Siargao is an island in the South of the Philippines. The island is entirely covered in coconut palm trees…
And sitting right beside a bluish river, the Maasin River, there is a coconut tree with a rope swing that has become one of the island’s favourite tourist spots.
From General Luna, which is Siargao’s main tourist area, it takes under 30 minutes to the Maasin Bridge and a 5-minute walk to the palm tree swing.
However, there is no indication of the place. In fact, we passed by this spot a couple of times and had no idea what was a couple of minutes walk away.
This blog post is a guide to Siargao’s popular Coconut Tree Swing. We have listed all you need to know about it, where to stay in Siargao and how to get around Siargao island.
>>Need information on how to get to Siargao? Click on the highlighted text for full details.
How to Get Around Siargao
One of the best way to get yourself to Siargao’s favourite tourist spots is with your own scooter or motorbike.
In General Luna there are loads of scooter rentals usually starting at 500 pesos ($10) per day. However, for a better deal, I suggest you rent the scooter from out of town.
We rented a scooter in Dapa. The daily price was 350 pesos ($7) but since we kept the scooter for a whole week we were given a discount and paid 275 pesos ($5) per day for a 125cc scooter.
An alternative to the scooter would be to rent a car. However, that won’t be as much fun as cruising around on a 2 wheeler with an all round unobstructed view.
Another way of getting around, covering a list of things to do in Siargao and getting to Siargao’s best tourist spots especially if short on time is with a tour
We recommend the Siargao Land Tour which covers the Rope Swing at the Maasin River, the Coconut Tree View Deck and 3 other Siargao must-see.
The price of this tour is the best we found online, is highly rated and very accommodating guides. If you want to cover the best of Siargao in a day, this is your best option.
How to get to Siargao’s Bent Palm Tree Swing
The Palm Tree Swing Siargao is a straight forward tourist spot.
In fact it is located on the side of Siargao’s Circumferential Road.
Along this road are many of the island’s favourite tourist spots.
And just a 5-minute drive from the river swing there is the Coconut Trees View Deck, a popular tourist spot in Siargao.
However, the Siargao rope swing isn’t listed on Google.Maps so there is a good chance you will pass by and not even realize. But if you type in Google.Maps, Maasin River Siargao, the directions will lead you to the entry point.
2021 Update: The Maasin Bridge River Swing is now on Google.Maps.
To get to Maasin village for the palm tree rope swing, ride out of the tourist town General Luna and take a right turn onto the first main road that you see.
If you continue cruising along this road you will come to the Coconut Mountain View Deck and a short ride later you’ll see the red steel Maasin bridge.
Don’t go any further. There is a parking area and the palm tree rope swing is at the end of a path from under the bridge and along the Maasin river.
The ride from General Luna to the Maasin River should be around 30 minutes.
There aren’t any indications of the place. So when you reach a red steel bridge over a river, park your bike and walk down alongside the river. If you got till here you should already see the river palm tree swing.
The Maasin River Palm Tree Swing on Map
Click on the map to be taken to the exact location of the Palm Tree Swing on Siargao.
Coconut Palm Tree Swing at Maasin River
Early in the morning before any cafeteria or restaurant had opened, we jumped onto our moped with just one thing in mind. Reaching coconut tree swing before the day got too hot.
Since everywhere was still closed, we grabbed a coffee from one of the local snack stalls on the side of the street and continued the 30 minutes ride to the Maasin River.
Riding in the fresh morning breeze along deserted streets and thousands of palm trees is the perfect way of starting off the day while living the island life.
Around 30 minutes later we spotted the red steel bridge that crosses over the Maasin river. This was the indication that we were in the right place.
We actually spotted Siargao’s iconic Palm Tree poking out onto the river once we were standing on the bridge. That is how easy it is to reach. Palm Tree Swing Siargao is at the end of the path that leads from under the bridge and only takes a couple of minutes to walk up to.
Local women had just started preparing for the day. Stalls selling local food and small souvenirs were right next to the bridge and is where a small entrance fee is paid.
We had come so early that beside the girls taking care of the swing, we were the first tourists of the day.
Imagine sitting in a little paradise at the side of a road and steel bridge. That is what this place is.
Palms, exotic trees and plants surround the dark blue Maasin river.
Rope Swinging at the Bent Coconut Tree
The slow moving current makes it perfect to grab the swing and fall into the clear water.
When we got here it was still super early and the air was quite chilly and I wasn’t sure if I should jump in or give it a miss.
So I decided to have a go at my balancing skills. Well, that didn’t really go that well as you probably can see in the photos!!
A few minutes after we had arrived at the bent palm tree swing, one of the girls walked right up to the swing.
Walking up the wonky tree and sitting with feet hanging over the river seemed interesting and the locals made it look all so easy.
Therefore, I decided that since I wasn’t sure of jumping in the river, I would try doing as she did and probably fall off and into the water.
I did get partly up the tree. But at around halfway I lost balance and ended clinging onto the trunk with both legs and arms.
I guess none of what I had planned worked out. However, it was quite fun and gave it a try a few times. But none were successful.
Other Things To Do at the Maasin Village Palm Tree Swing
The Palm Tree Swing is a popular photo spot.
And on our way out we met a small group waiting for their turn to climb a bamboo barge while a guide captures the picture-perfect surroundings.
And from a point nearer to the bridge, small boats are available for rent. The cost is about 200 Pesos ($4) and you can paddle along the Maasin River and take some amazing photos.
Where to Stay on Siargao Island
Siargao is a straight forward island when it comes to choosing where to stay.
Most tourists to Siargao stay in or around General Luna. Restaurants, hip bars, cafes and hundreds of accommodation to suit any budget are all located in General Luna.
I would say that if it is your first time in Siargao or prefer to be in a location with plenty of sleep, eat and drink options, General Luna is the best place to stay.
>>Read this guide for the best areas to stay in General Luna and our recommendations for resorts, hotels and hostels.
These are our favourite options for where to stay in General Luna.
Budget
SINAG HOSTEL: The location, ambience and most importantly the hosts have all contributed to making this one of the best hostels around. Guests have the facility of a kitchenette and can chill out and get to know other travelers in the lounge area. This property offers double or quadruple rooms and bunk beds.
CHECK PRICE AND BOOK SINAG HOSTEL ON AGODA HERE
Mid-range
BULAN VILLAS SIARGAO: This resort offers accommodation in the form of wooden Asian style villas surrounding a pool and garden. Guest can enjoy the beautiful outdoor space, an onsite bar and restaurant. Beside the villas, this property offers standard rooms, ideal for those on a budget but want to base themselves in a luxurious resort.
CHECK PRICE AND BOOK BULAN VILLAS SIARGAO ON AGODA HERE
Luxury
MANGO TREES SIARGAO: A great choice for couples, families or groups since each unit can accommodate a minimum of 4 people and up to 8. With an outdoor infinity pool, barbecue area, lounge and garden you can enjoy and take full advantage of the facilities at this stunning property. And don’t worry about preparing your breakfasts, the hosts offer an a la carte breakfast each day.
CHECK PRICE AND BOOK MANGO TREE SIARGAO ON AGODA HERE
There is another accommodation option.
That is to go further North of Siargao in a charming seaside village called Pacifico or next to it is Burgos. Just be aware that both Pacifico and Burgos are isolated and there aren’t so many tourist amenities like restaurants, cafes and bars.
We know of four cafes in the north of Siagao and about the same amount of restaurants. And although you may be limited each and every cafe and restaurant served amazingly good food.
>>Read this detailed guide for Pacifico including things to do, where to stay and eat.
Other things to do while on Siargao
While on Siargao Island, add these other tourist spots to your List of Things To Do.
- Secret Beach which is 19 minutes south of Maasin River
- The Secret Lagoon and Doot Beach which are a 24-minute drive south of Maasin River
- Cloud 9 is 31 minutes drive south of the Maasin River
Visit all these tourist spots on a day trip to the south of the island!
Other things to do located north of the Maasin River
- Tayangban Cave and Pool which is only a 5 minutes drive from Maasin River
- Taktak Waterfall is a 52-minute drive north of Maasin River.
Check the full guide to Siargao for other top things to do!
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