Disclosure: This guide is published by Mariden Resort. While we've aimed for accuracy, we encourage you to research both areas for your trip.
🗺️ Route Map from Mariden Resort
The map below shows the complete driving route from Mariden Resort to Maasin's key stops: Maasin River Bridge, Coconut Road, and the Coconut Plantation View Point.
Driving route from Mariden Resort to Maasin Deck · Click marker for distance & drive time
If there's one image that defines Siargao beyond surfing, it's the Maasin Coconut Plantation (often referred to as the Maasin Palm Tree Road ), a perfectly aligned corridor of towering coconut palms that has become the island's most photographed spot. Just steps away, the Maasin River offers a completely different experience: peaceful kayaking through palm-fringed waterways surrounded by untouched nature. Together, they make for a perfect half-day adventure.
Catch golden hour without the 5 AM panic. From Mariden Resort in Del Carmen, Maasin is a relaxed 15-minute ride, fresh and awake for sunrise photos. General Luna guests face a 45-minute pre-dawn motorbike trek on dark roads. See rooms from ₱1,200 / USD 22 a night →
Maasin Coconut Plantation View Deck
Coconut Plantation Quick Facts
- Location: Barangay Maasin, Surigao del Norte, between Del Carmen and General Luna
- Distance from Del Carmen: 15-20 minutes by motorbike
- Distance from General Luna: 25-30 minutes by motorbike
- Entrance Fee: FREE (it's a public road!)
- Best Time for Photos: 6-8 AM or 4-6 PM (golden hour)
Why It's Famous
The Maasin Coconut Plantation (often called the palm tree road of the Philippines ) has become Siargao's most iconic Instagram spot . The road is lined with perfectly aligned coconut palm trees that seem to stretch endlessly, their fronds creating a natural canopy overhead. The effect is magical, especially when the morning or afternoon light filters through the leaves. Pair it with our guide to choosing Del Carmen over General Luna as your base.
Image courtesy of Marisa
Photography Tips
- Early morning is best: Arrive at 6-7 AM for soft light and empty roads
- Use the road as leading lines: Stand in the middle of the road for the classic symmetrical shot
- Watch for traffic: It's a functioning road; always be aware of motorbikes and vehicles
- Bring props: A colorful dress, surfboard, or motorbike adds interest to photos
- Consider drone shots: Aerial views reveal the true scale of the plantation
⚠️ Safety Note: While the road looks peaceful in photos, it's an active thoroughfare. Never lie down in the road, and always have someone watching for approaching vehicles.
Maasin River
Image courtesy of BLISS Restaurant Siargao
Maasin River Quick Facts
- Location: Adjacent to the Coconut Plantation area (shared parking)
- Activity: Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Kayak Rental: ₱200-₱300 per boat (~USD 3.50-5.50) for 1-2 hours
- SUP Rental: ₱250-₱350 per board (~USD 4.50-6.50)
- Best Time: Morning for calm waters and good light
The Experience
While the Coconut Plantation is all about the photos, Maasin River offers genuine adventure and tranquility . The river meanders through palm groves and natural vegetation, providing a peaceful paddle away from the crowds. The water is typically calm, making it suitable for beginners. If you love spotting wildlife from the water, you'll also enjoy the Del Carmen mangrove boardwalk boat tours where you can observe herons, kingfishers, and mangrove ecosystems.
- Suitable for beginners: Calm, flat water with no rapids
- 2-person kayaks available: Great for couples or friends
- Wildlife spotting: Watch for kingfishers and other tropical birds
- Combine with plantation visit: The rental stations are near the road
Image courtesy of Oliver
How to Get to Maasin from Anywhere
From Overseas (US, UK, Australia, Canada)
Fly into Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) , then a 60–90 minute domestic hop to Sayak Airport (IAO) in Del Carmen, Siargao. Maasin is just 15–20 minutes from the airport, closer than General Luna. See our Sayak Airport guide .
From Del Carmen (Mariden Resort)
Maasin is an easy 15-20 minute motorbike ride from Del Carmen. Head south on the main road towards General Luna; the Coconut Plantation road is clearly marked on the left before you reach GL. See our Siargao transport costs for rental info (₱350-500/day, USD 6-9).
From General Luna
Head north towards Del Carmen for about 25-30 minutes . The Coconut Plantation will be on your right.
Best Route Option
Since Maasin sits between Del Carmen and General Luna, it's the perfect stop on a day trip between the two areas . Visit the plantation for photos in the morning, kayak the river, then continue to your next destination.
Suggested Itinerary: Maasin Half-Day Trip
- 6:00 AM: Leave Del Carmen early to catch golden hour
- 6:30 AM: Arrive at Coconut Plantation for sunrise photos
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast at a local eatery near Maasin
- 8:30 AM: Rent kayaks and explore Maasin River (1-2 hours)
- 10:30 AM: Return to Del Carmen or continue to General Luna
- Optional Extension: Continue north to Big Wish break at Pacifico (20 min) for lunch and afternoon surf session
💧 Water Adventure Lovers: Pair your river kayaking with a visit to Taktak Falls waterfall hike (40-60 min from Del Carmen) for a full day of freshwater swimming and jungle exploration. Both attractions showcase Siargao's interior beauty.
🏠 Your Perfect Base: Mariden Resort
Staying in Del Carmen at Mariden Resort & Homestay Siargao puts you 15-20 minutes closer to Maasin than General Luna, perfect for catching that magical morning light. We're also 5 minutes from Sayak Airport, making us the easiest landing pad for international guests.
- Early morning departure made easy: Beat the crowds and the tour buses
- Combine multiple attractions: Maasin, Sugba Lagoon boat tour , mangrove forest boardwalk , and Taktak Falls waterfall are all nearby
- Return to relax by the pool: The perfect post-adventure refresh
- Motorbike rental arranged: We help guests rent a bike (₱350-500/day, ~USD 6-9) for island exploration
- Book direct and save — See current room rates in PHP & USD , or message us on WhatsApp for group bookings
Frequently Asked Questions
The Coconut Plantation is in Barangay Maasin , located between Del Carmen and General Luna. It's approximately 15-20 minutes from Del Carmen and 25-30 minutes from General Luna by motorbike.
The best times are early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) when the light is golden and soft. Early morning is ideal if you want fewer people in your shots.
Kayak rentals typically cost ₱200-₱300 per boat (USD 3.50-5.50) for 1-2 hours. SUP (stand-up paddleboard) rentals are similar, around ₱250-₱350 (USD 4.50-6.50). Cash only; bring small PHP bills.
Absolutely! They're right next to each other. Plan for 2-3 hours total: 30-45 minutes for photos at the plantation and 1-2 hours for kayaking or SUP on the river.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, water (1L+), a dry bag for phones and wallets, and small peso bills for kayak rental (most stands don't accept cards). Wear quick-dry clothes and sandals with a strap. A GoPro or waterproof phone case is useful on the river.
Yes, with caveats. The river stays paddleable on most days except during typhoon warnings, and the palm road is atmospheric in overcast light. Check the forecast the morning of; if PAGASA has a signal-1 advisory or higher, skip it. See our Siargao weather by month guide for monthly weather.
Stay 5 minutes from the Maasin River
The Maasin coconut plantation and river kayak starts just a short ride from Del Carmen. Mariden Resort is the closest comfortable base — 5 minutes from Sayak Airport, with a pool and airport pickup (₱200). Rooms from ₱1,500/night (~$27 USD).
See Mariden Resort rooms →Related Guides
Photography Spots:
- Secret Beach Malinao (Guiwan) — Hidden beach photography paradise
- Sugba Lagoon rates and timing — Turquoise waters for stunning shots
- north coast surf at Pacifico — Sunset views on the north coast
Nearby Del Carmen Attractions:
- free mangrove forest walk — Nature walk near airport
- easy waterfall day trip from Del Carmen — Hidden waterfall nearby
- calm beach near Del Carmen (Alegria) — Calm family beach
- low-tide rock pools at Magpupungko — Tidal pools further north
Planning Your Trip:
- complete Siargao attractions overview — All tours, beaches, and adventures
- Siargao 3/5/7-day itineraries — Day-by-day trip plans
- Siargao daily trip cost — Complete cost breakdowns
- Siargao weather by month — Weather and golden hour planning
- getting around Siargao — Getting around the island
- Del Carmen vs GL comparison — Choose your base
- Sayak Airport arrival guide — Arrivals guide