Learn how you can travel from Manila to Siargao here.
Siargao is one of the most popular islands in the Philippines. With the island’s unique tear-drop shape, it’s the talk of the town not only to local tourists but with foreign tourists as well.
This island is also blessed with one of the most well-known “waves” which is called the cloud 9. It’s the main reason why Siargao was also held as the Philippines’ Surfing Capital. A lot of local and foreign surfers can be seen surfing here. But if you’re not a fan of surfing, you don’t need to worry as there are a lot of things to do here.
If you like to go clubbing, you’d definitely have a hard time choosing which pub you should go in first. This island will give you the best experience you could have!
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- Complete List of Best Cheap Hotels in Siargao Island, Philippines
- DIY Travel Guide Series: 5 Days in Siargao, the Philippines for Non-surfers
- 20 Towns and Cities You Must Visit in Mindanao [Philippines]
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So if you’re now thinking of going here, then you must depart from Manila. But remember that Siargao, being a gem in the Mindanao island, offers a not so easy journey, unless you’re willing to pay for quite an expensive ticket. So to help you with all the options you can choose from, here’s our guide on the different ways to travel from Manila to Siargao.
Traveling from Manila to Siargao by Plane
It is possible to travel directly from Manila to Siargao by plane. However, only 3 airlines operate this route: Skyjet, Philippine Airlines (PAL Express), and Cebu Pacific (Cebgo).
Directs Flights going to Siargao
Flying by Skyjet
Flying by Skyjet might probably be the cheapest among the three. It can cost around PHP 4,000 ($80) for a one-way ticket. It is also the fastest option to travel from Manila to Siargao.
Travel time
From Manila to Siargao by Skyjet, it will take you at least 1 hour and 20 minutes’ travel time. But please remember that Skyjet only operates flights to this route from April onwards.
Flying by Philippine Airlines (PAL Express) and Cebu Pacific (Cebgo)
PAL Express and Cebgo also offer a direct flight from Manila to Siargao. The cheapest ticket from these 2 airlines might cost PHP 4,000 ($80) as well. However, you have to watch out for their seat sale as they often offer ticket promos so you can book a cheaper flight for this route!
Travel time
PAL Express: Around 2 hours
Cebgo: Around 2.5 hours
Indirect Flights going to Siargao
If you think that flying directly from Manila to Siargao is too expensive for you, no worries as you can choose to fly indirectly.
You can opt to fly from Manila to Siargao that has a stopover in Cebu. This type of flight costs cheaper compared to the options stated above. However, the travel time is longer. From Manila to Cebu, it will take at least 1.5 hours of travel. Then from Cebu to Siargao, it only takes 1 hour. It will give you a total travel time of 2.5 hours. But of course, layover time is not yet included. Usually, the stopover will take at least 1 hour, giving you a total of 3.5 hours of journey from Manila to Siargao. But that is subject to change, so always check how many hours is your stopover.
Note: Flights from Manila to Siargao usually depart from the NAIA domestic terminals 3 or 4. Always check this before your flight. The plane lands at Sayak Airport (IAO) in Del Carmen on the west side of the island.
Alternative Route: Traveling from Manila to Siargao via Butuan Route
Since the direct flight to Siargao is very in-demand it is most likely that it’ll be unavailable. However, if you really want to go to this magnificent island, there’s always a way to do that. You can choose to fly from Manila to Siargao via Butuan Route.
This route will fly from Manila heading to Butuan. When you land in Butuan, take a van going to Surigao, then from Surigao, take a ferry going to Siargao island. Please note that some of the flights going to Surigao have a stopover in Cebu.
Travel time
This is the expected summary of your total travel time and estimated cost if you choose the Butuan route:
- Manila to Butuan by plane – 1.5 hours (PHP 3,000 or $60)
- Butuan Airport to Surigao Bus and Jeepney Terminal by van – 2.5 hours (PHP 200 or $4)
- Surigao Bus and Jeepney Terminal to Surigao City Port by tricycle – 15 minutes (PHP 20 or $0.40)
- Surigao City Port to Dapa Ferry Terminal by ferry (fast craft) – 1.5 hours (PHP 240 or $4.74)
- Dapa Ferry Terminal to Siargao Town Center by tricycle – 40 minutes (PHP 290 or $5.73)
*Prices are subject to change.
Traveling from Manila to Siargao by Ferry
Traveling from Manila to Siargao by ferry is not highly recommended as it takes a long journey before you arrive in Siargao. And how many hours? It’s around 34 hours with transfer time not yet included. However, if you like adventures or you just love the water, then this might be a good option for you. Plus, traveling by ferry is also the cheapest.
Remember that you cannot directly go from Manila to Siargao by ferry. There are other routes that you have to go through first. These routes include Manila to Cebu, then Cebu to Surigao, and finally Surigao to Siargao (tricycle and van transfers are not yet included).
Read more details below.
From Manila to Cebu by Ferry
Before you reach Siargao, you have to head your way to Cebu first. 2Go Travel operates ferries traveling from Manila to Cebu. The ticket costs around PHP 1,550 ($30). Always visit their website to see the latest update.
The ferry departs from North Harbour Pier 4 and docks at the Cebu Port.
Travel time
A journey from Manila to Cebu has a total of 22 hours of travel time.
From Cebu to Surigao by Ferry
After you arrive in Cebu, you will need to hop on another ferry going to Surigao. Cokaliong Lines is one of the most popular shipping companies that operate this route. The ticket costs around PHP 800 ($16).
Travel time
A journey from Cebu to Surigao has a total of 8.5 hours of travel time with the transfer time not yet included.
Note: The ship departs from 7 PM, so if you arrived early in Cebu, you still have time to wander around the city. But don’t forget to buy your ticket.
From Surigao to Siargao by Ferry
The last step of this trip is the travel from Surigao to Siargao by ferry. Since the ferry departs from Cebu at 7 PM, you will arrive in Surigao at around 3 o’clock in the morning. And the good news is that the first ferry from Surigao going to Siargao departs at 5:30 AM so you don’t need to wait for so much time.
However, the ferry port that you arrive at is not the same as where the boat to Siargao leaves from. You will need to take another 30 to 45 minutes of tricycle drive. Just tell the tricycle driver to bring you to where the boat to Siargao departs.
For this route, it costs around PHP 230 ($4.54) plus PHP 20 ($0.40) port fee. JP Shipping Lines operates ferries to this route (ferry boats Fortune Angel 1 and Fortune Angel 2).
Travel time
A journey from Surigao to Siargao has a total of 3 hours of travel time with the transfer time not yet included.
Again, as what is stated above (from the Alternative route section), after arriving at the Dapa Ferry Terminal, you need to take a van or tricycle going to the town center.
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About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.