General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Population in Siargao

Approximately 18,000 in General Luna; 150,000 island-wide

Internet Speed in Siargao

Starlink/Fiber 50-200 Mbps; Mobile Data (Globe/Smart) 10-25 Mbps

Currency & Banking in Siargao

Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD ≈ 56.20 PHP. Limited ATMs in General Luna (BPI, Metrobank)

Not drinkable; use filtered water from stations like 'Purified Water Siargao' (50 PHP per 20L)

220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B (US style). Frequent brownouts; use surge protectors

Globe or Smart. Smart has better coverage in Catangnan. 599 PHP for 40GB/month

Banking for Expats in Siargao

GCash (Digital Wallet) is essential. Maya or Revolut/Wise for ATM withdrawals

Accommodation in Siargao

Homestays, boutique villas, and glamping. Airbnb and Facebook groups are primary

Cashless Friendly in Siargao

Improving; GCash accepted by most vendors. Credit cards only in high-end resorts

Short Term Rentals in Siargao

Airbnb, Booking.com, and local walk-ins (approx. 25,000 - 45,000 PHP/month)

Budget Accommodation in Siargao

Hygge Hostel Siargao (Catangnan) - approx. 600 PHP/night for a dorm bed

Best Area to Stay for Tourists in Siargao

General Luna Proper (near the tourism road and Cloud 9 surf break)

Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads in Siargao

Catangnan or Malinao (quieter, better Starlink availability, less party noise)

Best Coworking Space in Siargao

Lexias Hostel and Cowork (Cloud 9) - 500 PHP/day with Starlink and pool access

Best Cafe for Work in Siargao

Alter Ego Siargao (Catangnan) - Reliable fiber internet and AC; specialty coffee 160 PHP

Networking Events in Siargao

Siargao Digital Nomads Facebook Group meetups at Greenhouse Cafe

Social Events for Expats in Siargao

Tuesday Trivia Nights at Loose Keys; Karaoke nights at Mama's Grill

Best Taxi/Ride App in Siargao

No Grab. Use local 'Tricycle' or 'Habal-Habal'. 20-50 PHP for short trips

Bike/Scooter Rental in Siargao

Sway Scooters or local vendors. 300-400 PHP/day; 6,000-8,000 PHP/month

Best Beach Nearby in Siargao

Doot Beach (Mangrove views) or Secret Beach (Guiwan) - Free entry

Top Regional Airline in Siargao

Cebgo (Cebu Pacific subsidiary) flying to Sayak Airport (IAO)

Top International Airline in Siargao

Philippine Airlines (via Manila or Cebu connectivity)

Highway Access in Siargao

Siargao Circumferential Road (well-paved coastal loop around the island)

Main Train/Transit Hub in Siargao

Dapa Ferry Terminal (Boats to Surigao City) and Sayak Airport (Del Carmen)

Public Transport Passes in Siargao

None; pay per ride in cash or GCash to tricycle drivers

Regional Travel in Siargao

E-Craft Ferries to Surigao City (1.5 - 2 hours, approx 450 PHP)

Best Hospital in Siargao

Siargao Island Medical Center (Dapa) - Basic emergency and inpatient care

Yoga & Wellness Centers in Siargao

Lotus Shores Siargao (Malinao). Drop-in classes: 500 PHP. Full retreats available

Gyms & Fitness Centers in Siargao

Empire Siargao (General Luna) - CrossFit and weights. 300 PHP day pass

Laundry Services in Siargao

Wash & Dry General Luna. 70 PHP per kg with 24-hour turnaround

Best Food Delivery App in Siargao

StreetBy (Siargao’s local delivery app for food and groceries)

Best Local Dish to Try in Siargao

Pan de Coco from the roadside wood-fire bakeries (5 PHP per piece)

Vegan/Vegetarian Options in Siargao

Shaka Cafes (Cloud 9) - Famous smoothie bowls; approx. 350 PHP

Best Dessert Spots in Siargao

Halika Siargao (Gelato) - Unique island flavors like Ube and Mango. 150 PHP/scoop

Affordable Shopping Spots in Siargao

General Luna Public Market (Fresh seafood/produce) or Dapa Public Market

E-commerce/Online Store in Siargao

Shopee or Lazada (Deliveries takes 10-20 days to reach the island)

Grocery Delivery in Siargao

A&B Grocery (General Luna) - Limited selection; no formal delivery app

Bar/Nightlife Area in Siargao

Tourism Road (Rotating parties: Monday at RumBar, Friday at Harana Surf)

Local Brewery in Siargao

General Luna Brewing Company - Local craft beers found at Barrel Pub

Siargao Tavern or Cev (Wine & Ceviche pairing)

Street Food Stalls in Siargao

Mama’s Grill (General Luna) - Famous BBQ sticks and grilled tuna. 150-300 PHP

Popular International Cuisine in Siargao

Kermit Siargao (Italian/Pizza) and L'Oasi (Authentic Italian Pasta)

Must-See Landmarks in Siargao

Cloud 9 Boardwalk and Surf Tower - Landmark for world-class surfing

Museums & Art Venues in Siargao

Tingko Art Studio - Featuring local Siargao artists and workshops

Historical Sites in Siargao

Magpupungko Rock Pools (Pilar) - Best visited during low tide

Religious Sites in Siargao

Sto. Niño Parish Church (General Luna)

Annual Events in Siargao

Siargao International Surfing Cup (September/October)

Cultural Districts in Siargao

Santa Monica (Northern tip) - Authentic local fishing village vibes

Theater Venues in Siargao

None; outdoor movie nights at Bravo Beach Resort are the primary alternative

Local Markets in Siargao

Dapa Wet Market (Best for fresh island crafts and 'Buko' products)

Siargao Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information

AI estimate Updated Mar 22, 2026 About guide entries

Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

About these guide entries

Method: AI estimate
Last updated: Mar 22, 2026
Generated by: Model not recorded
Last changed: None yet

Generated by an AI model without cited sources and not yet checked by research. A research pass replaces these values with sourced ones, compared with similar cities.

Siargao digital nomad guide