Getting from Manila to Siargao can either be costly or time-consuming, depending on the transport option you choose. While direct flights offer the fastest and most convenient option, they come at a higher price. However, taking multiple ferries may not save you as much money as you think and will significantly extend your travel time. This guide breaks down how to get to Siargao from Manila in the most efficient way, helping you choose the option that best suits your budget and schedule.
Siargao is a surfing paradise, attracting surfers from all over the world with epic surf spots all around the island. Beyond the surf, there are also plenty of things to do for non-surfers on Siargao, great for digital nomads, backpackers and families looking to relax on the white sand beaches.
If you’ve been travelling around the Philippines for a while, you’ll know hopping between the islands can be expensive, most of the costs in our two month Philippines budget breakdown is from our travel days, so saving money where you can on the bigger transport routes can go a long way. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling from Manila to Siargao.
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How To Get To Siargao From Manila Map
How To Get From Manila To Siargao
Flight via Cebu
3-5 Hours
From $20-150 pp
Ferries via Cebu
36 Hours
From $50-100 pp
Where Is Manila In The Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago, home to over 7,000 islands and one of the best places in the world to island hop. Navigating the islands can be tricky but well worth it, with many tourists starting their trip in the bustling capital city of Manila. Home to roughly 14% of the country’s population, it can be a hectic place to say the least and a great place to get a feel for the chaos.
Navigate island-hopping with ease using our Philippines e-book
Where Is Siargao In The Philippines
Siargao on the other hand is a remote paradise island on the eastern coast of the Philippines, boarding the Pacific Ocean which brings great game fishing and awesome surf spots. Siargao Island is a hub for digital nomads, surfers and families, all looking to have a great time.
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Manila To Siargao Flight via Cebu
Flight via Cebu
3-5 Hours
From $20-150 pp
Another flight option which can be useful when booking last minute or if all of the direct flights are taken is to reach Siargao from Manila via a Cebu City stopover. Including a layover, this option will take 3-5 hours with slightly more hassle than the direct flight, however still a convenient way of getting around. There are more flight options meaning prices should be more affordable than direct.
Ferry From Cebu to Siargao
Once you reach the island of Cebu, you can also reach Siargao via ferry which will be cheaper than a connecting flight. Fore more information, read Cebu To Siargao’s Best Routes.
Multiple Ferries
Ferries via Cebu
36 Hours
From $50-100 pp
Ferry to Surigao
10 Hours
From $22 pp
Ferry to Siargao
1-2 Hours
From $9 pp
The last option to get from Manila to Siargao or vice versa is one for the adventurous backpackers with time to spare and money to save. First of all, you’ll have to get a ferry from Manila to Cebu which will take 22-26 hours. From there you have multiple options on getting from Cebu to Siargao, a direct flight or two ferries via Surigao City.
Read more on Getting from Cebu to Siargao
Dapa (Siargao Port) To General Luna
In order to get to General Luna, a trike should cost roughly ₱300 for the 30 minute drive, however be expected for the locals to overprice it. If there are more than 2 or 3 of you travelling then a shared van would be the best bet, however the vans stay around the airport rather than the port, so this is also better being organised in advance. The final option is a private taxi which will undoubtedly cost the most however will be the most convenient option for families.
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The Route We Recommend
The journey from Manila to Cebu isn’t the most straightforward without taking a plane. A complicated string of connecting ferries will lead to multiple days travelling to save a few pesos, a perfect adventure for broke backpackers, however a nightmare for families. For most people, a flight stopping in Cebu wil be the best way to travel from Manila to Siargao and the flights should be booked in advance if possible.
Siargao Map Best Tourist Spots
