Hiraya Surf Hostel

Rooms and decor

Picture a hostel you walk into and feel like you've stepped into a cafe in a tropical forest — that's Hiraya Surf Hostel, which many travelers rate as the best-designed hostel in Catangnan near Cloud 9 on Siargao. What sets it apart is decor drawn entirely from the island's nature: warm-toned wood walls and furniture, green plants tucked into every corner, easy earth tones, and natural light flooding in all day so you barely need the lights on. You can pick an air-con dorm bed for budget backpackers who want to meet people, or a private air-con bungalow if you want more space of your own. Beds are comfortable and the air-con runs cold, which matters a lot on a tropical island. Reviews agree it's clean, photogenic, and feels more like a home than just a place to crash for the night.

Food and amenities

The heart of a stay at Hiraya is the common space, designed to bring people together. At the center is a pool ringed by a green garden for a cool-down after a full day of surfing, and a favorite afternoon gathering spot. Next to it is a shared kitchen open to guests, which saves real money on longer trips and becomes a place to swap recipes and travel stories. The highlight many people mention is the rooftop, the upstairs hangout that fills up in the evenings — go up with a cold drink and watch the sky change color alongside new friends. Above all there's the warm, easygoing community vibe; the hostel often runs activities so guests get to know each other, and plenty of reviews say they arrived solo and left with a group of surf friends.

Location and getting there

Hiraya sits in Catangnan, a dream location for surfers because it's so close to Cloud 9, Siargao's legendary break. It's about 3 minutes by motorbike to the Cloud 9 Boardwalk that runs out over the water, so you can grab a board first thing and be in the lineup almost immediately. The area around it is quiet and shaded by coconut palms, feeling like the real island rather than a busy zone. Central General Luna, packed with restaurants, cafes, bars and a market, is about a 10-minute drive away. The easiest way to get around Siargao is to rent a motorbike, so you can run out to surf in the morning, stop at a cafe midday, and head into town for food at night.

Things to know before booking

Straight talk to help you decide. First, the location: even though it's near Cloud 9, Catangnan is noticeably quieter than central General Luna, and restaurants, convenience stores and the market are a fair distance away — without your own transport it can feel inconvenient, so renting a motorbike from day one is best. Second, it's a social-minded hostel; when it's busy there can be noise from the common areas, and private space is more limited than a regular hotel, especially in a dorm. If you want full quiet and privacy, go for a bungalow. Last, the island in general: Siargao's power and water can cut out now and then, and the internet isn't as reliable as in a big city. That applies to nearly every place on the island, not just here — pack a little patience and you'll enjoy the trip more.

Our take

From reading through real reviews, Hiraya Surf Hostel nails the combination of good design, a warm community vibe and a location near Cloud 9, all at a price you can actually afford. If your trip in your head is waking up to surf Cloud 9, cooling off in the pool, cooking in the shared kitchen, and ending the day watching the sunset on the rooftop with new friends, this is a strong, great-value pick. But if you're after quiet, privacy, big rooms, or a spot right next to the shops in the center of town, the location and hostel style here may not be your best fit. Overall we give it 8.8/10 — best for surfers, backpackers and solo travelers who want both good design and new friends to take home.