Siargao, Philippines 🇵🇭
#1452
9.905138, 126.051188
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Siargao is an island in the Philippines, known for its surf spots and lush environment. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-25 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Philippine Peso (PHP); 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD, 1 USD ≈ 54.55 PHP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz; 🛠️ Type A and C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe and Smart are popular providers, offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | BPI, Metrobank, and Unionbank are common; ATMs available but may charge fees. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | A range of options from beachfront resorts to guesthouses and shared villas on Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but major businesses may accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local options available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options start from PHP 500 per night (e.g., Siargao Island Hostel). |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cloud 9 Surf Resort offers a coworking area with good internet access. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kermit Siargao Cafe, known for good coffee and strong Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at various hostels and community events; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly gatherings at Bamboo Lounge and other popular spots for newcomers. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is available for rides, but may be limited; local tricycles are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available from PHP 300 per day; many shops around General Luna. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cloud 9 Beach, famous for surfing and stunning sunsets. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cebu Pacific offers flights from Cebu and other major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Philippine Airlines serves major international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road connects General Luna to other parts of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train system; local transport relies on motorbikes and vans. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transit is minimal; payment per ride only. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus and van services available to nearby towns post-COVID. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Siargao Medical Clinic for primary healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Siargao offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness facilities like Siargao Fitness are available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, prices around PHP 100 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda operates in Siargao. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Kinilaw', a local ceviche-style dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options at cafes like The Healthy Option. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Shaka Siargao for smoothie bowls and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Public market in Dapa for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops also use Facebook for ordering groceries and essentials. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; nearby stores offer delivery on request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | General Luna has bars like Suds and The Pleasure Point. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Siargao Beer Company for local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; check restaurants for wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors serve local delicacies around the market area. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Eat at The Corner Tree for pizzas and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cloud 9 Boardwalk for beautiful views and surfing. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; check local galleries for art exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | No major historical sites; focus on natural beauty. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches scattered across the island. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Siargao Surf Festival, held every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | General Luna is the cultural hub for expats and locals. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No major theaters; occasional screenings at local venues. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Siargao Public Market every Wednesday and Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at various bars during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; local artists occasionally paint murals in General Luna. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local classes available at some beach resorts. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Occasional art shows at local cafes. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Mostly modern structures focused on tourism. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Community events celebrating local customs and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park for outdoor adventure. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Samar Island Natural Park accessible by boat. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal roads offer biking paths; explore via rented scooters. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Watch the sunset at Cloud 9 for breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Overall biodiversity attracts birdwatchers in unspoiled areas. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires allowed on certain beaches, check regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express available for shipping and delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic repairs; check in General Luna. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; some hostels have recreational facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer English classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few libraries; cafes like Kermit are study-friendly. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Hostels and cafes often serve as community hubs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; check local cafes for gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; outdoor activities are the main entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 50,000 per m² for beachfront properties. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 30,000 per m² for suburban areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 45,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = PHP 2,250,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 30,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = PHP 1,500,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 40,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 3,200,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 2,000,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for local businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident taxpayers pay tax based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Personal income tax rate may reach 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for certain setups. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 1.5% for property transactions. |