5 Ideal Spots for Surfing Near Metro Manila Filipinos are beachloving creatures. With the 7,641 islands comprising our country, one wouldn’t run out of beaches to visit. But aside from beachbumming and the casual snorkeling, another growing water activity in the country is surfing. Some might find it intimidating, but surfing is actually easy and fun. Plus, there are plenty of places in the country to try it out. If you are a budding surfer or are a little bit curious and want an adventurous summer, check out these five surfing spots near Metro Manila that you can visit and explore.
Real, Quezon
Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours
Conquer the Pacific Ocean in Real, Quezon. (Image: livibautistaa thru Real Coast and Surf)
The nearest spot in Metro Manila to catch some waves is Real, Quezon. Just a mere threehour drive and you’ll be enjoying an adventurous weekend. Real, Quezon is the nearest entry point if you want to experience surfing in the Pacific Ocean. The beach may be rocky, but the waves are perfect for surfing as they rise from two to four feet— perfect for beginners who want to enjoy surfing without the fear of drowning. Aside from surfing, Real also offers other extreme activities like water rafting and waterfalls adventure. To get to Real, you can catch the Raymond Bus line in Sampaloc, Manila. Just take the bus going to Infanta, Quezon and ask the conductor to drop you off at Real. Once you reach the beach, there are plenty of establishments in the area that offers accommodation and basic surfing lessons. Just choose one and enjoy an adventurous weekend. Read: Top 10 Best Beaches in the Philippines 2017
Zambales
Travel Time: 4 hours
Zambales is not just for campers but for surfers too! (Image: Kapitans Liwa)
Zambales may be a popular spot for beach bumming and camping, but it also has its own surfing spots that you can visit. If you are a more experienced surfer and want to up the ante, check out San Antonio, San Narciso, and San Felipe in Zambales. These three spots are known for its strong and consistent waves especially during the months of April through September. You can also visit the famous ‘Magic Left’ in San Antonio where the waves rises up to four feet until it breaks left, thus the name. To reach Zambales, go to the Victory Liner Bus terminal in Caloocan and catch the bus going to Iba, Zambales. Just advise the conductor to drop you to any of the surfing spots, either in San Antonio, San Narciso, or San Felipe. Once you’re in Zambales, there are plenty of choices for accommodations and surfing coaches that offers lessons and board rentals.
La Union
Travel Time: 5 hours
Catch waves as high as 10 feet in La Union! (Image: San Juan Surf School and Shop) A surfing list wouldn’t be complete without La Union. This notsohidden gem in the North has been creating a lot of buzz lately because of its growing popularity to the surfing community. The great thing about La Union is that you can visit all year round and you’ll surely catch some great waves regardless of the month. If you are a proud adrenaline junkie, visit La Union from October to March and you might catch waves as high as eight to ten feet. There are also various beaches in La Union that you can choose from. San Juan is the most popular area for surfing, but nearby beaches such as Sunset, Carille, and Bacnotan are also great options if you want to avoid the crowd. If you want to go further north of San Juan, Darigayos can be a great option for you as well. Read: Beach OOTD! Bikinis Perfect for Your Body Types To get to La Union, go to Partas Transport terminal in Cubao and catch their Laoag bound buses. Advice the conductor to drop you off at Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union and you’ll immediately see the beach. Whether you’re a newbie or not, there are plenty of surf schools and surfboard rentals in La Union so you don’t need to worry if you don’t have your own board yet.
Baler
Travel Time: 6 hours
Experience the gray beach and continuous waves when you visit Baler. (Image: Baler Tour) Curious as to where surfing in the Philippines originated? Well, we have Baler to thank for. The surfing community in Baler has been growing since the ‘70’s and it hasn’t stopped since. Today, people from all over the country, and even from abroad, drive all the way to Baler to catch some of its famous waves. Like La Union, you can catch some good waves in Baler all year round, but the best months to visit are from October to April. Aside from the beautiful water, its fine grayish sand also makes it a great beach bumming spot. To reach Baler, from Genesis Transport Bus terminal in EDSA catch their bus that travels directly to Baler. You can travel as early as 2:00 AM so you’ll reach the beach early in the morning. No need to worry about accommodation and other surfing concerns because Baler has plenty of establishments that you can choose from. Read: Top 10 Best Summer Essentials in the Philippines 2017
Dipaculao, Aurora
Travel Time: 6 hours
Surf in solitude at Dipaculao, Aurora! (Image: Cote Adventure) Last on our list is Dipaculao in Aurora. Baler may take all the credit for being a top destination for surfers, but if you want some peace and quiet Dipaculao is a much better option. Because it’s not a popular option for tourists, expect to have the beach on you own! The fine white sand is also a plus for those instagramworthy photos. To reach Dipaculao, once you’re in Baler catch the UV Express vans travelling to Casiguran coastal highway and ask the driver to drop you off at Dipaculao Beach. Despite being a hidden surfing spot, there are a few establishments in the area that offers accommodations and surfing lessons. Whether you’re team North or South, you won’t have any excuse not to try at least one of these surfing spots!