Hapitanan Siargao

It’s a cozy place to rest after a full day of island hopping, sightseeing, or partying, and it works especially well for a big group that wants privacy and some peace while staying near GL. The tradeoff is that it’s a bit far from Tourism Road and its shops and hangouts, though it is near heneral Luna integrated terminal and general Luna trauma center. The rooms have air conditioning, but some units are a bit weak. They’re arranged with three double-decker beds, including one bunk with a queen-sized lower bed. There’s no water heater in the toilet, and the kitchen has no fridge, so bring food that won’t spoil easily. You’ll find plates and utensils, a stove, rice cooker, electric kettle, and a gallon of distilled water.

The place suits groups of friends or families, and the room is decent for what it costs. Alex, the caretaker, was attentive and accommodating, and the room was clean. He also lent us a rice cooker so we could make our own meals. Getting around is the main drawback. Cars don’t have proper parking space, and the road in is quite narrow. Tourism Road and Malinao aren’t walkable, so having your own bike or vehicle is strongly recommended. The neighborhood also didn’t feel safe to walk through at night.

We booked Hapitanan with friends and were surprised by how big the room was. It’s a nice place with easy access to the tourist spots, and the WiFi is fast. Kuya Alex and Ate Jen were very accommodating, and they made sorting out tours and a motor rental really convenient.

Hapitanan Siargao is tucked away from the crowds, which made it feel like a hidden gem for a quiet stay. The rooms are well looked after, and the shared areas are good for relaxing or meeting other travelers. Staff were generous with help on tours and recommendations. I’ll definitely come back.