Siargao Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information
ESSENTIALS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏙️ City |
General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines |
| 👥 Population |
Approximately 18,000 in General Luna; 150,000 island-wide |
| 💻 Internet Speed |
Starlink/Fiber 50-200 Mbps; Mobile Data (Globe/Smart) 10-25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking |
Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD ≈ 56.20 PHP. Limited ATMs in General Luna (BPI, Metrobank) |
| 🚰 Tap Water |
Not drinkable; use filtered water from stations like 'Purified Water Siargao' (50 PHP per 20L) |
| 🔌 Power |
220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B (US style). Frequent brownouts; use surge protectors |
| 📶 SIM Card |
Globe or Smart. Smart has better coverage in Catangnan. 599 PHP for 40GB/month |
| 💳 Banking for Expats |
GCash (Digital Wallet) is essential. Maya or Revolut/Wise for ATM withdrawals |
| 🛌 Accommodation |
Homestays, boutique villas, and glamping. Airbnb and Facebook groups are primary |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly |
Improving; GCash accepted by most vendors. Credit cards only in high-end resorts |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals |
Airbnb, Booking.com, and local walk-ins (approx. 25,000 - 45,000 PHP/month) |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation |
Hygge Hostel Siargao (Catangnan) - approx. 600 PHP/night for a dorm bed |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists |
General Luna Proper (near the tourism road and Cloud 9 surf break) |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads |
Catangnan or Malinao (quieter, better Starlink availability, less party noise) |
WORKING AND NETWORKING
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space |
Lexias Hostel and Cowork (Cloud 9) - 500 PHP/day with Starlink and pool access |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work |
Alter Ego Siargao (Catangnan) - Reliable fiber internet and AC; specialty coffee 160 PHP |
| 💼 Networking Events |
Siargao Digital Nomads Facebook Group meetups at Greenhouse Cafe |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats |
Tuesday Trivia Nights at Loose Keys; Karaoke nights at Mama's Grill |
TRANSPORTATION
| Topic |
Details |
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App |
No Grab. Use local 'Tricycle' or 'Habal-Habal'. 20-50 PHP for short trips |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental |
Sway Scooters or local vendors. 300-400 PHP/day; 6,000-8,000 PHP/month |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby |
Doot Beach (Mangrove views) or Secret Beach (Guiwan) - Free entry |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline |
Cebgo (Cebu Pacific subsidiary) flying to Sayak Airport (IAO) |
| ✈️ Top International Airline |
Philippine Airlines (via Manila or Cebu connectivity) |
| 🛣️ Highway Access |
Siargao Circumferential Road (well-paved coastal loop around the island) |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub |
Dapa Ferry Terminal (Boats to Surigao City) and Sayak Airport (Del Carmen) |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes |
None; pay per ride in cash or GCash to tricycle drivers |
| ✈️ Regional Travel |
E-Craft Ferries to Surigao City (1.5 - 2 hours, approx 450 PHP) |
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏥 Best Hospital |
Siargao Island Medical Center (Dapa) - Basic emergency and inpatient care |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers |
Lotus Shores Siargao (Malinao). Drop-in classes: 500 PHP. Full retreats available |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers |
Empire Siargao (General Luna) - CrossFit and weights. 300 PHP day pass |
| 🧺 Laundry Services |
Wash & Dry General Luna. 70 PHP per kg with 24-hour turnaround |
FOOD AND DRINK
| Topic |
Details |
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App |
StreetBy (Siargao’s local delivery app for food and groceries) |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try |
Pan de Coco from the roadside wood-fire bakeries (5 PHP per piece) |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options |
Shaka Cafes (Cloud 9) - Famous smoothie bowls; approx. 350 PHP |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots |
Halika Siargao (Gelato) - Unique island flavors like Ube and Mango. 150 PHP/scoop |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots |
General Luna Public Market (Fresh seafood/produce) or Dapa Public Market |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store |
Shopee or Lazada (Deliveries takes 10-20 days to reach the island) |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery |
A&B Grocery (General Luna) - Limited selection; no formal delivery app |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area |
Tourism Road (Rotating parties: Monday at RumBar, Friday at Harana Surf) |
| 🍻 Local Brewery |
General Luna Brewing Company - Local craft beers found at Barrel Pub |
| 🍷 Wine Bars |
Siargao Tavern or Cev (Wine & Ceviche pairing) |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls |
Mama’s Grill (General Luna) - Famous BBQ sticks and grilled tuna. 150-300 PHP |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine |
Kermit Siargao (Italian/Pizza) and L'Oasi (Authentic Italian Pasta) |
CULTURE AND ATTRACTIONS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks |
Cloud 9 Boardwalk and Surf Tower - Landmark for world-class surfing |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues |
Tingko Art Studio - Featuring local Siargao artists and workshops |
| 🏰 Historical Sites |
Magpupungko Rock Pools (Pilar) - Best visited during low tide |
| 🕍 Religious Sites |
Sto. Niño Parish Church (General Luna) |
| 🎉 Annual Events |
Siargao International Surfing Cup (September/October) |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts |
Santa Monica (Northern tip) - Authentic local fishing village vibes |
| 🎭 Theater Venues |
None; outdoor movie nights at Bravo Beach Resort are the primary alternative |
| 🛍️ Local Markets |
Dapa Wet Market (Best for fresh island crafts and 'Buko' products) |
| 🎼 Music Scene |
Siargao Sound (Live house/reggae events across various beach bars) |
| 🎨 Street Art |
Murals along the Catangnan Bridge and Tourism Road cafes |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes |
Hostel/Resort-led 'Boodle Fight' preparation and Filipino cooking demos |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries |
The Sun Collective (General Luna) - Concept store and local art space |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings |
The 'Bent' Coconut Tree (Siargao River) - Iconic photo landmark |
| 🏴 Local Heritage |
Surfing culture and Mangrove conservation traditions |
NATURE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
| Topic |
Details |
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes |
Sugba Lagoon (Del Carmen) - Turqouise waters and paddle boarding |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby |
Siargao Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths |
Coconut Tree Viewpoint (Top view road) - Scenic 10km paved ride |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints |
Maasin River (The Bridge) and Catangnan Bridge for sunset views |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations |
Del Carmen Mangrove Forest (Home to rare kingfisher species) |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots |
Pacifico Beach (North Siargao) - Vast, quiet beaches perfect for fires |
OTHER SERVICES AND AMENITIES
| Topic |
Details |
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service |
J&T Express or LBC Express (located in Dapa and General Luna) |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services |
Small phone repair shops in Dapa; no authorized Apple/PC service |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots |
Usually found in larger hostels like Mad Monkey Siargao |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes |
Informal Tagalog/Surigaonon lessons at Gen Luna Community Center |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots |
Grom Nation Library (Santa Monica) - Community-focused |
| 🏘️ Community Centers |
General Luna Municipal Hall and Multipurpose Center |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges |
Local 'Piso WiFi' booths and small internet cafes in Dapa town |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls |
None available; island focus is on outdoor activities |
BUSINESS
| Topic |
Details |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. 120,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 3.6M PHP / 64k USD) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. 80,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 2.4M PHP / 42k USD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. 110,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 5.5M PHP / 98k USD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. 75,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 3.75M PHP / 66k USD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) |
Approx. 100,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 8M PHP / 142k USD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) |
Approx. 70,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 5.6M PHP / 99k USD) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax |
25% (Standard rate for domestic corporations) |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax |
15% - 25% depending on tax treaties |
| 🏦 Tax System |
Resident aliens taxed on income from Philippine sources only |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket |
35% (for income over 8M PHP) |
| 🧾 VAT |
12% (Value Added Tax) |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules |
No formal CFC rules for individuals |
| 🏠 Property Tax |
Real Property Tax (Amulyar) - approx. 1-2% of assessed value annually |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax |
Capital Gains Tax (6%), Documentary Stamp Tax (1.5%), Transfer Tax (0.5%) |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads |
Recently introduced 'SRRV' or Digital Nomad Visa initiatives (in progress 2024-2026) |
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING SIARGAO