurant downstairs, where we had dinner a couple of times.

Book: Haole Surf Hostel

3. Best Siargao Hotels in Milanao

• $$$ Soultribe Beach Retreat
• $$ Wayans Siargao Homestay
• $$ Siargao Hostel Bajala

Soultribe Beach Retreat

Soultribe Beach Retreat is a charming beachfront resort in Milanao. It’s not fancy or super luxurious, but it’s incredibly serene with little wooden huts right on the beach that serve as your rooms, complete with air conditioning and private bathrooms. You can step right out your front door onto the beach, with stunning ocean views. There’s also a large sun terrace to relax on and a year-round outdoor pool.

The whole atmosphere here is super relaxed, and their restaurant is one of the best in the area. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy the swimming pool, take a dip in the ocean, and sip cocktails while watching the sunset.

Book: Soultribe Beach Retreat

Wayans Siargao Homestay

Wayans Homestay in Siargao Milanao is a super cute little place where we stayed for three nights, and it was fantastic. It’s only a 10-minute scooter ride from General Luna, so you’re not too far from the main area, but you’re also very close to the ocean and Secret Beach.

The owners were incredibly friendly, spoke perfect English, and made us feel very welcome. The homestay is well-equipped, with a small fridge in the room and a fully equipped kitchen for your use. There’s great attention to detail here—they’ve thought of everything, and we had everything we needed during our stay.

This is an excellent accommodation option in Siargao for couples looking to stay a little longer and maybe cook their own meals.

Book: Wayanas Siargao Homestay

Hostel Bajala Siargao

Hostel Bajala Siargao is one of the best hostels in Siargao. It’s beautifully designed and located right by the ocean, featuring a large outdoor swimming pool at its center.

The accommodation offers spacious private rooms equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms. They also provide scooter rentals for added convenience. Being right by the ocean is a huge plus, as guests can relax on the sunbeds and take a dip in the water whenever they like.

There’s also an attached cafe and restaurant called Little Roti. Their coffee is decent, and their Indian food is surprisingly tasty!

Book: Hostel Bajala Siargao

4. The Best Siargao Accommodation in Pacifico

• $$$ Yapak Beach Villas
• $ Katre Siargao Hostel

Yapak Beach Villas

Yapak Beach Villas is one of the top luxury hotels in Siargao, located in Pacifico. Set right on the beach, it offers private beach access and a swimming pool overlooking the ocean.

Guests can choose between private rooms with stunning sea views or rent an entire private villa, also with breathtaking ocean views. The hotel serves breakfast and dinner, offering a variety of Asian, Filipino, American, and European dishes.

Yapak Beach Villas is just a short walk from Pacifico town, but for added convenience, they also offer scooter rentals. They can arrange tours for you, such as visits to the Magpupungko Rock Pools, the Maasin River, and the popular Tri-Island Hopping Tour in Siargao.

This is definitely one of the best hotels Siargao has to offer!

Book: Yapak Beach Villas

Katre Siargao Hostel

Katre is the most beautiful hostel in North Siargao, offering air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and walk-in showers. The dorm rooms are stylish, modern, and impeccably clean, while the private rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed.

As a self-check-in hostel, you can arrive at your convenience. Located right by the ocean, Katre boasts stunning views from its rooftop kitchen and common area. The property provides free Wi-Fi and can assist with organizing surfboard and scooter rentals.

Without a doubt, this is the best hostel in North Siargao.

Book: Katre Siargao Hostel

5. Burgos Hotels in Siargao

• $$ DaRosa Del Mar Resort
• $ The Airbnb We Stayed at

DaRosa Del Mar Resort

DaRosa Del Mar Resort is located in the far north of Siargao, close to Alegria Beach. We initially visited for the day because it was highly recommended as the best spot to access the beach area. It offers private beach access, drinks, and a peaceful atmosphere. However, we ended up deciding to stay for a night because it was so beautiful.

The resort offers a few charming wooden huts right on the beach, where you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves—truly magical. We also had a long chat with the owner, who is originally from California. He built the entire resort after moving here, and his story is fascinating. He was incredibly kind and hospitable. I’d definitely recommend staying here; we had the best time!

Book: DaRosa Del Mar Resort

Eco Stay by the Sea (The AirBnb We Stayed At)

If you’re planning to stay in Burgos, I definitely recommend checking Airbnb instead of Booking.com. Booking.com doesn’t have as many nice options available, but Airbnb has plenty of super cute boutique-style rooms, which is why we booked through them.

Our place was called Eco Stay by the Sea. The whole place was eco-friendly and beautifully designed. The room was spacious, the location was great, and while it didn’t have air conditioning, it never got too hot, so it wasn’t an issue. It’s a great and affordable option if you’re visiting Burgos for a weekend!

Book: Eco Stay by the Sea

FAQs About Staying in Siargao Island

Does Siargao have good beaches?

Yes—some of the best in the Philippines, honestly. You’ve got surf beaches like Cloud 9 and Pacifico, and calm, swimmable beaches like Secret Beach in Malinao or Ocean 9 in Santa Fe. I have more info in my blog post about beaches in Siargao.

When is the best time to visit Siargao?

Generally, March to October is dry season, with peak tourism around July to September (especially during surf season). We stayed during shoulder season, and it was perfect—less crowded but still sunny. Rainy season (November to February) can be hit or miss, but it’s also when prices drop and the island feels more relaxed.

Are there good cafes in Siargao?

Absolutely. The café scene is strong here—especially in General Luna and Santa Fe. Think really good coffee, smoothie bowls, solid Wi-Fi, and even some bakeries. Marmalade in Santa Fe and White Beard Coffee in GL were two of our go-tos. I also have a whole guide on cafés in Siargao!

Is there coworking in Siargao?

Yep, and it’s growing. Coco Space in Santa Fe is a proper coworking spot with desks, meeting rooms, and fast internet. In General Luna, a lot of cafes are also digital-nomad friendly. The internet has improved a lot in recent years by a lot of people using Starlink.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Siargao

I love Siargao. After staying here for over two months in 2025, I can say for sure—it’s way more than just General Luna. Don’t get me wrong, GL is great. The food scene is incredible, the nightlife is fun, and everything’s happening there. But if you only stick to that part of the island, you’re missing out.

If you’re here long-term (a month or more), I highly recommend staying in Santa Fe—especially if you’re working remotely. It’s got a more local vibe, beautiful beaches, coworking, and way less chaos. But if you’re just visiting for a week or two, I’d mix it up a little: do a few nights in General Luna for the fun and nightlife, then head up north to Pacifico or Burgos for a quieter, surfier, more laid-back part of the island. Happy Travels!

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