Disclosure: This guide is published by Mariden Resort. While we've aimed for accuracy, we encourage you to research both areas for your trip.
🗺️ Route Map from Mariden Resort
The map below shows the driving route from Mariden Resort to Secret Beach, approximately 30 minutes by motorbike (see Siargao scooter rental rates ).
Driving route from Mariden Resort to Secret Beach (Guiwan Beach) · Click marker for distance & drive time
Secret Beach in Barangay Malinao is officially part of General Luna municipality (not Pilar as often misreported). Locally known as Guiwan Beach or Doot Beach , this hidden spot is a palm-fringed lagoon characterized by mangroves, calm turquoise water, and a grassy shoreline - quite different from the rocky limestone cliffs of Magpupungko in Pilar. While it's no longer completely under the radar (it's now a standard stop on organized "Siargao Land Tours"), it still offers a more peaceful alternative to Cloud 9's crowds. Here's how to experience this hidden gem from Del Carmen.
Explore Siargao's hidden east coast. Del Carmen puts you equidistant to both coasts; reach Secret Beach in 50 minutes vs. 25 minutes from GL. But pay 40% less for your room. See your east coast base .
Image courtesy of Trey Lewis
Quick Facts
- Location: Barangay Malinao, General Luna, Surigao del Norte (NOT Pilar)
- Official/Local Names: Guiwan Beach, Doot Beach
- Distance from Del Carmen : 45-55 minutes by motorcycle
- Distance from General Luna: 10-15 minutes by scooter (south of GL town center)
- Best For: Solitude seekers, photographers, couples, nature lovers, swimmers
- Entrance Fee: FREE (but ₱20 (~$0.34 USD) motorcycle parking fee)
- Facilities: Basic - parking fee collection, snack stalls at entrance, small restaurant nearby
- Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–October (dry), weekday mornings; avoid November–February
- Swimming Conditions: Generally calm inside the cove; stronger currents outside
- Access: Moderate (short hike from road)
Important: Staff perform bag checks - disposable plastics and bottles are strictly prohibited to protect the mangrove ecosystem.
Local Names & Signage: While "Secret Beach" is the popular tourist label, the beach is officially known as Guiwan Beach or Doot Beach . Look for a small sign reading "Guiwan Surfing Area" at the trailhead.
What Makes Secret Beach Special?
1. More Peaceful Than Cloud 9
While no longer "blissfully under the radar" (it's now a standard stop on organized Siargao Land Tours), it's still far more peaceful than Cloud 9's crowds. Expect groups of 15+ on weekends and during peak hours, but weekday mornings remain quieter.
2. Pristine White Sand
Powdery white sand with no overcrowding or beach clubs. Plastic waste is actively kept off the beach through the entrance bag check. Beach chairs and water activity rentals (kayak, SUP) are available nearby at Kanaloa Beach Bar.
3. Palm-Fringed Lagoon Setting
The beach features a unique palm-fringed lagoon with mangroves, calm turquoise water, and a grassy shoreline. (Note: The dramatic limestone cliffs are at low-tide Magpupungko Rock Pools in Pilar, not here. Both are worth visiting on the same east coast trip.)
4. Crystal-Clear Water
Turquoise, transparent water ideal for swimming and snorkeling (bring your own gear). Visibility is excellent on calm days.
5. East Coast Authenticity
This part of Siargao remains largely undeveloped. You'll pass through quiet fishing villages and coconut plantations - the real Siargao.
Image courtesy of Roel N. Catoto
How to Get There from Del Carmen
Motorcycle Route (Recommended)
From Mariden Resort, Del Carmen:
- Head south on the Siargao Circumferential Road toward General Luna (35-40 min)
- From General Luna town center, continue south toward Barangay Malinao (15-20 min)
- Look for a small sign reading "Guiwan Surfing Area" at the trailhead
- GPS coordinates: 9.7567° N, 126.1168° E
- Pay ₱20 (~$0.34 USD) motorcycle parking fee
- Allow staff to check your bag (no disposable plastics allowed)
- Hike down a short trail (5-10 min walk)
- Rocky, uneven path - wear proper footwear
- Arrive at Secret Beach (Guiwan Beach)
Total Travel Time: 45-55 minutes from Del Carmen
Road Condition: Paved road to Malinao; trail to beach is rocky and natural
Tricycle/Habal-Habal Option:
Hire a tricycle or habal-habal from Del Carmen ( ₱800-1,200 (~$14-$20 USD) roundtrip with waiting time). Driver can show you the trail entrance.
Tip: Ask locals for "Guiwan Beach" or "Doot Beach" - most residents know the spot and will point you to the trail entrance marked with the "Guiwan Surfing Area" sign.
What to Expect
The Beach:
- Length: ~150 meters of white sand
- Width: Varies with tide (20-30 meters at low tide)
- Shade: Natural shade from palm trees and mangroves
- Crowds: Moderate - no longer completely secluded; expect 15+ people on weekends during peak hours
Swimming:
- Inside the cove: Calm, clear, safe for swimming
- Outside the cove: Stronger currents and waves (exercise caution)
- Depth: Shallow near shore, gradually deepens
- Marine Life: Small fish visible when snorkeling
Facilities:
- ❌ No restrooms
- ❌ No changing rooms
- ✅ Snack stalls at entrance
- ✅ Small restaurant nearby
- ❌ No lifeguards
- ✅ Natural shade from palm trees and mangroves
- ✅ ₱20 (~$0.34 USD) parking fee collection point
- ✅ Surfboard, kayak and SUP rentals available on-site
- ✅ Kanaloa Beach Bar (adjacent): food, drinks, beach activities, daily 11AM–7PM
What This Means: Bring your own water and main supplies. Note that disposable plastics and bottles are strictly prohibited - staff check bags at entrance to protect the mangrove ecosystem.
Activities at Secret Beach
🏄 Surfing (Beginner & Intermediate)
Secret Beach is one of Siargao's most accessible surf spots for beginners. The break here, locally called "Giwan", delivers waist-to-shoulder high waves and a relaxed atmosphere. Surfboards are available for rent on-site. Surf lessons can be arranged with local instructors.
- Best surf season: August–November (peak swells)
- Board rentals available at the beach
- Beginner-friendly break on one side; intermediate break for more experienced surfers
🛶 Kayak, Paddleboard & Mangrove Tours
Explore the mangroves surrounding Secret Beach on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Rentals and guided mangrove tours are available directly at Doot Beach. The calm, winding waterways make this ideal for all skill levels.
- Kayak and SUP rentals available on-site
- Guided mangrove tours available (ask at the entrance or contact Kanaloa Beach Bar)
- Water bikes also available
🌙 Firefly & Bioluminescent Plankton Tours (Evening)
After dark, Secret Beach transforms into one of Siargao's most magical night experiences. Local operators run small banca (outrigger boat) tours through the mangroves to witness fireflies and bioluminescent plankton. Tours cost around ₱250–500 (~$4-$8 USD) per person and depart around 6:00–6:15 PM.
- Best on nights with darker skies (avoid full moon)
- Book in advance; limited slots (contact @siargao_firefly on Instagram)
- Combo: Mangrove Sunset Tour + Firefly Watching available (~₱500/person, ~$8 USD)
- Family-friendly and intimate group experience
Pro Tip: Combine a morning swim with an afternoon sunset at Kanaloa Beach Bar, then stay for the evening firefly tour: three experiences in one visit.
What to Bring
Absolute Essentials:
- ☑️ Plenty of water (2-3 liters per person minimum)
- ☑️ Snacks and lunch (limited vendors nearby)
- ☑️ Reef-safe sunscreen (limited shade during midday)
- ☑️ Trash bag (pack out EVERYTHING)
- ☑️ Swimwear and towel
- ☑️ Water shoes or hiking sandals (rocky trail and beach access)
- ☑️ Cash (in case you need to ask locals for help)
Recommended:
- 📷 Camera or phone (charge fully before going)
- 🥽 Snorkel gear (good visibility on calm days; no dedicated rental shop, so bring your own for reliable access)
- 🏖️ Beach mat or sarong
- 🧢 Hat and sunglasses
- 🧴 Insect repellent (for the trail)
- 💊 Basic first aid kit (isolated area, no help nearby)
Tips for the Best Experience
🌅 Visit During Dry Season (March-October)
The best conditions are March–May and September–October, with calmer seas, sunny skies, and lower rainfall. November–February brings peak rainfall and rough seas. October can be a transitional month with increasing showers.
📅 Weekday Mornings = Solitude
Arrive before 10 AM on a weekday for the highest chance of having the beach to yourself. Weekends see more visitors from organized Land Tours.
📸 Photography Paradise
- Best light: Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (3-5 PM)
- Capture the palm trees framing the lagoon
- Drone shots are spectacular (if you have one)
- Turquoise water contrasts beautifully with white sand
🏊♀️ Swim Safely
- Stay inside the sheltered cove area
- Avoid swimming during high tide or rough weather
- No lifeguards - swim at your own risk
- Bring a buddy (never swim alone in remote areas)
🌿 Leave No Trace
This beach stays beautiful because visitors respect it. Do your part:
- Pack out ALL trash (even organic waste)
- Don't disturb wildlife or coral
- Don't carve names into trees or rocks
- Use reef-safe sunscreen (chemical sunscreens kill coral)
🗺️ Combine with Other East Coast Stops
Make it a full day of east coast exploration. See our Siargao itineraries for how this fits into a 3/5/7-day trip. All three beaches are connected by the scenic coastal road, making this one of Siargao's most rewarding day trips:
- Morning: Secret Beach (Malinao): swim and snorkel in calm turquoise waters
- Midday: Pacifico Beach surf break (~1 hr north of General Luna), lunch with a view of the surf
- Afternoon: Magpupungko tidal pools (~45 min from General Luna, if tide permits): explore tidal pools and rock formations at sunset
🏖️ East Coast Route Tip: This trio of beaches (Secret Beach → Pacifico surf spot → Magpupungko Rock Pools ) forms the ultimate east coast scenic drive. Allow a full day: Secret Beach takes ~1.5–2 hrs combined travel to reach both Pacifico and Magpupungko. Rent a motorbike, pack snacks, and enjoy one of Siargao's most beautiful coastal routes.
📍 Your East Coast Base Camp
Discover Siargao's hidden treasures from the perfect central location:
- 45 minutes to Secret Beach: Explore the east coast with ease
- Central location: Access north, east, and west attractions easily
- Comfortable pool & rooms: Relax after your beach adventures
- Local insights: We'll guide you to Secret Beach and other hidden spots
- Family-friendly: Everyone's welcome
Frequently Asked Questions
"Secret Beach" is the popular tourist label, but the beach is officially and locally known as Guiwan Beach or Doot Beach . There's actually a small sign reading "Guiwan Surfing Area" at the trailhead. The "secret" name comes from its relatively secluded nature compared to Cloud 9.
The beach itself is safe, but the isolated location means no lifeguards, limited facilities, and limited phone signal. We recommend visiting with at least one other person for safety. Inform your resort of your plans.
Basic facilities exist: there's a ₱20 (~$0.34 USD) parking fee, snack stalls at the entrance, and at least one small restaurant nearby. However, bring your own water and main supplies. Important: Disposable plastics and bottles are strictly prohibited - staff check bags at entrance.
While technically possible, it's not recommended. There are no facilities, no fresh water, and limited security. It's best enjoyed as a day trip from Del Carmen or General Luna. For arrival tips, see our Siargao airport guide .
Use GPS coordinates ( 9.7567° N, 126.1168° E ) or ask locals for "Guiwan Beach" or "Doot Beach." Look for a small sign reading "Guiwan Surfing Area" at the trailhead. Most residents know the spot.
Yes, on calm days. The water is clear with good visibility. You'll see small fish and some coral near the rocky areas. Always bring your own snorkel gear (no rentals).
Stay close to Siargao's secrets
Secret Beach near Malinao is a short ride from the Del Carmen area. Base yourself at Mariden Resort — 5 minutes from Sayak Airport, with a pool, Starlink WiFi, and airport pickup (₱200). Rooms from ₱1,500/night (~$27 USD).
View rooms near Secret Beach →Related Guides
Nearby (General Luna Area):
- Naked, Daku, Guyam island hopping - Island hopping from General Luna (nearby)
North Siargao Attractions:
- Magpupungko Rock Pools timing - Tidal pools on the northeast coast
- surf at Pacifico Beach - Surf beach on the north coast
- Taktak Falls waterfall - Jungle waterfall in Del Carmen area
Photography Spots:
- coconut palm road in Maasin - Golden hour photography paradise
- Sugba Lagoon from Del Carmen - Turquoise waters for stunning shots
Planning Your Trip:
- browse Siargao activities and beaches - Complete island activity guide
- Siargao 3/5/7-day itineraries - Day-by-day trip plans
- Siargao budget in PHP and USD - Complete cost breakdowns
- best time to visit Siargao - Weather and seasonal planning
- Siargao transport costs - Getting around the island
- Del Carmen vs GL comparison - Why stay north
- getting from Siargao airport to your hotel - Arrival and logistics