Siargao Tourists Shopping Guide

March 21, 2024 by Rhona Espada

Siargao Island, a haven for surfers and beach bums alike, offers more than epic waves and breathtaking sunsets. Nestled amidst the palm trees and laid-back charm lies a treasure trove waiting to be discovered – its shopping scene! Siargao caters to every shopper’s whim, from handcrafted souvenirs to delectable local treats. This Siargao tourist shopping guide equips you with all the knowledge you need to navigate the island’s markets and shops, ensuring you return home with a piece of Siargao magic.

Siargao tourist shopping guide - Tra-Abel — Tra-Abel Souvenir Shop

Local and Native Products: Taking a Piece of Siargao Home

Handicrafts: Siargao’s artistic spirit shines through its vibrant handicrafts. Look for intricately woven baskets, macrame wall hangings, and dreamcatchers from indigenous materials like abaca and coconut shells. Support local artisans by purchasing these unique pieces, which are perfect for adding a touch of Siargao flair to your home.
Hand-painted Shirts: Siargao’s beaches and surf culture inspire a plethora of hand-painted shirts. These vibrant creations feature island scenes, quirky quotes, and iconic landmarks like Cloud 9. They’re lightweight and comfortable souvenirs and a constant reminder of your island adventure.
Woodcarvings: For a touch of rustic charm, explore Siargao’s woodcarvings. Skilled artisans transform local wood into beautiful sculptures, keychains, and furniture. Look for intricate designs depicting sea creatures, tribal masks, or personalized pieces featuring your name or initials.
Pearl Jewelry: The shimmering waters surrounding Siargao yield stunning pearls. Local shops offer a dazzling array of pearl jewelry, from simple strands to elaborate necklaces and earrings. These elegant pieces are timeless and sophisticated souvenirs guaranteed to turn heads.

Local Delicacies: A Taste of Paradise

Siargao’s culinary scene boasts fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and unique Filipino flavors. Don’t leave without trying some of these local delicacies, and consider bringing a taste back home:

Mango Sticky Rice: This classic Southeast Asian dessert features sweet, glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, served with slices of ripe mango. It’s a delightful and refreshing treat perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
Davao Chocolates: The Philippines is known for its exceptional cacao beans, and Siargao offers a selection of delectable Davao chocolates. From dark chocolate bars with local ingredients like chili or calamansi to milk chocolate treats, there’s something for every palate.
Honey: Siargao’s lush landscapes nurture thriving beehives. Local honey is not only delicious but also believed to have health benefits. Purchase a jar to enjoy at home, or use it as a natural sweetener in your cooking.
Dried Fruits: Embrace the tropical bounty by indulging in dried fruits like mangoes, bananas, and jackfruit. These sweet treats are a healthy and convenient way to enjoy a taste of Siargao long after your trip.

Pro Tip: While some food items are perfect for travel, others may have restrictions. Check customs regulations for your home country before purchasing perishable goods.

Must-Have Souvenirs: Mementos of Your Siargao Adventure

Surf Gear: Siargao is a surfer’s paradise. Even if you’re not catching waves, a Siargao-branded rash guard, hat, or even a miniature surfboard keychain makes a perfect souvenir. These items keep the island vibes alive and serve as a constant reminder of your surfing (or beach bumming) adventures.
Siargao T-shirts: Show your love for the island with a classic Siargao T-shirt. Designs range from quirky slogans to stunning islandscapes. These shirts are a practical and affordable way to commemorate your trip and a conversation starter back home.
Island Hopping Souvenirs: Siargao’s surrounding islands offer unique treasures. From seashells collected on Naked Island to handmade bracelets from Daku Island, each island beckons with its own souvenirs.

Where to Shop in Siargao: Unveiling the Island’s Markets and Malls

Public Markets

General Luna Public Market: Located in the heart of General Luna, this vibrant market overflows with fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious street food. You’ll find everything from woven bags and handcrafted jewelry to locally caught seafood and exotic fruits here. Be prepared to bargain for the best price and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Magpupungko Public Market: For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Magpupungko Public Market. This smaller market caters primarily to locals but offers a glimpse into the island’s daily life. You might score unique finds like handcrafted fishing nets or locally-made woven mats, adding a touch of authenticity to your souvenirs.

Surf Shops

Siargao wouldn’t be Siargao without its iconic surf scene. Several surf shops cater to both experienced surfers and beach enthusiasts:

Cloud 9 Shops: Dotted around Cloud 9, these shops offer everything a surfer needs – surfboards, wetsuits, rash guards, and surf wax. They often stock a range of Siargao-branded merchandise like t-shirts and hats, perfect for surfers and non-surfers alike.
Island Hopping Tour Shops: Many shops selling essentials for island hopping tours can be found near the jump-off points for tours. Here you can find waterproof bags, sunscreen, sunglasses, and even second-hand swimsuits at affordable prices.

Boutiques and Artisan Stalls

For more curated finds, explore Siargao’s charming boutiques and artisan stalls:

General Luna Boutiques: General Luna boasts a growing selection of boutiques offering trendy beachwear, locally designed clothing, and unique handcrafted souvenirs. These shops cater to a more style-conscious crowd and offer a chance to discover emerging Filipino designers.
Siargao Boardwalk: The Siargao Boardwalk is a delightful mix of restaurants, bars, and small shops. Stalls sells handcrafted jewelry, woven bags, and locally-made skincare products. It’s a great place to browse for unique souvenirs while enjoying the oceanfront vibe.

Malls

While Siargao is known for its laid-back charm, there are a couple of small malls offering a more familiar shopping experience:

Linga’s Siargao Shopping Center: In General Luna, this mall houses a supermarket, a pharmacy, and a few clothing stores. It’s a convenient stop for stocking up on essentials or grabbing a quick bite at the food court.
Pacifico Surfers’ Mall: This small mall near Cloud 9 is primarily for surfers. Here, you can find surf gear rentals and repairs, alongside a few shops selling clothing and souvenirs.

Pro Tip: Siargao operates on “island time.” Don’t be surprised if shops have flexible opening hours. It’s best to embrace the relaxed pace and enjoy the shopping experience!

Beyond the Shopping Bags

Siargao’s charm lies in its natural beauty and rich culture. When shopping, consider these tips for responsible shopping.

Support Local Artisans: Look for shops and stalls run by local artisans. This ensures your money benefits the island’s community and helps preserve traditional crafts.
Haggling with Respect: Haggling is expected in Siargao’s public markets. Be respectful, offer a fair price, and remember the artisans’ livelihood depends on their work.
Sustainable Souvenirs: Choose natural and locally made souvenirs. Avoid souvenirs made from endangered materials like coral or sea turtle shells.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize plastic waste by carrying reusable shopping bags. Some shops offer eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials.

With this guide and a responsible shopping mindset, you can embark on a delightful shopping spree in Siargao. From handcrafted treasures to delectable treats, discover a piece of paradise to take home and keep the island magic alive long after your adventure ends. So, get ready to shop, explore, and embrace the vibrant spirit of Siargao