Travel smarter, not pricier — here are options to cut your travel costs.
Siargao is one of the Philippines’ most beautiful islands — but getting here can sometimes feel just as expensive as the trip itself. Direct flights to Sayak Airport (Siargao) often come with steep price tags, especially during high season (September–May). The good news? With a little flexibility and creativity, you can cut down your travel costs significantly.
Here are some affordable ways to reach Siargao without breaking the bank:
1. Fly to Nearby Airports + Ferry
Instead of booking a direct flight to Siargao, look for tickets to Surigao City. Airfare to Surigao is often cheaper, especially when you’re flying from Cebu or Manila.
Once in Surigao, head to the port where daily ferries depart for Dapa, Siargao. The ferry ride takes around 2 hours, giving you enough time to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.
Pro Tip: Booking your flights and ferry separately usually saves you money.
Estimated Costs:
- Flight (Manila–Surigao): ₱2,500–₱4,000
- Flight (Cebu–Surigao): ₱1,500–₱3,000
- Ferry (Surigao–Siargao): ₱350–₱500
Best for: Travelers who want to save without adding too much extra travel time.
2. Upcoming Manila–Siargao Ferry
Big news for budget travelers: 2GO Travel is opening a direct ferry route from Manila to Siargao starting October.
This is a game-changer for those who don’t mind slower travel. The journey will take much longer than flying, but tickets are expected to cost much less than airfare, especially if you’re traveling with family or a big group.
Bonus: Ferries let you bring more luggage without worrying about baggage fees. Perfect if you’re carrying surfboards, diving gear, or just can’t pack light!
Estimated Costs:
- Manila–Siargao ferry ticket: ₱1,500–₱2,500 (depending on class/cabin)
- Travel time: ~24–30 hours
Best for: Adventurers, slow travelers, and those who love the idea of arriving on the island by sea.
3. Fly to Butuan or Davao + Bus + Ferry
If you’re looking for even more budget options, try searching for flights to Butuan or Davao. These airports usually have cheaper fares compared to Siargao or Surigao.
From Butuan, it’s about a 3–4 hour bus/van ride to Surigao City, then a 2-hour ferry to Siargao.
From Davao, expect a 10–12 hour bus ride to Surigao before catching the ferry — definitely a longer trip, but it can save you thousands on airfare.
Tip: If you’ve got extra time, these land + sea routes let you explore more of Mindanao along the way.
Estimated Costs (Butuan route):
- Flight (Manila–Butuan): ₱2,000–₱3,500
- Bus/van (Butuan–Surigao): ₱250–₱350
- Ferry (Surigao–Siargao): ₱350–₱500
Estimated Costs (Davao route):
- Flight (Manila–Davao): ₱2,000–₱4,000
- Bus (Davao–Surigao): ₱700–₱1,000
- Ferry (Surigao–Siargao): ₱350–₱500
Best for: Travelers with flexible schedules, backpackers, or those who want to save the most on airfare.
4. Seat Sales & Flexible Dates
Sometimes, the cheapest way is the simplest — catching a seat sale. Airlines like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines regularly offer promos if you book early. Prices can drop drastically — sometimes as low as ₱99 one-way (before fees and taxes).
Set up fare alerts on apps like Skyscanner, Traveloka, or Google Flights to monitor price drops. Being flexible with your travel dates also makes it easier to snag the cheapest fares.
Tip: Mid-week flights (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekend departures.
Estimated Costs:
- Promo fares (Manila–Siargao direct): ₱1,000–₱2,000 (if booked early)
- Regular fares: ₱4,000–₱7,000 for one-way
Best for: Planners who book early and don’t mind adjusting travel dates.
Traveling to Siargao doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re hopping on a ferry, flying into nearby airports, or hunting for seat sales, there are plenty of ways to keep your journey affordable.
The important thing is to plan ahead, stay flexible, and embrace the adventure of the journey — after all, getting here is just the start of your island escape.
Soon enough, you’ll be sipping fresh coconuts on the beach, watching surfers ride the waves, and soaking in everything Siargao has to offer.
