Surfing in the Philippines? Anywhere and anytime! The archipelago is washed by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the South China Sea to the west, making the possibilities of practicing this sport almost endless. The islands are affected by monsoon winds and typhoons, which shape perfect swells for all kinds of surfers.
Depending on the time of year you want to come and the kind of traveler you are (if you like things quieter or need more buzz), you’ll have to choose one destination or another. To help you decide, we’ve put together a guide to surfing in the Philippines. Here you’ll find information on places as well known in the surfing world as Baler or Siargao, but also still-secret gems like Eastern Samar. So grab your board and get ready to discover the best waves in the Philippines.
When to surf in the Philippines: best time
As anywhere in the world, there are ideal times to surf in the Philippines. In Best time to travel to the Philippines we talked about the different winds that lash the coasts of the archipelago, but, to sum up, we can speak of 2 coasts:
- West coast: in December, January and mid-February the monsoon sends the swell toward the south of the South China Sea, making the sites on western Luzon and western Palawan more appealing.
- East coast: from August to March they usually have better waves, with October and November being the most suitable months. For Siargao the best time tends to be from mid‑September to mid‑October, which is also when its most important championship is held.
In any case, you need to consider that on the same island there can be different spots that are perfect at certain times of the year. Throughout this article we’ll give you recommendations on the best months to surf each of them.
The best destinations for surfing in the Philippines
If you’re eager to grab your board and ride the Philippine waves, here you’ll find a summary of the best destinations to do so. You’ll see there are internationally recognized places with easy access, such as Siargao, where you’ll also find a great surfer vibe. If you’re looking for something more remote, you’ve got multiple opportunities across the archipelago. Bear in mind it’ll take more work to get there and tourism infrastructure will be less developed. It’s your call!
Surfing in Siargao
A list of the best places to surf in the Philippines couldn’t start any other way. Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, this small island in the south of the archipelago attracts lovers of the sport from all over the world.
With its 27 kilometers of coastline mainly fringed by reef, Siargao sits near the collision zone of 2 tectonic plates next to the Philippine Trench, which makes it possible to surf year‑round.
Its famous Cloud 9 is considered one of the world’s top 10 waves. It’s a fast, hollow wave that breaks over a reef and is accessible from the photogenic Boardwalk, where judges and the press are based during the most important surfing competitions in the Philippines.
The waves in Siargao are usually around 2,5 meters, but in peak season they can exceed 4 meters. Big barrels are almost guaranteed. Along the coast you’ll typically find a mix of reef and point breaks, plus some beach breaks. If you look closely, almost all the beaches of Siargao have fine white sand and are protected by a reef visible in the distance.
Here are some of the best surf spots in Siargao:
- For beginners: Guiuan, Jacking Horse, Little Pony.
- For intermediates: Bumee, Cemetery, Daku Reef, Pansukian Reef, Pilar, Salvacion, Stimpy’s.
- For advanced: Cloud 9, Rock Island, Pacifico, Tuason’s Point, Quicksilver.
You’ll find them described in more detail here.
When choosing your surf spot in Siargao, you’ll also need to consider the tides, since you can get hurt if it’s very low. So it’s best to ask local surfers.
Plus, even if the sea is flat (which is rare), Siargao is a place where you’ll never run out of things to do. In fact, it’s one of the trendiest places in the Philippines and a large part of the travelers now coming to the island don’t even touch a board. For this reason you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to eat well, go out partying, or stay in pure‑luxury resorts. It may be getting a bit commercial, but if you stick around for a while you’ll surely find your niche.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, remember how essential it is to have travel insurance that covers surfing.
In this article we tell you which is the best travel insurance for the Philippines and we give you a 5% discount:
If your goal is to make the most of surfing in the Philippines, our advice is to split your stay between Cloud 9/General Luna and Pacifico. Around the first area you’ll find lots of interesting corners, but it’s also true that it’s the area with the most tourism development, which has its pros and cons. The Pacifico/Burgos side is still light‑years behind the former in terms of hospitality and reminds us of the Siargao we found the first time we visited.
Recommended for: all levels.
Best time to surf in Siargao: generally, June to November are the best months. If you’re an intermediate surfer, September, October, March and May are good moments. Advanced surfers will enjoy the swell season between November and February. The best time for Cloud 9 is September to November, when waves can reach 4 meters.
Recommended hotels for surfers in Siargao: in Cloud 9: Harana Surf Resort, Amihan Bungalows, Hiraya Surf Hostel and Lampara Siargao Boutique Hostel / in Pacifico: Pacifico Huna Surf House, Pacifico 501 Backpackers & Budget Accommodation and Pacifico Bigwish Beach Resort. More options in Where to stay in Siargao and Best resorts in Siargao.
You can discover everything about this island in our awesome Siargao Guide.
Surfing in the Philippines: La Unión
If there’s another well‑known place to surf in the Philippines, it’s La Unión. Located north of Manila on the west coast, it’s a place that’s increasingly developed and livelier, as it has become the usual weekend spot for the capital’s residents. No wonder it’s already known as the Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines.
The waves in La Unión, in season, can reach up to 3 meters. The best‑known breaks are in San Juan: The Point (experts), The Bowl (experts), The Beach Break (beginners) and Monaliza’s Point (rock‑bottom right that can run about 150 meters). This is where you’ll find more hotels and restaurants.
Other places to surf not far from San Juan La Unión are Darigayos (May to September), Bacnotan (October to April), Car‑rille (November to March) and Sunset.
Recommended for: beginner and intermediate surfers
Best time: almost all year, but the best time is October to March (known as the North swell season), with December and January being the most interesting months.
Recommended hotels for surfers in La Unión: Rada Hostel LU, Monaliza Surf Resort and Flotsam & Jetsam. More info in Where to stay in La Unión.
You’ll find everything you need to enjoy these waves in our La Unión Guide.
Surfing in Baler
Baler is said to be the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines. The long black‑sand beach is one of surfers’ most beloved destinations and is likely familiar to you, as this coast on the island of Luzon provided several of the settings for Francis Ford Coppola’s film Apocalypse Now. In fact, the film crew is thought to have started surfing in the area in the 1970s; locals took notice and began practicing on the boards they left behind.
In Baler you’ll find right‑ and left‑handers, but the best known is a right‑hand reef break for more experienced surfers. Here are our recommended main surfing spots in Baler:
- Charlie’s Point: this is where the iconic surfing scene in Apocalypse Now was filmed. You’ll usually find medium‑sized waves with a sandy bottom here, perfect for beginners.
- Cemento: the best break, with a fast right where competitions are often held. In typhoon season conditions can be quite tough, so it’s only recommended for more advanced surfers.
Being relatively close to Manila and very well known for surfing, you won’t lack options for lodging and food—without it being overcrowded at all. Avoid weekends and you’ll enjoy it even more.
Recommended for: all levels.
Best time: you can surf year‑round, but the best time is October to March/April.
Recommended hotels for surfers in Baler: Lotus Sun & Waves Beach Resort, Ver Amare Place Baler by Zen Rooms, Chamies Transient House and Surf & Chill Inn.
How to get to Baler: unless you have a car or rent one, the easiest way to get there is to take one of the Manila to Baler buses run by Genesis Transport Bus. They depart from the company’s terminals in Pasay and Cubao. The journey takes about 6 hours and the ticket is around 500‑750 pesos, depending on the type of bus. Joy Bus is the most expensive, but it doesn’t make stops and even has Wi‑Fi. If you don’t want to notice much, you can do the route at night. Another option is to take a Manila to Cabanatuan bus run by Victory Liner (3 hours/ 250 pesos) and then a van to Baler (3 hours/250 pesos).
Surfing in the Philippines: Palawan
If you thought Palawan was all about island hopping, you were mistaken. Although it’s not the most famous place to surf in the Philippines, you’ll find interesting spots where you can ride some waves in season. Don’t expect huge waves, but do expect quiet beaches and comfortable barrels.
Near El Nido you have Calaan Beach, which between October and January serves up some fun waves thanks to the reef break. The same goes for Nacpan Beach and Duli Beach north of El Nido. In both you can rent boards right on the sand, but the latter usually has better conditions and a sandy bottom that’s great for beginners. If you’re interested, you can contact Mike or North Swell El Nido and ask.
On the other hand, north of Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, lies the gorgeous Nagtabon Beach. Little by little, surf‑related businesses are opening, like Surf Surf Café, where you can rent boards. There’s even a surfing festival in December.
Recommended for: all levels.
Best time: November to March.
Recommended hotels for surfers in Palawan: Where2Next Nacpan, Duli Beach Resort, Bucana beachfront guesthouse, Garden House Nagtabon Beach and B&R Hostel Nagtabon. You’ll find more options in Where to stay in El Nido and Where to stay in Puerto Princesa.
Discover everything about this island in our Palawan Guide.
Surfing in the Philippines: Eastern Samar
Most surfing spots in the Philippines are more or less known, but if what you’re looking for is something more local, more intimate, or less commercial, you need to get to know the province of Eastern Samar. This is the best corner of the Visayas for surfing and a paradise thanks to its location, with a wild coastline that’s a diamond in the rough. Here you’ll find powerful, hollow waves at the following spots:
- Guiuan: the surfing capital of Eastern Samar. Here, besides white‑sand beaches, you’ll be able to enjoy great waves that come from the reef breaks.
- Calicoan Island: a nearby island (reachable by bridge in 30’ from Guiuan) that’s super relaxed but with breaks. The best waves are usually found at ABCD Beach, but watch out for strong currents. You’ll also find plenty of interesting caves to visit, like Linao Cave.
Both places were heavily affected by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, but they’re now almost fully recovered and ready to welcome those who want to surf in the Philippines in a special place. As a curiosity, Guiuan was the site where Ferdinand Magellan first set foot in the archipelago on March 16, 1521.
Other interesting places to surf in Eastern Samar are Hernani, Llorente and Maydolong.
Recommended for: intermediate or advanced surfers.
Best time: there are two seasons, the Northeast monsoon (October to April) and the Southeast monsoon (April to November). If you’re advanced, the best waves are at ABCD Beach from August to October.
Recommended hotels for surfers in Eastern Samar: ABCD Surf Camp, La Luna, Calicoan Villa and AdBern.
How to get to Guian: take a flight to Tacloban and then a van to Guian from Van Van’s Terminal or Duptours (3 hours/170 pesos approx.). If you’re going to Calicoan, you can take a jeepney to Sulangan (50 pesos), which drops you right at ABCD Beach in about 30 minutes.
Surfing in Dahican, Mati (Davao Oriental, Mindanao)
Besides Siargao, the Mindanao region has a handful of lesser‑known places to surf in the Philippines. Perhaps the most interesting is Dahican Beach, a few steps from Mati City in Davao Oriental.
This gorgeous 7‑kilometer‑long crescent‑shaped white‑sand beach is not only a great place to surf, but also to spend a few days relaxing and, with luck, watch turtles hatch. In fact, it gets its name from the word “dahik,” which locals use to refer to the marks turtles leave in the sand on their way to the beach to lay their eggs.
The waves are a little challenging for beginners if you go in season, but you do have some swells suitable for learners.
Dahican is also a popular place for skimboarding. On the opposite coast lies Pujada Bay, home to 15.700 marine species, including dugongs or sea cows. Also relatively close is the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It serves as a refuge for species such as the Philippine eagle.
Recommended for: all levels.
Best time: you can surf almost year‑round, but it’s better from September to March. The biggest waves are seen between December and February.
Recommended hotels for surfers in Dahican: Destino Dahican, Haven Hearth, Sheepy’s Surfside Beach Resort, Dahican Surf Resort, Botona Dahican Beach Resort, Kubo sa Dahican, Amihan sa Dahican, La‑ne’s Kalapyahan, Tropical Kanakbai…
How to get to Dahican: fly to Davao and then take the Bachelor Express bus to Mati (4‑5 hours, 250 pesos) outside the airport or at the Ecoland Transport Terminal. If you want to go faster, vans depart from Gaisano Mall or Victoria Plaza (3‑4 hours, 220 pesos). At the Mati City Bus Terminal take a tricycle or a habal‑habal to Dahican (15‑20 minutes, 40 pesos).
Other places to surf in the Philippines
We’ve already told you about the best‑known places to surf in the Philippines, but there are several more that may interest you. Here’s a quick summary:
- Zambales (Luzon): located just three hours by car from Manila, it’s one of the most popular spots and has a nice vibe. You’ll find 3 ideal places to surf: San Antonio, San Narciso and San Felipe. Specifically, Crystal Beach Break (San Antonio) and Pundaquit Beach (San Antonio) are the best known among beginners. If you have more experience, High 5 Lahar (Liwliwa, San Felipe) will suit you better. Waves for all levels, especially beginners and intermediates. The best time is April to September.
- Pagudpud (Ilocos Norte, Luzon): on the northwestern tip of Luzon is this place little known to surfers, but at Blue Lagoon there are usually waves suitable for beginners between August and October. Plus, here you’ll find some of the best beaches in the Philippines.
- Real, Quezon (Luzon): on the east coast of Luzon, 3‑4 hours by car from Manila, this corner is attracting more and more surfers. Besides its dark‑sand beaches (still little developed for tourism), you’ll usually find waves for all levels here. The season runs from August to March, with the best waves between October and February.
- Puraran, Catanduanes (Luzon): Catanduanes Island is known as the “Happy Island” and boasts spectacular landscapes, secret lagoons, waterfalls, natural pools, hidden beaches and wonderful rock formations. Beginner and intermediate surfers will enjoy the hollow waves of Puraran Beach, “The Majestic,” in Baras. November to February is the best time. In October the Puraran Surfing Cup is held.
- Daet, Camarines Norte (Luzon): the Pacific coast is a gold mine of waves and one of the most interesting points is Bagasbas Beach. It’s an area little known and this long grayish‑sand beach rarely sees much besides surfers. The best time is July to January, with the best waves from August to November. Even so, you can get good conditions almost all year for surfers who are learning. Since you’re here, don’t miss the chance to visit wonderful Calaguas Island.
- Lanuza Bay, Surigao del Sur (Mindanao): south of Surigao you have several interesting places to surf in the Philippines. With waves for all levels, the best time is November to March, when the long right‑handers can reach 4,5 in height. You’ll also find barreling reef breaks ideal for advanced surfers. It’s a very quiet and underdeveloped place—except with lots of buzz in November when the Lanuza Surfing Festival takes place. Other interesting spots in the area are Doot Poktoy, Punta and Sitio Badiang.
Surfing competitions
Although, as we mentioned, the most important surfing championship in the Philippines is Siargao’s, here’s a list of other interesting ones:
- Single and Unattached, San Juan La Unión: February
- Siargao National Surfing Cup, Siargao: September
- Guiuan Odyssey Waves, Guiuan (Samar): October
- PSCT La Unión Pro, La Unión: November
- Lanuza Surfing Cup, Lanuza Bay: November
- Ilocos SurF Surfing Championship, Cabugao (Ilocos Sur): December
- Surf in the city, Borongan: December
You can find more information on the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT) website.
Recommendations and tips for surfing in the Philippines
- In almost all of these surfing spots in the Philippines we’ve mentioned you’ll find places to rent a board. They usually have options for both beginners and advanced surfers. As a rule of thumb, rental is around 200 Philippine pesos per hour.
- Thinking of bringing your own board to the Philippines? That’s totally feasible too. All airlines allow it, but keep in mind you’ll have to pay extra.
- If you’ve never stood on a board or you need to improve your practice while surfing in the Philippines, don’t worry—you’ll find instructors almost anywhere there are waves. The usual rate is about 300 pesos per hour.
- Of course, you’ll also find surfcamps in the Philippines or surf‑oriented hostels where you’ll have no shortage of options to find instructors and other surfers like you. If you want more buzz, we recommend Siargao.
- How do you carry your surfboard? In most places where surfing is famous in the Philippines you’ll find rental motorbikes with racks so you can carry your board. Tricycles are also used to carrying them on the roof.
- You probably already know this, but there are sites like this one to check wave conditions.
- Surfing is considered an adventure sport by most insurers, so you won’t be covered if you have an accident while practicing it under a standard policy. That’s why we recommend bearing this in mind when taking out your travel insurance for the Philippines. Our advice is to go for IATI Mochilero so you can travel with peace of mind. If you buy through this link you get a 5% discount.
Map of the best places to surf in the Philippines
Here’s a map where you can find all the surfing spots in the Philippines we’ve mentioned so you can plan your trip around them:
Ready to plan your surfing trip through the Philippines? We hope this article has helped you. If you have any questions or suggestions, we’ll be happy to read you in the comments.
