10 Things to Do in Siargao for Non-Surfers
When it comes to surfing adventures, there’s no denying that Siargao is one of the best places in the world you can visit. Nicknamed as the “surfing capital of the Philippines,” the island of Siargao is blessed with amazing surfing spots loved by people all over the globe.
But what about the rest of us who aren’t really into the sport? Well, even if you’re not exactly a surfing aficionado, the island has a lot more things to offer besides surfing that still make it totally worth the visit.
Here’s a list of activities that non-surfers can look forward to when they visit the beautiful island of Siargao.
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Check out the island’s more tranquil beaches
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Cloud 9, the main surfing area of Siargao, has a very fun and exciting ambiance loved by its adrenaline-seeking crowd. But since you don’t really need to be in this usually busy and crowded surfing spot, you can explore other beaches on the island. There’s a good selection of beach strips in Siargao that are more secluded, offering a truly relaxing ambiance. They also feature calmer seas that are perfect for swimming. Some beaches that are worth checking out include Doot Beach, Secret Beach, and Alegria Beach.
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Have fun at the Magpupungko Rock Pools
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When it’s low tide, make sure to take the chance to visit the Magpupungko Rock Pools. These amazing natural pools emerge as the ocean recedes, allowing people to take a dip in crystal clear blue waters contained in natural rock formations. The series of rock pools in the area have varying depths, some are shallow enough for leisurely dips while others go as deep as 15 feet. The area has caves and coves you can explore, and cliff jumping spots for those who want a more thrilling activity.
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Journey through the Tayangban Cave
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To get to the Tayangban Cave Pools, one must trek, climb, crawling, and swimming through dark winding caves, with only just a torch to light your way. You may even chance upon slumbering bats on your way. Not to worry, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will make sure that everyone comes out on the other side safely. As you reach what is quite literally the light at the end of the tunnel, you’ll be welcomed by a beautiful turquoise freshwater cave pool. Here, you can enjoy activities like swimming and cliff jumping.
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Swing into the Maasin River
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There are a lot of palm trees on the island, but the angled palm tree in the Maasin River has become quite iconic. More than just an interesting sight, attached to the tree is a swing that people can use to fling themselves into the turquoise water below. It’s a great place to go to practice and show off your flips. Invent new poses while you’re mid-air and enjoy a good laugh with friends and family. Even better, this area is also a perfect spot for taking those swoon-worthy photos that you can add to your feed.
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Explore the local culinary scene
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Siargao has many fantastic dining places that range from cheap eats to mid-priced restaurants. Whether you’re craving for local, Asian, or Western cuisine, you’ll surely find someplace to eat that would satisfy your cravings. While you’re on the island, we recommend that you have some of the famous smoothie bowls of Shaka Siargao, feast on barbecued meats and seafood at Mama’s Grill, enjoy a boodle fight dining experience by the beach, and try kinilaw which is quite like a ceviche but with a Filipino twist.
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Experience its vibrant nightlife
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After a fun-filled day of exploring the island, partying with the locals and fellow travelers is perhaps the best, most exciting way to end the day. The nightlife scene of Siargao has continuously grown over the years, and the island is now loved not just for its surfing spots but also for its pulsating parties. Siargao’s nightlife scene features chill beachside watering holes, karaoke bars, discos, and luxury nightclubs, offering something to every kind of partygoer.
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Catch wonderful sights at the island’s best viewpoints
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The beautiful sights and sunset of Siargao are hard to miss but there are certain spots on the island that’ll make the scenery a lot more glorious and incredibly picturesque. The Palm Tree Lookout is the most popular viewpoint of Siargao, offering a breathtaking vista of a vast sea of palms and a silhouette of the mountains that lie beyond. For witnessing dramatic sunsets, you can go to places like the Cloud 9 Boardwalk, General Luna Port, and Santa Monica Pier.
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Embark on an island-hopping adventure
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It’s easy to find island-hopping tours in Siargao as it is one of the most popular activities on the island. Usually, the first stop of these tours is Naked Island, an untouched sandbar islet. Next is Daku Island which features white sand shores and emerald waters. The last stop would be Guyam Island, a small teardrop-shaped isle fringed by coconut trees. Some tours include Corregidor Island where you can discover a pristine beach and lush vegetation. You can also hike up the highest point of the island for a panoramic view of the area.
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Jump from Sugba Lagoon’s wooden diving board
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Sugba Lagoon is located on Caob Island, a 20 to 30-minute boat ride from Del Carmen Pier. The lagoon is a charming area of blue-green waters surrounded by spectacular limestones. You can enjoy a lot of activities in Sugba Lagoon such as swimming, kayaking, rafting, and paddleboarding. But its most popular feature is undoubtedly its wooden diving board. There’s also a two-story boathouse in the area where you can have lunch as you take a break from enjoying the lagoon.
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Plunge into the best diving spots around the island
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While Siargao is known for its world-class surfing spots, there are also areas around the island that are ideal for diving. Whether you’re a beginner who wants to practice in a calm area with no currents or an experienced diver who can handle advanced diving sites, you can find a dive spot in Siargao that will suit your skill level. Perhaps the most popular but definitely the most challenging dive site in Siargao is the Blue Cathedral, an underwater rock formation with a vertical hole.
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Looking for accommodation on the island? Check out our list of vacation villa rentals in Siargao.