Four Months in Burgos, Siargao – Surfing, Simplicity and Island Life
After spending some time in Panglao, Bohol, I decided to move to Burgos, a small, picturesque village in northern Siargao, hoping to rediscover my passion for surfing. What was supposed to be another stop on my journey turned into four months of living in one of the quietest corners of the island.
After spending some time in Panglao, Bohol, I decided to move to Burgos, a small, picturesque village in northern Siargao, hoping to rediscover my passion for surfing. What was supposed to be another stop on my journey turned into four months of living in one of the quietest corners of the island.
Burgos is about 1.5 hours from the tourist-packed streets of General Luna, and honestly, it feels like a completely different world. No crowds, no beach clubs, no nightlife, and not even a single bar. Just a small Filipino village, friendly locals, beautiful surroundings, and some fantastic surf.
But living here comes at a price. When the waves are good, Burgos is paradise. When the surf is flat, there's absolutely nothing to do. And I mean nothing. If you're someone who needs restaurants, bars, entertainment, or a busy social scene, you'll probably struggle here. Life moves slowly, and you have to be comfortable with that.
I stayed at Apol's Place, just 10 meters from Apex, one of the local surf spots. There are several breaks in the area, but getting out to the waves requires a paddle of around 5–10 minutes, depending on your fitness and paddling speed.
And here's something worth mentioning: Burgos is not a beginner's surfing destination. The paddle out, reef breaks, and conditions can be challenging. If you're coming to Siargao to learn how to surf, I'd recommend looking elsewhere on the island.
What makes Burgos special, though, isn't just the surfing. It's the people. The locals are genuinely welcoming, friendly, and always ready with a smile. After four months, you start recognizing familiar faces, and the village begins to feel like home.
Living here has reminded me that sometimes the best travel experiences aren't about how many things there are to do, but about slowing down and appreciating what's around you.
Would I recommend Burgos? Absolutely, if you're an experienced surfer looking for great waves, peace, and an authentic slice of Filipino island life. Just don't expect much entertainment when the ocean goes quiet.