Where can you buy groceries in General Luna?

Tag Supermarket on Tourism Road is the main option for basics like water, snacks, toiletries and sunscreen. For fresh fruit and vegetables, small stalls line the road through the morning and into the afternoon.

Do you need a licence to rent a motorbike in General Luna?

Most rental shops now ask to see a driver's licence, but a local one is fine and no international licence is required. Scooters cost around 400 to 600 PHP a day. (200-350 / day if monthly rented)

Where can you withdraw cash in General Luna?

BDO on Tourism Road is the most reliable ATM for foreign cards, though withdrawals are capped at 10,000 PHP per transaction. Bring enough cash for a few days, especially before heading to quieter parts of the island.

Which SIM card works best in General Luna?

Globe and Smart are the two main networks. Globe tends to have slightly better coverage around General Luna and in remoter parts of the island. SIMs are sold along Tourism Road and at the airport.

Where is the best area to stay in General Luna?

The centre is closest to everything but noisy in peak season, while Tuason, Catangnan and Santa Fe are calmer. For real quiet, look just outside General Luna, surrounded by nature.

General Luna, Siargao: A Practical Guide for First-Timers

General Luna is the beating heart of Siargao for visitors. It is where most people base themselves, where the restaurants and bars are, where the surf community gathers, and where the island's energy is most concentrated. It is also small enough to feel like a village — which is part of what makes it work. This is a practical guide to help you find your feet when you arrive

Getting Your Bearings

General Luna sits on the south-east coast of Siargao, about 30 to 45 minutes from the airport. Shared vans wait outside the terminal and drop you directly at your accommodation. The fare is 400 PHP per person, no booking needed. The main road, Tourism Road, runs along the waterfront and is the spine of everything. Most of what you need is either on it or a short ride off it.

The town has grown quickly over the last few years. It is busier than it used to be, especially between March and May. But step one street back from the main road and the pace changes immediately.

Getting Around

The best way to move around General Luna, and the island as a whole, is by motorbike. Rentals are easy to find along Tourism Road. Expect to pay around 400-600 PHP per day for a scooter. You can expect cheaper prices if you rent for one full month. Most rental shops now ask to see a driver's licence. A local one is fine, no international licence required. Check the brakes and lights before you ride, especially if you are planning to be out after dark.

Tricycles (covered motorbike sidecars) are the local alternative for short trips around town. They are cheap and always available, but slower and less flexible than having your own bike.

Getting Money

There are ATMs around General Luna, but cash access is more limited than you might expect. A few things to know:

BDO on Tourism Road is the most reliable option for foreign cards. The main downside is that withdrawals are capped at 10,000 PHP per transaction with a foreign card — plan accordingly if you need more.

Palawan Pawnshop is worth knowing about. They offer currency exchange and also work with Remitly, so if you use that app you can receive cash directly there. Useful if you need a larger amount or want to avoid ATM fees.

Bring enough cash to last a few days when you arrive, especially if you are planning to explore beyond GL where options are limited.

Get the Remitly app now through this link and get $ 10 discount on first transfer + preferable exchange rate.

SIM Card and Internet

Pick up a local SIM card as soon as you land or on your first morning in GL. Globe and Smart are the two main networks — Globe tends to have better coverage in the GL area and can be stronger in more remote parts of the island. SIM cards are sold in small shops along Tourism Road and at the airport. A data plan for a week costs very little.

Most cafés and restaurants in GL have wifi, though speeds vary. If you are working remotely, check our guide to the best places to work in Siargao for spots with reliable connections.

Groceries and Supplies

For basics, water, snacks, toiletries, sunscreen: Tag Supermarket on Tourism Road is the main option in GL. It carries a decent range and is easy to find. For fresh fruit and vegetables, small stalls line the road and are open through the morning until the afternoon. The easiest way to pick up produce without going out of your way.

If you are self-catering, stock up in GL before heading to quieter parts of the island where options thin out quickly.

Food and Drink

General Luna has a strong café and restaurant scene, a good mix of local Filipino food and international options. We have put together separate guides if you want specifics: the best restaurants in General Luna, the best bars in Siargao, and the best breakfast and brunch spots. Between them they cover most of what you need.

Where to Stay: Understanding the Neighbourhoods

General Luna is not one uniform place. Where you stay shapes your experience significantly.

The centre of GL - along and just off Tourism Road - is where most of the action is. Convenient for everything, but noisy at night during peak season. Good if you want to be in the middle of it.
Tuason sits just north of the centre, a little quieter and close to good surf. A popular area for longer stays.
Catangnan is further north still, with a more relaxed pace. Fewer restaurants nearby but a calmer feel, and easy access to Catangnan Bridge and the coast.
Santa Fe is on the southern edge, a small and quiet neighbourhood. A good choice if you want to be close to GL but slightly removed from it.
Malinao lies just outside GL to the north-west. This is the quietest of the options and surrounded by nature. Further from the restaurants and bars, but with space, jungle, and a stillness that is harder to find closer to the centre.

Plan Your Trip

Now that you know General Luna, take a look at when to visit Siargao and how to get there for everything you need before you arrive.

And if you are looking for a quiet place to stay just outside the crowd of General Luna in Malinao - The Grove House is opening in December 2026.

Good to know

Where can you buy groceries in General Luna?: Tag Supermarket on Tourism Road is the main option for basics like water, snacks, toiletries and sunscreen. For fresh fruit and vegetables, small stalls line the road through the morning and into the afternoon.
Do you need a licence to rent a motorbike in General Luna?: Most rental shops now ask to see a driver's licence, but a local one is fine and no international licence is required. Scooters cost around 400 to 600 PHP a day. (200-350 / day if monthly rented)
Where can you withdraw cash in General Luna?: BDO on Tourism Road is the most reliable ATM for foreign cards, though withdrawals are capped at 10,000 PHP per transaction. Bring enough cash for a few days, especially before heading to quieter parts of the island.
Which SIM card works best in General Luna?: Globe and Smart are the two main networks. Globe tends to have slightly better coverage around General Luna and in remoter parts of the island. SIMs are sold along Tourism Road and at the airport.
Where is the best area to stay in General Luna?: The centre is closest to everything but noisy in peak season, while Tuason, Catangnan and Santa Fe are calmer. For real quiet, look just outside General Luna, surrounded by nature.

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