Discovered back in 1912 - almost 100 years ago, this nice species was treated as a synonym of Nepenthes merrilliana since Danser's monograph in 1928. Recent studies done at the type location (Mt.Masay, Mindanao) clearly showed that it is a good species.
While Nepenthes surigaoensis is related to N. merrilliana and N. bellii it can be easily distinguished from both of them. It's caracterized by it's strongly decurrent leaf-bases, the prominent indumentum and long tendrils that separate the species well from N. merrilliana. The pitchers, though having some similarities with N. bellii are much larger. This species is found at intermediate altitudes.