The Philippines boasts countless islands, each a jewel in its own right. But Siargao goes beyond the typical island experience. It's not just about picture-perfect beaches or the thrill of chasing waves. Siargao burrows deeper—a place where paradise feels less like a vacation and more like a homecoming. Hence, it’s no surprise that more and more city dwellers and foreigners decided to set up a new life in Siargao.
This is the case for Marco Viray, Jerry Garcia, Charles Tiu, and Kim Honasan. They were all having the time of their lives in Manila, Cebu, and Boracay until Siargao happened. One—or two—visits to the island made them feel that it was their second home. They are in the F&B industry having set up some of Siargao’s most popular dining spots such as Loka, Kanin Baboy, and Siargao Bed & Brew among others.
Then, they saw this almost abandoned beachfront lot and thought it was a good opportunity for another venture. Next thing they knew, Katig Beachfront Boutique Hotel was born.
Hotel, but home
The name "Katig" actually means "outrigger," the part that keeps boats balanced. Kind of like how this hotel will make you feel steady and relaxed. It is tucked away in a sweet spot in General Luna, close to everything you might want to explore. Say you want a fix of Filipino-Balinese food at Kanin Baboy, it’s just in front of the hotel. Need a quick coffee fix? Gwapitos and Lunares Cafe are just around the corner. If riding a motorcycle isn’t your thing, you can rent a bicycle, walk everywhere, or call for a tricycle.
The property is on a 500 sqm. lot, which isn’t huge for a hotel, but the clever design makes it feel spacious and open, blending seamlessly with the local community. “Even though Katig has only 11 rooms, it feels so much bigger because it’s designed to be a part of the neighborhood rather than just another hotel,” shares Kim.
Each room is like a mini oasis, some with breathtaking ocean and sunrise views that you can enjoy right from your bed. It’s the kind of place where you feel both the privacy of a secluded retreat and the warmth of a welcoming home.
In the lobby, the modern industrial minimalist space will greet you. High ceilings, concrete walls, wood accents, and soft lighting created a calming ambiance. You’ll also find there the hotel’s dining area and next to it is a stunning bar curated by Lee Watson, the brain behind Makati’s famous The Spirits Library. Just a few steps and you’ll see the garden facing the beach you can swim any time you want. But, it was the bathroom's unique feature—a high ceiling with natural light coming in thanks to the clear roof— that stole the spotlight for me.
Built for the weather
According to the hotel owners, one of the biggest challenges in building the hotel was the weather. Siargao’s climate can be pretty extreme, so building during the rainy season was a real test. And that stunning design you see in the interiors? It's not just for show. Every element, though stylish, was chosen for its durability and functionality to withstand the force of nature. “The elements in the interiors might look like a design thing but they’re functional—it’s basically controlling the weather,” Kim adds.
The Katig Way
In the past few years, Siargao has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in the Philippines. There’s no shortage of beautiful hotels and resorts scattered throughout Siargao island. But truth be told, although many of these accommodations have stunning swimming pools and divine views of the ocean, they can sometimes feel intimidating.
Perhaps, that’s what’s so special about this new beachfront hotel in Siargao. The four business partners wanted to share that same feeling with their guests—making everyone who checks in at Katig feel like they belong there. They poured their hearts into creating a space where visitors could feel the same warmth and comfort that made them fall in love with Siargao. The Katig Way is how they make you feel about the island.
Katig Beachfront Boutique Hotel is the type of place that you come back to at any time of the year; a place where you can truly feel the heartbeat of Siargao; and a space where guests and staff feel like family. It bridges the gap between your city life and the island’s laid-back charm, making you feel like you belong from the moment you arrive.
Katig is located at B-2, 9286 Tourism Rd, Purok 5, General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. For more details, visit www.katigsiargao.com or follow @katigsiargao on Instagram and Facebook. Book your stay now at www.katigsiargao.com or reach out to the resort via mobile at +63 917 137 0565 and email at katigsiargao@gmail.com.
This article is originally published on Metro.style written by me.
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