Cloud 9, General Luna | Top 150 Bikini Destinations
GENERAL LUNA, SIARGAO / PHILIPPINES
A morning on the reef at
Cloud 9.
Watch the surf from the boardwalk, then take the rest of the day at General Luna’s pace.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 150 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / SIARGAO
The boardwalk and
the reef below it.
Cloud 9 is the beachfront at Catangnan in General Luna, on the southeast coast of Siargao in Surigao del Norte.
Follow the boardwalk to watch the wave, then find breakfast by the shore. The break runs over shallow reef, so make this a viewing stop unless an experienced local guide confirms conditions suit your ability.
ON THE WORLD MAP
Off northeastern Mindanao, in the Philippine Sea.
Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao
01 / GETTING THERE
Start at Sayak Airport.
Arrival on Siargao
Sayak Airport in Del Carmen, Siargao.
Photo: kbraner · CC BY-SA 3.0Get around Catangnan, General Luna
From central General Luna, ask a tricycle driver for the Cloud 9 boardwalk. Agree the fare and check whether event controls affect the usual drop-off.
On the beach
The main wave breaks over shallow reef. Ask local surf staff about conditions and do not count on a dedicated swim patrol. Beach status ↗
02 / BEACH ESSENTIALS
Know before you go.
A reef-front shoreline with a viewing boardwalk and cafés near the road.
01 / HOW TO GET THERE
Ride to the boardwalk entrance
From General Luna town, allow roughly 10–15 minutes by tricycle, depending on your start and traffic. Ask for the gate in Catangnan. Confirm any parking or entry fee at the entrance.
Philippine tourism — Siargao transport ↗02 / BEACH ACCESS
Use the public entrance
The boardwalk crosses the reef toward the viewing area. Check posted closures and any entry fee. Wooden decking can be slippery after rain. Ask the gate staff about step-free access and the viewing levels before committing to the walk.
03 / THE SAND
Pale sand over a shallow reef coast
The shore has patches of fine pale sand, with exposed reef and rock when the water is low. Avoid standing on coral. Wear grippy footwear on the land approach and keep off slick rock shelves.
04 / FOOD & WATER
Breakfast and drinks close by
Cafés and a beachfront restaurant operate around the boardwalk and along the approach road. Carry water on the boardwalk. Check opening hours and keep a little cash for small purchases or the gate.
05 / CHAIRS & UMBRELLAS
Shade by the cafés
Bring a hat and portable shade if you plan to sit on the shore. Shorefront cafés have their own tables for customers. Surfboard hire is a separate service. Ask the operator for current rates.
06 / RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Ask at the entrance
Check with staff for open toilets at the visitor facilities. Café restrooms are generally for customers. Ask your accommodation or surf school about showers and changing rooms before arriving.
03 / THE BEACH
A day at Cloud 9.
The boardwalk above the reef
Use the marked visitor route to watch the surf. The visible shape of the water changes with tide and swell.
Photo: JupitReyes · CC BY-SA 4.001 / ARRIVE
Start with the boardwalk
Check the gate notice and watch a few sets from the viewing area.
02 / WATCH
Read the reef from land
The shallow break calls for experience and local knowledge. View from shore if in doubt.
03 / EAT
Pause for breakfast
Get something to eat and refill your water before the heat builds.
04 / RETURN
Leave time for the ride
Arrange the return tricycle before the evening rush or heavy rain.
Go in the morning when you have time to watch the conditions change. Stay on land if there is a warning or the surf is beyond your ability. If rain closes the boardwalk, spend the morning under cover in town and check the local updates before returning.
04 / NEARBY BEACHES
Four shores within reach of General Luna.
Distances are approximate straight lines from Cloud 9. Boats and road transfers take longer. Ask local operators about tides and cancellations.
Guyam Island
A compact island with a sandy landing and a cluster of palms. Go by boat from General Luna and leave enough time for your skipper’s return plan.
- Best for
- A short boat stop
- Facilities
- Limited facilities; ask your boat operator
- Good to know
- Unpatrolled, with reef and changing water depth.
Daku Island
A larger island with white sand and palms, reached by boat. Confirm lunch and any site charges with your operator before departure.
- Best for
- A longer beach stop
- Facilities
- Huts and food may be arranged locally
- Good to know
- Watch landing boats and follow local advice on currents.
Naked Island (Pansukian)
This low sandbar has open views and almost no shade. Visits depend on weather, tide and safe landing conditions.
- Best for
- A short sandbar visit
- Facilities
- Bring shade and water
- Good to know
- Avoid the edge during strong current or rising tide.
Magpupungko Beach
A pale-sand shore in Pilar with rock pools nearby. Check opening and tide information before making the longer road journey.
- Best for
- A low-tide visit
- Facilities
- Facilities depend on site opening
- Good to know
- Do not cross rocks in swell or on a rising tide.
Distances are straight-line from Cloud 9. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
05 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Three places to see beyond Cloud 9.
01 / LOOKOUT
Coconut Trees View Deck
See the coconut canopy from the designated roadside stop. Keep clear of passing vehicles and use the signed parking area if available.
Philippine tourism — Siargao ↗02 / HERITAGE
Del Carmen Parish Church
Pause in Del Carmen for its parish church. Visit quietly and check whether the building is open to visitors before entering.
Del Carmen visitor information ↗03 / LAGOON
Sugba Lagoon
Arrange access with the Del Carmen Tourism Center and ask about seasonal closures, boat conditions and lifejackets before leaving.
Del Carmen — Sugba Lagoon ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Cloud 9 and Catangnan, General Luna.
The pin marks the land approach to the Cloud 9 boardwalk. Start there to watch the surf without crossing the reef on foot.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
Coconut groves and working waterfronts.
Travel inland for the coconut canopy or west toward Del Carmen and Dapa to see more of Siargao.
Coconut Trees View Deck
The coconut canopy from Siargao’s roadside view deck.
Photo: Michael Angelo Luna · CC BY-SA 4.0
Del Carmen Parish Church
Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish Church in Del Carmen.
Photo: Joelaldor · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen, Siargao.
Photo: Lucky Ambago Purok Otso · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dapa Port
The entrance to Dapa Port on Siargao.
Photo: Wolfgang Hägele · CC BY-SA 4.006 / SIX HOTELS
Find your base.
PACIFICO, SAN ISIDRO
Sailfish Bay Surf & Big Game Fishing Lodge
$ Budget · about PHP 1,200–1,500 per room per night under published stay terms
A simple lodge on the north coast for travellers who want a quieter base and can arrange their own transport. Rates depend on length of stay. Check the package terms, then leave time for the cross-island drive to Cloud 9.
Sailfish Bay Surf & Big Game Fishing Lodge official site ↗SAN VICENTE STREET, PUROK 4
Araw Boutique
$ Budget · from about PHP 2,100 per room per night
A small four-room hotel off the main waterfront. It suits couples and solo travellers looking for a simple base near town, with airport pickups available by arrangement. Check the selected room rate and plan a short ride to the boardwalk.
Araw Boutique official site ↗CENTRAL TOURISM ROAD
Siargao Bed & Brewery
$$ Mid-Range · from about PHP 4,400–5,000 per loft or suite per night
The lofts and suites give guests more space than the standard rooms, with an on-site pool and a kitchen serving casual meals. Stay here if you want to walk to central cafés and take a short ride to the boardwalk.
Siargao Bed & Brewery official site ↗MALINAO COAST
Soultribe Beach Retreat
$$ Mid-Range · about PHP 5,999 per oceanfront cabana per night at the published standard rate
The oceanfront cabanas suit travellers who prefer a quieter base away from the central strip. Ask about meals and transfers before arriving, and plan the trip to Cloud 9 by road. The property also offers larger loft villas for groups.
Soultribe Beach Retreat official site ↗SANTA FE
Bombora Siargao
$$$ Upscale · from about PHP 6,000 per night plus PHP 750 cleaning, per the published offer
A house rental in Santa Fe for a small group wanting time together away from the busy end of Tourism Road. Check the property’s cleaning charge and minimum stay, and plan transport for an evening in central General Luna.
Bombora Siargao official site ↗CATANGNAN COAST
Kalinaw Resort
$$$$ Luxury · about PHP 26,900–46,900 per villa per night at published starting rates
Kalinaw offers villas with private pools and enough space for guests who want to spend time at the property between trips out. Confirm the villa layout, included services and any extra guest fees before booking your stay.
Kalinaw Resort official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
Siargao can get rain at any time. The regional Surigao station shows heavier average rainfall late in the year and early in the next. Check PAGASA warnings and leave flexibility for boat or flight disruption. Climate normals ↗
07 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Kinilaw, grilled fish and rice
Outrigger boats along the General Luna waterfront.
Photo: ChaasPrime · CC BY-SA 4.0What to order
Try kinilaw, a local preparation of seafood cured with vinegar or citrus, or order grilled fish with rice if you prefer a cooked dish. Look for calamansi, coconut and grilled bananas in cafés and market stalls.
Local habits
Wear a cover-up in town, ask before taking portraits, and agree transport fares before boarding. A few small bills help for tricycles and stalls.
A LITTLE FILIPINO
Useful on the beach and in town.
- Salamat
- Thank you.
- Magkano po?
- How much is it?
- Saan po ang banyo?
- Where is the restroom?
- Ingat
- Take care.
SIX RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
ANDOK’S JUNCTION, CATANGNAN
Marajaw Cafe
$ Budget · about PHP 280–320 for a granola bowl or pancakes
Stop near the Catangnan road junction for coffee and a simple breakfast. The menu has coconut yogurt granola and banana pancakes, so there are lighter choices before walking in the heat. Check the café page for current service hours.
Marajaw Cafe official site ↗CENTRAL TOURISM ROAD
Siargao Bed & Brewery
$ Budget · about PHP 260–360 for the junior or regular house smash burger
This courtyard spot serves smash burgers and fries for an informal lunch. Order the junior burger if you want a smaller plate, and check the kitchen schedule if you are planning to eat after an evening trip around town.
Siargao Bed & Brewery official site ↗CLOUD 9 BOARDWALK APPROACH
Loka Siargao
$$ Mid-Range · about PHP 360–480 for selected thin-crust pizzas or rice plates
Loka sits right by the Cloud 9 shore, so it is a convenient place to eat between a boardwalk visit and the ride back. Choose a rice plate or split a pizza, and ask what seating is available if the weather turns.
Loka Siargao official site ↗GENERAL LUNA HILLSIDE
Karuna Restaurant
$$ Mid-Range · about PHP 450–600 for selected mains
This hillside restaurant serves dishes such as chicken inasal and grilled fish alongside familiar pasta and other options. Stop for a sit-down meal when you have time for the ride up from the waterfront. Confirm hours and road access in heavy rain.
Karuna Restaurant official site ↗POBLACION WATERFRONT
Patrick’s on the Beach
$$$ Upscale · about PHP 695–1,495 for selected beef mains, before service
This open-air waterfront restaurant has a broad menu for a group that wants different things. The beef curry and tenderloin illustrate the higher end of the mains. Ask about seafood availability and confirm the service charge before ordering.
Patrick’s on the Beach official site ↗KALIPAY RESORT PRECINCT
Kalipay Restaurant
$$$$ Luxury · about PHP 1,995–2,380 for a sirloin or sirloin with a prawn starter
Book for a slower dinner on the Catangnan side of town. The published menu includes a grilled sirloin and several seafood starters, as well as pastas and vegetable dishes. Check the current menu and reserve ahead if you want a larger table.
Kalipay Restaurant official site ↗08 / SIARGAO AFTER DARK
Three bars.
Loka’s beach bar
Get a juice or a drink by the boardwalk before the evening ride back. The beachside restaurant also serves meals, and its dining page lists current hours for a straightforward early stop. Loka dining and bar ↗
Bravo Restaurant & Bar
Sit down for tapas or a non-alcoholic drink by the water. Bravo also serves full meals, so this works well when some people want dinner and others want something smaller before the ride home. Bravo Restaurant and Bar ↗
Siago Restaurant & Bar
Ask for the drinks list and an early table if you are travelling with family. Siago takes bookings from outside guests. Check the current restaurant hours and arrange a ride if you are staying outside town. Siago restaurant and bar ↗
Start early if you want a meal with a view, then plan the trip back before the last part of the evening. Ask about age limits for special music events. The listings below are restaurant or resort bars with food service.
09 / GENERAL LUNA & SIARGAO EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Cloud 9 surf competitions
The stronger swell season in the second half of the year brings surf events to General Luna. Event windows depend on the organizer and wave conditions. Check the official schedule and keep to designated viewing areas.
Cloud 9 surf competitions official site ↗Siargao Food & Wine Festival
The late-August programme has brought together farmers, cooks and island restaurants. Consult the organizer for future dates and choose the market, food and daytime activities that suit your group.
Siargao Food & Wine Festival ↗Currency / Philippine peso
The Philippine peso (PHP) is the local currency. Carry small notes for rides, stalls and entry fees. Ask restaurants about card acceptance and keep a cash reserve if you are heading away from town.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas — Philippine banknotes ↗10 / WHAT TO WEAR
Pack light and plan for showers.
THE GENERAL LUNA KIT
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Siargao Tuberose bikini with a loose cover-up, a hat and a dry bag for the boardwalk
For the shore approach
Choose grippy sandals for wet decking and pack a light rain layer and drinking water.
In town
A dry shirt or dress and simple sandals work for an early dinner. Keep a cover-up on when leaving the shore.
11 / BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Which airport serves General Luna?
Sayak Airport (IAO) in Del Carmen is the island’s airport. Arrange a van or private transfer to General Luna.
Is Cloud 9 a good swimming beach?
The reef break is better for watching than casual swimming. Stay out in unsafe conditions and check local advice before entering any reef water.
Is the boardwalk step-free?
Access can change with repairs and surf events. Check with the entrance staff about the current route, stairs and viewing levels.
Do I need to pay to enter?
A boardwalk or environmental fee may be collected at the gate. Carry small peso notes and check the posted fee.
Can I buy food near the entrance?
Yes, cafés and a restaurant serve the area. Check hours and bring water with you if you plan to spend time on the boardwalk.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
A tuberose print for Siargao.
A cream-and-blue floral string bikini with an adjustable tie fit.
Explore the Siargao Tuberose bikini ↗
Read next · another destination
Read next · another destination
Read next · another destination
