Itching to catch the surf again at Cloud 9? Been wanting to revisit the white sand beaches, Sugba Lagoon, Maasin’s Coconut Tree, Naked Island, and all the hotspots on the Island?
Here’s your guide to a safe and hassle-free trip from Cebu to Siargao Island!
At the time of writing, the Province of Siargao del Norte is under the state of General Community Quarantine, or GCQ. While this means looser border control and more leeway to move around within and across provincial borders, persons 14 years old and below and persons 66 years old and above are still NOT allowed to travel for leisure.
Travel Requirements
Now, before writing down your itinerary and booking your flights or purchasing your ferry tickets leaving Cebu, prepare all your requirements ahead. It’s worth noting that your arrival at the province must be within 48 hours after a negative RT-PCR test result. Read on to find out the other requirements.
In accordance to Surigao del Norte Province Government and in alignment with IATF protocols for domestic travel, these are the mandatory general requirements for all persons coming to the province.
For walk-in tourists AND/OR private non-resident APOR:
- RT-PCR (swab/saliva testing) with negative result, released within 48 hours prior to arrival,
- Valid Identification Card; and
- Confirmed booking of at least 2 nights from DOT-authorized accommodation.
Refer to this link for a list of DOT-approved establishments in Siargao Island: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=760086444668199&id=125025018174348
For government APOR:
- RT-PCR (swab/saliva testing) with negative result, released within 48 hours prior to arrival,
- Valid Identification Card; and
- Travel/Mission Order issued by the Chief of Office.
For tourists invited by local resident of Surigao del Norte:
- RT-PCR (swab/saliva testing) with negative result, released within 48 hours prior to arrival,
- Valid Identification Card; and
- Travel Certification issued by the mayor of the destination City/Municipality.
An e-HEALTH Pass is also required upon arrival. Get yours at https://covid19.ssct.edu.ph/healthform?fbclid=IwAR1AAXfebJF_tU-nyxGusAqHFRMqUiPUk36vwV8TLh0RCCtN8X3_4PcbyDY
All your travel requirements must be emailed to [email protected] a day prior to your arrival at Surigao del Norte. Requirements must be presented at the port of origin as well as destination port in the province. For land travel, all requirements must be ready to be presented at any of the checkpoints within the province.
Travel Options from Cebu to Siargao
Now that you’ve got your list of requirements to prepare, here’s how you can get to Siargao Island from Cebu.
The quickest way is to take a flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Flights take an average of 1 hour. Cebgo Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and PAL Express are the airlines that offer flights.
Another, slower but cheaper, way to travel to Siargao is via ferry. There are direct ferry trips from Cebu to Siargao taking around 11 hours of travel. Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Cebu Starlite Ferry, and Medallion transport all offer direct trips from Cebu to Siargao.
Alternatively, you can take a flight or catch a boat to Surigao, and then board a ferry to Siargao Island at the Surigao Port. Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport and Atlantis Yohan Express are the primary shipping lines running fast crafts from Surigao to Siargao.
Remember to stay safe and practice all health and safety guidelines! Masks and face shields are mandatory in public spaces in Siargao Island, and there is a curfew enforced from 11PM to 4AM.
Important note: this article assumes that you are NOT a resident of Siargao or Surigao del Norte. If you are, refer to this link: https://www.facebook.com/Siargao-Tourism-Assistance-Center-125025018174348/photos/pcb.769194800424030/769193767090800
OTHER INFORMATION
- For any inquiries and/or clarifications, you may reach the Surigao del Norte Government Tourism Assistance Center with the following:
- (086) 826-9017;
- 0963-890-6838;
- 0970-603-6378; or
- 0966-547-2979.
Price range for air travel (return trips): ₱1,900 to ₱5,000 depending on the airline and the date of travel. Flights take an average of 1 hour.
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