More Than Surf: How the ‘Siargao Curse’ Is Turning Travelers Into Locals

Known for its towering waves and laid-back island vibe, Siargao has transformed from a sleepy surf town into a leading destination for domestic travel. Yet beyond the photos of sun-kissed beaches and surfers riding Cloud 9, the island holds a deeper appeal—a sense of community, resilience and a growing movement for sustainable tourism.

The so-called “Siargao curse” refers to the irresistible pull of the island, one that has convinced many visitors, including celebrities and everyday travelers, to make it their permanent home. For Manila native Elaine Abonal, founder of Surfista Surf School, it was surfing that first drew her to Siargao. She eventually planted roots on the island, building a life around her passion.

“I’ve been surfing for around 20 years,” Abonal shared. “I started as a student in Manila, traveling to La Union and Baler. Then I came to Siargao—and that was it. The people are friendly, the waves are great, and it feels like home.”

A Destination That Heals and Inspires

More than a vacation spot, Siargao has become a place of refuge and recovery. Travelers find solace in the rhythm of the waves, the simplicity of island life, and the disconnection from urban noise.

Clinical psychologists have long observed the mental health benefits of nature-based travel. Spending time near water, engaging in outdoor activities, and being immersed in community life help reduce stress and enhance well-being. In Siargao, those benefits are experienced daily, whether through surfing at dawn or sharing grilled fish with neighbors at sundown.

“You really need to want to be here,” Abonal said. “There are brownouts, floods, and other inconveniences. But the life you build—close to the ocean, nature, and your passions—makes it all worth it.”

Practical Access and Travel Logistics

Despite its far-flung feel, Siargao is highly accessible. Direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark land at Sayak Airport, about 45 minutes from General Luna, the island’s main tourism hub. From there, visitors can take shared vans or rent motorbikes to explore the area.

Accommodations range from luxury beachfront villas to eco-friendly hostels, catering to honeymooners, backpackers, and families alike. Local businesses offer surf lessons, motorbike rentals, yoga sessions, and guided island tours. The cost of living and doing business remains lower than in major cities, making it an appealing destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.

Local Tourism as an Economic Engine

Tourism is now the backbone of Siargao’s economy. When Super Typhoon Odette devastated the island in 2021, infrastructure was wiped out, homes were lost, and livelihoods were disrupted. But within days, locals were back in the water, surfing and rebuilding—not just for themselves, but for the survival of the tourism industry that supports them.

Abonal recalls, “The day after the storm, people were surfing again. It helped us heal psychologically. It reminded us why we’re here and gave us the energy to start again.”

Today, tourism supports a wide array of sustainable jobs in Siargao—from surf instructors and boatmen to local artisans, café owners, and tour operators. Many locals, once dependent on fishing or farming, now work in service roles, gaining income that supports their families while staying in their communities.

Sustainability as a Way of Life

Siargao is also becoming a model for sustainable tourism. Local government units and private stakeholders have implemented environmental safeguards, such as restrictions on single-use plastics, coastal clean-up programs, and stricter development regulations to protect mangroves and marine life.

Community-led efforts have also blossomed. Grassroots organizations teach tourists how to engage respectfully with nature, offering eco-tours that promote awareness of local ecosystems. Newer businesses incorporate green building practices, solar energy, and zero-waste operations.

“There’s no place like home,” said Abonal, “but we have to take care of it. The ocean gives us so much, and we owe it to the island to respect and protect it.”

Advice for Aspiring Islanders

The island life may seem idyllic, but it comes with challenges. For those dreaming of moving to Siargao, Abonal offers practical and heartfelt advice.

“You have to love the ocean, surfing, and the community. Life here isn’t always easy, but it’s fulfilling,” she said. “You won’t make much money in the beginning, but if you believe in what you’re doing and do it with love, it’ll work out.”

Her story, like many others on the island, underscores how tourism can fuel personal growth and community resilience. By focusing on what truly matters—passion, purpose, and place—Siargao has become more than just a surf spot. It’s a destination where travel changes lives.

The Island Awaits

For Filipinos looking for a meaningful getaway, Siargao offers more than just scenic views. It’s a place where wellness, livelihood, and sustainable living come together. As tourism continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, destinations like Siargao remind us that local travel can be both restorative and responsible.

“Life is never boring here,” Abonal said with a smile. “You just have to love it—all of it.”