The Philippines is rich in diverse natural resources, making it an ideal location for reconnecting with nature. From high mountain peaks and rich animal diversity to beautiful blue waters and the perfect waves for surfing. To learn more about the best surfing spots in the Philippines and their top beaches, continue reading the article below!
Surfing Spots from Luzon to Mindanao
As mentioned, the country is rich in natural resources, making it an awe for anyone experiencing it. Whether you’re in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao, there’s a surfing spot for you. Additionally, each location has different seasons depending on its location. East-facing spots are from July to October, while others’ peak is from December to March.
Baler
First off the list for one of the Philippines’ best spots for surfing is Baler. This location is also known as the country’s birthplace for the sport. The Apocalypse Now movie is the one to thank for this. Due to their filming in the sixties, Filipinos were amazed by the foreigners cruising the waves and wanted to learn for themselves. Also, different areas for various difficulty levels exist, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned surfers.
If traveling from Metro Manila, you can ride the bus from the Central Bus Station to Baler. The travel by land takes approximately seven hours, but the views of the beach make it worth it. Popular surfing locations include Sabang Beach, Cemento Reef, and Charlie’s Point. The last popular spot is where the movie shot its famous scene.
La Union
Another popular surfing spot in the country with perfect beaches is San Juan, La Union. This is an ideal location for people living in Manila who don’t want to travel as far as Baler. As popularised, land trips to La Union or Elyu take approximately a five-hour drive if you’re traveling privately from the city proper. However, travelers can also ride the buses run by the Partas Transportation Company.
Moreover, the area has many accommodations, from hostels to luxurious hotels. Its top spots include The Point, The Bowl, and The Beach Break. Peak surfing season is from July to October, so make sure to free your calendar somewhere between these months. Furthermore, Elyu is known as the “Surfing Capital of the North.” Some resorts also offer guests surfing lessons so tourists interested in the sport can learn.
See Also: Best Tourist Attractions In La Union Philippines
Boracay
It wouldn’t be a list of the best dive and surf spots in the Philippines if Boracay weren’t mentioned. While traditional surfing isn’t ideal at Boracay due to its location and the fact that it doesn’t produce the best waves, people have found an alternative. Visayas locations are rich in kitesurfing, and as the name suggests, it’s surfing while you’re attached to a large kite for a better experience. While there aren’t big waves, the windy weather on the island makes it ideal for this sport.
The best surfing spots in the Philippines are not only limited to traditional wave surfing but also other ways to enjoy the activity. Other approaches include windsurfing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, and more. A few of the best places to surf here include Bulabog Beach, Habagat Kiteboarding Center, and Funboard Center Boracay.
Real, Quezon Province
Real, Quezon is another spot close to the capital and just a three—to four-hour drive from Manila. The peak season is from October to February. While the dark-colored sand might throw some people off, it’s one of the best places to surf if you’re looking for a beach that isn’t as busy as others.
An added perk to surfing here is that it doesn’t break the bank. Since it is not as popular as Elyu and the other best spots to surf in the country, Real offers the same experience for a fraction of the price. Additionally, accommodations are much more affordable here. Popular establishments include the Magra Beach Resort, Real Coast, Surf, and more.
Siargao
Finally, a list of the best surfing spots in the Philippines would only be complete with the country’s capital. Cloud 9, Siargao, specifically, is known for its waves, which attract tourists nationally and locally. Aside from its world-class surf spots, the island boasts other natural spots like pools, lagoons, and more that tourists would surely enjoy.
While surfing is a year-round activity here, the season officially begins in September and continues until May, peaking in November and February. There are many ways to visit the island, depending on where you’re coming from. Tourists can fly in or hop on a boat to visit Siargao. Additionally, newbies can enroll in surf camps to learn more about the sport. Popular options include Soultribe Beach Retreat, Lamari Siargao, Mao Mao Surf, and more.
See Also: Fun Siargao Island Activities Worth Checking Out
Final Thoughts
The best surfing spots in the Philippines are more than just locations. These areas are rich in a culture that promotes the country’s tourism and love for the activity. The surf culture in these places is rich and encouraging, considering the number of camps mentioned. Moreover, there are more than five places to surf in the Philippines, whether traditional or not. After all, it is a very rich country in nature, and there is something you can do to reconnect with the environment everywhere you go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re looking to try out surfing in the Philippines, here are some commonly asked questions you might have.
Where is the best place in the Philippines to try surfing?
There’s no other place to try out the sport than Siargao, the country’s surfing capital. However, there are many beginner-friendly spots in the capital and other areas like Zambales.
When to surf in the Philippines?
Every surfing location in the Philippines has different peak periods. However, due to the winds during this season, a general rule of thumb for the peak period in the country is from August to November.
Why is Siargao the surfing capital of the Philippines?
The massive waves in Siargao that make it the country’s surfing capital are due to the collusion of two tectonic plates. Moreover, its unique geography makes it a perfect spot for the sport.