Step 1: Davao City to Surigao City by Car
Distance: ~350 km
Travel Time: ~9–10 hours (depending on stops and road conditions)
Route:
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Davao City → Butuan City: Take the Pan-Philippine Highway (AH26) northbound. This segment is well-paved and passes through towns like Tagum and Carmen. Expect ~5–6 hours of driving
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Butuan City → Surigao City: Continue on AH26 eastward toward Surigao. The road winds through coastal areas like San Francisco and Bislig, offering Pacific Ocean views. Allocate ~4 hours for this stretch
Key Stops & Tips:
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Aliwagwag Falls (Cateel): A detour off the highway (Road 906) leads to this stunning multi-tiered waterfall. Bring swimwear for a refreshing break
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Baganga Sunrise Boulevard: A scenic coastal stretch with mangrove forests—ideal for photos
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Fuel/Meals: Gas stations and roadside eateries (carenderias) are plentiful along AH26. Fill up in Butuan for the Surigao leg.
Step 2: Surigao City to Siargao Island by Ferry
Ferry Options:
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RORO Ferry:
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Departure: Surigao Port (Lipata Terminal) to Dapa Port, Siargao.
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Schedule: Typically 1–2 trips daily (e.g., 5:30 AM, 12:00 PM).
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Duration: ~4 hours.
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Fare: ~₱210/passenger + ₱1,500–₱3,000 for a car (rates vary by size)
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Fastcraft:
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Operators: Evaristo & Sons or Atlantis Yohan Express.
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Duration: ~2 hours.
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Fare: ₱300–₱520/passenger (no car transport)
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Booking Tips:
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Advance Reservations: For RORO, book via Barkota or at the port. Arrive 2 hours early for vehicle boarding
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Terminal Fees: ₱10–₱30/person at Surigao Port
Step 3: Siargao Island (Dapa Port to General Luna)
Distance: ~15 km
Travel Time: ~30 minutes by car.
Route: From Dapa Port, follow signs to General Luna (GL), the tourist hub. Roads are narrow but paved.
Tips:
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Parking: Most accommodations in GL offer parking. Scooters (₱350–₱500/day) are better for exploring the island’s tight roads
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Tolls/Fees: None, but some attractions charge parking fees (e.g., Magpupungko Rock Pools: ₱50)
Estimated Costs & Essentials
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Fuel (Davao–Surigao): ~₱3,000–₱4,000 (round trip).
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Ferry (Car + Passengers): ~₱3,000–₱5,000 (round trip).
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Accommodation: Overnight in Surigao if needed (e.g., EY Miner Suites: ₱800–₱1,000/night)
Packing Checklist:
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Car Documents: Driver’s license, car registration, and ferry tickets.
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Essentials: Spare tire, first-aid kit, snacks, and cash (ATMs are scarce in Surigao Port)
Alternative: Drive + Ferry Combo
If driving the entire way feels daunting:
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Drive Davao → Surigao, then park your car in Surigao (secure parking: ~₱200/day).
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Take a fastcraft to Siargao and rent a scooter there
Key Considerations
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Ferry Schedules: Confirm times in advance—weather delays are common in monsoon season (June–Nov) .
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Road Conditions: Coastal roads (e.g., Bislig–Surigao) may have potholes; drive cautiously
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Time Management: Start early (e.g., 4 AM from Davao) to reach Surigao for afternoon ferries.
For real-time updates, contact:
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Surigao Port: +63 86 231 3191.
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Evaristo & Sons Ferry: +63 930 057 5555.
Safe travels!





