North Western Luzon
Being in reasonably close proximity to Manila and with a mix of breaks that cater to all levels of surfers, La Union is a popular surf spot for Filipinos and international visitors alike.
With breaks like Mona Lisa Point, a right-hand point break which is perfect for long boards, San Juan Beach, a busy right-hand reef break and Bacnotan, a long left-hand break suitable for beginners, La Union is one to put on the list.
The best time to surf in La Union is between October and March, with waves ranging from 2 – 8ft. With a range of surf schools and surf resorts, as well as local surf guides and board rental, La Union can be crowded in the peak season so make sure you plan ahead.
Baler, Aurora
The birthplace of surfing in the Philippines. Baler is a legendary surfing region with long black sand beaches and world-class surf suitable for beginners to advanced surfers. Sabang Beach is a right- and left-hand beach break that produces numerous glassy peaks, perfect for beginners when the conditions are right.
A 20-minute tricycle drive or 10-minute motor boat ride from Sabang will get you to the best surfing spot in Baler, Cemento. It’s a steep, short and quick righthander over a sharp coral reef suitable for advanced surfers only with swell reaching up to 14ft.
Within walking distance of Baler is Charlie’s Point with peaks breaking lazily over a sand bottom which is perfect for beginners.
The best to time to surf in Baler is between October and February. Numerous surf camps and surf schools, as well as experienced surf guides are available for all levels.
Zambales
A 3 to 4-hour drive from Manila will get you to the province of Zambales. The towns of San Felipe, San Narciso and San Antonio all have surf spots. Including Liwa, a large, soft left-and-right-hand beach break, Crystal Beach, a right- and left-hand beach break suitable for all levels, as well as Magic Left, a left-hander with rolling hills and waterfalls as a back drop.
May to late November is the best time to surf in Zambales with consistent swell coming through and uncrowded breaks, while December to April can produce big swell if the conditions are right.
Bagasbas Beach, Daet
An uncrowded exposed beach break makes Bagabas beach the ideal surf destination. A 2-hour drive from Naga City Airport will get you to this awesome spot which offers swell year-round. The best time for advanced surfers is August until November, with smaller swell suitable for beginners the rest of the year.
Real, Quezon City
Located a few hours from Manila, Real is the perfect spot for beginner surfers. Real offers right- and left-hand beach breaks on Mapalad and Tignoan Beach. The best time to surf in Real is October to February.
For more advanced and adventurous surfers, Polillio and Jomalig Island offer reef breaks in super remote settings with big swell between September to April. Travel by boat to these pristine islands for the ultimate surf experience.
Catanduanes Island
An uncrowded line up, crystal clear water and island vibes make Cantanduanes Island extremely appealing for surfers that are seeking a once in a lifetime experience. With spots like Majestics at Puraran Bay, one of the fastest, most hollow rights on the planet, this reef break is not for the faint hearted. It’s only suited to advanced surfers with the best swell being between July and November; 10ft perfectly barrelling waves aren’t uncommon.
From February to June beginner and intermediate surfers can enjoy smaller swell. The Catanduanes Reef Break, the annual surf and music festival, is held in May for those who like to party like a local.
Fly to Virac Airport and then travel one hour to Puraran by road to get to this exotic surf destination.