Siargao

Where to stay

Nearly all budget travelers base themselves in General Luna, where hostels cluster along and just off Tourism Road within walking distance of food stalls, board rentals, and most of the island's nightlife. The Cloud 9 boardwalk area, a short motorbike ride away, has a handful of smaller guesthouses for surfers who want to be steps from the main break.

Getting around

• Rent a motorbike in General Luna for day trips. It costs less per day than hiring a habal-habal for even two or three stops, and gives you the flexibility to reach spots like Magpupungko Rock Pools on your own schedule.
• Take the ferry from Surigao City to Dapa port instead of flying into Siargao. It is significantly cheaper and takes roughly two hours, and tricycles run from Dapa directly to General Luna.
• The annual Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, usually held in October, sends hostel prices up across the island. Book well ahead if your trip overlaps, or shift your dates by a week to avoid the spike.

When to go

May through early July tends to have the lowest hostel rates as wet-season weather keeps crowds thin. August through November is peak surf season and books out fast, with October being especially tight.