Siargao has two distinct personalities: the energetic, surf-centric vibe of General Luna (GL) and the laid-back, nature-focused charm of Del Carmen. Choosing where to stay depends entirely on what kind of experience you're seeking. This honest comparison will help you make the right decision—or better yet, convince you to experience both.
General Luna (GL) at a Glance
| The Vibe | Energetic, Touristy, Lively, Party Central |
|---|---|
| Best For | Surfers, Party-goers, Solo travelers seeking social scenes |
| Main Attraction | Cloud 9 Surfing Spot, Nightlife, Restaurant Scene |
| Distance from Airport | 45 minutes - 1 hour |
| Price Range | ₱₱₱ (Tourist prices) |
✅ Pros of General Luna
- World-famous Cloud 9 surf break right on your doorstep
- Endless restaurants, cafés, and international cuisine options
- Vibrant nightlife with bars and live music
- Easy to meet other travelers and backpackers
- Lots of surf schools and board rentals
❌ Cons of General Luna
- Crowded — Especially during peak season and weekends
- Expensive — Tourist markup on everything from food to accommodation
- Noisy — Late-night parties, motorbikes, construction
- Traffic — The main road gets congested, especially during sunset
- Far from airport — Long transfer after a tiring flight
Image courtesy of John Atig
Del Carmen at a Glance
| The Vibe | Peaceful, Local, Nature-focused, Family-friendly |
|---|---|
| Best For | Couples, Families, Digital Nomads, Nature Lovers |
| Main Attraction | Sugba Lagoon, Mangrove Forest, Quiet Beaches |
| Distance from Airport | 5-10 minutes |
| Price Range | ₱ (Local prices, 20-40% cheaper) |
✅ Pros of Del Carmen
- Gateway to Sugba Lagoon — Be first on the water every morning
- 5 minutes from airport — Zero travel stress on arrival
- Peaceful and quiet — Perfect for relaxation and sleep
- More affordable — Local prices, not tourist markup
- Authentic local culture and friendly community
- Access to unique attractions: Sugba Lagoon, Mangrove Boardwalk, Alegria Beach, Taktak Falls, Magpupungko Rock Pools, Pacifico Beach, Sohoton Cove, and Maasin River
- Better for families with children
❌ Cons of Del Carmen
- Limited nightlife (restaurants close earlier)
- Fewer dining options (though quality is excellent)
- 35-45 minutes from Cloud 9 surfing
- Quieter social scene (great or bad depending on you!)
Image courtesy of Trey Lewis
The Verdict: Why Not Both?
🎯 Our Recommendation: The "Split Stay" Strategy
Don't choose—experience both sides of Siargao for the complete island adventure.
Ideal 5-7 Day Siargao Itinerary
- Days 1-3: Start in Del Carmen
- Day 1: Arrive at Siargao Airport → Transfer to Del Carmen resort (5 min) → Relax at Alegria Beach (10 min away) → Sunset swim and local vibes
- Day 2: Early morning Sugba Lagoon tour → Afternoon Taktak Falls jungle hike → Evening at resort pool
- Day 3: Magpupungko Rock Pools during low tide (check schedule) → Lunch at Pacifico Beach → Surf or swim afternoon → Return to Del Carmen
- Days 4-6: Move to General Luna
- Take surfing lessons at Cloud 9
- Explore the restaurant and café scene
- Island hopping tours (Naked Island, Daku, Guyam)
- Experience the nightlife
- Day 7: Return to Del Carmen for departure
- Easy morning before your flight
- 5-minute trip to airport, zero stress
Why Digital Nomads Choose Del Carmen
If you're working remotely, your choice is clear. General Luna's constant power fluctuations, noisy cafés, and unreliable internet make focused work challenging. Del Carmen offers:
- Starlink WiFi — High-speed, reliable internet at Mariden Resort
- Backup power systems — Solar + generator means no work interruptions
- Quiet environment — Focus without bar noise or motorbike traffic
- Affordable long-term rates — Special rates for extended stays including utilities
🏠 Your Del Carmen Home Base: Mariden Resort
Mariden Resort combines the best of Del Carmen living with modern comforts:
- 5 minutes from airport — Zero arrival stress
- 5 minutes from Sugba Lagoon port — First on the boat
- Pet-friendly rooms — Bring your furry companion
- Starlink WiFi + backup power — Perfect for remote work
- Refreshing pool — Your personal oasis
- Starting at ₱1,500/night — Unbeatable value
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your travel style. Del Carmen is ideal for nature lovers, families, couples, and digital nomads seeking peace and proximity to Sugba Lagoon. General Luna is better for surfers, party-goers, and solo travelers looking for nightlife and social scenes. Many visitors choose to split their stay between both.
Del Carmen is generally 20-40% more affordable with lower accommodation prices, cheaper local food, and minimal tourist markup.
Approximately 35-45 minutes by motorbike or van. The road is scenic and well-maintained.
Del Carmen doesn't have famous surf breaks like Cloud 9, but you can easily rent a motorbike and ride to General Luna's surf spots when you want to catch waves. Many guests use Del Carmen as a quiet base and make day trips for surfing.
Related Guides
Del Carmen Attractions:
- Sugba Lagoon Guide — Premium boat tour experience
- Sohoton Cove Guide — Cave exploration and stingless jellyfish
- Alegria Beach — Family-friendly beach in Santa Monica
- Taktak Falls — Hidden waterfall adventure
- Mangrove Boardwalk — Tranquil nature walk
- Maasin River — Photography hotspot
North Coast Highlights:
- Magpupungko Rock Pools — 30 min from Del Carmen vs 1+ hour from GL
- Pacifico Beach — Uncrowded surf paradise
General Luna Area:
- Tri-Island Tour — Island hopping from GL
- Secret Beach Malinao — Hidden beach near GL
Trip Planning:
- Sample Itineraries — Day-by-day trip plans
- Budget Guide — Complete cost breakdowns
- Best Time to Visit — Weather and seasonal planning
- Transportation Guide — Getting around the island
- Siargao Airport Guide — Arrivals and first-night strategy