Some of the Best Places in the Philippines Make You Work a Little Harder (This Place Is One of Them)

Traveling from Manila to Dinagat Island takes more planning than visiting most tourist destinations in the Philippines, but that’s also one of the reasons the province has remained relatively untouched.

Unlike places with direct commercial flights, getting to Dinagat Island involves a combination of air, land, and sea travel.

While it may sound complicated at first, the journey is actually straightforward once you know which route to take.

Located northeast of Mindanao, Dinagat Island is known for being one of the hidden gems in the Philippines.

In recent years, it has slowly gained attention among travelers looking for destinations beyond the usual tourist circuit.

When I visited Dinagat Island, the long journey was worth every hour even though my route was via Cebu. I spent two days island hopping, joined a half-day land tour, and still left with a list of places I wanted to visit next time.

If you’re planning your first trip, this guide will walk you through the best ways to travel from Manila to Dinagat Island, transportation options, estimated costs, and other useful tips before you go.

Best Routes from Manila to Dinagat Island

There isn’t a direct flight from Manila to Dinagat Island, so you’ll need to combine flights with either land transportation or ferry transfers.

Fortunately, several routes are available depending on your schedule, budget, and preferred airline.

🗺️ Manila to Dinagat Island (via Butuan)

For many travelers, the Manila-Butuan route is the easiest and most practical. In fact, one of the solo travelers I met in Dinagat Island took this route because it offered the most convenient connection.

Start by booking a flight from Manila to Butuan Airport (BXU). This is the most flexible option, as several airlines operate daily flights.

Alternatively, you can take a longer route by traveling on either a 2GO ferry or a Ceres bus.

After arriving at Butuan Airport, ride a van or bus bound for Surigao City. The trip usually takes around two and a half to three hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Once you reach Surigao City, head to the boulevard port area and board a ferry going to San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

Ferry schedules vary by operator and weather conditions, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest departure times before your trip.

✨ This Manila to Dinagat Island route offers several advantages:

• Multiple daily flights from Manila
• Frequent public transportation between Butuan and Surigao
• Several ferry departures throughout the week
• Flexible travel schedule

If you’re arriving early in Butuan, it’s even possible to reach Dinagat Island on the same day.

🗺️ Manila to Dinagat Island (via Cebu)

Another option is flying from Manila to Cebu before continuing the journey to Dinagat.

After arriving in Cebu, travel to the ferry terminal and board a ferry to Surigao City. From there, transfer to another ferry bound for San Jose, Dinagat Island.

Although this route takes longer than flying to Butuan, it works well if you want to spend a few days exploring Cebu City and beyond before continuing your trip.

Another option is to fly from Cebu to Surigao, which is the route I took after my trip to Dinagat Island. If you’re traveling from Manila, I’d suggest booking the earliest flight to Cebu and then the earliest connecting flight to Surigao (via Cebu Pacific).

It gives you enough time to catch the ferry and, if everything goes as planned, arrive in Dinagat Island before noon.

Many visitors combine Cebu and Dinagat into one itinerary since both destinations are well connected by ferry and flight services.

If you’re already in Cebu, you can also check out my separate guide on Cebu to Dinagat Island, where I discuss the route in more detail.

🗺️ Manila to Dinagat Island (via Clark and Siargao Island)

If you’re planning to visit Siargao Island, you can include Dinagat Island in the same trip.

You can start by flying from Clark to Siargao Island. I know this guide focuses on traveling from Manila, but it’s also worth considering Clark International Airport.

It offers one of the few direct and often cheaper flights from Luzon to Siargao. If you’re coming from Metro Manila, getting to Clark is fairly easy since you can take the P2P bus.

Then, depending on the season, ferry services sometimes operate directly between Siargao and Dinagat Island.

However, these routes depend heavily on sea conditions and are not available throughout the year.

If the direct ferry isn’t operating during your visit, you can simply travel back to Surigao City before taking a ferry to San Jose.

Although this route involves an extra transfer, it allows you to visit two beautiful island destinations in the Philippines in one vacation.

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How Far is Dinagat Island from Manila?

The straight-line distance between Manila and Dinagat Island is approximately 760 kilometers, but the actual travel distance is much longer because you’ll need to combine flights, land transportation, and ferry rides.

Your total travel time depends on the route you choose.

If everything goes smoothly, you can expect the journey to take around 7 to 12 hours from Manila.

Weather also plays an important role, especially when it comes to ferry schedules. During the rainy season in the Philippines, rough sea conditions occasionally cause delays or cancellations.

Trust me on this. I watched a YouTube vlog where the ferry’s stabilizer wing was damaged during a trip in October while it was raining.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to leave some flexibility in your itinerary, especially during the rainy season.

Although the trip takes longer than visiting destinations with direct flights, you’ll be rewarded with a province that still receives far fewer visitors than many of the country’s popular islands.

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How to Get Around in Dinagat Island?

Once you arrive in San Jose, Dinagat Islands, getting around is fairly simple.

Unlike larger cities, traffic is minimal, roads are generally quiet, and transportation remains straightforward.

However, many roads are steep and can be challenging to navigate, so choose the transportation option you’re most comfortable with.

Here are the most common ways to explore the province.

🛺 Bao-bao

One of the easiest ways to get around town is by riding a bao-bao, Dinagat’s version of a tricycle or tuk-tuk.

They’re ideal for short trips around San Jose, and most bao-baos have fare meters displayed inside.

I actually found this really helpful as a visitor because it gives you an idea of how much you’ll be paying and helps avoid overcharging.

🛵 Motorcycle Rental

Before my trip, I actually considered renting a motorcycle.

After seeing how steep some of the roads were, especially outside the town proper, I decided to leave the driving to locals instead or opt to walk.

If you’re already comfortable riding motorcycles on mountain roads, renting one gives you the freedom to explore nearby attractions (or even the far ones) at your own pace.

Just make sure to wear a helmet and drive carefully, especially during rainy weather.

🚐 Van Rental (Limited)

Families and groups usually find van rentals to be the most convenient option.

Several local operators offer transportation for land tours around the province, which allows you to visit destinations like Islander Castle, Miracle Pool Cave, Dako Falls, Stairway to Heaven, and other attractions spread across different municipalities.

Booking through a DOT-accredited travel agency also removes much of the planning before your arrival.

⛵ Joiner Tours

If you’re traveling solo like I did, I highly recommend joining a tour.

I booked a two-day island-hopping package, which covered transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and the boat for the entire trip.

For my land tour, I was fortunate enough to join another family’s private tour after they kindly allowed me to share their bao-bao.

Besides saving money, joiner tours also make logistics much easier since transportation is already arranged for you.

Where to Stay in Dinagat Island, Philippines?

Most accommodations in Dinagat Island are located in San Jose, the provincial capital.

Staying here gives you easy access to the port, restaurants, convenience stores, ATM, and the usual jump-off point for island-hopping tours.

While you won’t find large hotel chains or luxury resorts, you’ll come across comfortable guesthouses, inns, and homestays that provide everything you need for a few days in the province.

🛌 VINE’S Bed and Breakfast

This is where I stayed for 2 nights during my trip, and I would gladly recommend it to anyone visiting Dinagat Island.

It’s located near St. Cruz Beach and several restaurants, including Sana Café. The rooms are spacious and already include breakfast, toiletries, and a hot and cold shower.

One thing I looked forward to every evening was watching the sunset from the ramp overlooking the sea.

If you’re tired after a full day of island hopping, you can even request a whole-body massage through the reception.

🛌 Island View Suites

Island View Suites is another popular accommodation in San Jose.

Its biggest advantage is the location. It’s only a short walk from the public market, sari-sari stores, restaurants, and one of the few ATMs in town.

The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the rooftop offers a beautiful view of San Jose during sunset. Since many travelers choose to stay here, it’s best to book your room in advance.

I was lucky enough to even stay for a night.

🛌 Budget Inns and Homestays

If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll also find several affordable inns and homestays around San Jose Dinagat Island.

Places like Camagong Suites, JBN Accommodation, HappyNest Homestay, Jmalls Island Tourist Inn, Engil’s Studio, and Manzanares Room Stay provide clean rooms at reasonable rates.

They’re perfect for backpackers or travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the province instead of staying indoors.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Dinagat Island?

One of the things that surprised me during my trip was that Dinagat Island wasn’t as expensive as I expected.

The biggest expense is usually transportation, especially if you’re flying from Manila. Once you arrive in the province, food, accommodations, and local transportation remain relatively affordable.

Here’s a rough estimate to help you plan your budget.

Your total budget depends on how many days you’re staying and whether you’re traveling independently or joining organized tours.

Personally, I think it’s even affordable if you travel with a companion or in groups.

What is the Cost of a Tour Package for Dinagat Island?

If it’s your first time visiting the province, I highly recommend booking a tour package. It will cost about ₱1,500 to ₱4,500.

Most tour operators offer one-day or two-day island-hopping tours, while others also provide land tours covering attractions across San Jose, Loreto, Libjo, and Cagdianao.

Prices usually depend on:

• Number of participants
• Destinations included
• Private or joiner tour
• Inclusions such as lunch, entrance fees, and guide services

Solo travelers often save money by joining a shared tour since boat rental and transportation costs are divided among participants.

Some packages also include accommodation, as long as you’re okay sharing the room with other travelers.

I joined a two-day island-hopping tour during my visit, and it made the trip much easier.

Instead of worrying about boat rentals or permits, I simply enjoyed each destination while our guide handled everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Manila to Dinagat Island

Traveling from Manila to Dinagat Island takes more time than flying to the country’s major tourist destinations, but it’s far from difficult once you understand the available routes.

Looking back, I never regretted making the long journey. In fact, I left wishing I had stayed longer. Even after spending two days island hopping and joining a land tour, there were still places that I didn’t get to visit.

If you’re looking for a destination that’s different from the usual island getaway, Dinagat Island deserves a spot on your travel list.

Plan your route ahead of time, allow a little flexibility for ferry schedules, and enjoy one of the Philippines’ most underrated provinces before the crowds eventually discover it.

Check Out These Recommended Articles:

• Ultimate Travel Guide to 16 Dinagat Island Tourist Spots and Hidden Gems
• Cebu to Dinagat Island: Step by Step Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
• 3 to 5 Days Dinagat Island Itinerary: Everything I Did and Would Recommend for First-Time Visitors
• Explore Mindanao’s Secret Waterfalls and Ancient Landscapes by Trail
• 11 Mindanao Hidden Gems: Explore the Secret Spots You Didn’t Know Existed
• Life-Changing Encounters in Mindanao: Hidden Spots, Culture, and Local Stories
• When Is the Best Time to Visit Mindanao and Its Hidden Gems

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About the Author

Hi! I’m Kristine (aka KR). I’m the main developer of Philippine Hidden Gems. My work includes going to places to cover events and places that I’m happy to share with the readers.

Even though I’m an introvert who loves to read and stay indoors all the time, I love to travel outside the country (at least once a year) and nearby regions within PH.

My recent hobbies include learning Japanese culture and exploring the world of K-Pop as a Carat.