10 BEST Surigao City Tourist Spots + Things to Do
The capital of Surigao del Norte, Surigao City is a laid-back destination often used as a gateway to popular destinations in Mindanao — including Siargao Island. However, travelers with a knack for off-the-beaten-path spots will find the city’s picturesque locales, friendly people, and cheap but delicious food appealing.
In this guide, we’ll take you around Surigao City, including the best Surigao City tourist spots and activities you should try.
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What to know about Surigao City
- Surigao City has a small domestic airport called Surigao Airport. Travelers who want to venture to Siargao Island but prefer not to book a direct flight due to high costs often fly here instead, as it is cheaper and is easily booked during seat sales.
- It is a casual, laid-back seaside town offering affordable accommodations and dining options. However, if you’re staying for a while, take note of unstable internet connection and lack of night life.
- It is friendly for foreigners and expats, although as it is not a major tourist destination, many residents only speak the local languages.
Surigao City Tourist Spots
Here are the best tourist spots in Surigao City, including city attractions, beaches, and islands.
1. Surigao City Boulevard
For a leisurely stroll or a relaxing evening by the sea, head to Surigao City Boulevard. This bustling promenade offers pleasant views of the sunset, as well as a variety of food stalls that offer delicious local delicacies, including seafood! It’s also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to unwind and enjoy the cool sea breeze.
2. Mabua Pebble Beach
The Philippines has all kinds of beautiful beaches — ranging from the creamy, white-sand shores of Boracay to the exotic island beaches of Palawan. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Mabua Pebble Beach comes along.
As its name suggests, Mabua Pebble Beach has a unique pebbly shore instead of sand. You can spend the day lounging in the beach, playing with different smooth pebbles or swimming in the crystal-clear water. There are day tour cottages you can rent and stores that offer freshly caught fish and other seafood to be cooked for you! A perfect spot for a picnic with family or friends.
This beach spot is popular among locals especially on holidays and weekends, so if you want a quieter experience then schedule your trip on a weekday.
3. Silop Multi-Caves
Silop Multi-Caves is one of the lesser-known tourist spots in Surigao City. Currently, two of the caves are open for exploration — each one offering its own charm. Marvel at the intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites that adorn the cavern walls and feel the cool, damp air enveloping you as you navigate through the passageways inside the caves.
This site is also a biodiversity spot, with different species of bats, fishes, and shrimps.
The cave is only several minutes away from the town proper and the tour itself takes less than an hour, making it a perfect side tour when you’re in the city.
4. Day-Asan Floating Village
Take a city break by going on day tour at Day-Asan Floating Village — one of the hidden gems of Surigao City. Weave through wooden houses perched above crystal-clear waters on a small boat or a paddleboard, learn about the mangroves and the life of the locals, and discover white-sand beach coves perfect for a quiet afternoon of beach bumming!
Day-Asan Floating Villages is simplicity at its finest and it’s one of our recommended Surigao City tourist spots that you should visit.
5. Hikdop Island
There are several islands you can visit from the town proper of Surigao City, and one of them is Hikdop Island.
Hop on a boat for an amazing day tour to this beautiful island, which features alluring beach caves and an underground wonder — the Buenavista Cave. Buenavista Cave is a 3-kilometer-long cave with three entrances and features spacious chambers, unique stalactites and stalagmites, and even an inner lagoon with cool, refreshing water. The tranquility of this place is surreal and it’s a great spot for spelunkers and those who love adventure.
6. Lake Mainit
If you want to feel the provincial vibes in Surigao City, there’s no better place to be than Lake Mainit. Considered the fourth largest lake in the Philippines, Lake Mainit stretches into several barangays and lies in the border of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte.
Pick a spot for picnicking near the lakeside and watch the serene vista with your family or friends. Rent a kayak, go boating around the lake, or explore a local cave. It’s a laid-back yet fun day trip destination if you’re coming from the city.
7. Basul Island
You can’t say you’ve explored the best tourist spots in Surigao City without setting foot on Basul Island. Located just 15 minutes away from Surigao Port, this small island features a picturesque shoreline with creamy sands and aquamarine water. The beach here is uncrowded, making it an idyllic spot for some solitude or that perfect beach-side picnic with friends.
You can also hike around the island to see unique rock formations.
Once you’ve ran out of steam, don’t forget to replenish yourself with fresh coconut water!
Basul Island is the kind of place where hours slip by unnoticed and where the sound of the ocean waves convinces you that maybe, just maybe, you were a beach bum in another life.
8. San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral
While in Surigao City, don’t forget to drop by San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral, a beautiful mid-17th century church located in the center of the city.
The church was originally built in 1754 by the Order of Augustinian Recollects. It was damaged by bombing during the WWII and was reconstructed in 1988. Today, it is considered the biggest Augustinian cathedral in the Surigao Region and a place for reflection and rest among the locals.
9. Go on a food trip
And of course, what’s a thrilling escapade without a taste of local flavors? From the freshest seafood grilled right before your eyes at the local markets to the exotic taste of sayongsong — a sweet Surigaonon delicacy, your palate will be just as adventurous as your feet.
Moreover, the food at Surigao City is cheap, so if you’re a certified foodie, you’ll find it affordable to try the different restaurants and food stalls in the city.
10. Explore nearby attractions
Surigao City is a great staging point to other destinations in Mindanao. Some of the places you can visit include:
- Siargao Island. One of the best travel destinations in the Philippines, known for its island beaches and waves for surfing.
- Enchanted River. A beautiful river located in the town of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
- Tinuy-an Falls. Sometimes called the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines,” this is a majestic three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
- Dinagat Islands. An underrated province offering island hopping opportunities, similar to the islands in El Nido, Palawan.
From Surigao City, you can also head for short vacation breaks to other provinces such as Camiguin, etc.
Where to stay in Surigao City:
Here are the best hotels and resorts in Surigao City:
- Casa Domingo de Surigao Hotel and Suites
- The Grande Suites
- Almont Beach Resort
- Mt. Baragabon Beach Hotel
Although it isn’t as traditionally “exciting” as other nearby cities and tourist attractions, Surigao City also offers interesting destinations to visit for travelers.
Don’t forget to check out our guide on the best tourist spots in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur region!
Have you been to Surigao City? Do you have other Surigao City tourist spots to recommend? Let us know in the comment section below!
What to read next:
Planning a trip to Mindanao? Check out these guides:
- Best Mindanao Tourist Spots + Things to Do
- Best Beaches in Mindanao
- 15 Mindanao Food You Need to Try
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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).
