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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Mindanao, Philippines

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Dormitory beds and private rooms. Mad Monkey Hostel (social) and Secret Spot Siargao (relaxed, surf-focused) are examples. They suit travelers looking to connect with others.

  • Guesthouses/Homestays

    Budget-friendly rooms, often family-run. An intimate experience, connecting guests with island residents.

  • Boutique Resorts

    Stylish, mid-range to upscale with amenities like pools, in-house restaurants, and surf camps. Harana Surf Resort and Siargao Bleu Resort are examples.

  • Luxury Hotels/Villas

    Premium services, private pools, beachfront access, and refined dining. Nay Palad Hideaway a prime example of an all-inclusive luxury experience.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Native-style Bungalows

    Structures from local materials like bamboo and nipa palm. These give a rustic, tropical feel, blending with the natural surroundings.

  • Surf Camps

    Accommodation with structured surf lessons, board rentals, and guided surf trips. They suit visitors whose main purpose is surfing.

  • Homestay/Community Tourism

    Some local families offer rooms or entire homes for rent, outside the main General Luna area. These homestays give an authentic cultural immersion.

  • Camping/Outdoor

    Official campsites are limited. Some resorts may permit tent pitching. Glamping options are beginning to be seen on the island.

Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

Platforms like Airbnb feature vacation rentals and apartment options.

Suitable for Families

Benefits
  • Private homes available
  • Villas for larger groups
  • More space for everyone
  • Comfortable living arrangements
Considerations
  • Fewer integrated services
  • May be further from amenities
  • Booking ahead suggested
  • Less daily housekeeping

Longer Stays

Benefits
  • Cost-effective for extended visits
  • A feeling of being at home
  • More stable environment
  • immersion into local life
Considerations
  • Availability may fluctuate
  • Less flexible booking terms
  • May involve more planning
  • Can be harder to find last-minute

Kitchen Facilities

Benefits
  • Home-cooked meals possible
  • Dietary needs met easily
  • Cost savings on dining out
  • More flexibility with meal times
Considerations
  • Shopping for groceries
  • Cleaning up after cooking
  • Fewer dining experiences
  • Less discovery of local eateries

Independence and Support

Independence

These accommodations come with kitchen facilities, promoting more personal freedom.

Local Community Support

Choosing these options frequently means money goes straight to local communities.

Neighborhood Guide

A detailed breakdown of Siargao's areas and their character.

General Luna GL

  • The main tourist hub and the most developed area on the island. It is bustling and lively, with a high density of resorts, restaurants, bars, surf shops, and tour operators. It is the social heart of Siargao, located close to Cloud 9 and other popular surf spots.
  • During peak season, it can have loud nights and feel crowded.
  • Consider earplugs if you seek quiet nights.
  • Central location for attractions and tours.

Tuason Point Near Cloud 9

  • An area focused on surfing. It mainly serves the surf community.
  • Closest to Cloud 9, ideal for serious surfers.
  • Non-surf related amenities are fewer. A walk or ride necessary to reach central General Luna for more dining and entertainment.
  • Less activity beyond surfing.

Other Areas

Malinao (North of GL)
  • More serene than General Luna.
  • Known for quieter beaches and higher-end resorts.
  • A peaceful retreat.
  • Requires transportation to General Luna's amenities.
Dapa
  • The main port town on Siargao.
  • A local commercial hub, less tourist-focused.
  • Main point for ferries to and from mainland Mindanao.
  • Limited tourist amenities, not ideal as a main base.

Safety and Proximity

General Safety

General Luna is generally safe, but common sense precautions against petty theft find use, especially in crowded areas or at night.

Remote Area Safety

Remote areas are generally safe but without immediate assistance or facilities for emergencies.

Noise Levels

General Luna can be loud, especially around popular bars and main roads. Malinao and areas outside General Luna present a quieter setting.

Booking Strategies

Advance booking recommendations by season and platforms.

Advance Booking Recommendations

High Season July-November & Holidays

Booking accommodations several months ahead is a consideration, especially for popular hostels and resorts.

  • Properties quickly become fully booked.
  • Prices peak during these periods.
  • Earlier booking secures desired options.
  • Wider selection when booked early.
Shoulder Season March-June

Booking a few weeks to a month ahead is a suggestion for the best selection and prices.

  • Good balance of weather and crowds.
  • More options at fair prices.
  • Flexibility with planning.
  • Better value for money.

Trusted Platforms and Policies

Online Travel Agencies OTAs

Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia see wide use for finding accommodation.

Vacation Rentals & Direct Booking

Airbnb presents a selection of private homes, apartments, or villas. Vrbo is another option. Many resorts and guesthouses feature their own websites or social media pages.

  • Booking directly can sometimes bring better rates.
  • Direct contact often brings personalized service.
  • Always check deposit and cancellation terms.
  • Many places seek a deposit or full payment ahead.

Negotiation and Policies

  • Negotiation Customs

    For smaller guesthouses or homestays, especially during the low season, polite discussion for walk-in rates is sometimes a possibility. It is not a strong custom for larger resorts, which have fixed rates.

  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies

    Policies vary by property. Always review the deposit and cancellation policies before making a reservation. Many places seek a deposit (often 50%) or full payment ahead.

  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations

    Accommodation prices can double or triple during the peak surf season and major holidays compared to the low season. Plan accordingly to manage your budget.

  • House/Pet Sitting

    Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique accommodation options.

Accommodation Recommendations

  • Budget

    Hostels like Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao (social) and Secret Spot Siargao (surf-focused). Guesthouses like Footprints Homestay, Riad Masaya Siargao.

  • Mid-range

    Resorts like Harana Surf Resort (surf-centric), Bravo Beach Resort (Spanish-inspired), Siargao Bleu Resort & Villas (pool, spacious rooms). Boutique: Bulan Villas (private villas, quiet).

  • Luxury

    Nay Palad Hideaway (all-inclusive, exclusive), Dedon Island Resort (another luxury, private option).

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Many resorts present family rooms or bungalows. Look for properties with amenities like pools and direct beach access. Vacation rentals via Airbnb represent a good selection for families.

Solo and Long-Stay Travel

Solo Traveler Recommendations

Hostels make an excellent selection for solo travelers to meet other people. Social guesthouses or surf camps are also good selections, as they foster a community atmosphere and often arrange group activities.

  • Mad Monkey Hostel (social)
  • Secret Spot Siargao (surf focused)
  • Riad Masaya Siargao (social guesthouse)
  • Harana Surf Resort (surf camp)
Long-Stay Accommodations

For longer stays, considering renting a house or apartment. Many guesthouses and apartment rentals extend monthly rates.

  • Inquiring directly with property owners is optimal.
  • Local networks might yield more options.
  • Airbnb offers various long-term rentals.
  • Some guesthouses offer discounts for extended periods.

Cultural/Historical Significance

Modern Accommodations

Most accommodations on Siargao are modern or newly built to cater to tourism.

Island's Cultural Identity

Siargao's cultural significance lies more in its natural environment and surf culture.

Contemporary History

The stories of its transformation from a quiet fishing island to a global surf destination represent its contemporary historical narrative.