Guide to the Best Places to Surf in the Philippines

If you’re the type of person who loves the beach and if you’re always up for some adventure, surfing just might be the best activity for you. The rising popularity of surfing in the Philippines may come as a pleasant surprise to some, who are more used to surfing in other countries such as Australia and Indonesia.

Note, though, that during peak season, it can be difficult to find good accommodations in these surfing destinations. It’s highly recommended that you book online in advance using hotel booking sites so that you can get the rooms you want. You may want to check websites such as Traveloka, who offers a lot of good deals so you can save on your accommodation expenses. Thousands of visitors flock to these places when the surf’s up, so a little planning will go a long way towards your full enjoyment of your surfing vacation.

That said, here are the must-go to places for surfing in the Philippines.

Photo by Aleah Taboclaon

Siargao: Surfing Capital of the Philippines

Siargao Island is perhaps the most well-known among the surfing destinations of the Philippines. Located in Surigao del Norte, it is popular for its strong, hollow waves. A specific area known as Cloud 9 is an international favorite. As such, this is where most international surfing competitions are held.

Regulars say that surf season really starts in August and extends all the way to March. However, it is still possible to catch some great waves during other months. If you’re just beginning to learn, though, you might want to catch some tamer waves in the Daco area. You can also enjoy the white sand beaches after a tiring session.

San Juan, La Union: Surf Capital of the North

If you come from Manila and want to ride some waves without going very far, your best bet would probably be San Juan in La Union. It is quite easy to get there by bus, although it is also possible to take a plane to San Fernando and then just get another ride to the San Juan area.

There are two surf seasons in La Union. The first one starts in July and lasts until October. A separate season starts in November and extends until March. The quality of waves is different for each season. The waves tend to be bigger during the second season.

You might want to familiarize yourself with the different surfing spots in the area to ride the kind of waves you prefer. They may not be as big and hollow as those in Siargao, but they are generally consistent and make for very enjoyable rides.

Baler, Quezon Province: The Birthplace of Philippine Surfing

Baler, the capital of Aurora in Quezon Province, boasts of some interesting surf spots. The season generally starts in October and ends in February, but it is also possible to catch some good waves during the rest of the year. It really depends on the weather. Since this area faces the Pacific Ocean, you can expect some really big waves from time to time.

It pays to know the difference of one surf spot from another. Sabang Beach is one of the best choices for beginners, but even experts can still find this spot quite enjoyable to surf in. Skilled surfers who love challenging waves will perhaps do well to opt for Cemento Reef, where the waves tend to be much bigger.

Surfing supposedly started here in Baler, when crew members of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now left their surfboards behind after the movie was finished.

Borongan, Samar: A Lesser Known Surfing Paradise

Just like Baler, Samar’s waves are dependent on the Pacific Ocean. The surf season, however, starts in September. Since Samar is not as popular as other surfing spots in the Philippines, and since there are several surf spots to choose from, you can certainly enjoy the experience without the hassle of big crowds.

Borongan, which is down south, boasts of several well-known surfing areas. Many of these are for more

A country with 7,107 islands can never be at a loss for places to visit and adventures to embark on. For surfers and would-be surfers in particular, this presents huge potential for a truly world-class surfing experience. Pick any of these locations, and you’re sure to have the ride of your life.