General Luna digital nomad guide

Essentials

City

General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Population

Approximately 18,000

Internet Speed

Starlink connectivity widely available (100+ Mbps); local fiber 20-50 Mbps via PLDT/Globe.

Currency & Banking

1 USD ≈ 56 PHP. Major currency is Philippine Peso. Limited ATMs often run out of cash.

Tap Water

Not drinkable. Use 20L 'Blue Jug' mineral water deliveries for 40-60 PHP.

Power

220V, 60Hz. 🔌 Type A/B/C sockets. Frequent brownouts; resort generators are common.

SIM Card

Globe or Smart. 5G is spotty; eSims via Airalo work but local sims are cheaper (approx. 500 PHP/month for data).

Banking for Expats

GCash (digital wallet) is essential. BPI and Metrobank ATMs available near GL market.

Accommodation

Ranges from surf shacks to luxury villas. Most nomad bookings via Facebook Groups or Airbnb.

Cashless Friendly

Partial. GCash accepted at most cafes; cards accepted at high-end resorts. Carry cash for small shops.

Short Term Rentals

Airbnb and local Facebook groups like 'Siargao House for Rent' start at 25,000 PHP/month.

Budget Accommodation

Mad Monkey Hostel (approx. 600-900 PHP/night) or Hiraya Surf Hostel (approx. 800 PHP/night).

Best Area to Stay for Tourists

Cloud 9 Area (close to surf breaks and sunset viewpoints).

Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads

Catangnan or Tuason (quieter, better fiber internet availability, near major cafes).

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space

Lexias Hostel and Workspace (100 Mbps Starlink, approx. 500 PHP/day).

Best Cafe for Work

Alter Ego or Greenhouse Cafe (reliable Wi-Fi and power outlets; meals 350-500 PHP).

Networking Events

Weekly 'Nomad Meetups' organized via the Siargao Digital Nomads Telegram/WhatsApp groups.

Social Events for Expats

Tuesday Night Trivia at Bravo Resort; Friday Night parties at Harana Surf Resort.

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App

No Grab. Use 'Tricycles' or 'Habal-Habal' (motorcycle taxis). Base fare 30 PHP within town.

Bike/Scooter Rental

Motorbike rental is standard. 350-500 PHP/day; 6,000-8,000 PHP/month (e.g., Siargao Scooter Rentals).

Best Beach Nearby

Daku Island (15 mins by boat) or Secret Beach (Guiwan, 20 mins by scooter).

Top Regional Airline

Cebgo (Cebu Pacific's turboprop wing) flying to Cebu and Manila.

Top International Airline

Philippine Airlines (connecting via Manila or Cebu).

Highway Access

Siargao Circumferential Road (paved, scenic 2-3 hour island loop).

Main Train/Transit Hub

Sayak Airport (IAO) is 45 minutes from General Luna via shared van (300 PHP).

Public Transport Passes

None. Negotiations are verbal with tricycle drivers.

Regional Travel

Fast ferry to Surigao City (2 hours, approx. 600 PHP) via Evaristo & Sons or Montenegro Lines.

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital

Siargao Island Medical Center (Dapa). For emergencies, AirEvac to Cebu is often required.

Yoga & Wellness Centers

Lotus Shores (Siargao’s premier yoga retreat) or Buddha Surf Resort (approx. 500 PHP per class).

Gyms & Fitness Centers

Siargao Fitness Gym (Catangnan) - Basic weights, approx. 150 PHP/day or 1,500 PHP/month.

Laundry Services

Lava Laundry or neighborhood wash shops (approx. 40-60 PHP per kg, 24-hour turnaround).

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App

No global apps. Use 'FoodPanda' (limited) or local Facebook messenger delivery services.

Best Local Dish to Try

Kinilaw (raw fish ceviche) at Mama’s Grill or Pan de Coco (bakery near the church).

Vegan/Vegetarian Options

Shaka Surf Town (Smoothie bowls, 350 PHP) and Cosmic Siargao (Vegan Filipino food).

Best Dessert Spots

Halika Gelato (Italian style, 150 PHP/scoop) or Cecile’s catering for mango floats.

Affordable Shopping Spots

General Luna Local Market (wet market) for fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables.

E-commerce/Online Store

Shopee and Lazada (Deliveries take 10-20 days to reach the island).

Grocery Delivery

None official; hire a local habal-habal driver to shop for a 200 PHP tip.

Bar/Nightlife Area

Tourism Road (The 'Strand'). Rotates nightly: Monday (RumBar), Friday (Harana), Saturday (Bravo).

Local Brewery

Monkey Eagle Brewery (available at Barrel Bar) or San Miguel Beer (local standard).

Wine Bars

Loose Keys Moto Culture (selected wines and craft cocktails).

Street Food Stalls

Mama’s Grill (famous BBQ, very affordable, expect queues).

Popular International Cuisine

Kermit Siargao (Italian/Pizza - 450 PHP+) and Cev (Modern Ceviche).

Other Services and Amenities

Community Centers

General Luna Covered Court (used for basketball and public meetings).

Gaming Lounges

Small 'Pisonet' (internet cafes) in Dapa for local kids.

Casino & Gaming Halls

None available (strictly regulated/prohibited on island).

Parcel Delivery Service

LBC Express (located in Dapa); J&T Express (near General Luna).

Tech Repair Services

Generic phone/laptop repair stalls in Dapa town (45 mins away).

Table Tennis Spots

Some hostels like Mad Monkey have tables for guests.

Language Classes

Private Tagalog/Surigaonon tutors can be found via Siargao Community FB groups.

Libraries & Study Spots

No public libraries; Lexias Workspace serves as the primary quiet study zone.

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)

Approx. 150,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 6,000,000 PHP). Land is usually leased (Tax Dec).

Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)

Approx. 80,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 3,200,000 PHP) in Burgos/Pacifico.

1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)

Approx. 140,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 8,400,000 PHP).

1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)

Approx. 70,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 4,200,000 PHP).

2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)

Approx. 125,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 10,000,000 PHP).

2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)

Approx. 65,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 5,200,000 PHP).

Corporate Tax

25% standard rate for domestic corporations.

Dividend Withholding Tax

15% (for non-resident aliens not engaged in trade or business).

Tax System

Territorial for foreigners (only income from PH sources is taxed).

Highest Income Tax Bracket

35% for income over 8 million PHP.

VAT

12% standard rate.

Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules

Yes, Philippines has adopted CFC rules under the TRAIN law.

Property Tax

Real Property Tax (RPT) is approx. 1-2% of assessed value.

Property Transaction Tax

Capital Gains Tax (6%), Documentary Stamp Tax (1.5%), Transfer Tax (0.5-0.75%).

Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads

No specific nomad visa yet, but tourists can stay up to 3 years via extensions with 0% tax on foreign income.

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks

Cloud 9 Boardwalk and Tower (iconic surf watchtower).

Museums & Art Venues

Art Gallery at Kudo Surf (local surf photography and art).

Historical Sites

Magpupungko Rock Pools (Natural formation, best at low tide).

Religious Sites

General Luna Parish Church (Santo Niño).

Annual Events

Siargao International Surfing Cup (September/October).

Cultural Districts

Santa Monica (Northern part of island for traditional fishing village vibes).

Theater Venues

None; outdoor movie screenings occasionally at Harana Surf Resort.

Local Markets

Dapa Public Market (central hub for the whole island's trade).

Music Scene

Acoustic nights at Greenhouse; techno/house events at various secret locations announced on IG.

Street Art

Colorful murals along Tourism Road, specifically near the Kermit alleyway.

Cooking Classes

Kermit Siargao intermittently offers pizza and pasta making workshops.

Art Galleries

Fat Lips Surf Shop (features local board art and apparel designs).

Historic Buildings

The 'Abandoned' abandoned lighthouse near Pacifico.

Local Heritage

Surfing culture integrated with traditional 'Bayanihan' (community) spirit.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes

Sugba Lagoon (turquoise waters, 45 mins from GL, approx. 2,000 PHP for a tour).

National Parks Nearby

Siargao Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape.

Cycling/Walking Paths

Coconut Road (the famous straight road through the palm forest).

Scenic Viewpoints

Coconut Mountain View (The 'Top of the Hill' overlooking thousands of palms).

Birdwatching Locations

Sohoton Cove (Bugas Casan) for endemic species and stingless jellyfish.

Bonfire-Friendly Spots

North of Tuason Beach (check local fire ordinances).