As a digital nomad exploring Southeast Asia, the Philippines is a must-visit, and Siargao should top your list. Known as a world-class surfing destination, this stunning island also ranks among the best for beaches and natural beauty, alongside Boracay and El Nido.
While the island’s natural beauty and adventure opportunities are irresistible, you’re likely seeking more than just the perfect wave or scenic beach for your downtime. As a remote worker, having a productive space with reliable WiFi—preferably surrounded by stunning views—can make all the difference.
You’re in luck! We’ve rounded up the best coworking spaces and work-friendly spots in Siargao to help you balance work and play. Read on to discover where to set up your remote office in paradise!
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Why Siargao Must Be Your Next Travel Destination
Siargao is quickly gaining recognition as one of the best destinations for digital nomads in Southeast Asia. Known for its natural beauty and laid-back island lifestyle, it offers a perfect mix of work-life balance. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a community of like-minded travelers, Siargao has something for everyone. Here’s why this tropical paradise should be on your radar as a digital nomad.
1. Surfing Paradise with a Laid-Back Vibe
Siargao is a world-famous surfing destination with a uniquely relaxed atmosphere. Unlike other tourist-heavy spots in the Philippines, it offers a peaceful, welcoming vibe perfect for surfers and anyone seeking a break from the rush of city life.
2. Wild Nature in an Undeveloped Paradise
Despite its rising popularity, Siargao retains its wild charm, with lush forests, quiet beaches, and hidden lagoons. It’s a haven for those looking to connect with nature and escape the noise of urban areas.
3. Growing Digital Nomad Community
Siargao is quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads, with coworking spaces, remote-friendly cafes, and affordable living. Its emerging community makes it a great place to meet like-minded individuals while working in paradise.
4. Great Restaurants and Bars
The island offers a diverse food scene, from local Filipino dishes to trendy international cafes. Alongside the great dining, Siargao’s vibrant bar culture is ideal for unwinding with a drink after work.
5. Nightlife: Beachside Clubs and Parties
Siargao’s nightlife is lively, with beachside clubs and bars hosting parties almost every night. Whether you’re into live music, DJ sets, or just relaxing with a cocktail by the beach, there’s always something happening.
What to Know About Siargao as a Remote Worker
Before you head on to Siargao, let’s first talk about what you must know about traveling to the area as a remote worker.
1. Siargao’s Popular Attractions
Siargao, known as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” is a tropical paradise full of stunning natural beauty. With its lush palm forests, crystal-clear waters, and untouched wild nature, it’s the perfect place to soak up adventure and relax in a peaceful setting.
- Surfing
Siargao is a surfer’s paradise, with world-famous Cloud 9 offering powerful waves and a scenic boardwalk. For those seeking variety, other great surf spots include Pacifico, known for its quieter vibe and excellent breaks, and Jacking Horse, ideal for beginners.
- Island Hopping
Explore Siargao’s stunning islands, including Naked Island, a pristine sandbar perfect for sunbathing; Guyam Island, a tiny, picturesque island ideal for relaxing and snorkeling; and Daku Island, the largest of the three, offering long sandy beaches and fresh seafood dining experiences.
- Secret Beach
A tranquil and hidden gem where you can relax in peace during the day and, in the evening, enjoy a magical firefly boat tour to see these enchanting creatures light up the mangroves.
- Coconut Palm Forest
Endless rows of iconic coconut trees, providing stunning views and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
- Sohoton Cove National Park
A maze of caves, lagoons, and natural wonders, perfect for jellyfish spotting, kayaking, and cave exploration.
- Magpupungko Rock Pools
Natural tidal pools that appear during low tide, offering a unique spot for swimming, exploring rock formations, and snorkeling.
- Sugba Lagoon
A serene lagoon surrounded by lush mangroves and cliffs, ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and diving.
- Maasin River
A scenic river famous for its bent coconut tree rope swings, offering opportunities for swimming, rope swinging, and boat rides.
- Tayangban Cave Pool
A hidden cave trek leading to refreshing underground pools, great for swimming and exploring.
- Catangnan Bridge (Sunset Bridge)
The most popular sunset spot in town, Sunset Bridge is a lively gathering place in Siargao. Lined with food stalls, it’s the perfect spot to try local street food while enjoying breathtaking sunset views.
2. Modes of Transportation
To reach General Luna in Siargao from an international location, you’ll need to navigate through a series of flights and local transfers, as Siargao’s Sayak Airport (IAO) primarily handles domestic flights. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
International Flight to the Philippines:
- Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport – MNL): Many international airlines operate flights to Manila, the capital city.
- Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport – CEB): Alternatively, you can fly into Cebu, which also serves numerous international routes.
Domestic Flight to Siargao:
From Manila to Siargao:
- Airlines: Philippine Airlines and Cebgo offer flights from Manila to Sayak Airport.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
From Cebu to Siargao:
- Airlines: Cebgo and Ceb Pacific provide direct flights from Cebu to Sayak Airport.
- Duration: Around 1 hour.
Note: Flight schedules and availability can vary, so it’s advisable to check with the airlines for the most current information.
Transfer from Sayak Airport to General Luna:
Distance: Approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles).
Shared Van:
- Cost: Around PHP 300 per person.
- Duration: About 45min – 1 hour.
- Details: Vans are available outside the airport and typically wait until full before departing.
Private Transport:
- Cost: Starting from PHP 2,580 for a 9-seater van.
- Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
- Details: Ideal for groups seeking a direct transfer.
Motorbike Taxi (Habal-Habal):
- Cost: Around PHP 400.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Details: Suitable for solo travelers with minimal luggage.
Getting around Siargao
Getting around Siargao is part of the adventure! Here are the most popular modes of transportation on the island:
- Motorbikes and Scooters
The most common and convenient way to explore Siargao. You can rent a motorbike for around PHP 350–500 per day, giving you the freedom to visit beaches, lagoons, and local spots at your own pace. Just make sure to wear a helmet and drive cautiously!
- Tricycles
Tricycles are great for short distances or when traveling with a small group. You’ll often find them in towns like General Luna, and they’re perfect for quick trips to restaurants or markets. It typically costs 30-50 PHP per person within General Luna area.
3. Cost of Living
The cost of living will vary depending on your needs and preferences. Accommodation costs vary widely, with budget options like hostels and guesthouses priced between $10 and $20 per night. Mid-range boutique hotels and resorts typically range from $30 to $60, while luxury accommodations start at $100 per night and can go higher.
When it comes to dining, meals at local eateries are affordable, costing around $3 to $5. Western-style restaurants charge between $7 and $15 per meal, while street food is an even cheaper option at $1 to $2 per snack.
Activities are also reasonably priced. Surfboard rentals typically cost $5 to $10 per hour, while island-hopping tours are available for $20 to $30 per person. Many attractions charge small entrance fees, usually around $1 to $2.
In general, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day. Mid-range travelers typically spend $60 to $100 per day, while luxury travelers may spend $150 or more daily. These estimates depend on individual preferences, activities, and dining choices, but Siargao provides plenty of options for every type of visitor.
Top 10 Coworking Spaces and Places Worth Working from in Siargao
The best coworking spaces and places worth working from in Siargao were chosen because of their quality accommodation and amenities suitable for remote workers.
This includes their strategic location, comfortable rooms, WiFi connection, conducive workspace, and their cool atmosphere surrounded by nature! After all, any remote worker’s dream is to pass projects with the sand between their toes and the ocean calling mere steps away.
Let’s take a closer look at each coworking and coliving space you can consider for your upcoming trip to Siargao!
1. Alter Space
Alter Space, kicked off in 2023, stands as one of the coolest coworking spots in Siargao, brilliantly meeting the varied needs of remote workers and digital nomads. It’s jam-packed with solid internet, thanks to stable 50mbps fiber and Starlink satellite connections, and has got your back with generators during power cuts, air conditioning to chill, and free coffee to keep those creative juices flowing.
Open 24/7, it’s a haven for folks working in different time zones, ensuring everyone can find their productive groove. The vibe here is colorful and super friendly, making it a comfy place to work and connect. Alter Space also throws events now and then, creating the perfect setting to mingle with fellow nomads.
The prices at Alter Space are pretty reasonable, especially if you’re hanging around for a while (check out the price table below). They’ve also got virtual office services (for additional cost), offering a business address and admin support like mail forwarding and answering services.
Conveniently positioned, it’s just a quick one-minute stroll from the famous surf spot, Cloud 9, and yes, there’s a shower, so you can slide from catching morning waves straight into work mode. With its mix of handy features and cool vibe, Alter Space really sets the bar for coworking spots in the area.
| Workspace Name | Alter Space |
| Location | R566+VHJ ALTER SPACE, Star House, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines [Map] |
| Accommodation | No |
| Prices | 100 PHP/hour 400 PHP/day (8H) 1,500 PHP/weekly 2,800 PHP/10-day pass 2,800 PHP/14-day pass 3,000 PHP/monthly |
| Operating hours | 24/7 |
| High-speed Internet | Yes (Starlink + Fiber, 50MBPS) |
| Social activities | community events |
| Snacks | Free coffee/tea, and freshly baked treats available for sale |
2. Lexias Hostel
Lexias Hostel is one of the first fully-equipped coworking spaces in Siargao! Not only do they have a spacious space with all the things a remote worker needs. They also have amazing amenities, such as an infinity pool, a tropical courtyard garden, and their own restaurant.
Reviews have shared that the Internet is about 30-70 MBPS, which is fast enough for online meetings and downloading big files.
Lexias Hostel official website
☝️ Check out the walkthrough tour of Lexias Hostel by Meljean Solon, a digital nomad based in the Philippines.
| Resort Name | Lexias Hotel |
| Location | R534+5R General Luna, Surigao del Norte [Map] |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| Hot desk | $7/day $30/week $80/month |
| Operating hours | N/A |
| High-speed Internet | Yes, 30-70 MBPS |
| Social activities | Surfing, tours, community events |
| Restaurant/café | Yes |
3. Cocospace
Cocospace is a new coworking space in Siargao, located in the north of General Luna, just a 10-minute ride from Cloud 9, in a quiet and serene area of the island. It boasts excellent facilities, including Space X’s Starlink internet, ergonomic chairs, and numerous electricity outlets. In addition to the open coworking space, there are conference rooms, call booths, focus rooms, and outdoor workspaces.
The space also features a café, a community room where you can meet fellow digital nomads, a swimming pool, and a rooftop area. Cocospace is more than just a workspace; it serves as a community hub connecting digital nomads in Siargao.
For digital nomads who need to focus and get their work done efficiently, Cocospace is the perfect place.
| Workspace Name | Cocospace |
| Location | General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines [Map] |
| Accommodation | Coming Soon! |
| Hot desk | PHP 500/day PHP 2000/5 flexible days PHP 2000/7-day pass PHP 6000/month |
| Operating hours | Mon-Fri: 7:00-18:00 Sat-Sun: 10:00-18:00 |
| High-speed Internet | Starlink satellite internet |
| Social activities | community events |
| Restaurant/café | Yes |
4. Happiness Siargao
Located just a few steps away from General Luna Beach, Happiness Beach Resort Siargao offers clean and stylish boutique villas.
The property features a pool, restaurant, and bar on site, and in the evenings, you can take in live music or even join a party for a fulfilling nightlife experience. The resort offers free Wi-Fi.
Happiness Siargao official website
| Resort Name | Happiness Beach Resort / Happiness Hostel |
| Location | Q5W6+M2C, Tourism Rd, General Luna, Surigao del Norte [Map] |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| High-speed Internet | Yes |
| Social activities | Community events and outdoor activities |
| Restaurant/café | Yes |
5. Sunflower House Siargao
The Sunflower House is a simple, quaint accommodation that makes you truly feel like you’re at home! You won’t have a difficult time settling in your room because you will be greeted by the warm staff and nature-inspired accommodation.
Once you head out and explore the area, you will be surrounded by their green gardens and the beach mere steps away. Work outside in your own designated space by your room with ease!
Sunflower House Siargao official Facebook
| Resort Name | Sunflower House Siargao |
| Location | Q5V4+7VF, General Luna, Surigao del Norte [Map] |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| High-speed Internet | Yes |
| Social activities | Tours |
| Restaurant/café | No |
6. Bravo Siargao
They have common areas where you can work in peace, with the waves crashing as your music. Both the resort and restaurant are conducive for working, especially with their Internet connection fast enough for Zoom meetings.
They even offer complimentary buffet breakfasts, so you’ll surely be filled with good food to begin your day at work or by the beach!
Bravo Siargao official website
| Resort Name | Bravo Siargao |
| Location | Siargao Island, Tourism Rd, General Luna, 8419 Surigao del Norte [Map] |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| High-speed Internet | Yes |
| Social activities | Water activities, tours, skating, yoga classes |
| Restaurant/café | Yes |
7. Spotted Pig Cafe
Spotted Pig Cafe is a cozy and stylish café located in General Luna, welcoming digital nomads and visitors alike. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for working or relaxing. Guests can purchase vouchers for Wi-Fi, making it an ideal spot for those needing internet access.
The café is renowned for its perfectly brewed coffee and a delightful selection of fresh homemade meals and sweets. Whether you’re looking for a productive workspace or a place to enjoy delicious food and drinks, Spotted Pig Cafe is the perfect destination.
| Cafe Name | Spotted Pig Cafe |
| Location | Tourism Rd, General Luna, 8419 Surigao del Norte, Philippines [Map] |
| Operating hours | 7:00AM-6:00PM |
| High-speed Internet | Yes |
| Restaurant/café | Yes |
8. Siargao Island Villas
Siargao Island Villas is another good place to stay for both short-term and long-term as you truly feel like you’re a local! Their accommodation combines the Siargao lifestyle and elegance in their rooms. Moreover, they also offer luxurious amenities, including common spaces where you can work in comfort with fast WiFi.
Siargao Island Villas official Facebook page
| Resort Name | Siargao Island Villas |
| Location | Barangay, Tourism Rd, General Luna, 8419 Surigao del Norte [Map] |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| High-speed Internet | Yes |
| Social activities | Tours |
| Restaurant/café | Yes |
9. Tropic Siargao Hostel
This is a fun hostel that prioritizes your comfort and enjoyment! You will get to work in their natural bamboo houses or outdoors by the beach.
The only caveat is the Internet connection, which has an average speed of 10-30 MBPS. While this makes heavy downloads challenging, you will still be able to work properly and conduct Zoom meetings smoothly.
Tropic Siargao Hostel official Facebook
| Resort Name | Tropic Siargao Hostel |
| Location | Brgy. Purok 4 General Luna Siargao Surigao del Norte Philippines 8419 Surigao, Philippines [Map] |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| High-speed Internet | 10-30 MBPS |
| Social activities | Yes, community events |
| Restaurant/café | Yes |
10. Sinag Hostel
The Sinag Hostel is a fantastic place to meet fellow digital nomads and travelers. You can make a lot of new friends and connections because of their close-knitted sense of community. While the workspace is a bit small, it is cozy, where you can work in an open area with fresh air the entire day! The Internet connection ranges from 10-50 MBPS, which is fair enough, though be patient when uploading or downloading large files. Either way, it is adequate enough and the many amenities trump any disadvantages, from the cozy, affordable rooms down to the mouthwatering local dishes.
| Resort Name | Sinag Hostel |
| Location | R556+234, Tourism Rd, General Luna, Surigao del Norte [Map] |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| High-speed Internet? | 10-50 MBPS |
| Social activities | Yes, community events |
| Restaurant/café? | Yes |
What to Check Before Booking a Coworking/Coliving Space in Siargao
Now that you know more about traveling to Siargao, what about the places to stay in?
No matter where you travel to, you will always need to consider your accommodation or where you plan to work in. Remember, you’ve still got deadlines to pass and meetings to attend!
Because of that, you’ll want to check for the following features or amenities in coworking spaces and places worth working from in Siargao:
1. Atmosphere
Why did you choose to become a remote worker? Because you want a change of scenery and more freedom! As such, you wouldn’t want to go to Siargao only to feel cramped in a tiny space or feel like you’re working in a dark office.
No, you came to Siargao because you want to experience the tropics! You want to be immersed in the lovely culture of the Philippines, meet friendly locals, and be surrounded by untouched nature, all the while being able to work comfortably in a good spot.
That’s why you must ensure that the space you choose will help keep you inspired and motivated to work. Nothing more like an all-natural and bright environment to get the brain working!
In Siargao, you can find coworking spaces and coliving accommodations located right by the beaches or lush greens.
2. Internet
Great news everyone! If you’ve been struggling with internet connection on Siargao Island, you’ll be thrilled to know that this is now a thing of the past. The long-standing connectivity issues faced by many areas in the Philippines, apart from the big cities, have finally been addressed.
Thanks to Elon Musk’s SpaceX and its low-earth-orbit satellite internet service, Starlink, which officially launched in the Philippines in February 2023. Starlink is now available in Siargao and is expected to deliver internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps, which is a significant improvement.
This game-changing development means that you can now expect seamless internet connection at hotels, guest houses, and Airbnb’s. It also means that coworking spaces and cafes with robust internet connection will start popping up, attracting global digital nomads to Siargao.
But wait, there’s more! The Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) has also reached Siargao, promising even better connectivity for residents, tourists, and businesses. The fiber internet connection is set to be available in April 2023.
So, get ready to say goodbye to slow internet connection and hello to a better, faster and more reliable internet experience in Siargao!
3. Comfy Chairs and Tables
Don’t sacrifice your comfort just to save! There are great coworking and coliving spaces in Siargao that offer the perfect balance of affordability and pleasure.
The same goes for coworking spaces! In Siargao, you can find numerous spaces that offer a variety of shared or private desks with ergonomic chairs, sturdy desks, and that amazing view you need.
4. Extra Amenities
While some coliving and coworking spaces offer only the basic necessities, many places in Siargao go the extra mile!
Some coliving accommodations offer amenities like coworking spaces, a pool, community events, and their own café to grab food. The same goes for coworking spaces, with may offer meeting rooms, nap areas, beach access, and even free unlimited beverages!
Wrapping It Up
Siargao is a remote worker’s dream, especially if you’re up for a ton of surf and adventure in a tropical paradise! This travel destination is becoming more and more suitable for remote workers because of its abundance of good eats, fast Internet connection, affordable accommodation, and numerous activities to participate in.
So, when you’re planning to head to Siargao to do some work while enjoying the waves, make sure you have these coworking and coliving spaces in mind.
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