Maria Katrina Paras

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Siargao First Timer Itinerary 2026

<p><strong>Siargao Island </strong>has always been on my bucket list. As a Filipino, I&#x27;ve made that place one of my dream destinations, but for some reason, I haven&#x27;t been able to plan a trip sooner. Either I always find my way back to familiar beaches like Boracay or Romblon, or I decide on one of the Palawan spots instead. This summer was different, though. I was invited to join the &quot;<strong>S</strong><strong>ummer, Uninterrupted</strong>&quot; trip to Siargao together with the <strong>ZYN </strong>crew. </p><p>Boarding a 6 AM flight one sunny morning at Clark Airport via Sunlight Air, I, along with about forty other individuals, was Siargao-bound. What awaited us was three days of pure island fun, making sure we made the most of the last bits of the sunny season. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780910525954Siargao 1.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/></div><div><br/></div><p>After two hours and some twenty minutes, we finally arrived at Siargao&#x27;s tiny airport and rode a van to our home for the next few days—<a href="https://siargaoislandvillas.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Siargao Island Villas</strong></a>. Situated in the central area of General Luna (Tourism Road), this hotel is perfect for those who want to be close to where all the action is, while maintaining some semblance of quiet and privacy. Upon checking in, I was led to my room, which had a queen bed, a roomy shower, a mini closet, a work desk, and a mini fridge. It was decorated with an island feel—warm lighting, wooden furniture, and rattan light fixtures.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780911120746Siargao 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Clockwise: My room at Siargao Island Villas; the resort pool facing the beach; Zyn&#x27;s collaboration tote bag with local designer ha.mu; summer beach essentials.</span></span></span></div><p>After settling in, I made a beeline for a cafe to get my coffee fix and make sure I was energized for the full day ahead. Allow me to break down my top recommendations for where to eat in Siargao, as a first-timer: </p><div><strong><br/><span>WHERE TO EAT</span></strong><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>1. Coastal Grounds Coffee </strong></div><p>I did my research about the best cafes to visit on the island, and I decided on this cafe because it looked really appetizing, and they had great reviews. Also, to be quite honest, I was famished and ready for a plate of yummy Tapsilog! Getting there by tricycle (tuk-tuk) was pretty easy, but I suggest you ride with others to save money (I had to pay Php 100 for a special ride). Top recommendations include the Rose Lychee Latte, which gives you that caffeine kick minus the bitterness. It&#x27;s like a sweet little treat early in the morning!</p><p><strong></strong><strong>Address:</strong> Pops District Cloud Nine Dr., General Luna | IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coastalgroundscoffee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@coastalgroundscoffee</a> </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780912184463Coastal Grounds Coffee Siargao.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>2. ROOTS</strong></div><p>Perhaps one of the most-recommended restaurants in Siargao, ROOTS earns its amazing reputation from its excellent interpretation of local ingredients, fermentation, and creative presentation. Our crew got to try their tasting menu for lunch, and boy, did it not disappoint! Every single dish was like a beautiful piece of art that gave my palate the excitement it was looking for. I also appreciated that the plates, bowls, and trays were made of either wood or recycled plastic turned into creative pieces—which I wouldn&#x27;t mind purchasing as souvenirs, should they decide to sell in the future!</p><p><strong>Address:</strong> Tourism Road, General Luna, 8419 | IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/roots.siargao" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@roots.siargao</a></p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780913546231ROOTS Siargao.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>3. Barbosa Siargao</strong></div><p><strong></strong>That evening, we enjoyed a mini buffet at Barbosa Siargao, an al fresco dinner place slash party spot that serves yummy picks like chicken satay and fish katsu sandwiches. Their bar is well-stocked with an international selection of liquor and original cocktails if you&#x27;re in the mood for a drink. The cherry on top of the Barbosa experience is the live music played by their designated DJ of the night. Top 40? &#x27;90s hits? Chill house vibes? You can have it all at Barbosa!</p><p><strong></strong>Address: Tourism Road, Purok 3, General Luna | IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/barbosa_siargao" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@barbosa_siargao</a></p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780914077172Barbosa Siargao.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Top photos by Magic Liwanag; lower photos by Kate Paras-Santiago</span></span></span></div><div><strong>4. Saint Thomas Coffee</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong><strong></strong></div><p>The next morning, I woke up bright and early to make my way to Saint Thomas Coffee—another cafe on my list. On foot, it took me about 25 minutes to find the cafe. It took a bit of a trek to get to, as it wasn&#x27;t on the main Tourism Road, but I say it&#x27;s well worth the visit. Saint Thomas calls itself &quot;a little specialty cafe in the middle of nowhere&quot;, which, to be honest, feels quite accurate. It&#x27;s the perfect spot to catch up with a friend, or pause alone amidst a packed island schedule.</p><p><strong>Address:</strong> Tourism Road, Purok 3, General Luna, 8409 Surigao del Norte | IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/saintthomascoffee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@saintthomascoffee</a></p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780914929606Saint Thomas Coffee Siargao.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>5. Kanaloa Beach Bar</strong></div><div><strong></strong><strong></strong></div><p><strong></strong>This isn&#x27;t your regular beach bar. Kanaloa boasts a stunning slice of nature on the southern part of Siargao Island, where mangroves are aplenty. Whether you&#x27;re looking for a place to do water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, or boating to tour the mangroves, to play beach volleyball, or to simply enjoy music while munching on beach eats, Kanaloa is the place to be. I opted for a Tofu Sisig Bowl, which satisfied my hunger after a scenic 45-minute mangrove tour! <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Address: </strong>Kanaloa, General Luna, Siargao Island | IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kanaloasiargao/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kanaloasiargao</a></p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780915579943Kanaloa Beach Bar Siargao.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/></div><div><strong></strong><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>6. CEV</strong></div><p>When I stepped into CEV, I was immediately asked if I had a reservation because their seats were all taken for the evening. I almost begged for a seat, telling the server that I was alone and willing to sit at a bar stool outside. They led me to my seat; I took in the beautiful view of the garden across General Luna Street, and was very pleased that I got the spot. I already knew that I wanted the Santa Monica and a side of nachos. I practically scarfed my plate down and enjoyed every bit while doing so. This place specializes in, you guessed it, all kinds of ceviche and local <em>kinilaw</em>. If there&#x27;s one thing to note, it&#x27;s to ensure you have a reservation—it truly lives up to the hype.</p><p><strong>Address: </strong>Tourism Rd, General Luna, Siargao | IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cevsiargao" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@cevsiargao</a></p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780917756629CEV Siargao.jpg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>7. Mr. Turtle</strong></div><div><strong></strong><strong></strong></div><p><strong></strong>Our final dinner was at the new Mr. Turtle, also along the busy General Luna street. The place was set up beautifully according to the ZYN blue theme, and we were in for a 4-course dinner treat. We started the night off with a classic bread basket, but the dip combo was unexpected: butter and honey! What followed was really unexpected: eggplant ensalada, but not the kind you usually combine with grilled meats. This one was fancier, peppered with herbs and crunchy pork bits, making for a delicious starter. The main dish was a yummy slab of salmon, marinated in classic escabeche sauce. The gastronomic treat ended with a slice of classic blueberry cheesecake, which was really indulgent—a sweet way to end the trip. During the day, Mr. Turtle serves comfort food like burgers, too!</p><p><strong>Address: </strong>Goodcoast, Tourism Rd, Catangnan, General Luna | IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrturtlesiargao" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@mrturtlesiargao</a></p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780918350133Mr Turtle Siargao.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photos by Kate Paras-Santiago</span></span></span></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>WHAT TO DO</strong></div><p>After all the eating, you ask, what&#x27;s there to do in Siargao apart from the typical swim in the beach? The entire island is just bustling with things to do. It actually reminds me of Bali, Indonesia, but with a distinct <strong>Filipino flavor.</strong> There are countless resorts, beach clubs, cafes, restaurants, markets, surf spots, and everything in between for anyone who is willing to stay and have a look. </p><p>From my POV, with the little time I had to spend on the island, I was already able to <strong>watch the sun go down</strong> <strong>in Cloud 9</strong>, the famous surfing spot north of the island, <strong>walk on the popular wooden walkway to admire the surfers catching huge waves</strong>, enjoy making <strong>beaded bracelets and necklaces</strong> with locals, shop at local <em>pasalubong</em> stores, find souvenirs at a charming little store called <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/DPpERGLVjoksiqwW9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodies Cafe</a>, <strong>dance to good music</strong> at Barbosa and Siargao Beach Club, <strong>discover a refillery store and bought handmade soap</strong>, and walked as much as I could. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780922067095Siargao 3.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Model and group photos by Magic Liwanag</span></span></span></strong>As we enter a new season in the year, we&#x27;ll always have memories of summer to look back on. &quot;There’s something about everyday moments that makes them worth holding onto, like quick breaks in the office, car rides with friends, or even quiet time alone. These are the moments people don’t want to pause or step away from.&quot; We&#x27;re happy we got to experience Siargao with the ZYN crew, giving us an unforgettable summer escape to take with us for seasons to come.</div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780923650318Siargao 5.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">The ZYN Crew at Mr. Turtle Siargao | Photo by Magic Liwanag</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780923371524Siargao 4.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Model photo by Magic Liwanag</span></span></span></div><div><em>All photos by Kate Paras-Santiago unless stated otherwise.</em></div>

Our Ultimate Siargao Itinerary For First-Timers

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Our Ultimate Siargao Itinerary For First-Timers

Kate Paras-Santiago

Published June 08, 2026 09:00 PM PHT

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Updated June 08, 2026 09:04 PM PHT

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