Why traveling to Siargao has become more expensive than going abroad

From limited aircraft capacity to island logistics, structural factors are pushing local travel costs higher and reshaping how Philippine tourism is priced.

The rising cost of traveling to Siargao has become a growing point of frustration among Filipino travelers, many of whom say domestic trips now cost as much as, or more than, going abroad. What began as scattered complaints has evolved into a broader discussion about value, access, and how tourism is priced in the Philippines.

Across social media, travelers have been comparing expenses and outcomes. A recurring observation is how similar budgets can stretch further overseas. Trips to Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, and even Hong Kong are often cited as offering cheaper airfares, stronger accommodation options, and more predictable transport costs. On the other hand, people frequently describe local destinations like Siargao as expensive at nearly every stage, from booking flights to navigating around the island.

Why flights to Siargao stay expensive

Much of the pressure begins with airfare. Unlike international routes and major domestic hubs that use large Airbus jets capable of carrying hundreds of passengers, flights to Siargao rely mainly on smaller turboprop aircraft. These planes are designed for short-haul routes and carry far fewer passengers, which means fixed costs such as fuel, crew, maintenance, and airport fees are spread across fewer seats, resulting in higher fares per traveler.

Airport infrastructure further limits pricing flexibility. Siargao’s shorter runway restricts the size of aircraft that can land on the island, reducing airlines’ ability to scale capacity and lower per-seat costs. By comparison, larger airports can accommodate bigger aircraft that move more passengers using nearly the same resources.

Island costs and uneven systems on the ground

Once travelers arrive, costs continue to add up. As an island destination, Siargao depends heavily on shipped-in goods, including food, bottled water, fuel, and construction materials. Consumers face higher restaurant prices, accommodation rates, and everyday expenses due to the rapid accumulation of these logistics costs. High electricity prices and reliance on generators further raise operating costs for businesses.

Limited public transport adds another layer of expense. Travelers often depend on tricycles, rentals, or organized tours, where pricing can be inconsistent. For those seeking basic comfort, privacy, and safety, accommodation rates quickly approach international resort pricing, even when infrastructure and mobility options remain limited.

The discussion gained wider attention after public figures shared similar observations. Bianca Gonzales earlier commented on the high cost of traveling to Siargao, noting that while budget options exist, prices escalate quickly once travelers move beyond bare-bones accommodations. More recently, comedian Pooh shared that he compared fares for Manila to Catarman with a Manila to Hong Kong round trip and found the prices nearly identical.

The Department of Transportation launched an investigation into high Siargao airfares in 2025, though no follow-through has been announced. Philippine Airlines has pledged to cap roundtrip fares to Siargao at ₱22,000, a figure that remains visible on its booking platform.

What comes through in these reactions is a growing fatigue rather than a rejection of local tourism. The debate has centered on Siargao, but similar concerns are emerging about Boracay, El Nido, and other high-demand destinations. As domestic travel increasingly competes with international trips on price, the question facing Philippine tourism is whether pricing has moved faster than the systems meant to support it.

With reports from Kenneth M. Del Rosario

 

 

The rising cost of traveling to Siargao has reignited debate over why domestic trips in the Philippines can rival, or even exceed, the price of traveling abroad.

 

 

READ: