Siargao is a relatively small island, but getting around efficiently can make or break your vacation experience. Unlike major tourist destinations in the Philippines, Siargao has no Grab, no Uber, and limited public transportation. Your main options are tricycles, motorcycle rentals, habal-habal (motorcycle taxis), and private van services. Understanding how each works - and what you'll pay - helps you budget properly and avoid tourist pricing. This guide covers everything from airport transfers to navigating between Del Carmen, General Luna, and the island's top attractions.
Quick Facts
- No Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab, Uber, and similar services don't operate in Siargao
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Main Transport Options:
- Tricycle - Local transport for short trips
- Motorcycle Rental - Most popular for tourists (₱500-600/day)
- Habal-Habal - Motorcycle taxi for longer distances
- Van Rental - Groups and families (₱2,500-4,000/day)
- Bicycle - Limited to short distances in town areas
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From Siargao Airport (IAO):
- To Del Carmen: 5-10 minutes (₱50-100 by tricycle)
- To General Luna: 45-60 minutes (₱400-600 by tricycle, ₱2,500-3,000 by private van, ₱300/person shared van)
- Road Conditions: Mostly paved on main routes; some rough patches on east coast
- Gas Stations: Limited - plan fuel stops, especially when touring north/east
- Mandatory Tourism Fee: ₱100 per person collected at airport/port (₱80 for seniors/PWD)
From the Airport: Your First Ride
Siargao Airport (Sayak Airport, IAO) is located in Del Carmen, making it the most convenient base for travelers.
To Del Carmen (5-10 minutes)
Best Option: Tricycle
- Rate: ₱50-100 (negotiate before boarding)
- Time: 5-10 minutes
- Ideal For: Solo travelers, couples, small families
- Where to Find: Tricycles wait outside the arrival area
Alternative: Habal-Habal
- Rate: ₱50-80
- Time: 5-10 minutes
- Ideal For: Solo travelers with light luggage
Pro Tip: Mariden Resort is just 5 minutes from the airport in Del Carmen. Request airport pickup when booking - we'll meet you at arrivals with a tricycle or van.
To General Luna (45-60 minutes)
Option 1: Shared Van (Best Value)
- Rate: ₱300 per person (standardized rate)
- Time: 45-60 minutes
- Note: Wait until van fills; departs when full
Option 2: Tricycle
- Rate: ₱400-600 (entire tricycle)
- Time: 45-60 minutes
- Capacity: 2-3 passengers + luggage
- Comfort: Basic; can be bumpy
Option 3: Private Van
- Rate: ₱2,500-3,000 (entire vehicle)
- Time: 45-60 minutes
- Capacity: Up to 10 passengers
- Comfort: Much better for groups/families
Option 4: Pre-Booked Transfer
- Many GL resorts offer airport pickup (₱800-1,200)
- Arrange in advance via email or booking confirmation
Tricycles: The Local Workhorse
Tricycles are motorcycle sidecars - the most common form of local transport in Siargao. They're cheap, readily available, and perfect for short trips around town.
Typical Rates (as of 2025)
Within Town (Del Carmen or General Luna):
- Short trips (1-3 km): ₱20-30 per person (shared ride daytime), ₱50 per person (night trips to Cloud 9)
- Example: Mariden Resort to Del Carmen market = ₱20-30
Between Towns:
- Del Carmen ↔ Dapa: ₱200-300 (whole tricycle)
- Del Carmen ↔ General Luna: ₱400-600 (whole tricycle)
To Tourist Spots:
- Del Carmen → Sugba Lagoon jump-off: ₱50-100
- Del Carmen → Mangrove Boardwalk: ₱80-120
- General Luna → Cloud 9: ₱30-50
How to Ride Tricycles Like a Local
1. Flag Down or Find Terminals
Tricycles congregate at public markets, town centers, and tourist spots. Flag them down on main roads (just wave your hand).
2. Negotiate BEFORE Boarding
Ask "Magkano? or Pila?" (How much?) before getting in. Agree on the price to avoid disputes. Tourist areas = higher rates; negotiate firmly but fairly.
3. Shared vs. Whole Tricycle
- Shared: You pay per person; driver picks up other passengers (cheaper, slower)
- Whole Tricycle: You pay for the entire vehicle (faster, more convenient)
4. Expect Delays
Tricycles are slow (max 30-40 km/h on good roads). Allow extra time for longer journeys.
Image courtesy of Aura
Motorcycle Rentals: The Tourist Favorite
Renting a motorcycle is the most popular and flexible way to explore Siargao. It gives you freedom to visit beaches, lagoons, and waterfalls at your own pace.
Rental Rates (2025)
Scooter/Automatic (e.g., Honda Click, Yamaha Mio):
- Daily Rate: ₱500-600
- Weekly Rate: ₱3,000-3,500 (discount for longer rentals)
- Best For: Beginners, couples, short trips
Manual Motorcycle (e.g., Honda TMX, Suzuki Raider):
- Daily Rate: ₱500-600
- Weekly Rate: ₱3,000-3,500
- Best For: Experienced riders, rough roads, longer distances
What's Included:
- Helmet (1-2 helmets depending on rental)
- Sometimes: Rain poncho, phone holder
What's NOT Included:
- Fuel (₱60-70 per liter as of 2025)
- Insurance (most rentals have no formal insurance)
Where to Rent
Del Carmen:
- Ask your resort (Mariden Resort can arrange motorcycle rentals)
- Local shops near the market or airport
- Rates: ₱400-500/day
General Luna:
- Numerous rental shops along Tourism Road and main streets
- More competition = slightly lower prices (₱350-450/day)
Tip: Book directly with your resort for accountability and easier communication if issues arise.
Riding Tips & Safety
🛵 Know Before You Go
- Philippine Driving License Required: International licenses technically need a local permit
- Left-Side Traffic: Philippines drives on the RIGHT side (not left like UK/Japan)
- Road Conditions: Main roads paved; some east coast routes have rough patches
- No Street Lights: Night riding is dark and dangerous - avoid it
⚠️ LICENSE ENFORCEMENT (2025 UPDATE): Frequent checkpoints in Dapa and General Luna where police specifically check for valid licenses and helmets. Riding without a license can lead to ₱2,500 fine and vehicle impoundment.
⛽ Gas Stations
- Del Carmen: Gas station near town center
- General Luna: Multiple gas stations on Tourism Road
- East Coast (Pilar): Limited options - fuel up before heading out
- Average Tank: ₱100-150 to fill a scooter
🧢 What to Wear
- Helmet: ALWAYS wear it (required by law)
- Long Pants: Protect from sunburn and road rash
- Closed Shoes: Flip-flops are dangerous
📱 Navigation
- Download offline Google Maps (spotty signal in remote areas)
- Ask locals for directions (very friendly and helpful)
⚠️ Common Hazards
- Loose gravel on turns (especially after rain)
- Dogs crossing roads suddenly
- Potholes on secondary roads
- Habal-habal cutting in front of you
Fuel Costs & Range
Typical Fuel Efficiency:
- Scooter/Automatic: 30-40 km per liter
- Manual Motorcycle: 25-35 km per liter
Sample Trip Fuel Costs:
- Del Carmen → Magpupungko Rock Pools (30 km roundtrip): ~1 liter = ₱60-70
- Del Carmen → General Luna → Cloud 9 (80 km roundtrip): ~2-3 liters = ₱120-210
Habal-Habal: Motorcycle Taxis
Habal-habal are motorcycle taxis - locals who offer rides on their personal motorcycles. They're faster and more convenient than tricycles for longer distances.
When to Use Habal-Habal
- You don't want to rent a motorcycle but need to travel between towns
- Tricycles are too slow for your itinerary
- You're solo and want door-to-door service
Typical Rates
Short Trips (5-10 km):
- ₱50-100 per person
Medium Trips (10-30 km):
- ₱100-200 per person
- Example: Del Carmen → Pilar town = ₱150-200
Long Trips (30+ km):
- ₱200-400 per person
- Example: Del Carmen → General Luna = ₱300-400
Pro Tip: Negotiate rates upfront. Habal-habal drivers are usually fair, but confirm the price before departing.
Van Rentals: For Groups & Families
Renting a private van is ideal for families, groups, or travelers with lots of luggage.
Rental Options
Daily Van Rental:
- Rate: ₱2,500-4,000 per day (8-10 hours, max 200 km)
- Capacity: Up to 10 passengers
- Includes: Driver, fuel (within km limit)
- Best For: Group tours, airport transfers for families
Hourly Rental:
- Rate: ₱500-800 per hour
- Minimum: 4 hours
- Best For: Short group trips (e.g., Del Carmen → Sohoton Cove)
Where to Book:
- Through your resort
- Tour operators in General Luna or Del Carmen
- Pre-book via Facebook groups or tour websites
Driving Tips: Road Conditions & Navigation
Main Routes
Siargao Circumferential Road:
- Paved road circling the island
- Connects Del Carmen, Pilar, General Luna, and Dapa
- Generally good condition with some rough patches
Del Carmen ↔ General Luna (30 km):
- 30-40 minutes by motorcycle
- Paved, but some curves and elevation changes
Del Carmen ↔ Magpupungko (30 km):
- 30-35 minutes by motorcycle
- Paved with occasional rough sections near Pilar
General Luna ↔ Cloud 9 (5 km):
- 10-15 minutes by motorcycle
- Well-paved (heavy tourist traffic)
Navigation & GPS
- Google Maps: Generally accurate for main roads
- Offline Maps: Download Siargao maps before arriving (limited signal in remote areas)
- Ask Locals: Filipinos are incredibly helpful - don't hesitate to ask for directions
Safety & Rules
- Speed Limits: 40-60 km/h in towns
- Helmet Laws: Required by law; police checkpoints possible
- Drunk Driving: NEVER drink and ride (common cause of accidents)
- Night Riding: Avoid if possible (dark roads, no street lights, higher accident risk)
📍 Start Your Siargao Adventure from Del Carmen
Mariden Resort's strategic location makes getting around Siargao easier and more affordable:
- 5 minutes from the airport — No expensive transfers; start exploring immediately
- Central to all attractions — Shorter rides to Sugba, Sohoton, Magpupungko, and GL
- Motorcycle rentals available — We'll help you arrange reliable rentals
- Free airport pickup — For bookings of 7+ nights (tricycle only)
- Local transport tips — We'll share current rates and routes to save you money
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Uber do not operate in Siargao. You must use tricycles, habal-habal, motorcycle rentals, or private vans.
Scooters/automatics cost ₱500-600 per day (2025 rates). Manual motorcycles cost ₱500-600 per day. Weekly rentals offer discounts (₱3,000-3,500/week). Fuel costs ₱60-70 per liter as of 2025.
Yes, and enforcement has increased in 2025. Frequent police checkpoints in Dapa and General Luna specifically check for valid licenses and helmets. Riding without a license can result in a ₱2,500 fine and vehicle impoundment. Obtain a Philippine driving license or international driving permit (IDP) before traveling.
It's generally safe if you're an experienced rider and follow safety precautions (helmet, long pants, defensive driving). Roads have hazards like loose gravel, potholes, and stray dogs. Avoid night riding. If you're not confident, stick to tricycles or hire habal-habal.
Del Carmen is approximately 30 km from General Luna. Travel time is 30-40 minutes by motorcycle or van, and 45-60 minutes by tricycle.
Main gas stations are in Del Carmen (town center) and General Luna (Tourism Road). The east coast (Pilar, Malinao) has limited options. Always fuel up before long trips or touring remote areas.
Tricycles are motorcycle sidecars that fit 2-4 passengers and are slower (max 30-40 km/h). Habal-habal are motorcycle taxis (you ride on the back) that are faster and better for longer distances. Habal-habal is more expensive but more convenient.
Related Guides
Planning Your Trip:
- Budget Guide - Complete cost breakdowns
- Sample Itineraries - Day-by-day trip plans
- Siargao Airport Guide - Arrival and departure tips
- Del Carmen vs General Luna - Where to stay
- Best Time to Visit - Weather and seasonal guide
Top Attractions:
- Sugba Lagoon - 5 minutes from Del Carmen Tourism Center
- Magpupungko Rock Pools - 30 minutes from Del Carmen
- Tri-Island Tour - Departs from General Luna