Top 5 Surfing Spots in the Philippines 2018 These best places to surf in the Philippines attract beginners and pros.
With summer just around the corner, people look forward to doing water sports and other activities at the beach. Most people are content going swimming or island hopping, but if you want something more exciting, one recommended activity is surfing. Thankfully, our country is blessed with 7,641 islands, there are many wonderful beaches around the country where one can surf. However, if you’re looking for the best surfing spots in the Philippines, read on to know where these are.
5. Lanuza, Surigao del Sur
The big waves at Lanuza attract local and foreign surfers alike.
Image: Kudo Surf Community We start our countdown with Lanuza, a coastal town which has been nicknamed as the Surf Center of Surigao del Sur. Every November, surfers from all over the country compete at the Lanuza Surfing Festival. With other attractions like caves, springs, and waterfalls, the place has also been marketed as an eco-tourism destination by its local tourism office. The town has a number of surfing spots such as Punta and Sitio Badang. However, the most popular one is Doot Poktoy right at the town proper. Surfing lessons cost PhP500 per day.
4. Zambales
The small waves at Zambales are perfect for newbie surfers. Image: Zambales SURF CAMP
At the fourth spot is Zambales, which is a great surfing spot for people looking to catch a wave near Manila. It is home to three known surfing spots: “Magic Left,” Camara Island, and Anawangin Cove. Over the years, interest in surfing and other board sports like skating, skimming, and bodyboarding has led the province to evolve into the Board Sport Capital of the Philippines. If you’re just starting out, you can head to Crystal Beach which has shallow waters that are ideal for beginners.
3. Siargao
A local surfer conquers a right-breaking wave at Cloud 9 Image: Kermit Surf & Dive EcoCamp Siargao Up at third spot is Siargao, which has been touted as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. It has earned international recognition from CNN in 2012 and Condē Nast Traveler in 2017 as one of
the top surfing spots in the world. What draws local and foreign surfers to the island is the hollow tubes of Cloud 9, which is also the venue for the annual Siargao Cup. Siargao has more than 15 different surf breaks, but most surfing activities can be found in General Luna. Different types of surfers will surely find a spot suitable for their skill level, from Cloud 9 which is for advanced surfers, to Jacking Horse for beginners. Lessons start at PhP400 per hour.
2. Baler
Surfers catch a wave at Aliya Surf Camp in Baler Image: Aliya Surf Camp This small town in Aurora province, central Luzon is said to be the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines. In the 1970s, American director Francis Ford Coppola shot some scenes for the epic
war film Apocalypse Now in Baler. After filming wrapped up, a few local kids picked up the surfboards left behind by some crew members and taught themselves how to surf. The town is also the setting for other movies like the 2008 drama Baler and the 2015 indie film Apocalypse Child. Surfing spots in Baler include Sabang Beach, Cemento Reef, and Charlie’s Point. The latter is where surfing and battle scenes were filmed for Apocalypse Now. Rates start at Php350 per hour. After surfing, you can check out the Millennium Tree, which is said to be one of many haunted places in the Philippines.
1. La Union
The picturesque view from San Juan Surf Resort Image: San Juan Surf Resort
Taking the top spot in our poll is La Union, fondly called Elyu by locals. Just five hours away from Manila, it’s easy to take a summer road trip up north to this province in the Ilocos region. Those who would like to take surfing lessons can head to San Juan where one can find a variety of accommodation options from high-end resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Peak season for surfing starts from October to March, with fairly good weather starting in December. A popular surfing spot is Urbiztondo Beach, which is fit for all surfers with different skill levels. Rates start at PhP400 per hour. Which of these surfing spots will you be visiting this summer? Let us know in the comments section below!