· PH

Surigao

Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Discover the Untouched Beauty of Surigao City Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Surigao City, the "City of Island Adventures" nestled in the heart of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. Mor…

#Surfing#Island Hopping#Beaches#Diving#Adventure

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Surigao.

Top Hotels in Surigao

Top Flights to Surigao

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Surigao.

Tours

Visiting Surigao del Norte Provincial Capitol

Admire the impressive architecture of the provincial capitol and the surrounding gardens.

Explore Mabua Pebble Beach

Unique beach known for its smooth pebbles instead of sand, perfect for a quiet day by the sea.

Shopping

Shopping in Gaisano Capital Surigao

A popular shopping mall featuring a variety of international and local brands.

Outdoor

Island Hopping in Siargao

Explore the beautiful islands of Siargao through guided tours and boat rides.

Sohoton Cove Adventure

Dive into the enchanting world of Sohoton Cove with its crystal-clear waters and unique cave formations.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Surigao.

Currency

₱ | PHP | Philippine Peso

Population

171107.0

Languages

Cebuano, Surigaonon, Tausug, English

Average weather

Surigao

Jan

30°24°

Feb

30°24°

Mar

31°24°

Apr

32°25°

May

32°25°

Jun

31°25°

Jul

31°25°

Aug

31°25°

Sep

31°25°

Oct

31°25°

Nov

31°25°

Dec

30°24°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Surigao.

What people love

Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, Philippines offers a unique travel experience with several attractions and activities that travelers can enjoy. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Surigao:

Siargao Island: Surigao City is the gateway to Siargao Island, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class surfing spots such as Cloud 9. Travelers can relax on the beautiful beaches, surf the waves, explore the mangrove forests, and enjoy the laid-back island vibe.
Enchanted River: Located in nearby Hinatuan, the Enchanted River is a breathtaking natural wonder with its deep blue waters, surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or simply admire the beauty of the river and its enchanting underwater cave system.
Tinuy-an Falls: A few hours' drive from Surigao City, Tinuy-an Falls is known as the "Niagara Falls of the Philippines" due to its majestic three-tiered cascades. Travelers can take a dip in the cool waters, go bamboo rafting, and enjoy the lush tropical scenery surrounding the falls.
Rich marine biodiversity: Surigao del Norte is home to diverse marine life and coral reefs, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Travelers can explore underwater ecosystems teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Cultural heritage: Surigao City has a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites such as the Surigao Museum and the Surigao Cathedral. Visitors can learn about the local history, traditions, and craftsmanship of the Surigaonon people.

Overall, traveling to Surigao City offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences for travelers seeking a memorable vacation in the Philippines.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, Philippines can include:

Weather and natural disasters: Surigao is located in a typhoon-prone area, so travelers may need to be aware of potential weather disruptions during the rainy season. Additionally, the region is prone to earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Limited transportation options: Surigao City may have limited transportation options compared to larger cities in the Philippines, which could make it more challenging to get around the area.
Limited tourist infrastructure: While Surigao City has some tourist attractions, it may not have the same level of tourist infrastructure as more popular destinations in the Philippines, which could impact the overall travel experience.
Language barrier: English is widely spoken in the Philippines, but travelers may encounter some language barriers in more remote areas like Surigao City.
Health and safety concerns: As with any travel destination, travelers should be mindful of health and safety concerns, such as ensuring access to medical facilities and practicing good hygiene to prevent illnesses.

Please note that these cons are general considerations and may not apply to every traveler's experience in Surigao City. It's always a good idea to research and prepare thoroughly before traveling to any destination.

Surigao City, located in the province of Surigao del Norte in the Philippines, has a rich and diverse history marked by significant events, influential figures, and notable landmarks.

Early History

Pre-colonial Period: The area that is now Surigao City was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Mamanwa and other Visayan ethnic groups. The region was part of the wider seafaring and trading networks in Southeast Asia.

Spanish Colonial Era

1543: The first recorded European contact was by Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos, who named the archipelago "Las Islas Filipinas."
1655: Surigao was established as a mission station by Spanish missionaries. The Jesuits and later the Recollects were instrumental in spreading Christianity in the area.
Surigao Strait: This body of water became a crucial route for the Spanish galleons.

American and Japanese Occupation

1898: Following the Spanish-American War, the Philippines was ceded to the United States. Surigao, like the rest of the country, came under American control.
World War II: Surigao was occupied by Japanese forces. The Battle of Surigao Strait, fought on October 25, 1944, was the last battleship-to-battleship action in naval history and a significant turning point in the liberation of the Philippines.

Post-War Period and Modern History

Surigao City became the capital of Surigao del Norte. It has since developed into a regional hub for commerce and trade.

Significant Events

Battle of Surigao Strait: An essential naval engagement during World War II as part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf, leading to the eventual liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.

Historical Figures

Ruy López de Villalobos: The Spanish explorer who named the Philippines.
Local Leaders: Various local leaders and heroes who resisted foreign occupation and contributed to the area's development.

Important Landmarks

Surigao Strait: Known for its historical significance during World War II.
Luneta Park: A central park in the city, offering recreational space and hosting various events.
San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral: A significant religious site for the local Catholic community.
Silop Cave: A natural attraction that showcases the geological features of the region.

Surigao City's history reflects a blend of indigenous culture, Spanish colonial influence, American administration, and Japanese occupation, leading to its current status as a vibrant city in Mindanao.