Siargao, located in the province of Surigao del Norte, is renowned for its curling waves that soar from nine to twelve feet high. It is frequented by surfers from all over the world. Besides surfing, the island of Siargao is well-known for its unspoiled beaches and its rural charm.

Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila. It has a land mass of approximately 437 kilometers. The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet-Port Pilar with a coastline marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. There are similar neighboring islands and islets with similar landforms. The reefs and points are excellent for picking up any swell that comes along turning into clean, fast waves.

The best known surfing break now with a world reputation of being in the top Surfing Waves in the world, is nick-named "Cloud Nine".

Siargao Facts:
LAND AREA:
Size 452 square kilometers or 62,796 hectars
The terrain in Siargao Island is predominately rolling to steep. The highest elevation is 291 meters above sea level located along the middle Bucas Grande Island. On the western and southern sides of the island are broad expanse of mangrove swamps and broad reef flats. The island is proximate to the Philippine Deep which is 10,700 meters below sealevel and considered as the deepest part of the trench
CLIMATE: Temperature ranges from a low 21°C in December/January to a high 35°C in June
LANGUAGE & DIALECTS: Surigaonon, Cebuano, Boholano, Tagalog and English are the major languages/dialects spoken in and around Siargao Islands
POPULATION: appr 125,000 – 9 municipalities
Useful Information
BANKING SERVICES
There are NO major banks on Siargao Island. There is a WESTERN UNION SERVICE in Dapa to send and receive wire transfers. If you receive money you will be paid in Peso currency.
BUSINESS HOURS
Hours vary but you'll find most businesses open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Many merchant stores open on Sundays. Supermarkets and convenience stores open earlier, close later and many are open on Sunday mornings and weekends.
CREDIT CARDS
All Major Credit Cards are accepted on Siargao Island at Patrick’s on the Beach although there are no telephone land lines. For Credit Cards or ATM cards you need to visit Surigao City. A two hour boat ride by fast ferry.
CURRENCY
The Philippine Peso is the official currency. However you can change most currencies at Patrick’s on the Beach – including US$ traveler checks.
INTERNET
Patrick’s on the Beach provides the only Internet Café on the Island. Internet there is supplied via satellite and is quite good. You can hook up your lap top as well.
TRAVEL & TICKETING SERVICES Patrick’s on the Beach provides complete Services from re-confirmation – bookings & purchases of travel tickets with most Philippine Airlines and shipping Lines and Hotels. Patrick’s can also arrange personal travel assistance in Manila, Cebu and Surigao.
DRINKING WATER
Most water comes from wells. We recommend to use bottled water for drinking.
ELECTRICITY
The standard electric current is 220 volts. The outlets are mostly American plugs. However at Patrick’s we carry adapters that will fit any plug.
FISHING Right in front of Patrick’s is the Pacific deep that measures 10,400 meter. Naturally plenty big fish of all types are caught here. Marlins, Sailfish, Tuna, Dorado, etc..
HAZARDS
There are no poisonous snakes or other dangerous animals in and around Siargao Island. If you are lucky you may see a crocodile in the mangroves.
LANGUAGE
English is the official language, and communication is fairly easy around the islands. Islanders speak a local dialect Surigaonan that routes in the Visayan language.
MEDICAL
There is a Hospital and a dental clinic in Dapa. Every municipality administers a clinic. For serious matters as well as modern diagnostic and treatment facilities you have to go to Surigao or Cebu. Several pharmacies offer prescription and over-the-counter services in Dapa.
NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES
There are no publications on Siargao Island but you can buy readily the national daily news papers such as the ENQUIRER and STAR.
PETS
Leave your pets at home – just too much hassle to travel with.
DRESS
Bathing suits and other beachwear are considered appropriate on the beaches, at the pool or on the boat. Topless bathing and nudity on the beach are frowned upon. In general, day and evening dress is casual. When you go to church dress conservatively.
POST OFFICES
Every Municipality has a Post Office.
SIARGAO PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & EVENTS (including Fiestas) Every municipality and larger Buranguy celebrates a Fiesta once a year for three days. It’s basically a big food bonanza where friends and families meet. Visitors are always welcome to join the feast of plenty pork & local dishes.
RADIO AND TELEVISION
There are NO local radio stations on Siargao: In Dapa you can receive cable TV but throughout the Island many resorts provide Satellite TV that carries over 55 channels including most European, Asian and American major TV station
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
There are Catholic Churches throughout Siargao. Sunday mass starts early at 6:30AM. There is an English Sunday Mass in Dapa at 5:00PM. Other Christian denominations represented include Seventh Day Adventists, Baptists, and various Pentecostal sects. Ask at the hotel's front desk for worship times.
EXPRESS MAIL
There are various shipping and courier services located in Dapa, such as LBC
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Cellular telephone service is provided by SMART & GLOBE. There are public phone offices in Dapa where you can send a fax or make a long distance or international call. There are also public call boxes at various locations in General Luna.
TIPPING
Most places don’t include a service charge in their billing. Philippinos are bad tippers and foreigners are loved for their generosity. 5 to 10% tipping is well appreciated.
GOVERNMENT TAX 10% government tax is usually added to your hotel bill, as well as a 5% hotel service charge. Additional tipping is optional
TRANSPORTATION
AIR – Only SEAIR Airline has a service of small planes from CEBU to SIARGAO every Tuesday and Saturday
BUSES - Mini and Jeepney buses travel all over the islands. Often a rough ride packed with cargo and locals even on top of the roof. Outings are usually arranged by the hotel and are also available for other long group trips and scenic sight seeing tours.
CAR and MOTORBIKE RENTALS: Renting a car is both economical and convenient. Patrick’s on the beach offers mini vans at a very reasonable price for rental with and without driver. A valid driver's license from another county is accepted. Driving is on the right hand side of the road. Most hotels or resorts will direct you in case you like to rent a van or a motor bike.
TAXIS: Taxis are available at the airport & Dapa Pier. Many people ride with a hubbelhubbel that is an extended seat motorbike.
FERRY SERVICES: Inter-island boat services to all the surrounding islands are available inexpensively and on short notice. There are regular daily trips to all the major islands and ports like to and from Dapa and Surigao. There is also a daily service by bank from Del Carmen to Surigao Departure and arrival times are available at the Patrick’s front desk.
AIRLINES
AIRLINES SEAIR – CEBU to SIARGAO –
ASIAN SPIRIT - Manila to Surigao City
Cebu to Surigao City

Cebu Pacific – Manila to Cebu
Philippine Airline – Manila to Cebu
OTHER USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
SIARGAO Island Commerce and Hotel Association
Siargao Tourist Board
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS only available thru cell service
Ambulance
Fire
Hospital
Police - 117 txt/call