Siargao is easy to love and surprisingly easy to work from if I prepare properly. I do not arrive expecting a city office experience. I arrive with backup connectivity, a flexible schedule and realistic expectations about island logistics.

That mindset makes the island one of my favourite places in the Philippines for a slower digital-nomad month.

My monthly Siargao setup

For a comfortable month in General Luna, I budget around PHP 75,000 (€1,154). My range is PHP 55,000 to 105,000 (€846 to €1,615), depending mostly on accommodation and how often I rent a scooter or eat in international cafés.

A private room or simple studio can start near PHP 25,000 (€385) monthly. A polished villa with a kitchen and outdoor space is often PHP 45,000 to 65,000 (€692 to €1,000). I always inspect the workspace, mobile signal and backup power before committing.

Internet: use two layers

The internet can be good, but I never rely on one connection for an important client call. My main connection is the accommodation Wi-Fi. My backup is a Smart or Globe SIM with a data package, usually PHP 800 to 1,500 (€12 to €23) per month.

I test both networks in the exact room where I will work. Signal changes between streets, and a beautiful bungalow is not useful if video calls freeze every five minutes. For major deadlines, I download files locally and keep a hotspot ready.

Power interruptions are not an everyday problem in my experience, but they are possible. A small power bank and a laptop that can run for several hours are sensible equipment.

Coworking and cafés

General Luna has several cafés where people work, plus dedicated coworking spaces and coliving houses. A coworking membership is commonly around PHP 6,000 to 12,000 (€92 to €185) per month. Day passes are usually PHP 300 to 600 (€5 to €9).

I use coworking on meeting-heavy days and work from home when I need deep focus. I check the rules before ordering a single coffee and staying for six hours. A PHP 180 (€2.75) coffee is fair; treating a café like a free office all day is not.

A workday that fits the island

My most productive routine is simple:

• 7:00: coffee and a quiet start • 8:00 to 12:00: focused client work • 12:00 to 14:00: lunch and messages • 14:00 to 16:00: flexible admin • late afternoon: surf, beach or scooter ride

This works particularly well when I have European clients. Their afternoon is my evening, so I keep communication clear and do not promise instant replies during island time.

Food and transport

A local meal is often PHP 150 to 250 (€2.30 to €3.85). Western breakfasts and smoothie bowls are closer to PHP 300 to 500 (€4.60 to €7.70). I spend PHP 12,000 to 20,000 (€185 to €308) per month on food by mixing local places with a few favourite cafés.

Scooter rental is usually PHP 350 to 500 (€5.40 to €7.70) per day, with monthly deals available. I budget PHP 5,000 to 8,000 (€77 to €123) for transport and fuel. I wear a helmet, take the roads slowly and avoid riding tired at night.

The part people do not show in photos

Siargao is seasonal, and accommodation prices can jump. Rain can change plans. Deliveries take longer than in Cebu. I keep at least one quiet workday between big excursions and do not schedule a critical presentation immediately after a travel day.

That is not a downside for me. It is the reason the island feels manageable. The slower pace encourages better planning instead of constant rushing.

Is Siargao good for remote work?

Yes, if I bring redundancy and respect the island rhythm. For a month of focused work with warm evenings, strong community energy and easy access to nature, Siargao is hard to beat.

My advice is to book the first week, test the internet in person, then extend. That gives me freedom to find the right neighbourhood and workspace rather than committing to the first pretty room I see online.