5 Unhinged Ways I Saved Money Traveling to Siargao

Save big in Siargao without sacrificing fun. Here are 5 unconventional money-saving travel hacks I used to spend only PHP 12K in 2 weeks.

Author

Marianne Lim
November 17, 2025

I went back to Siargao last September and stayed for two weeks. 

It’s a beautiful place, but it’s not cheap. Meals can easily cost PHP 400, coffee is often PHP 200, and accommodations add up quickly. When you multiply that by 14 days, the total becomes overwhelming.

But somehow, I spent only around PHP 12,000 for the entire trip (yes, including plane tickets). 

These choices won’t work for everyone, and I’ll admit that luck played a role. But if you’re someone who wants to travel without coming home broke, these might give you something to think about.

In today’s edition, we’ll go over:

  • 5 Odd Ways to Save Money in Siargao - self-explanatory!

TLDR;

The Bottom Line

I spent two weeks in Siargao for only PHP 12,000. I stayed with a friend, shared motor rides, cooked meals from the market, skipped expensive coffee, and explored without joining paid tours.

It wasn’t about being cheap (most times) but about being intentional.

The content

Here are 5 Odd Ways to Save Money in Siargao

1. I stayed at a friend’s apartment.

A friend invited me to stay with her for free (something I’m very aware is not a standard option). But it made a huge difference. The cheapest hostels in Siargao are around PHP 500 per night, usually without air-conditioning. Staying for two weeks at that rate would’ve cost at least PHP 7,000.

This experience reminded me that sometimes, saying yes at the right moment is already a form of financial strategy.

2. I didn’t rent my own motor. I shared the ride.

Instead of renting my own motorbike, I just rode with my friend. We went to the same places anyway, and splitting the cost of gas meant I still had mobility without the full expense of rental fees.

The motor bike we shared (until it broke down and had to get a new one)

3. We bought fresh ingredients and cooked most meals.

We went to the wet market and bought fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables. One grocery trip would cost at most a thousand, and we make made meals that lasted for days — salads and rice bowls that were filling and nourishing.

Shrimp and squash cooked with coconut milk. I also bought red rice.

Also if you’re an extrovert, you can score free meals during Siargao fiestas. My friend and I went house hopping to get free lunch on a Saturday.

4. I chose cheap coffee.

I survived most days on Don Macchiato coffee: the underdog of caffeine. It’s not amazing, but it’s 39 pesos and it works. Just ask for extra coffee and less milk for the extra caffeine taste. You can also ask them to remove the syrups (they’re very sweet and not worth the calories).

Most of the time, we’re not paying for the coffee itself, but for the feeling of being in a café. Letting go of that saved me more than I expected.

Cebu represent! jk

5. I skipped the organized tours and explored on my own.

Land tours in Siargao cost around PHP 1,200 to PHP 1,500. Instead, I rented a motor with a friend, split the cost, and followed the same route. Many of the spots (coconut roads, secret beach, Maasin river) have little to no entrance fees.

Also, please go to Tayangban Cave Pool! It’s not part of any tours (hence why I discourage them) but it’s honestly one of the best activities I did in Siargao.

Inside of Tayangban Cave Pool

For water activities, skip the generic island tours and go for the tour with the Sohoton Cove, lagoons and lakes (the places unique only to Siargao). If you’re from the Philippines, the Tri-island tour is basically the same with the rest of the island hopping tours in other islands.

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