🇵🇭 Siargao,
Philippines
#1452
Nomad Score
6.1
Coords
9.9037596, 126.0507404
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ESSENTIALS
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🛌 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) |
| 🏙️ 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 |
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) |
NATURE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Del Carmen Mangrove Forest (Home to rare kingfisher species) |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Pacifico Beach (North Siargao) - Vast, quiet beaches perfect for fires |
| 🌅 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 |
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) |
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 |
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING SIARGAO