Siargao: A Guide to Food, Fun, and Adventure

Known primarily for surfing, especially the famous Cloud 9 surf break, this island offers so much more. The stunning beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect place for everyone. But Siargao’s charm doesn’t end with the scenery; the food here is also worth talking about.

Over the last decade, Siargao has experienced a surge in tourism, which has led to a noticeable improvement in its food scene. You’ll find a variety of dishes, from local Filipino cuisine to trendy beachside meals.

During my time on the island, I had the chance to try some of the best food Siargao has to offer, and I’d like to share my favorites with you. These places are affordable and will give you a real taste of the local cuisine.

Cev: Ceviche & Kinilaw Shack

Of all the restaurants I tried on Siargao, Ceviche & Kinilaw Shack stood out as my absolute favorite. I went back several times because I just couldn’t get enough of their food. If you’re not familiar with kinilaw, think of it as the Filipino version of ceviche. But instead of citrus, it’s made with vinegar, which is a staple in Filipino cooking. They also add ginger and chili to give it a strong, unique flavor.

The dish that hooked me was the “General Luna” kinilaw, which cost around 360 PHP ($7 USD). If you want something a bit fancier, try the “Santa Fe” version for 440 PHP ($8 USD). They also offer traditional ceviche, which is priced similarly. As an appetizer, you can’t go wrong with the fried fish balls. The first time I went, they were sold out, so I had to come back for them. Trust me, it was worth it.

Every meal here was a highlight of my trip to Siargao. I can honestly say I dream of going back just for the kinilaw!

Kurvada

Another spot I fell in love with was Kurvada, a traditional Filipino carinderia. Imagine a table filled with 20 different dishes, each one looking better than the last. You just point at the ones you want, and they’ll serve it to you. It’s a simple system, but it works. The place has a lively atmosphere, and I loved how communal it felt, with everyone crowding around to get their favorite foods.

On my first visit, I got a bit too excited and ended up with a plate piled high with various dishes. While this was great for my taste buds, it wasn’t so great for my wallet. Kurvada isn’t expensive by any means, but since they charge per dish, it can add up. My meal cost me around 400 PHP (~$8 USD), which was still reasonable considering how much food I had. I’d recommend going with friends so you can share and try more dishes without spending too much.

Kurvada also opens around lunch, making it a convenient spot to grab a midday meal. Just keep in mind that if the grill is on, the rich, smoky aroma tends to linger, and it will likely cling to your clothes while you wait or dine inside. So, if you’re visiting, plan accordingly, and perhaps avoid wearing anything you don’t want infused with the delicious but pervasive scent of the grill.

Derecho

Derecho is just down the street from Kurvada and operates in the same way. It’s another carinderia where you point at the dishes you want, take a picture of your plate, and pay per dish. What I loved about Derecho was the slight difference in atmosphere and the variety of dishes. Plus, it was a bit cheaper than Kurvada, which was a nice bonus.

Sometimes I’d eat at Derecho just to mix things up and try something different. Both spots are great, and I’d recommend checking them out to see which one you prefer.

Exploring General Luna

Food wasn’t the only thing that made my time in Siargao special. General Luna, the main tourist area, is full of things to do. Whether you’re into water sports or just want to explore, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Renting a motorbike is the best way to get around, and it gives you the freedom to see more of the island.

One of my favorite stops was the Magpupungko Rock Pools. These natural pools are a great place to swim, and they look amazing during low tide. It’s a bit of a drive from General Luna, but it’s worth it for the experience.

Another must-see spot is the Coconut View Deck. The view here is breathtaking, with rows upon rows of coconut trees stretching as far as the eye can see. I stopped here on my way to the Tayangban Cave, which is another adventure in itself.

Tayangban Cave is a paid experience, where a guide takes you swimming through grotto pools and crawling through narrow caves. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after you’ve left the island.

Maasin River

I also recommend checking out the Maasin River if you want a more peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience. The river is calm, and you can spend the day kayaking or simply enjoying the quiet atmosphere. It’s a nice break from the more crowded spots in Siargao.

Surfing at Cloud 9

No trip to Siargao would be complete without mentioning Cloud 9, the island’s most famous surf spot. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, Cloud 9 offers waves for all skill levels. I had the chance to take a lesson, and while I’m no pro, it was one of the most fun experiences I had on the island. Even if you don’t surf, it’s worth heading over to watch others ride the waves, especially during sunset when the view is stunning.

Island Hopping and Sugba Lagoon

If you’re looking to explore beyond the main island, you have to go island hopping. There are plenty of agencies in General Luna that offer tours, or you can book through your hostel. You’ll spend the day visiting small, uninhabited islands, each with its own charm.

One of my favorites was Naked Island, a tiny strip of sand surrounded by clear blue water. There’s not much on the island itself, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s just you, the sand, and the ocean.

Another great day trip is to Sugba Lagoon. The lagoon is known for its emerald green waters, and it’s the perfect spot for swimming or paddleboarding. You can also jump off the diving boards if you’re feeling adventurous. Like island hopping, you can book a tour to Sugba Lagoon through a local agency, and it’s an easy trip from General Luna.

Renting a Motorbike

To truly get the most out of Siargao, I recommend renting a motorbike. It’s the easiest and most fun way to get around, and it allows you to explore parts of the island that you might not see otherwise. There’s something freeing about riding along the coastal roads, with the wind in your hair and the ocean beside you.

I spent a few days just riding around, stopping at different beaches and viewpoints along the way. It’s a great way to see the island at your own pace.

Siargao’s Relaxed Vibe

One of the things that sets Siargao apart from other tourist spots is its laid-back vibe. Even though it’s grown in popularity over the years, it still feels authentic and relaxed. There’s no rush here, and you can really feel it in the way the locals go about their day.

Whether you’re eating at a small carinderia or lounging on the beach after a surf session, there’s a sense of calm that’s hard to find in other tourist destinations. Siargao moves at its own pace, and it’s one of the reasons I fell in love with this island.

Siargao is more than just a surf destination. From the delicious local food to the stunning natural beauty, there’s something here for everyone. I had some of my best meals at affordable carinderias like Cev and Derecho, and the island’s laid-back vibe made it easy to fall in love with the place.

Whether you’re riding a motorbike through coconut groves, exploring caves, or surfing at Cloud 9, Siargao offers endless adventures and unforgettable experiences. It’s a place that truly stays with you long after you leave. If you’re looking for an island getaway that offers a bit of everything, Siargao is the perfect destination.

Diving is also another great water activity to partake in while in Siargao. The waters are literally clear and unparalleled. I ended up partaking in both scuba diving and freediving. For scuba diving, although the reefs are still recovering from Typhoon Rai, it’s still a good easy dive and prices are affordable. 

For freediving, it was an absolute delight given the clarity and conditions of the ocean and I ended up having some super smooth line training sessions with pictures that took advantage of the visibility. There are multiple options of freediving schools to go with such as Ozen and Maximum. If you haven’t tried scuba or freediving yet, Siargao is definitely the spot to do it!

Finally, no trip to Siargao is complete without an island hopping boat trip or a day trip to Sugba Lagoon. For these two activities, you can easily book a tour through a hostel or tour agency on the streets. I recommend shopping around for the best price and deal!

Have you been to Siargao? Share your favorite spots in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more travel tips and guides, be sure to check out our other blogs for more information!