Supporting the Siargao Island Community

13 Oct

Leave a positive footprint in Siargao

There’s more to Siargao Island than beaches, surfing and island hopping. What makes Siargao special is its community: the local families, small businesses, grassroots organisations, animal welfare groups and environmental initiatives working to protect the island and the people who call it home.

At Kawayan Hostel in General Luna, we’re proud to be part of this community. We encourage our guests to experience everything the island has to offer while also looking for simple ways to give something back during their stay.

Supporting local youth and families

Nature Kids of Siargao (NKOS) is a non-profit organisation focused on protecting nature, educating children and strengthening local families. Its work combines environmental education with community projects designed to help families build more sustainable futures.

For travellers interested in supporting the next generation of Siargao Island, organisations like NKOS provide an opportunity to connect with initiatives that extend well beyond tourism.

Instagram @naturekidsofsiargao

Helping Siargao’s animals

Anyone spending time around General Luna will quickly notice that dogs are a big part of island life. Several local organisations work to improve animal welfare and care for pets and strays across Siargao.

Dog Bless You Siargao is a grassroots rescue initiative caring for local rescue dogs, promoting animal welfare and encouraging community involvement.

Be Pawsitive Siargao also works to improve the lives of animals through rescue and care, responsible pet ownership, spay and neuter programs, and community awareness.

Supporting these groups can be as simple as following and sharing their work, donating, volunteering where opportunities are available or helping spread awareness.

Instagram @dogblessyousiargao
Instagram @bepawsitive.siargao

Discover local culture at Lokal Hub

Lokal Hub is a community-driven social enterprise supporting local culture, sustainability and grassroots projects on Siargao Island.

The Hub brings visitors and locals together through its café, market, workshops, events and cultural experiences while supporting local farmers, artisans and community projects. Profits are reinvested into initiatives covering sustainability, education, local crafts, sustainable farming and cultural exchange.

Visiting places like Lokal Hub is an easy way to experience another side of Siargao while directing more of your travel spending back into the local community.

Instagram @lokallab

What we’re doing at Kawayan Hostel

We also believe responsible tourism starts at home. At Kawayan Hostel, we’re working to reduce our environmental impact and support the General Luna community through practical everyday measures.

Our initiatives include solar-powered outdoor lighting, motion-sensor air-conditioning in newer rooms, filtered water stations, composting kitchen waste and encouraging guests to reuse towels and conserve electricity and water. We also prioritise employing local people, provide healthcare plans for our local staff and promote local charities, businesses and service providers to our guests.

Instagram @kawayanhostel

Small actions make a difference

You don’t need to spend your entire holiday volunteering to have a positive impact. Eat at locally owned restaurants, shop from local makers, respect the environment, be kind to the island’s animals, reduce waste and support community organisations where you can.

When thousands of people visit Siargao Island every year, those small choices add up.

Stay local. Support local. Enjoy Siargao.

Planning a stay in General Luna? Make Kawayan Hostel your base for exploring Siargao Island and ask our team about local organisations, businesses and community initiatives you can support while you’re here.