Siargao vs Bali: Which Island Paradise Is Right for You?
The comparison gets made because both islands attract surfers, both have coconut palms, and both have lagoons that look fake in photos. But Siargao and Bali are at completely different stages of their tourism evolution. Bali is a mature destination with world-class infrastructure and world-class crowds. Siargao is what Bali felt like 15-20 years ago — raw, cheap, uncrowded, and changing fast.
The Surf
Siargao's Cloud 9 is a world-class barrel — thick, hollow, and breaking over a shallow reef. It hosts the Siargao International Surfing Cup annually. But it's an advanced wave. Beginners should go to Jacking Horse or Stimpy's, both nearby and more forgiving. Surf lessons: PHP 500-800 ($9-14) for 2 hours.
Bali has variety: Uluwatu for advanced surfers, Kuta for beginners, Padang Padang for intermediates. The wave selection is broader and the surf infrastructure (board rentals, coaching, forecast systems) is more developed.
Winner: Bali for variety and beginners. Siargao for serious barrel hunters.
The Vibe
Siargao is laid-back to the point of inertia. General Luna (the main town) has one main road, a handful of surf shops, and restaurants that close when they feel like it. No nightclubs. No shopping malls. The island runs on island time — your food arrives when it arrives. The social scene centres on beach bonfires, hostel common areas, and the occasional full-moon party.
Bali ranges from spiritual Ubud to party Kuta to luxury Seminyak. You can meditate in the morning, surf at noon, and dance at a beach club at night. The infrastructure supports every mood. But with infrastructure comes crowds, traffic, and a commercial layer that some travelers find exhausting.
Winner: Siargao for simplicity. Bali for choice.
Budget
Item
Siargao (PHP/USD)
Bali (IDR/USD)
Dorm bed
PHP 400-600 / $7-11
IDR 100,000-200,000 / $6-13
Private room
PHP 1,000-2,500 / $18-45
IDR 300,000-800,000 / $19-52
Local meal
PHP 100-200 / $2-4
IDR 30,000-60,000 / $2-4
Surf lesson
PHP 500-800 / $9-14
IDR 300,000-500,000 / $19-32
Motorbike rental
PHP 350-500/day / $6-9
IDR 70,000-100,000/day / $5-6
Beer
PHP 60-80 / $1-1.50
IDR 30,000-50,000 / $2-3
Siargao is cheaper overall, especially for surf lessons and accommodation.
Winner: Siargao for budget.
Activities Beyond Surf
Siargao: Island hopping to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island (PHP 1,500/boat). Sugba Lagoon swimming. Magpupungko rock pools at low tide. Sohoton Cove. Coconut palm rope swing. Maasin River paddleboarding. That's... mostly it. The activities are nature-based and simple.
Bali: Temples (Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Tirta Empul), rice terraces (Tegalalang), Ubud art market, Mount Batur sunrise hike, diving in Amed, water parks, cooking classes, yoga retreats, beach clubs, and more restaurants than you could try in a year.
Winner: Bali for activity variety. Siargao for nature immersion.
Getting There
Siargao: Fly from Manila or Cebu to Sayak Airport (IAO). Limited flights — book 2-3 weeks ahead. No international flights. Getting there requires a domestic connection.
Bali: Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) receives international flights from everywhere. Direct from most Asian capitals, Australia, and some European cities.
Winner: Bali, overwhelmingly.
The Verdict
Choose Siargao if: You want uncrowded waves, cheap living, a genuine island community, and you don't need nightlife or luxury. You're okay with basic infrastructure and limited flight options.
Choose Bali if: You want variety (beaches, culture, nightlife, food, wellness), easy international access, and developed infrastructure. You can handle crowds.
My take: Visit Siargao now, before it becomes what Bali became. The airport expansion is approved. The resort developments are coming. The window for raw, affordable Siargao is closing.
Combine Siargao with Palawan and Boracay for the Philippines trifecta.
