Surfing in Philippines
Including Bagasbas Beach, Blue Lagoon, and Bulabog Beach. On the map.
The vibe
Paddling out here delivers a raw, tropical energy where heavy reef breaks and punchy beach waves challenge your timing. The tropical storm season brings the most reliable, heavy swells to the exposed eastern coasts. The vibe is a laid-back blend of traveling nomads and enthusiastic locals sharing the lineup through sun-drenched afternoons.
Bagasbas Beach, Camarines Norte
Camarines Norte
FroyAgta / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Bagasbas Beach is a long, sandy expanse known for consistent, powerful beach breaks driven by Pacific winds and swells. It is famous as one of the oldest surfing strongholds in Luzon, great for learners and intermediate surfers practicing maneuvers on shifting peaks.
Access. Fly to Naga Airport or take a 7-8 hour bus from Manila to Daet, followed by a short tricycle ride.
Notes. Strong rip currents can occur during stormy weather; local surf schools operate directly on the beach.
Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud
Ilocos Norte
Jubhel Claire Domingo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud is a scenic coastal destination in Northern Luzon that catches strong seasonal winds and rolling swells during the monsoon months. It serves as an emerging spot for wind-powered board sports and uncrowded coastal surfing.
Access. Fly to Laoag International Airport, then take a 1.5 to 2-hour scenic drive north to Pagudpud.
Notes. Conditions vary drastically between calm summer months and high-wind/swell winter months.
Bulabog Beach, Boracay
Aklan
Tuderna / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Bulabog Beach is the premier kitesurfing and wingfoiling destination in the Philippines, operating during the Amihan northeast monsoon season. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the shallow lagoon offers flat to choppy water ideal for freestyle and freeride wind sports.
Access. Fly to Caticlan (MPH) or Kalibo (KLO) airports, take a short boat transfer to Boracay Island, and walk or tricycle to the eastern Bulabog side.
Notes. Crowded with kites during the peak wind months from November to April; watch out for reef patches at low tide.
Cemento Reef, Baler
Aurora
schlawginski / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Cemento Reef is a powerful, heavy right-hand reef break located in Baler, Aurora, known for producing fast walls and barrel sections. It is suited for advanced surfers looking for a challenge when the Pacific typhoons send large swells. It stands in contrast to the beginner-friendly beach breaks nearby.
Access. Take a 5-6 hour bus or drive from Manila to Baler, then a 15-minute tricycle ride to Cemento village.
Notes. Sharp coral reef bottom; strictly recommended for experienced surfers only.
Cloud 9, Siargao
Surigao del Norte
Mats Sjödin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Cloud 9 is the premier reef break in the Philippines, famous for its thick, hollow right-hand barrels breaking over a sharp coral reef. Suited for advanced surfers looking for world-class waves during the peak southwest Habagat season transitioning to northeast swells. It stands out as the epicenter of Philippine surfing culture.
Access. Fly to Siargao Airport (IAO) from Manila or Cebu, then take a 45-minute tricycle or van ride to General Luna.
Notes. Sharp coral reef at shallow depth, strong currents, and heavy crowds during peak swell months from September to November.
Cuyo Island, Palawan
Palawan
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Cuyo is a premier destination for kiteboarding in the Philippines, thanks to its consistent cross-shore winds and vast, shallow lagoons. The island offers a relaxed atmosphere with a dedicated community of kite schools and rental operators.
Access. Accessible by ferry from Puerto Princesa or Iloilo. There are several kite schools located along the main beach that provide equipment rental and lessons.
Notes. Best wind conditions are typically from December to March (Amihan season).
Dahican Beach, Mati
Davao Oriental
Dahican Beach is a sprawling white sand beach that serves as a hub for both surfing and skimboarding in Mindanao. The beach break provides consistent waves for beginners and intermediates, while the open bay conditions attract wind-sport enthusiasts.
Access. Accessible by van or bus from Davao City. The local surf community operates schools directly on the beach, offering rentals and lessons for all levels.
Notes. The beach is a protected sanctuary for sea turtles; please follow local conservation rules.
Gubat Reef (Puraran / Gubat Bay), Sorsogon
Sorsogon
Alma Gamil / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Gubat Bay in Sorsogon features consistent reef and beach breaks that catch the heavy Pacific swells. Known for welcoming surf spots like Rizal Beach, it offers uncrowded peaks and powerful waves for traveling surfers exploring the Bicol region.
Access. Fly to Legazpi Airport, then take a 2-hour van or bus ride across to Gubat, Sorsogon.
Notes. Remote area with fewer amenities; check local conditions during typhoon season.
Lanuza, Surigao del Sur
Surigao del Sur
Surigaotourist / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Lanuza is home to a long, consistent stretch of coastline featuring several reef and point breaks that remain uncrowded compared to Siargao. The area is famous for its powerful swells and annual surf festivals, offering a raw and authentic experience for advanced surfers.
Access. Accessible by bus or van from Tandag City or Butuan. Surf schools and board rentals are available near the main beach area during the peak season from November to March.
Notes. Strong currents and powerful reef breaks; recommended for experienced surfers.
Monaliza Point, San Juan
La Union
Jp442 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Monaliza Point provides a dependable right-hand point break that peels over a mixed rock and reef bottom in San Juan, La Union. It is famous for long, peeling waves that are ideal for longboarding and carving turns. It works consistently during northwest swells.
Access. Located right off the main surf strip in Urbiztondo, easily reachable on foot.
Notes. Can become extremely crowded; watch out for slippery rocks and sea urchins.
Puraran Beach, Catanduanes
Catanduanes
jackylim / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Known as the 'Majestic' break, this spot offers a world-class, hollow right-hand reef break that attracts serious surfers. The surrounding area provides a rugged, remote surf experience far from the typical tourist trails.
Access. Accessible via flight to Virac, followed by a land transfer to Baras. Surf camps and homestays are located directly at the beach, providing board rentals and local guide services.
Notes. The reef is sharp and the waves can be heavy; best suited for experienced surfers.
Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan
La Union
Jp442 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
San Juan in La Union is the surfing capital of Northern Luzon, featuring a mix of sandy bottom beach breaks and mellow reef patches. It offers consistent, user-friendly waves that attract longboarders and shortboarders alike. The vibrant surf town vibe makes it a central hub for Filipino surf culture.
Access. A 4 to 5-hour bus ride north from Manila to San Fernando, La Union, then a quick jeepney or tricycle to Urbiztondo.
Notes. Very crowded on weekends and holidays; respect local lineup etiquette.