Siargao, Philippines 🇵🇭
#1452
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | A tropical island known for its surfing, beautiful beaches, and vibrant expat community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 15-30 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Philippine Peso (₱); 1 USD ≈ 54 PHP |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; recommend using bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe and Smart are the major providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash and local debit cards accepted widely; some places accept credit cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, beachfront bungalows, and guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; many places still prefer cash, especially markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses; prices range from ₱1,000-₱3,500 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels range from ₱300 to ₱800 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | General Luna for beaches, restaurants, and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Cloud 9 area for surf culture and access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Siargao in General Luna; offers good internet and amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Shaka Cafe, known for great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meet-ups at membership sites like The Grove and local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various expat gatherings, surf competitions, and cultural events throughout the year. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major ride apps; private tricycles and habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are popular. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at local shops; rates around ₱350-₱500 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cloud 9, famous for surfing and beautiful sunsets. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines operate flights to Siargao. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific offers international connections, primarily through Cebu. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited; most transport is via local roads and paths. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; access is primarily by road and air. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not applicable; public transport is minimal and informal. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans connect Siargao to nearby towns and islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Siargao Island Medical Center; basic services, but for serious cases, travel to Surigao is needed. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on Siargao; offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Freedom Sport & Fitness; basic gym facilities available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available; prices start from ₱50 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Panda operates in the area; also, local restaurants offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Adobo and Sinigang; local seafood is also highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bamboo Cafe and Shaka Cafe offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Loka offers a range of desserts and fresh juices. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in General Luna for fruits and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee operate in the Philippines. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local convenience stores and markets are more common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | General Luna is vibrant at night with bars like RumBar and Viento Del Mar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Siargao Island Brewing; offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; check local restaurants for wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Bounty Fresh Chicken and local BBQ stalls available across General Luna. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Slice of Life serves a mix of international dishes and pizzas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cloud 9 Boardwalk and Magpupungko Rock Pools. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; primarily local art displays at community events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Local fishing villages showcase traditional lifestyle. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Church of St. Joseph in General Luna. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Siargao Surfing Cup held annually, plus local festivals. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | No defined district; cultural activities mainly revolve around surf spots. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Not available; local gatherings often take place outdoors. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | General Luna Public Market; great for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at venues such as Viento Del Mar and RumBar. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some local artists display their work in public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at various local resorts. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited local galleries; check during art events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Simple structures reflecting local culture, with few colonial influences. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Strong ties to the surfing culture and local fishing traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Naked Island and Daku Island for stunning beaches and nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Malinowski Island and parts of Bucas Grande are accessible. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; mostly roads are used for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cloud 9 boardwalk offers stunning sea views and sunset spots. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mangrove areas around Siargao are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Pacifico are popular for evening bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS express offer delivery services on the island. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in General Luna provide basic tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited availability; some community centers may offer tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some local schools offer English and Filipino lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Very limited; cafes are preferable for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers offer classes and workshops occasionally. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; popular primarily among local youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; Siargao is focused on natural entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱80,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱3,200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱60,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱2,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱75,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱4,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱55,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱3,300,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱70,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱5,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱50,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱4,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system; tax rate depends on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% at highest level. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, but limited enforcement on small entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies, but locally determined. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Respectable tax incentives for persons residing under certain exemption laws. |