Best Surfing Spots in the Philippines: Best Time to Visit and Tips

Traveloka Accomodation
13 Jul 2024 - 5 min read

The Philippines, which is in Southeast Asia, is a popular tourist destination. This place has over 7,000 islands with a total area of 300,000 square km. The country is divided into three parts, namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The country, the capital city of Manila, presents various attractions, including beautiful beaches and surfing activities.

As a country with many islands, the Philippines has the 5th largest coastline globally. Many international tourists come to the Philippines to enjoy the beauty of its beaches. You can honeymoon in this country or with family for a pleasant experience.

In addition, many world surfers come to the Philippines. They mentioned that this country is one of the recommended countries for surfing. Not only can you visit one beach to surf, but this article will also share a short guide for those who want to go on vacation to the Philippines to surf.

The Surfing Spots in the Philippines

Below are recommendations for beaches that are mostly visited for surfing:

1. Siargao Island: The Surfing Capital of the Philippines

Best surfing spots in the Philippines in Siargao earned the title “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” because it was the place that introduced surfing to the country. Many thousands of surfers worldwide come to Siargao every year to enjoy the best waves.

The location of Siargao Island is on the Southeastern Coast of the Philippines, and you can reach it by flying from Manila or by boat. Not only because of its amazing waves, Siargao has beautiful beaches and extraordinary nightlife.

Siargao is also suitable for beginner surfers to visit. You can learn to surf and rent boards here. The waves at Siargao are also pretty safe to travel.

2. La Union: The Birthplace of Surfing in the Philippines

Enjoy the ocean by doing beautiful and bright surfing sports in  La Union

Enjoy the ocean by doing beautiful and bright surfing sports in La Union

Just a few hours from Manila, you'll find La Union, nicknamed the "Surfing Capital of the North" and "The Birthplace of Surfing in the Philippines". This spot is a hit because you don't have to travel far from the big city to catch decent waves.

La Union has heaps of surf spots for all skill levels, so you can find one that suits your abilities. Beginners can learn in the shallow areas, and there are a few spots you won't find anywhere else.

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3. Zambales: Home to the Crystal Beach Surfing Cup

Enjoy the view while surfing in the beautiful Zambales in the Philippines

Enjoy the view while surfing in the beautiful Zambales in the Philippines

The Zambales Current originates from the Manila area. This place is just a short distance from the capital city of the Philippines, so many tourists choose Zambales. Zambales features surf camps that can be rented for a day or two. Meanwhile, the waves are very pleasant, especially when the northwest wind blows. Of course, you can surf resorts in the Philippines.

4. Baler: The Site of The Apocalypse Now Movie

A woman holds a surfboard at popular surfing destination in Baler

A woman holds a surfboard at popular surfing destination in Baler

One of the places used for filming the Apocalypse Now movie is Baler. This place is one of the best surf spots Philippines. There are several spots with different wave levels in Baler. You can choose according to your surfing ability.

The Best Time to Go Surfing in the Philippines

people are waiting for the right time to surf in the Philippines

people are waiting for the right time to surf in the Philippines

It's best to follow the recommendations for the best time to surf at the beaches mentioned above to get the right waves and weather.

1. The Best Time to Catch Waves on Siargao Island

The best time to surf resorts on Siargao Island is from September to November. The waves are big and consistent in those months, so it's perfect for surfing. Even so, the waves at Siargao are quite safe.

Regarding the weather, the weather throughout the Philippines is unpredictable. Siargao has a hot tropical rainforest climate all year round, with an average temperature of 27°C - 30°C. Meanwhile, the temperature is around 29°C. In certain months, this country is supposed to rain.

2. The Ideal Months to Visit La Union for Surfing

La Union is on the west coast of Luzon, where its surf times are opposite the coast facing the Pacific Ocean. The best time for surfing in La Union is December to January. In that month, big waves flow from the North Pacific and the Pacific Ocean due to the Amihan wind.

3. When to go to Zambales for the Crystal Beach Surfing Cup

Surfing in Zambales depends on swells from the central Pacific in the mid-season from November to March. In this place, surfing competitions are often held around November. Meanwhile, those who want to learn to surf in Zambales at Crystal Beach can come at any time.

4. The Best Months to Visit Baler for Surfing

Baler faces the east of the Pacific Ocean, so the best times differ from those of other places. You can visit Baler to surf in September – January. However, the waves are still very good until March.

Surfing in the Philippines for Beginners

Philippines Surfing Lessons for Beginners

For beginners who want to learn to surf, it is recommended that surfing lessons in Philippines come to Siargao . In this place, there are several facilities for learning to surf, one of which is the Kermit Surf Camp which also features camps for surfers. Various surf learning packages are available, which can be tailored to your needs and skill level.

Surfboard Rental and Other Costs

Renting surfboards in the Philippines depends on the owner or manager, the location, and the type of board being rented. Some rent daily, weekly, and others. Below is an overview of surfboard rental prices in the Philippines:

Daily: P400/day (11.61 AUD)
1 week or more: P350/day (10.16 AUD)
2 weeks or more: P300/day (8.71 AUD)
1 month or more: P250/day (7.26 AUD)

Basic Tips for Beginners

Several tips can be followed for novice surfers, namely:

Use a soft-top surfboard that suits you.
Find a place to surf that is relatively quiet.
Come at the right time so the waves are right for learning.
Listen to your body
Surf on a leash for safety.
Remember your sweet spot.
Practise basic movements.

For those who want to surf in the Philippines, use the Traveloka app, starting from booking hotel rooms, to book your Sydney to Manila flight.

In This Article

• The Surfing Spots in the Philippines
• 1. Siargao Island: The Surfing Capital of the Philippines
• 2. La Union: The Birthplace of Surfing in the Philippines
• 3. Zambales: Home to the Crystal Beach Surfing Cup
• 4. Baler: The Site of The Apocalypse Now Movie
• The Best Time to Go Surfing in the Philippines
• Surfing in the Philippines for Beginners

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