Dreaming of catching perfect waves in a tropical paradise? Look no further than the Philippines surfing scene, where pristine sandy beaches and world-class waves await.
Most people who plan a surfing trip in Asia picture themselves in Sri Lanka or Indonesia. Little do most people know, the Philippines has several incredible surf spots perfect for beginners and experts.Â
A surf trip in the Philippines is essential for your Southeast Asia bucket list!
The Philippines surfing experience is unlike any other, offering diverse waves suitable for all skill levels, set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. With warm waters, incredible visibility and affordable rental prices, surfing in the Philippines is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime!
On top of its surfing, the Philippines is famous for its laid-back island culture, friendly Filipino hospitality and pristine beaches. With 7000 islands to explore and endless adventure activities, a trip to the Philippines is bound to leave you with unforgettable memories!
Top Philippines Surfing Spots
Siargao: The Surfing Capital
Siargao is the crown jewel of Philippines surfing, renowned for its famous Cloud 9 surf spot that draws surfers from around the globe. It is often the hosting place for many international surf competitions!
During the dry season (December – March), Siargao is a treat for inexperienced surfers. Offering gentle swells, consistent waves and a plethora of friendly surf teachers, it is the perfect place for first-time surfers and those still getting acquainted with the art of surfing!
Experienced surfers thrive in Siargao during peak season, when the waves are highest, offering exhilarating rides, particularly in Cloud 9.
The good news is that Siargao has several surf spots around the island, tailored for all abilities. Jacking Horse, offering gentle waves, is great for beginners. Cemetery is an intermediate surf spot, suitable only for those comfortable with reef breaks (don’t forget your reef shoes). Pacifico, located on the northeast part of the island, has long, powerful waves perfect for more advanced surfers looking to escape the crowds.Â
On top of its swells, Siargao Island offers a bustling nightlife scene and plenty of cafes and restaurants. The excitement of Siargao extends beyond its surfing with crystal-clear island hopping, scenic palm tree drives, and relaxing riverboat rides. No trip to Siargao is complete without visiting the turquoise waters of Daku Island and exploring Magpopongko Rock Pools and Sapa sa Maasin River.
Many foreigners who come to this island of paradise never want to leave!
La Union: A Surfer’s Haven
For those seeking a more laid-back vibe, La Union offers a mix of gentle waves and pleasant local culture, making it a favourite among the Philippines surfing community. Accessing La Union involves a 6-hour bus from Manila or just 3 hours if you can afford to fly into Angeles City.
The famous surf spots here are Urbiztondo Beach, Monaliza Point and Bacnotan Beach. The waves are consistent in San Juan, ranging from 2-8 feet, peaking in height during the monsoon season.Â
Baler: The Birthplace Of Philippine Surfing
Baler is often the best and first place seasoned surfers visit in the Philippines. Surfing is feasible all year round here but peaks between October and March when massive north waves appear.
Baler is home to several surf spots, the most famous being Sabang Beach; medium-sized waves and a sandy ocean floor make it ideal for new surfers and those trying to fine-tune their skills.Â
Cemento Beach promises much larger and more powerful waves, attracting many pro surfers to its shores. During peak season, barrel waves are a common sight, adding an element of intensity to the surf. For newbies to the surfing scene, it is best to avoid this spot and choose a location with less intense waves!
Calicoan: An Off-The-Beaten-Track Adventure
Calicoan is a tiny island in Eastern Visayas. With only a handful of restaurants and accommodations, expect a rustic trip. With the lack of tourist amenities come secluded beaches and uncrowded surf spots. For those who love unspoiled beauty, surfing during the daytime in Calicoan and camping under the stars at night is an unforgettable adventure.Â
Calicoan surfing is best at ABCD Beach, where the waves are consistent during the peak season (often 3-6 feet high). The area is growing in popularity amongst local surfers, drawing in Filipinos from across the country.
What shocked me during my trip to Calicoan was that I could visibly see the Milky Way from our campsite!
Cataduanes: An Up And Coming Surf Spot
Many locals looking to skip the crowded surf spots in Siargao head to Cataduanes instead. With incredible surfing suitable for all abilities, the island has become a haven for the Philippines surfing community.
The most famous surfing spot is Puraran – a beach in Baras offering consistent barrelling waves and exhilarating rides during its peak season. Over recent years, Baras has become a tourist magnet, attracting avid international surfers to compete in the Majestic Surfing Cup.Â
Known to locals as the ‘Happy Island’, the island has quiet beaches, refreshing waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints to explore, on top of its superb surfing.Â
Essential Beginner Surfing Tips
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you make the most of your Philippines surfing adventure.Â
- Start with the basics in Siargao before tackling the stronger waves in Baler
- Research the difficulty of each location before you go; you don't want to be a beginner trying to tackle barreling waves, reef breaks, and strong currents!
- Respect the Philippines surfing community (learn the basic etiquette of the surfing lineup before you head to the waves)
- Bring the right equipment: board wax, reef-safe sunscreen, and reef shoes. You can easily rent a board once you arrive.
- Book your lessons in advance. Surfing is challenging when you are tired, so 1 hour of teaching is probably enough while starting!
Best Time to Surf in the Philippines
The best time to surf depends on the weather conditions and the location of the surf spot. As a rule of thumb, waves are biggest during the rainy season when there is more wind and powerful swells.
La Union and Baler (north of Manila) have the best surfing conditions from October – February. The North East Monsoon (Amihan) draws in mighty and more consistent waves during this period. The season in Calicoan is similar but often extends to April.
For beginners, Siargao offers waves all year round, making it ideal to learn the basics (timing and balance) in a tranquil environment. For more seasoned surfers, Cloud 9 is best during the rainy seasons, between September and November, when the waves can reach 10 feet.Â
Thank you for reading our blog!
We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.Â
Subscribe to our email list (in the sidebar) to keep updated with our latest travel advice, content and recommendations.
You can get in contact with us using one of the methods below:
Please note that this website contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links (at no extra cost to you). This helps us keep the website up and running. We only recommend genuinely useful products and resources 🙂