Let’s cut to the chase: where you stay in Siargao will define your entire trip. It’s not just an island; it’s a collection of distinct villages, each with its own heartbeat.
My partner and I learned this the hard way after spending nearly two months living, working, and surfing here.
We started off lost and ended up finding our own slice of island paradise.This guide isn’t a list copied from a booking site.
It’s our personal experience of the honest highs, the frustrating lows, and the hard-earned lessons wrapped in a comprehensive structure to help you find your perfect spot, whether you’re a surfer, a digital nomad, a couple, or a family.
Siargao’s Best Areas to Stay: A Vibe-Check from Our Experience
We stayed in all these places, from a frantic week to a blissful month. Here’s the real deal on each area’s personality.
1. General Luna (GL): The Beating (Sometimes Chaotic) Heart
Our Vibe Check: Energetic, social, convenient, expensive, loud.
This is where you’ll land and where most tourists stay.
It’s the hub for everything: the famous Cloud 9 surf break, endless cafes, restaurants, tour operators, and a buzzing nightlife.
It’s all here, and it’s all within walking or short trike distance.
Our Honest Take: We booked a week in GL first and… we almost left Siargao. It felt less like a tropical island and more like a Southeast Asian digital nomad hotspot (think: Canggu energy).
The constant buzz of motorbikes and construction wasn’t the “island vibes” we dreamed of. The food scene, however, is phenomenal.
Once we accepted the chaos, we found incredible eats and fun bars. Stay here if you want to be in the center of the action, don’t mind noise, and are okay with higher prices.
It’s ideal for first-timers, serious surfers, and party-goers.
2. Santa Fe: Our very favorite and long-term home
Our Vibe Check: Balanced, local-chic, peaceful, community feel, needs a scooter.
After GL, we crossed the iconic Sunset Bridge to Santa Fe, and it was a revelation.
Just 10-12 minutes north by scooter, the atmosphere completely shifts. It’s more residential, greener, and instantly calmer.
Our Honest Take: This was the perfect Goldilocks zone for us. It’s close enough to zip into GL for dinner but far enough to sleep in silence.
You have gorgeous spots like Marmalade Cafe, cool boutiques, and the Ocean 9 beach for beginner surfing.
A growing community of expats and nomads means there’s great coffee and even a co-working space (Coco Space).
We fell in love with and stayed a month at Casitas Santa Fe—a lush garden property with private plunge pools. Choose Santa Fe for the best balance of tranquility and convenience.
3. Malinao: The Quiet, Beachy Escape (But Still Close)
Our Vibe Check: Serene, beachfront, simple, a bit isolated.
If Santa Fe is the chill spot north of GL, Malinao is its counterpart to the south.
It’s home to Secret Beach and offers a more rustic, back-to-nature feel right on the ocean.
Our Honest Take: We stayed at the wonderful Wayans Homestay here for a few nights. The owners were lovely, we woke up to ocean sounds, and it was just a 10-minute ride to GL.
For a truly peaceful, beach-focused stay on a budget, it’s fantastic. However, we missed having cafes or a community within walking distance.
You are reliant on your scooter. It’s perfect for couples seeking a quiet romantic getaway or travelers who prioritize beachfront access above all else.
4. Pacifico: The Remote Northern Sanctuary
Our Vibe Check: Raw beauty, slow pace, remote, surfer-friendly.
A one-hour scooter ride north from GL transports you to a different world. Pacifico is a long, stunning stretch of coast with a laid-back surf town vibe.
People in GL always talk about “going up to Pacifico for the weekend,” and for good reason.
Our Honest Take: We spent a weekend here and it felt like a true reset. The pace is slow, the beaches are empty, and you can surf without the crowds. We loved Bamboo Surf Beach for its simple, direct access to waves.
Don’t come here for nightlife or a food scene—come to surf, read, and truly disconnect. The internet can be patchy. It’s ideal for a 2-3 day detox, dedicated surfers, or anyone seeking solitude.
5. Burgos: The Off-The-Grid Hideaway
Our Vibe Check: Frontier, secluded, ultra-local, very quiet.
A bit further north from Pacifico lies Burgos. It’s even quieter, more local, and feels like the island’s final frontier. The star here is the breathtaking Alegria Beach.
Our Honest Take: We appreciated its untouched beauty for a weekend, but it was too quiet for us long-term.
There are a few new cafes popping up, but the social and digital infrastructure is minimal. It’s significantly cheaper than the south.
Choose Burgos only if your goal is complete disconnection, you’re self-sufficient, and you’re happy with very basic amenities.
6. Dapa: The Practical Transit Hub
Our Vibe Check: Functional, local town, budget-friendly, not touristy.
Dapa is where the airport and main port are located. It’s a working Filipino town, not a tourist destination.
Our Honest Take: You might book a night here if you have a very early flight. It’s affordable and convenient for that single purpose.
However, do not stay here to experience Siargao. You’ll be far from all the beaches, surf, and everything that makes the island special. It’s purely a logistical choice.
Quick-Fire Recommendations by Travel Style
- For Surfers (All Levels): Base yourself in General Luna (Cloud 9 for experts, Jacking Horse for beginners) or Santa Fe (Ocean 9 for beginners). Do a weekend trip to Pacifico.
- For Couples/Romance: Malinao for a beachfront hideaway, a luxury villa in Santa Fe, or a secluded retreat in Pacifico.
- For Groups and Families: Rent a private house with a pool in Santa Fe, like the ones at Kamaya Villas, to get some peace and quiet.
- For nightlife and meeting new people: The only explanation that makes sense is General Luna.
- For Digital Nomads: Santa Fe is the clear winner for balance. Good internet, co-working, community, and peace. General Luna has more cafe options but is more distracting.
- For Budget Travelers: Find hostels and homestays in General Luna (like Happiness Hostel) or Malinao. Burgos is the cheapest but most isolated.
While exploring Siargao, food lovers might also want to look beyond the island.
If you enjoy local flavors and street eats, our Best Street Food Guide in Istanbul is a perfect companion to see how culinary culture shapes a destination just like Siargao’s markets and beachfront snacks do for the island vibe.
Essential Siargao Tips from Our Two Months
Rent a Scooter: This is non-negotiable. The island is big, and the best way to be happy here is to explore on your own time. We rented from our homestay host, John, in GL.
Book Early for Peak Season: Especially for the best spots in Santa Fe or Pacifico. The good, reasonably-priced places sell out fast.
Manage Your Internet Expectations: GL and Santa Fe have decent WiFi. The further north you go (Pacifico, Burgos), the more it becomes a digital detox zone.
How Long to Stay? A 5-7 day trip lets you see highlights. But to truly settle in and explore the north, 10-14 days is ideal. We stayed two months and still didn’t see everything!
The Island is Changing Fast: Siargao is developing at lightning speed. Places open and close. Before you book, you should always read the most current reviews.
Final Thoughts
Your Siargao is out there. For us, it was the balanced, community feel of Santa Fe. For you, it might be the raw energy of GL or the silent beaches of the north.
Use this guide as your starting point, rent that scooter, and get ready to find it.
No matter where you choose to stay, make sure to explore the island fully. Check out our guide on things to do in Siargao to plan the best experiences.
FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Siargao for first-time visitors?
General Luna is ideal for first-timers. It’s the hub for surf spots like Cloud 9, has plenty of cafes, restaurants, nightlife, and is conveniently close to the main attractions.
Which area is best for digital nomads or long-term stays?
Santa Fe offers the perfect balance of peace, community, and reliable internet. It has co-working spaces, cafes, and a quieter vibe while still being close to General Luna.
Where should couples or families stay for a quieter experience?
In Malinao, you can relax on the beach, and in Santa Fe, private houses are great for families or groups. Pacifico also offers a more secluded escape for couples seeking solitude.
Which areas are budget-friendly in Siargao?
General Luna and Malinao have affordable hostels and homestays. Burgos is the cheapest but also the most remote, requiring a scooter for mobility.
How long should I stay in Siargao to truly explore the island?
A 5–7 day trip covers the highlights, but 10–14 days or longer allows you to explore northern areas like Pacifico and Burgos, surf uncrowded waves, and experience the island fully.
