I sometimes get tired of living in Taiwan. The weather in Taipei can be quite depressing, with frequent rain and the sun appearing only once or twice a month. I reminded myself that I was not meant to be here forever, as this place doesn’t align with the lifestyle and environment where I feel most comfortable.
So last September, I had the opportunity to leave Taipei and change my surroundings while continuing to work. I basically switched to a digital nomad lifestyle but only for a couple of weeks.
I’ve read that Siargao is an ideal place for anyone seeking a laid-back lifestyle on a tropical island. This idea intrigues me, as it aligns with my goal to settle down in a place surrounded by nature or to work remotely from somewhere warm and sunny.
Siargao
Siargao is a small island located in the southeastern part of the Philippines. Known as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines," it boasts world-class waves, drawing surfers from around the globe, especially to the famous Cloud 9 break. The island is part of Surigao del Norte province and sits along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, where it enjoys fresh sea breezes and stunning coastal scenery.
Riding a scooter is one of the main means of transportation for the locals to go around the island. Tourists can either hire tuk-tuk or join carpools. I preferred travelling alone and experiencing the local life as much as possible so I rented a scooter.
The Living Room
I stayed at a place called The Living Room - Siargao, where I had the chance to meet the owner. We had an amazing conversation about his journey—how he decided to leave Manila to build his homestay in Siargao and settle here for the rest of his life. He shared that the homestay was unplanned, but he simply fell in love with Siargao the first time he visited during the pandemic. And that led him to come back and build this amazing homestay.
He used to work for multiple start-up companies focused on innovation and philanthropy. Much like where I am in life now, he saw a reflection of his younger self in me—grinding hard to achieve his goals.
But the question "why is this island a good place to settle down?" remained in my mind.
I really liked his homestay. I was able to work comfortably in the open common area, which had everything I needed: fast internet, reliable electricity, a sturdy table, coffee, and a quiet space adorned with art displays. The tropical vibe made it even better, providing the perfect environment for both productivity and relaxation.
Local Living
As much as I love to travel, I also enjoy learning about how locals live in the places I visit. I always try to engage in conversations and connect with the locals to dive into their culture and experience it firsthand.
I once visited Barangay Maasin to see its stunning river surrounded by coconut trees. It was a beautiful sunny morning, and I decided to have coffee at a karinderya (local canteen) right by the river.
This is also one of my travel tricks: eating at very local restaurants to avoid overpriced businesses that cater mainly to tourists. It gives me the chance to taste the most authentic dishes at the cheapest prices. Plus, I get to connect with the locals themselves.
I asked the store owner about the cost of living here as a local, and I was surprised to learn that it can be as expensive as living in Manila. But it all depends on the area of the island.
For example, here in Barangay Maasin, I was told I could get by on about 300 to 500 USD per month, which would cover housing and food. That could be more than enough. However, in tourist areas like Barangay General Luna, living expenses could easily double.
Not to mention (1), land prices here are spiking, and I saw a lot of "lot for sale" signs everywhere. I remembered an influencer saying, "Siargao could be the next Bali," which made me feel sad to think that a paradise like this might be turned into a commercialized city.
Not to mention (2), there is a regular power outages all over the island that directly affect the water supply. I experienced it firsthand when I was in the homestay, my pee is stronger than the shower.
Local Night Life
This is a nostalgic night activity for many Filipinos born before we were fully occupied by mobile phones and social media. I was lucky enough to be in Siargao during their festival, and seeing a Peryahan (carnival) brought back a lot of childhood memories.
Tourist Food POV
I’ve seen Kurvada many times on Instagram, labeled as the best local restaurant in Siargao. It definitely looked popular when I arrived, as it was full of foreign customers. Their servings are very generous, and they offer a lot of choices. The dishes taste good and unique, but I would say they aren’t exactly local dishes, and they are more expensive compared to a karinderya.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Siargao is very active. There are a lot of bars and clubs along General Luna road. I enjoyed hanging out at Violegre Gastropub for their acoustic music while Siargao Beach Club for their beach club experience.
Final Thoughts
This has been on my mind the whole time I was in Siargao: "Why is this island such a good place to settle down?"
The people are friendly and full of humor, as most Filipinos are. While the main target of businesses is tourists, I can still find stores that cater to the locals at fair prices. The island is undeniably a paradise, yet it's on its way to commercialization.
Most, if not everything, here moves slowly. Life is very chill and completely disconnected from the chaotic pace of city life. It's really up to you to disconnect from the internet, and you'll find yourself living fully in the present.
I guess that's the key word—people here live in the "present." Despite the simplicity of life on the island, along with the occasional blackouts and tricky cost of living, the locals still worry less.