You just booked your trip to the incredible island of Siargao and you want to make sure that you’re going to have some awesome photos to show your friends back home. Well, you’re in the right place!
After visiting this island for a little over a week and visiting every corner of it, I’m here to share with you the best photography locations in Siargao.
Some of these locations are popular while others are hidden from the masses of tourists. Either way, each of these places is unique and worth exploring.
Without any further ado, here are the most Instagrammable spots in Siargao!
Good to know – During my trip, I used a DJI Mavic Pro drone and a Canon M50 camera. When going on island hopping trips, I recommend having a waterproof GoPro camera.
Important! – While going island hopping or to any of the beaches below, I recommend buying a waterproof bag. Dan stumbled in the sea right near Guyam Island and broke his camera!
No time to read now? Pin it for later!
Top photography locations in Siargao
1. Naked Island
Just a short boat trip away from Siargao is the incredible Naked Island. You can get to this exotic paradise with an island hopping tour. A unique characteristic of this island is that there is nothing on it. No vegetation, no houses, no restaurants.
You’ll only be surrounded by natural beauty. Make sure to bring your swimsuit and enjoy the crystal-clear water! Naked island is definitely one of the most photogenic places in Siargao. Read more about it here.
2. Daku Island
Another beautiful island part of island hopping tours is Daku Island. This is a medium-sized island that a small community of people calls home. Here you’ll find a couple of local restaurants serving delicious seafood.
While on Daku Island, make sure to go for a swim and enjoy the scenic views in front of you. Every corner of this island is great for photos! Read more about Daku Island here.
3. Guyam Island
The small yet beautiful Guyam Island can be explored in a few minutes on foot. The small clump of palm trees, surrounded by turquoise water is the perfect backdrop for those looking for Instagram locations in Siargao.
To get to Guyam Island, you’ll have to book an island hopping tour. While here, explore the natural rock pools on the edge of the island! Read more about it here.
4. Sohoton Cove
One of the best photography spots in Siargao is the famous Sohoton Cove. You can visit it as a day trip and the views are simply incredible. You won’t grasp at the beauty of this place until you lift your drone and observe the hundreds of islands forming this national treasure.
At Sohoton Cove you’ll explore beautiful caves, and small bays all while being surrounded by some unique views. I highly recommend having a GoPro when visiting Sohoton Cove from Siargao. To book a tour of this little paradise, click here.
5. Sugba Lagoon
For those looking for a bit of adrenaline, visiting Sugba Lagoon is a must. If you’re up for it, jump from the tall wooden platform straight into the crystal-clear water.
If jumping from a high platform is not your thing, simply enjoy the views and take a swim while being surrounded by some of the Philippines’ best sceneries. Whatever you choose, a day trip to Sugba Lagoon is a must for any tourist visiting Siargao.
6. Cloud 9
Every surfer’s paradise and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Siargao, Cloud 9 is the perfect place to watch the sunset and take stunning photos. You can also visit it early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds.
While at Cloud 9, make sure to take a walk on the wooden suspended platform and admire the surfers enjoying each wave. It’s definitely one of the places you need to photograph in Siargao. You can book a tour online to visit Cloud 9.
7. Pacifico Beach
A more laid-back beach in Siargao, popular for surfing and not only is Pacifico Beach. It’s a bit further away from General Luna but the drive will be worth it.
You’ll be rewarded with a pristine beach, with white sand and turquoise water, guarded by tall palm trees. If you’re looking for a vacation away from the tourist crowds, you can book a few nights at the incredible Pacifico Beach Resort. Read more about it here.
8. Magpupungko Rock Pools
Every tourist who visits Siargao stops for a few photos at the natural wonder of Magpupungko Rock Pools. These natural pools filled with crystal-clear water are perfect for those who want to enjoy a refreshing bath while taking some awe-inspiring photos.
When visiting, make sure to check the tide. When the tide is too high, the rock pools are inaccessible. If you’re looking for Instagrammable destinations in Siargao, make sure to add this place to your itinerary! You can book a tour here!
9. Taktak Falls
Located in the northern part of the island, Taktak Falls is mostly visited by locals. Not many tourists venture this far north and that’s a shame! Even though Taktak Falls is not in my top Asian waterfalls ever visited, it’s still worth exploring.
After you park your motorbike, the waterfall is just a short walk away from the parking lot. Here you can try cliff jumping or simply sit back and relax away from the tourists.
10. The Bent Palm Tree
Another place worthy to be included in this list of best photography locations in Siargao is the famous Bent Palm Tree. For the best outcome, I recommend visiting it early in the morning when the tourist buses are not there yet.
For the best angle, shoot from the Maasin Bridge or lift your drone. You can even rent a boat, in case you want to paddle on the river. If you’re more adventurous, follow the locals and swing on the rope and then jump straight into the water.
11. Palm Tree Road
When you’re looking at photos of Siargao, you’ll certainly come across photos with a road located in the middle of a sea of palm trees. This is a popular place for photos on the island and it’s located on the Siargao Circumferential Road.
The closest section to General Luna where you can take such a photo is located right between the Palm Tree Lookout and the Maasin Bent Palm Tree. For the exact location, click here.
12. Palm Tree Lookout Point
While searching for the best photography spots in Siargao, I came across the Palm Tree Lookout Point (for the exact location, click here). Overlooking a huge jungle of coconut trees, this lookout point offers some of the best views on the island.
You can get here by motorbike or you can rent a tricycle from General Luna. If you feel comfortable driving a motorbike, I recommend renting one because it’s cheap (around 500 PHP per day) and you can explore lots of places in a single day. Read more about this viewpoint in this guide.
13. Tayangban Cave Pool
Would you swim in the darkness for around 10 minutes to get to a beautiful cave pool with turquoise water? If the answer is yes, you have to add Tayangban Cave Pool to your Siargao itinerary.
Located just 30 minutes drive away from General Luna, this cave pool is part of a very popular land tour in Siargao. Plan one entire day for this tour and enjoy all the sights!
14. Santa Monica Pier
If you want to photograph the daily life of the locals living on Siargao Island, head to Santa Monica Pier and you’ll meet local fishermen and villagers who will greet you with a big smile on their faces.
Not many people get to explore the northern part of the island so you won’t have to worry about hordes of tourists. Just relax and take some awesome photos!
15. Any beach on the island
Along the Siargao Circumferential Road, you’ll come across many small beaches, with no tourists in sight. Make sure to stop and explore them. You’ll be surprised by hidden gems that can be found in Siargao.
Where to stay in Siargao
When visiting Siargao, I recommend staying in General Luna. It’s the place where you’ll find lots of supermarkets, restaurants and a few ATMs. I’ve searched for the best hotels on the island for every budget and below are my recommendations.
- Budget – Ilakai Hostel – good location, clean rooms & bathrooms, friendly staff, good facilities, good value for money
- Mid-Range – DomuMia Villa – good location, great amenities, awesome staff, clean and spacious rooms
- Luxury – Las Palmas Villa – incredible pool, great location, luxurious rooms with amazing amenities, friendly staff, private and quiet
Final thoughts
These photography locations in Siargao are perfect for professional photographers and amateurs alike. Whether you want to take some photos for your Instagram profile or snap some pics for your photography portfolio, Siargao is the perfect destination.
If you’re planning for a trip to the Philippines, make sure to check out my travel guide. It includes information about costs, transport, food and much more!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. May the travel bug bite you!
Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!