The world had stopped for us, travelers, because of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Oh boy! It’s been more than a year of staying at home. If you’ve got itchy feet right there, I bet you need a serious scratching. It’s just not so you when you’re stuck at home right? I feel you. Thankfully, a few Philippine tourist destinations had opened up their doors for travelers.
I flew to Siargao during this pandemic and if you want to hop on your first plane ride since Covid -19 had begun, here’s a guide for you.
Flying to Siargao
Siargao is a tear-dropped shape island in Mindanao. The easiest and fastest way to go there is by taking a plane ride. I must warn you that their airport is small that the only planes that fly there are small aircraft. Siargao is oozing with an adventure that even the mere getting into this island is an adventure in itself.
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Sky Jet Airlines have flights direct to Siargao from Manila. As of this writing, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are the ones with regular flights. Manila to Siargao will take you 2 hours of a plane ride. Fares for direct flights though could be expensive that ranges from 4,000 PH peso to 10,000 PH peso for a one-way ticket. It is recommended to watch out for seat sales if you’re pretty flexible with your travel schedule. I got mine from Philippine Airlines’ seat sale for only 941 PH pesos (one-way). You can also check Skyscanner for you to compare prices and check the cheapest flight. A cheaper alternative is to book a connecting flight in Cebu. You will have a few hours of layover in Cebu. If you don’t mind spending your time for a layover, this could be a perfect choice. If you’re flying from other parts of the Philippines aside from Manila, it is best to fly first to Cebu and then fly from Cebu to Siargao.
Now you’ve book your flight, but the world has entered into a new normal way of life a.ka. Covid is still there so a few requirements are needed for you to be able to travel.
Travel Requirements to Siargao for Tourists (Walk In)
- Negative RT PCR Swab or Saliva Test Result – The Swab or Saliva Test should be taken within 48 hours prior to your departure date and time in Siargao. This is also required even you’ve been partially or fully vaccinated. The swab or saliva test must be taken from DOH Accredited testing centers.
- Valid Identification Card
- Confirmed booking for 2 nights from a DOT Accredited accommodation.
- Traze App – You will need to download this application in your phone.
- E-health pass – Fill out the e-health pass just before your departure.
I first stayed in a homestay that is not a DOT Accredited and I fall into the category as Tourist invited by a local resident of Surigao del Norte.
Travel Requirements to Siargao for Tourists invited by a local resident of Surigao del Norte
- Negative RT PCR Swab or Saliva Test Result – The Swab or Saliva Test should be taken within 48 hours prior to your departure date and time in Siargao. This is also required even you’ve been partially or fully vaccinated. The swab or saliva test must be taken from DOH Accredited testing centers.
- Valid Identification Card
- Travel Certification issued by the Mayor of the City/Municipality of destination – the local resident will get this from the office of the Mayor of your destination and should provide this to you.
- Traze App – You will need to download this application in your phone.
- E-health pass – Fill out the e-health pass just before your departure.
Note that any person below fifteen (15) years old, those who are over sixty-five (65) years of age, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women are not allowed for leisure travel.
You already have the requirements to see Siargao (finally!). You will have to send all of these a day prior to your arrival to the official e-mail address of Siargao Tourism – sdntourism@gmail.com
The requirements keep on changing though so be sure to check the facebook page of Siargao Tourism Assistance here.
The Day of Flight
Be at the airport 3 hours before your flight. The airport check-in personnel will be checking the requirements needed to your destination so there will be added time consumed for every person checking in.
You will have to show the Negative RT PCR Swab or Saliva Test Result and email approval from Siargao Tourism when you check-in.
Arrival at Siargao Airport
You did it! Now that you have arrived at Siargao Airport, you will have to fall in line to present the requirements. Just make sure to practice social distancing.
First off, line up to scan the QR code using your downloaded Traze App on your phone. The second queue will be for your temperature check, presenting your valid identification card, E-health pass, and negative RT-PCR swab or saliva result.
The last step will be to pay the 20 PH peso environmental fee.
Getting to your Accommodation
Most tourists stay in General Luna where the main tourist attraction of Siargao is located – the Cloud 9. This is not to say that other areas do not have attractions to boast about. Definitely, other areas of Siargao such as Pacifico, Alegria, Santa Monica, and others are a must-visit in their own way. But more of that in a separate blog post.
Assuming you’ll be staying in General Luna, there are a lot of tourist vans parked just outside the airport, just tell them to drop you off at your accommodation. Their rate is 300 PH peso per person. If you have pre-arranged your van transfer, you will be met by your driver (usually with your written name) just outside the airport.
Yey! You’ve made it this far. There’s nothing to worry about but to enjoy Siargao. Surely, you will.
Gypcee Life 