Digital Nomad on Siargao – Surfing, Working & Why We Didn’t Stay

We love Siargao – but for us, it wasn’t the right place to settle. In this article, I’ll share whether siargao island truly works for a digital nomad and why it still holds a special place in our hearts.

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Siargao. Just hearing the name brings instant images to mind: salt on your skin, tropical rain showers, perfect waves, and a deep sense of freedom. For many digital nomads and surfers, this little island in the Philippines is the ultimate dream destination – and yes, for us, it was love at first sight.

We felt at home on Siargao from the very beginning, and living there as a digital nomad is absolutely possible. Still, we made a conscious decision not to settle there permanently. Why we chose not to stay – even though we love the island – is what I’ll share with you in this article. Openly, honestly, and with a whole lot of heart for this place.

Searching for Our Happy Place

When we quit our jobs in Germany and set out on our journey, it was never meant to be a classic “work & travel” adventure. We started out with a clear goal: to find a place we could stay long-term and not just for a season, but to truly settle and build a life.

We’re both in our 30s, currently working remotely and dreaming of building a passion project together, a small business that fits us, something we can grow roots with.

But to make that happen, we need more than just a surf break, decent Wi-Fi and a cool crowd. The place has to offer year-round quality of life and the potential to become a real home.

Until we find that place and build our project, we’re keeping one foot in the digital nomad life. But always with a long-term perspective. Somewhere between temporary and arriving with the clear intention to settle.

Why Siargao Feels So Special

Siargao isn’t just the surf capital of the Philippines – it’s a place with soul. Endless palm trees, scooters cruising down sandy roads, sunsets over the ocean. And of course: Cloud 9, the legendary wave that put Siargao on the global surf map.

The island offers waves all year round, though conditions vary depending on the season. If you want to know when it’s really worth going and which surf spots are suitable for beginners, check out my detailed Siargao Surf Guide.

But Siargao is more than just surf. It’s the community that brings the island to life. Locals, expats, and traveling creatives create an atmosphere where you quickly feel at home. Most digital nomads and surfers stay in General Luna – it’s central, vibrant, and offers solid infrastructure.

→ You’ll find our personal accommodation tips in the Siargao Travel Guide

You’ll meet freelancers from around the world – creatives, yoga teachers, coaches, developers – many with laptops under their arms and salt in their hair.
The island is full of cafés, smoothie bowls, live music in the evenings, and plenty of space for connection and inspiration.

→ My favorite cafés for surfers & remote workers on Siargao can be found here

Working as a Digital Nomad on Siargao: Totally Possible – With a Few Limits

Is Siargao suitable for digital nomads?
In short: Yes – but there are a few limitations you should be aware of.

Let’s start with the good news: The island’s digital infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years. Today, there are reliable coworking spaces with solid internet connections, and many cafés and guesthouses provide a decent base for remote work.

The go-to spot for remote workers is definitely Coco Space Coworking in General Luna. You’ll find stable Starlink internet, quiet workspaces, AC, and most importantly: backup batteries to get you through the inevitable power cuts (yes, they still happen from time to time on tropical islands like Siargao).

Many cafés also have Starlink or their own backup systems – but quality varies. If you rely on stable Zoom calls or regular uploads, we recommend investing in a coworking pass or choosing your accommodation carefully.

→ Pro tip: If you’re using public Wi-Fi, protect your data with a VPN (I recommend NordVPN).

For light tasks or creative work sessions with an ocean view, Siargao is a dream.
But if you’re aiming for a structured 40-hour work week, it can become a challenge in the long run.

Life on Siargao: Daily Rhythm, Isolation & the Reality of Island Living

We gave it a try: surfing in the morning, working for a few hours, grabbing a healthy lunch at a trendy café, then heading back into the water or to the gym before sunset. It felt like an endless summer – for a while.

But sooner or later, a question pops up: What do you do when the waves don’t show up?

Life on Siargao is beautiful, but also limited. The island is remote, and your options for activities, medical care, and everyday logistics are finite. For a few weeks, the simplicity is grounding but over time, the isolation can start to wear on you.

We’re both active people and love variety in our daily routine: surfing, training, yoga, a little adventure now and then. And while we deeply appreciate living close to nature – with waves, sand and a slower pace – the island’s remoteness can feel overwhelming.

You quickly realize: you’ve seen it all. And to experience something new, you need to board a plane – which during rainy season isn’t always easy or reliable.

→ Recommend Read: Best Things to Do in Siargao – 12 Unforfettable Experiences

The Reality of Island Life: Limited Access to Healthcare

But what ultimately shaped our decision most was the lack of medical infrastructure. On Siargao, you’re simply stuck on an island and even minor health issues can become a hassle.

As surfers, we know how quickly injuries, infections, or accidents can happen. Having reliable healthcare nearby is essential for us, especially if you’re considering staying long-term or even raising a family.

Getting to Manila can easily take a full day and for things like preventive care, dental treatments or more complex diagnostics, a trip back to Germany becomes necessary.

→ You’ll find everything about travel logistics and getting to Siargao in my Travel Guide.

Pros & Cons of Being a Digital Nomad on Siargao

Here’s our honest take on the ups and downs of living and working on Siargao – from our own personal perspective. What worked for us might not be the same for you – but hopefully this overview will give you a clearer idea of whether Siargao is the right fit for you and your lifestyle as a digital nomad.

Why We Love Siargao – But Still Didn’t Stay

Let me be honest: Siargao touched our surfer hearts deeply. The energy in the line-up, the smiles of the locals, those golden sunsets after a good session – it all feels magical. And it truly is.

But in the long run, it just wasn’t the right place for us to call home.

What we missed:

• A stable and long-term work structure
• Reliable medical care and access to Western products
• Sports and lifestyle variety beyond surfing
• Consistent surf conditions year-round
• A setting that supports family life (including furry companions)
• And most of all: a stronger connection to the outside world

When we first left Germany, we often said, “As long as there are waves, sun, and nice people – we’re happy.” But after living in several surf towns, we realized: long-term, we need more. We’re simply not made for the ultra-simple island life.

Even though surfing is a huge part of my life, I found it hard to give up certain things that matter to my overall wellbeing – I like knowing that I can receive quality medical care if I need it, able to follow a full beauty routine, cooking western food or just feeling part of a more developed rhythm.

We weren’t just looking for a beach to live on. We were looking for a place where we could build something of our own with space for real community, creative growth, and a future family. A place with people who share that same vision. On Siargao, the community is wonderful – but largely young and transient.

We’re dreaming of a place that’s inspiring and has access to solid healthcare, healthy food, education, and basic infrastructure.

That said: If we were five years younger and in a different phase of life, we probably would’ve stayed for a few years.

Conclusion: Siargao Is a Dream – But Not for Every Life Chapter

For a few weeks or months, Siargao is a magical destination for digital nomads with surfboards and we truly can’t wait to come back.

But for us, it was exactly what it needed to be: a beautiful stop along the way, one that deeply touched us – but not the long-term home we’re searching for.

Siargao will always be one of our favorite holiday destinations – a place to breathe, enjoy, surf and connect. But when it comes to starting a business, settling down, or raising a family, you need more structure, more variety and more reliable access to the basics.

Of course, it all depends on who you are and what phase of life you’re in. If you’re flexible, enjoy simple living, love nature and want to soak up the surf lifestyle – go for it!

But if you’re looking for long-term potential, health security, and space for personal growth like we are – there are other factors to consider. In that case, Siargao may be more of a stunning stopover than a final destination.

This article was all about Siargao as a destination for digital nomads and potential expats.

Curious where we’re currently testing life abroad? Connect with me on Instagram – I’d love to hear from you!