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- Cloud 9 (General Luna, Siargao) — The wooden boardwalk and consistent reef break made this famous for a reason: world-class right-hand barrels and a raw surf scene you won’t get on every island. Sunrise walks, surf lessons for beginners, and a chilled lineup that still feels authentic. If you only know Siargao from pictures, this is the real thing.
- Sugba Lagoon (Del Carmen, Siargao) — A clear-blue lagoon tucked between limestone cliffs where you can paddleboard, jump off a floating platform, or drift under mangroves. It feels impossibly photogenic but quiet enough to actually relax. (Personal favorite — I’ll take a SUP and stay until the light goes soft.)
- Magpupungko Rock Pools (Pilar, Siargao) — Natural tidal pools carved into volcanic rock that turn into crystal-clear swimming holes
- Cloud 9 (General Luna, Siargao) — The wooden boardwalk and consistent reef break made this famous for a reason: world-class right-hand barrels and a raw surf scene you won’t get on every island. Sunrise walks, surf lessons for beginners, and a chilled lineup that still feels authentic. If you only know Siargao from pictures, this is the real thing.
- Sugba Lagoon (Del Carmen, Siargao) — A clear-blue lagoon tucked between limestone cliffs where you can paddleboard, jump off a floating platform, or drift under mangroves. It feels impossibly photogenic but quiet enough to actually relax. (Personal favorite — I’ll take a SUP and stay until the light goes soft.)
- Magpupungko Rock Pools (Pilar, Siargao) — Natural tidal pools carved into volcanic rock that turn into crystal-clear swimming holes at low tide. Time it with the tides, bring water shoes, and enjoy natural “infinity pools” and easy cliff jumps—one of those places that surprises you when the ocean level drops.
- Sohoton Cove & Jellyfish Sanctuary (Bucas Grande, Socorro) — Caves, hidden lagoons and a jellyfish sanctuary where tiny, non-stinging jellyfish float around you. Boat tours thread through limestone caverns and emerald waters—it’s dramatically different from Siargao’s surf vibe and feels properly wild.
- Naked Island, Daku Island & Guyam Island (Siargao island-hopping) — Three very different pocket islands a short boat ride from General Luna: a perfect white sand spit (Naked), a local-feel island with communal lunch spots (Daku), and a tiny palm-ringed postcard (Guyam). Great for snorkeling, sunbathing, and watching local fishermen at work.
- Maasin River & the Bent Coconut Palm (Del Carmen, Siargao) — A chilled river ride through mangroves to a famous bent coconut palm and spring-fed pools. Bring a camera — the lean-palm photo op is real — but stay for the quiet boat stretch and a local fisherman’s view of island life.
- Tayangban Cave Pool (San Isidro, Siargao) — Hidden gem: a freshwater cave pool with swimming, cliff jumps and short cave exploration. Far fewer tourists than the big Siargao draws, so it feels like a local secret. Wear sturdy sandals and expect basic facilities—this is adventure, not a resort.
- Mabua Pebble Beach (Surigao City) — Hidden gem: a dramatic pebble shoreline with sculpted rocks, a viewpoint and good sunset runs. Less glossy than Siargao’s beaches but atmospheric and very local—great for a quick coastal detour off Surigao City’s main roads.
- Lake Mainit (shorelines near Mainit & Tubod) — One of the Philippines’ larger freshwater lakes, edged by mangroves and dotted with small islands and fishing communities. Boat rides here are slow, quiet and cultural—expect birdlife, local markets on the lakeshore and fishermen hauling nets at dawn.
- Mainit Hot Springs (Mainit town) — Hidden gem: natural warm springs right near town (the name gives it away). Easy to reach, locally run pools and spots to soak your legs after a day of island-hopping or hiking. Cheap, restorative and genuinely local—perfect for low-key recovery.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.