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Voykit pocket guide · Philippines
Surigao
Use Surigao as a 1‑day gateway to Siargao and nearby islands; stay 1 night if you need a rest before the ferry.
Surigao is the capital of Surigao del Norte and the main staging point for trips to Siargao, Leyte and Cebu. The city centre is compact, the ferry terminal is 4 km away and local transport is cheap. One full day covers the main sights; add a night if you prefer not to catch a late ferry.
- Country
- Philippines
- Best months
- Dec–May (dry season)
- Avoid
- Jun–Oct (rainy season)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PHP
- Money
- Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
- Daily spend
- Budget ₱1,200–₱1,800 excl. bed · Mid ₱1,800–₱2,800 excl. bed · High ₱2,800+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
- Emergency
- Police 117 · Fire and ambulance 117
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
- Toilets
- Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Jeepney fare | ₱8–₱12 |
| Coffee at a café | ₱30–₱60 |
| Street food snack | ₱20–₱50 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- SUG · Surigao Airport
- 4 km (2.5 mi) from downtown; Cebu Pacific flights from Manila and Cebu2.5 mi (4 km) from downtown; Cebu Pacific flights from Manila and Cebu
Typical fares
- Surigao Airport → city centre (taxi)
- about ₱150, 10 min
- Ferry Surigao → Siargao
- ≈₱1,200–₱1,800, 2½ h (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Jeepneys and multicabs dominate; fares start at ₱8. The city bus terminal is 4 km (2.5 mi) from centre; ferries depart from Borromeo Street.Jeepneys and multicabs dominate; fares start at ₱8. The city bus terminal is 2.5 mi (4 km) from centre; ferries depart from Borromeo Street.
See and do
Known for
- Zaragoza Rock formations
- Mapawa Cave
- Sukailang Waterfalls
- Manjagao Mangrove Forest
- Surigaonon Heritage Center
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Siargao Island | Ferry from Surigao port, about 2 h 30 min | ≈3 h total |
| Butuan | Bachelor Express bus, ~3 h | ≈3 h 30 min |
Sleep
- Jannex Pension and Restaurant
- A/C rooms, common bathroom, ₱500 per night
- Conching Apartelle
- Double rooms with private bathroom, ₱400 per night
- Dexter Pensionne
- Fan rooms, outside bathrooms, ₱200 per night
- Tavern Hotel
- Air‑conditioned double rooms, ₱1,200 per night
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Pasaylo-a kopasaylo-a ko |
| Thank you | Salamatsalamat |
| How much is it? | Tagpila kini?tagpila kini? |
| Where is the ferry terminal? | Asa ang pantalan?asa ang pantalan? |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
- Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
- Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
- Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
- Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass
Scams and watch-outs
- Some rebel groups operate in remote forest areas; stay on main roads and avoid night travel outside town.
- Ferry schedules can change; confirm times before departure.
Surigao is generally safe for daytime tourists; keep valuables secure and avoid isolated forest trails after dark.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Surigao yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Zaragoza Rock formations
- Mapawa Cave
- Sukailang Waterfalls
- Manjagao Mangrove Forest
- Surigaonon Heritage Center
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Surigao Airport (IATA SUG): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surigao_Airport
- Wikivoyage: Surigao, revision 5300121 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5300121
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/surigao). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.