Siargao for non-surfers: 5 ways to enjoy the island without a surfboard

GMA Network

04-07-2025

Siargao is one of the many tourist destinations in the Philippines that requires no introduction.
In recent years, Siargao has held a magnetic pull for travelers seeking waves and a taste of island life.
Dubbed the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, the island has become a beloved destination for local and international tourists until it was devastated by Typhoon Odette in 2021.
Has the island bounced back, and is the trip still worth it despite rising travel costs?
Based on this writer's visit to Siargao in June, the answer is a resounding yes. The island is not only recovering, it is thriving. The tourism scene is alive and well, the culinary offerings expanding, and the nightlife pulsing with energy.
In 2024, Siargao took the No. 1 spot on Lonely Planet's list of best places to visit in Southeast Asia. The same year, Condé Nast Traveler ranked Siargao 10th on its Best Islands in Asia list.
Beyond the waves, Siargao offers plenty for non-surfers, from unique experiences to hidden spots worth exploring. Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, here are five ways to enjoy the island beyond surfing.
1. Street food and sunset watching
Catangnan Bridge, famously known as the AFAM Bridge, is one of Siargao's best golden hour spots.
It's grown into a tourist attraction in itself, drawing a lively crowd by late afternoon. By 4 p.m., street food vendors start setting up, offering snacks perfect for watching the sunset.
Among the street foods you can try are buttered cheese corn (P50), fruit shakes (P120), and various tusok-tusok street foods like kwek-kwek and fish balls (P20-P100).
2. Food crawl of different cuisines
Since Siargao is home to a melting pot of nationalities, the food scene on the island gives you a variety of cuisine options from Filipino, Indian, Spanish, and more.
Start with Little Roti, an Indian fusion spot known for dishes like Butter Chicken with roti (P290), Beef Shawarma (P230), and Palak Paneer with pita bread (P250).
For a taste of classic ihaw-ihaw at night, head to Bebie's, a local favorite offering grilled staples like pork barbecue (P60), pork belly (P110), chicken leg (P110), isaw (P20), and pork chop (P120), among others.
Filipino restaurants such as Kurvada and Roots, Burger Joint Big Belly, and vegetarian spot SHAKA are also worth including in your food crawl.
3. Sweat it out!
For those who like to stay active even while on vacation, Siargao has no shortage of neighborhood gyms and wellness studios offering yoga, Pilates, barre classes, and even cold plunges.
One of them is Tawhay Fitness Siargao, located in General Luna. The studio offers a variety of classes, including yoga, aerial flow, and barre for P700 each, as well as open gym access for P500.
4. Have a quiet time cruising
Maasin River should be on your not-to-miss list to visit when in Siargao, just take it from Kelsey Merritt. If you want to spend a day of serenity surrounded by nature and clear waters, it's definitely the place to be.
If you're coming with a group, you may ride a canoe in pairs and sightsee the famous bent palm tree. You may also take a dip in the clear waters of the Secret Lagoon, which is at the far end of the Maasin River.
5. Stay in the General Luna area
For first-time visitors, General Luna is a convenient base, as this long stretch is home to cafes, tattoo studios, local coffee spots, and laid-back bars.
One option along the tourism road is Las Palmas, a boutique resort tucked between the beach bar Happiness and the coffee shop Spotted Pig. The property blends local and Balinese-inspired architecture, with thoughtfully designed corners perfect for capturing your island moments.
Las Palmas also has a signature swimming pool framed by lush palms and tropical greenery, which has become a Siargao landmark as a place where you can unwind, sip something cold, and soak in the island vibes.
Be sure to bookmark this for your trip to Siargao!
—CDC, GMA Integrated News