Siargao is a relatively small island – you can get to anywhere from where you are in an hour or less. However, there are still different areas within the island, each with their own distinct vibe.
To help you decide which area is best for your stay, I show and describe Siargao’s best locations to stay in, and some of the best beach resorts in each area.
The Best Locations to Stay in Siargao
Some areas in Siargao are great for their nightlife, or surfing, while others are good for if you want to get away from it all. Here, I introduce to you the three main areas to be based in Siargao, and will further introduce accommodation options for Cloud 9, General Luna and Pacifico.
General Luna
General Luna is a vibrant, bustling town on the southeast corner of Siargao island. It’s well-known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, thanks to the Cloud 9 wave you’ll find near the beach.
However, surfing is not all General Luna has to offer. The town also has a lively nightlife scene, and comes to life with laidback bars or more upbeat joints with DJs and live music. This is also where you’ll find the widest variety of accommodation, so you can have your pick of luxury beach resorts, rustic hostels, or hostels.
From General Luna, you can also easily book island-hopping trips to the nearby smaller islands of Guyam, Daku or Naked. With its accessibility, choice of accommodations and many activities, General Luna is a good place to be based if you’re new to Siargao.
Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is the The Philippines’s most famous surfing spot, found off a beach in General Luna. “Cloud 9” is also then used to refer to the district’s northeast point around the Cloud 9 boardwalk, where you can get stunning sunrise and sunset views, as well as watch experienced surfers taking on the Cloud 9 waves.
Every year between late September and early October, professional surfers come from all over the world to take on Cloud 9 waves for the Cloud 9 Surfing Cup. If you’re a surfing enthusiast and enjoy lively parties, this is a good time to visit Siargao.
Malinao
Malinao is a smaller area within the General Luna district. It’s calmer and quieter compared to the rest of General Luna, and it has a beautiful beachfront with crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. There, you can go snorkeling, beach bumming, or just watch the sun set over Guyam and Dako islands.
That being said, Malinao is still just a short bike ride away from the more vibrant parts of town. You can rent a motorbike or scooter, and enjoy the peace and quiet of Malinao while still being able to go easily get to the more lively parts of General Luna.
Pacifico
If an ultra-laidback tropical getaway is what you’re after, Pacifico is a good place to consider. It’s a quiet surf town in the northeastern part of Siargao island, about an hour’s drive away from General Luna.
At Pacifico, there’s a seemingly endless, long stretch of white sandy beaches lined by palm trees. This part of the island is not as developed as General Luna, so there are fewer options for accommodation and food, but if peace and quiet is what you’re after, this may be perfect place for you.
The beach at Pacifico also has a few good waves, so Cloud 9 isn’t your only option for that.
Socorro
Socorro is the only town on Bucas Grande, a smaller island off Siargao. Bucas Grande is home to the popular Sohoton Cove National Park, where you can find amazingly blue lagoon waters, lakes, and caves you can explore.
Sohoton Cove is usually visited on a day trip from Siargao, as the boat ride only takes about an hour. However, if you wish to take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bucas Grande, you can stay overnight in Socorro.
The Best Hotels Near Cloud 9
These 4 hotels offer luxury or mid-range accommodation close to the beach, and are good options to consider if you want easy access to the famous Cloud 9 waves.
Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa
Siargao Bleu is the only luxury spa resort on Siargao island, located just a 5-10 minute walk away from the Cloud 9 beach. They have rooms overlooking the gardens, or floating villas where you can step out directly to the resort’s large pool.
Apart from that, their service is one of their strong suits. They have are on-call butlers who can help you with anything you may need, from special meal requests, booking excursions, or simply finding a surfboard for you.
Reef Beach Resort
Reef Beach Resort is a laidback, mid-range hotel about a 4-minute drive away from the Cloud 9 surfing area. The hotel is right on the beach, and you can choose from a variety of spacious accommodations, from beachfront studios to 3-bedroom apartments.
If you like to wake up to serene sunrises over the sea, this is a good place to consider. Most of its apartments and studios have good views overlooking the ocean. Otherwise, you can also enjoy the same views from the rooftop terrace, and the beachfront bar and restaurant.
Sunset Bay Villas
Sunset Bay Villas is a small, mid-range property located about a 5-minute drive away from Cloud 9, next to its own small stretch of private beach. The beach is quiet and secluded, and because it’s sheltered from strong winds, it’s good for some swimming and snorkeling.
There are just 3 villas there, some of which have their own private plunge pools. The villas also have their own kitchens, and you can request for your fridge to be stocked with ingredients so you can prepare your own meals.
Apsaras Tribe
Just a 3-minute drive away from Cloud 9 is Apsaras Tribe, a relatively new, mid-range property with modern rooms built from containers. There, you can choose from spacious rooms with views of the garden, pool, or ocean.
The hotel opens right onto the beach front, where movie nights are held every night. For those who want to go surfing, surf boards are also available for rent there.
The Best General Luna Hotels
These 4 hotels offer luxury or mid-range accommodation in the General Luna area. They’re worth looking at if you prefer to be in a central location, close to restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Isla Cabana Resort
Isla Cabana Resort offers luxury accommodation on the east shore of General Luna. The resort has many charming, nipa hut-inspired villas. Some villas are located directly on the sandy beachfront, and some have their own private jacuzzi looking out to sea.
The restaurant has an in-house restaurant that serves Western and Asian cuisine, a gym, and a beach bar. The highlight though is the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, perfect for your vacation Instagram shots 🙂
Romantic Beach Villas
Romantic Beach Villas is a mid-range beachfront property, which is still conveniently near the General Luna town center. The hotel has charming villas modeled after nipa huts, with views of either the garden or the sea.
The highlight of the hotel is its infinity pool, with great views looking out towards the ocean. Color-changing lights illuminate the pool at night, adding a fun ambiance 🙂
Retreat Siargao Resort
Retreat Siargao Resort is a luxury hotel in Malinao, the quieter area of General Luna, with its own private beachfront. There, you’ll find a series of very spacious sea-facing suites with separate living areas, and a large pool you can cool off in on a hot day, surrounded by palm trees.
The hotel’s in-house restaurant has an interesting fusion concept. If you’re up for a change from Filipino cuisine, you can find dishes with Korean & Japanese influences there.
Nay Palad Hideaway
Tucked away in Malinao is Nay Palad Hideaway, an all-inclusive luxury resort. The resort offers different villa types, the most luxurious of which is the Perlah Villa. It spans almost 3,000 square feet, with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an outdoor terrace, private pool, and a quirky tree platform.
There’s plenty to do at Nay Palad, from simply relaxing at the infinity pool, yoga sessions at a floating yoga pavilion, or playing games like beach volleyball. The Children’s Village also has trampolines, swings and a treehouse for the little ones, and an outdoor cinema the whole family can enjoy.
The Best Pacifico Hotels
As Pacifico is a less developed area compared to General Luna, accommodation choices in this area are limited to a few budget hotels.
However, if you’re looking to be based near good surfing spots and beautiful beaches that are a bit more off the beaten track, consider these 4 budget hotels.
Pacifico Bigwish Beach Resort
Pacifico Bigwish Beach Resort is a budget hotel in Pacifico, away from the lively town center of General Luna. They have basic rooms including a family room that sleeps up to 8, and the hotel also has a nice veranda where you can enjoy views of the ocean.
The hotel is right by the beachfront, so one of the best ways to spend an afternoon there is chilling on a sunbed, or one of the bamboo hammocks strung between coconut trees 🙂 The hotel also has an in-house restaurant, which serves simple but yummy Filipino cuisine.
White Sands Paradise Beach Resort
A budget accommodation option in Pacifico is White Sands Paradise Beach Resort. There are different room types with ceiling fans only or with air-conditioning. But if your budget allows, consider the beachfront chalets, which have their own private balcony where you can enjoy views of the sea.
The hotel also has a popular in-house restaurant and bar called Bollox Bar. The burgers there are one of their most popular dishes, so try one while you’re there!
Bamboo Garden Bar & Lodging
Bamboo Garden Bar & Lodging is a budget hotel in the Pacifico area. There, you can stay in charming bamboo cottages just a few steps away from the beach lined with coconut trees. If you’re traveling in a bigger group, some cottages can sleep 4-5 people.
Bamboo Garden’s restaurant & bar also serves good food, and you can drop by for a taste even if you’re not staying there. They have a few mango dishes and drinks which are quite popular, like the mango tuna salad, mango chicken curry, and mango float dessert.
Sailfish Surf and Big Game Fishing Lodge
A good budget beachfront hotel in Pacifico is Sailfishbay Surf and Big Game Fishing Lodge, run by the friendly owner Mark. Though the rooms are basic, they all have balconies with good views overlooking the ocean.
As you can probably guess from its name, the hotel is also a great option to consider if fishing is on your itinerary for Siargao. You can book fishing excursions here, and have the chance to get big game fish like tuna and blue marlin on the hook!
Conclusion & Summary
There are many options for beachfront accommodation in Siargao, from budget hotels with lots of character, to luxurious hotels with high-end facilities. Where you stay ultimately depends on your travel style, and what you want to experience in Siargao.
If a luxury experience is what you’re after, hotels in the General Luna are a good choice. If surfing is top of your itinerary, one of the mid-range hotels near Cloud 9 would be a good fit. For a quiet getaway, have a look at the budget hotels in Pacifico.
Hope this helps you find the perfect place to stay in Siargao. Have a good trip!