Top 6 hikes in Siargao
Table of Contents
Introduction
Siargao: Our Favorite Island
Disclaimer
6 Hikes in Siargao
The Lighthouse
Hidden Lake on Poneas Island
Burgos Lookout
Canijugan Peak
Shapeshifter Waterfall Hike
Corregidor Island
Quick Tips
Best Time to Go
Dress for Success
Pack the Essentials
Better Safe than Sorry
CLAYGO [clean as you go]
Ending Notes
Introduction
If you aren’t a huge fan of surfing or laying on the beach all day, Siargao still has something for you! This is one of the things that makes Siargao so wonderful, there is no one “correct” way to experience the island. Not many people talk about the hiking opportunities in Siargao which is why we decided to do it for you. We’ve come up with a list of exciting hikes of varying difficulty but all with a rewarding view.
Siargao: Our Favorite Island
Siargao is our favorite island of all time. It holds so many special memories for us. The slow island living and all around good vibes have tempted many tourists to extend their stay or even reside there permanently. The pristine beaches and gnarly waves attract tourists from far and wide. Siargao may be the surf capital of the Philippines but that isn’t all it has to offer.
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Disclaimer
The information presented in this article may be subject to change at the venue or service provider’s discretion. You may check their respective websites or social media accounts for any updates on the price, location, and other details. Additionally, this article may contain affiliate links from which we get a portion of profit, at no added cost to you. These links are safe to click.
With that, we hope you enjoy reading!
6 Hikes in Siargao
The Lighthouse
This easy, mostly flat, trek on La Januza island leads you to the lighthouse. Travel back in time as you see the nostalgic lighthouse and stand in awe at the 360 view that it offers at the top. Ave is actually scared of heights but she still wanted to do this because she believes it is important to challenge yourself from time to time. The trek itself was really quite short but we took our time appreciating the view.
More than just recommending this specific trek, we would also one hundred percent recommend the tour that we used to get here. Beginning with an overnight stay in Mam-on island, this tour also features a bike ride around La Januza island which was incredibly peaceful and picturesque.
Watch our Overnight stay in Mam-on Island
Watch this and explore with us
Hidden Lake on Poneas Island
This hike is a bit more physically demanding compared to the little trek to the lighthouse, but if you’re up for the challenge, you won’t be disappointed. You will be rewarded with a serene view (and a fulfilling workout).
Watch this and explore with us!
Poneas Island has a secret: a hidden lake! But you have to work to get your chance to see it. The 50-minute trek is quite challenging with some steep ascending and descending portions. The trek is quite difficult but once you see the lake, it’s very easy to wash away your sweat with the refreshing water. There is a rope swing to help you drop in and get that instant relief for your tired muscles. The hidden lake felt like a secret paradise surrounded with little hills abounding with trees. It definitely felt worth the visit.
The last time Martin visited Poneas island, he was able to make a stop at KangKangon island before seeing the hidden lake. He is even believed to be the first Norwegian to step foot there! He had a great time exploring the island and meeting some of the local villagers.
Burgos Lookout
If Siargao is our favorite island, then Northern Siargao is definitely one of our favorite spots here. It’s much more quiet, away from the party scene and big tourist crowds of General Luna. In this slow paced countryside there are also opportunities for adventures through hiking!
This hike is moderately family friendly. It takes 20 minutes to walk up to the highest peak. Though the difficulty slightly increases if, like Martin, you decide to wander a bit to try and reach an unreachable hill. Despite the slight unplanned detour, it was a great experience and the view was spectacular. You could see an ocean and hillside view at the same time. The hike takes you from Burgos to Santa Monica but you have the option to just reverse your hike to end up back in Burgos or finish at Santa Monica and walk/take a trike back to Burgos.
Canijugan Peak
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This quick and easy adventure takes you up a hill with more than just a gorgeous view but numerous amenities as well. A 15-20 minute ride from General Luna, the walk up to Canijugan only takes around 7 minutes.
The short and sweet journey is still just as beautiful as the destination as you pass by thriving foliage. When you get to the top, you are greeted with an all encompassing view: palm trees, water, mountains, and even an island. While you take in this view, you can eat at their restaurant or even opt for a massage or hot water bath to ease your muscles.
Shapeshifter Waterfall Hike
Some images courtesy of "Shapeshifter." All rights reserved to the original owners.
This hike, organized by Shapeshifter Shop & Tours, is a great option for anyone who doesn’t mind getting down and dirty to be one with nature. This hike features a trek through a hidden tropical forest with little streams marking your path. As you get closer to the secret waterfall, learn something new along the way as your tour guide points out unique flora and fauna around the area.
This hike takes around 3 to 4 hours, including travel time to the jump off point of the hike. It should be fine for anyone in average shape, kids that are 4 years old and above are also welcome to explore here! This hike is so lowkey that they do not allow you to post about the location to preserve the underground and quiet atmosphere of the hiking area.
Corregidor Island
Corregidor island is to the south of General Luna, it is a 45 minute boat ride away. Corregidor island is also very dear to our hearts because this is where we got engaged! It was the perfect spot to pop the question, surrounded by the palm trees whose leaves were swaying with the sea breeze, and with the bright tropical sun shining down on us.
The hike on Corregidor island is 30 minutes both ways. There is a bit of an incline when you’re ascending but it shouldn’t be too difficult unless you aren’t used to this mixed with the humid climate of the Philippines. The hike concludes with a gorgeous summit containing palm trees as far as the eye can see. You can take your time exploring the little clearing and even take a photo by the famous bent palm tree photo spot.
One thing to note is that Corregidor is only called this way in Siargao, if you refer to it outside of Siargao/try to search it up, you might want to use “Casolian” instead since there is also a Corregidor island on Manila Bay.
Quick Tips
Now that you’ve seen all our recommendations, here are a few tips that beginner and pro mountaineers might need to consider when hiking specifically in Siargao.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Siargao depends on what you want to do there. March to May offers the best sunny days for any island hopping activities or lazy beach days. This is perfect for avoiding the hassle and danger that the rainy season may have on your hiking adventures.
On the other hand, July to November offers the peak of the surfing season for anyone looking to come surf the Siargao waves as well.
Dress for Success
Some people may feel overcome by the heat of the tropical island and hike in only their swimsuits or flip flops but this will only make things more difficult! Remember that the sun is beating down on your body, so exposing more skin to it may lead to sunburn. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear too to avoid injury or even breaking your slippers.
Pack the Essentials
Speaking of sunburn, don’t forget to load up on sunscreen. It is important to protect your body from the UV rays, too much vitamin D is never a good thing! You may also want to consider bringing insect repellant since the tropical environment also equals mosquitos and other bugs that may bite.
Another way you can ward off the heat is, of course, by bringing a good hat and a pair of shades. A small umbrella may prove to be a useful tool on your hiking journey too. This can ward off heat when it’s too hot but it can also protect you in case of unpredicted rain.
For freshening up, you may want to consider bringing a small towel and even an extra set of clothes. These could make all the difference after a hike if you are drenched in sweat (or rain).
Better Safe than Sorry
It is always important to be as well prepared as you can before going on any hike. You should always try to prepare for every outcome.
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CLAYGO [clean as you go]
One of the principles that is most drilled into anyone that hikes is to “leave no trace behind.” Always try to leave a place exactly how you found it, or by making it even cleaner, by cleaning up after yourself and picking up trash. Keeping these beautiful places clean ensures that other people and future generations can enjoy them as much as you did.
Please also remember to be kind and respectful to the local community. These people were generous enough to let us visit their home, let us show them the respect they deserve.
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Here are our top three hotel recommendations.
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DaRosa Del Mar [ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ]
Address : Purok 6 Barangay Alegria, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, 8422 Santa Monica, Philippines
Izustarri [ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ]
Address : Siargao Circumferential Road, 8424 Burgos, Philippines
Nay Palad Hideaway - All Inclusive Stay [ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ]
Address : Malinao Rd, General Luna, Surigao del Norte
Ending Notes
Our well spent stay in Siargao, Philippines
Siargao is an island that we keep finding ourselves coming back to, and every time we do there is always something new that we discover and enjoy! Siargao does not just have beautiful beaches but splendid flora and fauna too. Get that perfect balance of leisure and adventure in Siargao and admire the beautiful nature, in every sense of the word. Let these hikes offer you the ultimate sea to summit experiences!
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It is always so beautiful to see and learn more about a way of life that is unfamiliar to us, and almost seems to be dying out. Visiting these farms is not only a great way to eat some fresh and delicious food, but to help out the local community as well. Who knows? Maybe visiting these farms will inspire you to live off of the land too!
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We hope you end up loving Siargao as much as we do. Make sure to tag us on your posts and stories with the hashtags #MarveTravelGuides, #MarveToldMeToDoIt, and #TravelWithMarve. Safe travels!