Surfing in Philippines
With 22,500 km of coastline the Philippines has enormous potential to be one of the best surf destinations in the world. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Celebes Sea, the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, the archipelago consists of 7,107 beautiful tropical islands. The Republic of the Philippines has an easy going island vibe that can be highly contagious. There are plenty of white-sand beaches with turquoise water making this a perfect place for surfers who are looking to enjoy nature and at the same time catch some of the best waves on the planet. Besides surfing there are many thrilling outdoor activities. The predominant offshore winds that blow in between December and April turn these islands into a surfing paradise that attracts lots of surfers from all over the world.
Climate in Philippines
The climate in the Philippines is considered tropical and maritime with warm temperature, high humidity and lots of rain. There are two main seasons in the country, wet and dry season. The warmest months of the year are from March to October. Winter is from November to February and this is also when the offshore winds prevails making this the best time of the year to surf in the Philippines. The water is warm and pleasant to swim throughout the whole year.
Best surf spots in Philippines
The Philippines has a vast number of known surf spots but there is still a lot of room to discover virgin breaks. Siargao has many famous surf spots and it’s the surfing capital of the country. The island is very exposed to the Pacific Ocean and has good right and left-hand breaks. The most popular surf spots in the island are located at General Luna, home to the world-famous Cloud 9, by far the most famous wave in the Philippines. Aurora is a province in the eastern part of Central Luzon. The long black-sand beach at Baler has popular surf spots among the locals. The place is famous for having a scene on Francis Ford Coppola fan Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now. Cemento and Charlie’s Point are two surf spots you should definitely check out. La Union is located in Northern Luzon and is nearby Manila providing easy access by road. San Juan is the most famous beach in the area and it is considered the surfing capital of the Northern Philippines. San Juan has three world-class surf breaks: the Beach Break, The Bowl and The Point. Other spots in the area are Sunset, Car-rille, Bacnotan and Darigayos. The best spots in Eastern Samar are Calicoan Island and Guiuan. Zambales may not have consistent waves but the proximity to Manila makes it a good option for day trips.
Budget Planning
Meal price range
Simple meals start at $3 USD. Mid-range meals start at $10 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $30-60 USD.
Equipment rental
On Siargao you can find a couple places to rent gear. Boards start at $6 USD a day.
Prepaid SIM cards
AIS is a good choice. SIM cards can be purchased from in the airport, at phone kiosks, local shops and supermarkets, or from street vendors. Prepaid packages start at $20 USD.
Public transport
A large number of ferry services between the major destinations makes it easy to get around the islands. Long-distance road transport is on buses and jeepneys.
You can hire a driver for around $40 USD for 8 hours.
Gas prices
$0.80 USD a liter.
Types of risks
Reef breaks, strong swells
How to prepare
Visa
Citizens from 157 countries, including EU, US, and Australia, can enter the Philippines without a visa for anywhere from 14-59 days --depending on what nationality you are.
Vaccines
Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella. You’ll be asked to show proof of your yellow fever vaccination if you come from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
Things to know
Language & Currency
Filipino and English are the official languages.
Best time to go
The best months for surf in the Philippines area are August through to the beginning of November. At this time of year the coast gets the most typhoon swells and the best winds for surfing.
Checking Surf forecast
Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.
Do I need pack a pharmacy kit
You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, mosquito repellent and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.
Travel/Surf Insurance
World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.
Emergency
Dial 911 for emergencies.
Check surf pictures of Philippines at #surfinginphilippines.