Yoga Teacher Training Philippines: Davao vs Siargao
Upekkha offers 200-hour yoga teacher training in the Philippines in two locations: Davao and Siargao. Both are Yoga Alliance certified. Here's how they compare so you can choose the right yoga teacher training Philippines experience.
Location and Vibe
Davao is a city with green spaces, beaches nearby, and a more urban-but-relaxed feel. It's easier to reach (direct flights from Manila and other hubs) and often more affordable for daily life. Good if you want a city base with nature access. You get the structure of a city—restaurants, shops, healthcare—without Manila's intensity. Siargao is an island—surf, palms, and full retreat mode. Getting there may involve a flight to Cebu or Manila, then a flight to Siargao. The vibe is island-life: slower, more remote, ideal for total immersion. Yoga teacher training Philippines in Siargao appeals to those who want a beach-retreat setting where the line between training and vacation blurs in the best way.
Climate: Davao can be slightly cooler in upland areas; Siargao is classic tropical—warm, humid, with sea breeze. Both are manageable with the right clothing and hydration. If you're sensitive to heat, discuss with us; we can suggest the best time of year for each location.
Program Similarities
Both our 200hr YTT Davao and 200hr YTT Siargao follow the same Yoga Alliance curriculum: asana, pranayama, philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology. The same lead teachers and standards apply. You'll graduate as RYT 200 from either program. The difference is mainly environment and logistics. If you're choosing purely on curriculum, you get the same education either way.
We use the same manuals, the same practicum structure, and the same assessment approach. Our philosophy is that the location should support the learning, not change it. So whether you're in a shala in Davao or an open space in Siargao, the depth of the 200-hour yoga teacher training is consistent.
Cost and Logistics
Davao tends to be more budget-friendly for flights and living; Siargao can be pricier but includes the "retreat premium." We offer course-only and course-with-accommodation options for both. Check our yoga teacher training Philippines pages for current dates and pricing. Flights to Davao are often cheaper and more frequent; Siargao may require more planning and sometimes higher airfare, especially from abroad. Accommodation on Siargao can range from simple to boutique; we help match you with options that fit your budget.
Which to Choose
Choose Davao for easier access, lower cost, and a city-with-nature balance. It's ideal if you have limited time for travel, prefer not to deal with island logistics, or want to be in Mindanao for personal or family reasons. Choose Siargao for full island immersion, surf-and-yoga combo, and a retreat-style 200hr YTT. It's ideal if you're ready for an adventure and want the training to feel like a transformative getaway. Both are genuine yoga teacher training Philippines experiences that will transform your practice and prepare you to teach. You can't make a wrong choice—only the one that fits your life and goals best.
Explore both
200hr YTT Davao · 200hr YTT Siargao · YTT Philippines overview