General Luna Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information
ESSENTIALS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏙️ 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
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏢 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
| Topic |
Details |
| 🚕 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
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏥 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
| Topic |
Details |
| 📱 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). |
CULTURE AND ATTRACTIONS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🎟️ 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
| Topic |
Details |
| 🌅 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). |
OTHER SERVICES AND AMENITIES
| Topic |
Details |
| 📦 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. |
| 🏘️ 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). |
BUSINESS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏢 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. |
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING GENERAL LUNA