Siargao rewards travelers who pack light. The island is casual, hot, and humid; formal clothes, heavy luggage, and anything you'd be upset about losing to salt water or a muddy road have no place here. A well-packed 30–40L rucksack handles almost every day the island throws at you: beach sessions, scooter rides through jungle roads, boat trips to lagoons and waterfalls, and dinner at whatever restaurant you wander into . This guide tells you exactly what to bring, what to skip, and how the list changes between dry season (January–April) and wet season (May–December). For how those seasons feel on the ground, see our guide to Siargao weather by month to know what to pack .
Choosing Your Bag
The right bag for Siargao is a 30–40L rucksack or daypack as your primary bag. Here's why:
- Tricycles and scooters have limited luggage space; a rollaboard suitcase is a genuine hassle to transport
- Boat transfers to lagoons and islands require you to carry your own gear in and out of boats (sometimes through shallow water)
- A rucksack sits on a scooter between your legs or hangs off the back; a suitcase does neither safely
- Mariden Resort is 5 minutes from the airport in Del Carmen by tricycle, and even that short ride is more comfortable with a pack than a trolley bag
If you're coming from international travel and have a larger suitcase, leave it at your Manila or Cebu accommodation (most allow luggage storage) and transfer what you need into a daypack for the Siargao leg. You won't use 80% of what's in a 28-inch rollaboard.
Clothing
Siargao's dress code is almost universally beach-casual. You'll almost never need anything smarter than a clean t-shirt and shorts. Pack for heat (30–35°C / 86–95°F during the day), humidity, quick drying, and the occasional heavy rain shower.
Core Clothing List
- ☑️ Swimwear — 2 to 3 sets Quick-dry board shorts or bikinis. Pack enough that one set is always dry.
- ☑️ Quick-dry t-shirts — 3 to 4 Lightweight synthetic or merino blend. Cotton works but dries slowly in humidity.
- ☑️ Long-sleeve shirt — 1 to 2 Essential for scooter days (arm protection from sun and road rash), boat trips, and mangrove walks. A lightweight linen or UPF-rated shirt works perfectly.
- ☑️ Light shorts or board shorts — 2 to 3 pairs Quick-dry. These double as both daywear and beach cover-up.
- ☑️ Sarong or light wrap — 1 Multi-purpose: beach cover-up, light blanket on cold air-conditioned vehicles, impromptu privacy screen, picnic mat.
- ☑️ One smart-casual outfit — optional A clean linen shirt and non-beach shorts handles the few restaurant or occasion situations where looking slightly pulled together matters.
- ☑️ Comfortable sandals — 1 pair Chacos, Tevas, or similar strapped sandals with grip. Flat flip-flops slide off feet on slippery boat decks and muddy trails.
- ☑️ Closed-toe shoes — 1 pair Mandatory for scooter riding. Light trainers or walking shoes also serve jungle hikes and waterfall trails.
- ☑️ Rash guard / surf shirt — 1 For surfing, long snorkel sessions, or reef walks. Provides UV protection and some protection against reef scrapes.
Wet Season Addition (May–December)
- ☑️ Compact rain poncho A packable poncho (folds to the size of a fist) is the ideal wet season addition. Umbrellas are useless on a scooter. Get one that covers you and your bag.
Leave behind: Jeans (too hot, dries in 2 days), formal trousers, dress shoes, and anything dry-clean only. You won't wear them. If you somehow need them, you'll be close enough to a city on your way in or out to sort it.
Beach & Water Gear
You will spend most of your time on or near the ocean. This category is non-negotiable.
- ☑️ Reef-safe sunscreen — SPF 50+ Use mineral/physical formula with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Standard chemical sunscreens (containing oxybenzone or octinoxate) damage coral reefs. This matters at Siargao's reef breaks and at Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko, and Sohoton Cove. Apply 20–30 minutes before sun exposure. Bring from home; availability in Del Carmen is limited and GL prices are higher.
- ☑️ Sunglasses with UV400 protection Polarised lenses reduce glare on water. Bring a strap/retainer if you're surfing or snorkelling.
- ☑️ Wide-brim hat or surf cap Beach and boat days mean extended overhead sun exposure. A hat is not optional at 10°N latitude.
- ☑️ Dry bag — 10–20L Essential for boat trips, kayak tours, and beach days. Keeps your phone, camera, documents, and cash dry. A cheap roll-top dry bag (₱300–500, ~$5-$8 USD, locally) is fine; a quality one from home is better.
- ☑️ Waterproof phone case or pouch Cheaper than replacing a phone after a wave or a boat-side splash.
- ☑️ Towel Quick-dry microfiber towel is ideal. Most guesthouses provide towels, but for beach days you'll want your own.
Optional but Recommended
- 🤿 Snorkel set Useful for Magpupungko and Sohoton Cove; can be rented on-island but quality varies. Bring your own if you're picky about fit.
- 🎥 Waterproof action camera A GoPro-style camera mounted to a helmet, chest, or pole captures surf sessions and boat trips that a phone simply can't handle.
- 🐠 Reef booties Useful for reef break surfing and rocky shore entry/exit. Can also be rented.
- 🏊 Swim fins Only worth bringing if you're a serious snorkeller; add weight and bulk for marginal benefit otherwise.
Health & First Aid
Medical facilities on Siargao are limited; the nearest major hospital is in Surigao City, 1–2 hours away. Come prepared for minor issues so they don't become major ones.
- ☑️ Insect repellent (DEET-based or picaridin) Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. The mangrove and jungle areas have more insect activity than beaches. Dengue fever is present in the Philippines; don't skip this.
- ☑️ After-bite relief Anti-itch cream or stick for mosquito bites. Sand flies (found on some beaches at dusk) are small but leave intensely itchy bites.
- ☑️ Antidiarrheal medication Dietary adjustment and unfamiliar water can cause stomach upset, especially in the first 1–2 days. Loperamide (Imodium) and oral rehydration salts are good to have.
- ☑️ Reef-cut first aid Antiseptic wash (Betadine or equivalent), sterile gauze, and medical tape. Coral cuts are rough, dirty, and prone to infection; clean and cover them immediately. Iodine-based antiseptics work particularly well.
- ☑️ Seasickness medication Boat trips to Sugba Lagoon , Sohoton Cove, and Tri-Island tours are open-water crossings. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication 30–60 minutes before departure.
- ☑️ Any personal prescriptions Pharmacy options on Siargao are limited. Bring a full supply of anything you take regularly, plus a small extra buffer.
- ☑️ Pain relief Ibuprofen or paracetamol for headaches, sunburn ache, or post-surf muscle soreness.
- ☑️ Blister plasters New sandals on long days can produce blisters before breaking in.
Electronics & Power Adapters
Philippines Power Specifications
- ☑️ Voltage: 220V / 60Hz
- ☑️ Plug Type A Flat two-pin (same as North America). Most common type on Siargao.
- ☑️ Plug Type B Flat two-pin plus round grounding pin. Also widely accepted.
- ☑️ Plug Type C European round two-pin. Accepted in many sockets.
For travelers from Europe, Australia, or the UK: You'll need a plug adapter (not a voltage converter, just an adapter). Most modern phones, laptops, and camera chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V), so they run fine on Philippine 220V with only a plug adapter. Check the label on your device's power brick; it will say "Input: 100-240V" if it's dual-voltage. A universal travel adapter covers all scenarios.
Electronics Packing List
- ☑️ Universal travel adapter One adapter handles Type A/B/C and converts your home plug type. Worth it.
- ☑️ Power bank (10,000–20,000mAh) Essential for all-day beach outings, boat trips, and areas without power. Siargao's electricity supply is generally reliable but power banks give you peace of mind.
- ☑️ Phone charging cable Bring a spare if possible. These get lost, damaged by salt water, or left behind.
- ☑️ Camera battery charger + spare batteries If you shoot with a dedicated camera, carry a spare battery. Charging during the day at a café is possible but unreliable.
- ☑️ Waterproof action camera Optional but highly recommended; covered under Beach Gear above.
What to Leave at Home
- ❌ Laptop Unless you're working remotely. Siargao is a detox destination; a laptop invites work. A phone handles navigation, communication, and photography.
- ❌ Heavy camera gear A mirrorless camera with a single weather-sealed lens is fine. Multiple lenses, tripods, and camera bags are heavy and will stay in your room.
Documents & Money
- ☑️ Passport With at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates. Required for domestic Philippine flights.
- ☑️ Travel insurance Non-negotiable. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation from remote islands. Siargao's nearest major hospital is in Surigao City.
- ☑️ Printed booking confirmations Accommodation and flight bookings on paper (or downloaded offline) as backup. Connectivity can be unreliable at the airport.
- ☑️ Philippine Pesos (PHP) — bring enough cash for 3–5 days ATMs on Siargao are mainly in General Luna and Dapa (none at the airport; see our Siargao airport arrival guide ), and they run dry during peak season and on weekends. Withdraw from Manila or Cebu before arrival. See our Siargao daily cost breakdown for how much you'll realistically spend.
- ☑️ GCash or PayMaya app (optional but useful) Digital payment apps are increasingly accepted in GL's tourist-facing restaurants and shops. Register before arriving in the Philippines.
- ☑️ International driver's license Technically required to legally ride a scooter in the Philippines. Enforcement varies, but having it is correct procedure and useful if any incident occurs.
Dry Season vs Wet Season Pack
The biggest packing difference between Siargao's two seasons is rain management. For everything about what to expect weather-wise, see the complete Siargao weather by month guide .
| Item | Dry Season (Jan–Apr) | Wet Season (May–Dec) |
|---|---|---|
| Rain poncho | Optional (take space) | Essential |
| Waterproof bag liner | Optional | Recommended |
| Sunscreen quantity | Bring double (intense dry-season sun) | Standard supply (some cloud cover) |
| Clothing style | Lightest, most breathable options | Quick-dry focus; cotton dries slower |
| Insect repellent | Standard supply | Bring more (wetter areas = more mosquitoes) |
| Number of swimwear sets | 2 sets sufficient | 3 sets (wetter conditions slow drying) |
Surf-Specific Extras
Coming specifically to surf? You don't need to bring a board; rentals are widely available in General Luna for ₱300–700/day (~$5-$12 USD). What you do need:
- ☑️ Rash guard — long sleeve preferred Reef and sun protection during sessions. A full-sleeve UPF 50 rash guard is ideal for extended time in the water over reefs.
- ☑️ Board shorts Secure fit, no zip pockets to snag on the board or reef.
- ☑️ Reef booties Worth bringing for Cloud 9, Jacking Horse, and Quicksilver; reef is shallow on the inside sections. Available for rent locally but quality varies.
- ☑️ Reef-safe sunscreen — extra supply You'll go through more on surf days (reapply every 2 hours, more frequently if in the water).
- ☑️ Surf wax Available locally (₱50–100/bar, ~$0.85-$1.70 USD) but bring a bar of the right temperature wax for warm water (tropical formula) if you're particular.
- ☑️ Ear plugs (surfer's ear plugs) For regular surfers doing multi-week sessions; protects against exostosis (surfer's ear) from repeated cold water exposure.
For a full breakdown of Siargao's surf spots, lesson rates, and what conditions to expect, see our complete Siargao surfing guide .
What NOT to Bring to Siargao
Every item on this list will sit in your bag untouched, making every scooter ride, boat trip, and tricycle transfer unnecessarily heavy.
- ❌ Jeans Too hot (30°C+ daily), takes 2 days to dry in humidity, and offers no advantage over light shorts or trousers.
- ❌ Formal or smart clothing There is nowhere on Siargao that requires a collared shirt, blazer, or dress shoes. A clean t-shirt and shorts handles every situation.
- ❌ Dress shoes Cobblestones, sand, muddy trails, boat decks, and wet roads. Dress shoes will be destroyed and never worn.
- ❌ Hair dryer Most guesthouses and resorts provide one, including Mariden. Even if they didn't, your hair dries in 15 minutes in this climate.
- ❌ Full-size toiletries Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste are all available on Siargao. Buy small sizes locally or bring travel-size decants to reduce weight.
- ❌ Multiple pairs of shoes One pair of sturdy sandals and one pair of closed-toe shoes covers every scenario. More than two pairs of footwear is excess.
- ❌ Large-format books A Kindle or phone e-reader holds your entire reading list without weight. If you must bring a physical book, trade it at a bookshop in GL when you're done.
- ❌ Valuables you can't afford to lose Expensive jewellery, heirlooms, high-end watches. Salt water, motorcycles, and beach conditions are not friendly to expensive items.
- ❌ Too much cash all at once Take what you need for 2–3 days out of the guesthouse safe at a time. Keep most of your cash stored securely.
Where to Buy What You Forgot
Siargao isn't remote in terms of supplies; General Luna and Dapa have most essentials:
- GL surf shops: Board shorts, rash guards, reef booties, surf wax, reef-safe sunscreen, dry bags, action camera accessories, and most beach essentials.
- Dapa minimarkets and pharmacies: Medications, insect repellent, toiletries, sunscreen (standard chemical brands; stock up on reef-safe versions in GL), packaged snacks, bottled water.
- Del Carmen sari-sari stores: Basic essentials: water, eggs, snacks, soft drinks. Limited selection; don't rely on Del Carmen for specialty items.
Reef-safe sunscreen note: This is the one item hardest to source on-island at reasonable prices and with reliable stock. Mineral/reef-safe SPF 50+ is available in GL surf shops, but selection is limited, prices are higher than Manila, and popular brands sell out during peak season. Bring from home.
Printable Siargao Packing Checklist
Screenshot, print, or save this checklist before you pack.
✅ Siargao Packing Checklist 2026
Clothing
- ☐ Swimwear × 2–3
- ☐ Quick-dry t-shirts × 3–4
- ☐ Long-sleeve shirt × 1–2
- ☐ Light shorts × 2–3
- ☐ Sarong or light wrap × 1
- ☐ Rash guard (long sleeve) × 1
- ☐ Strappy sandals (with grip) × 1 pair
- ☐ Closed-toe shoes (scooter + hikes) × 1 pair
- ☐ Compact rain poncho (wet season essential)
Beach & Water
- ☐ Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ (mineral/zinc oxide)
- ☐ Polarised sunglasses with UV400
- ☐ Wide-brim hat or surf cap
- ☐ Dry bag (10–20L)
- ☐ Waterproof phone case
- ☐ Quick-dry microfiber towel
- ☐ Snorkel set (optional)
- ☐ Reef booties (optional, good for reef breaks)
Health & First Aid
- ☐ DEET or picaridin insect repellent
- ☐ After-bite cream
- ☐ Antidiarrheal tablets + oral rehydration salts
- ☐ Antiseptic (Betadine) + gauze + tape for reef cuts
- ☐ Seasickness medication
- ☐ Pain relief (ibuprofen/paracetamol)
- ☐ All personal prescriptions (full supply + extra)
- ☐ Blister plasters
Electronics & Power
- ☐ Universal travel adapter (Type A/B/C for 220V Philippines)
- ☐ Power bank (10,000–20,000mAh)
- ☐ Phone charging cable (+ spare)
- ☐ Camera + spare battery + charger
- ☐ Waterproof action camera (optional)
Documents & Money
- ☐ Passport (6+ months validity)
- ☐ Travel insurance documents
- ☐ Printed booking confirmations
- ☐ Philippine Pesos: enough for 3–5 days (withdraw in Manila/Cebu)
- ☐ International driver's license (for scooter rental)
- ☐ GCash / PayMaya app registered
📍 Reach Mariden Resort with Minimum Hassle
Mariden Resort is 5 minutes from Siargao Airport , the shortest possible transfer on the island. Land, grab your bag, and you're done. No 45-minute van ride with your luggage wedged next to strangers, no stress about making a late connection.
- 5-minute airport transfer: Tricycle or arranged pickup from Sayak Airport (IAO)
- Secure luggage storage: Leave your big bag at the resort and day-trip light
- Swimming pool: Decompress immediately after your flight, no long van ride needed first
- Del Carmen base: Access Sugba Lagoon, Mangrove Boardwalk, Maasin River, and the north coast without fighting GL traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
Pack light for Siargao: 2–3 swimwear sets , quick-dry clothing, a long-sleeve shirt for sun and scooter protection, reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ , insect repellent, a dry bag, closed-toe shoes for scooter riding, and a compact rain poncho for wet season (May–December). Skip jeans, formal clothes, and anything heavy; Siargao is casual, hot, and best explored with a light rucksack.
The Philippines uses 220V / 60Hz . Sockets accept Type A (flat two-pin, North American style) and Type B (flat two-pin + round ground). Type C (European two-pin round) also fits many sockets. Most modern device chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V); check your power brick label. You usually only need a plug adapter , not a voltage converter. A universal travel adapter covers everything.
Yes, reef-safe sunscreen matters at Siargao's coral reef breaks and lagoons. Use mineral/physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than chemical formulas containing oxybenzone or octinoxate. Reef-safe options exist in GL surf shops, but supply can be limited and prices are higher; bring from Manila or Cebu to be safe.
Leave behind: jeans (too hot, too slow to dry), formal clothes and dress shoes (no occasion for them), a hair dryer (guesthouses provide one, and your hair dries in minutes anyway), full-size toiletries (buy on-island), and any valuables you can't afford to lose. Keep your bag to a 30–40L rucksack if possible.
During the wet season (May–December), yes: a compact packable poncho is essential. Afternoon showers are common and can be heavy, and umbrellas are useless on a scooter. During dry season (January–April), rain is less frequent but a packable poncho takes almost no space and is cheap insurance.
Scooter rental is the primary way to explore Siargao; roads are mostly paved but can be narrow, potholed, and slippery after rain. Essential: closed-toe shoes (not flip-flops), a long-sleeve shirt for skin protection, and a helmet (required by law, provided with rental). An international or Philippine motorcycle license is technically required. Ride defensively, especially at night and after heavy rain. See our Siargao transport guide for rental costs and tips.
Almost packed — just need a room?
Mariden Resort in Del Carmen takes care of the rest: airport pickup (₱200) so you land and go straight to your room, Starlink WiFi, a pool, and Del Carmen's quiet north-coast pace. Rooms from ₱1,500/night (~$27 USD). Direct booking gets the best rate.
View Mariden Resort rooms →Related Guides
Planning Essentials:
- Best Time to Visit Siargao — Weather by month: the definitive guide to knowing what to pack
- Siargao Budget Guide — Full daily cost breakdown in PHP and USD
- Siargao Airport Guide — Arrivals, transfers, ATMs, and what to do on day one
- Transportation Guide — Scooter rental, tricycles, vans, and getting around
Activities to Pack For:
- Siargao Surfing Guide — Surf spots, lessons, board rental, and what to bring surfing
- Sugba Lagoon — Boat tour: reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, and water shoes essential
- Magpupungko Rock Pools — Tidal pools: bring reef footwear and sunscreen
- Taktak Falls — Jungle waterfall hike: closed-toe shoes and insect repellent
- Mangrove Boardwalk — Insect repellent a must at dusk