The Republic of the Philippines, also called the Pearl of the Orient, is a country abundant with natural resources and several of the world's greatest biodiversity. One of the gifts Mother Nature has endowed the country is its being surrounded by vast and majestic beaches, making it one of the world's top tourist destinations.
Going to the beach is a sure fire way to de-stress and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. But, aside from getting a tan and admiring the beauty of the ocean, surfing is also a top priority among the list of activities any beach lover should try.
Here's a list of the Top 5 Surfing Spots in the Philippines and why it merits visiting them.
1. San Juan, La Union
Situated on the north western coast of Luzon in the Philippines, San Juan is also known as the Surfing Capital of the Northern Philippines. This is because of its consistent quality surf and waves perfect from beginners up to advanced surfers.
There are many budget-friendly resorts situated near the shore making it ideal for families and group of friends. It is also the most accessible surf spot by land for people coming from Manila.
Local and international surfers alike consistently visit the place due to various surfing tournaments held here.
2. Baler, Aurora
Baler is a charming coastal municipality in the province of Aurora, Philippines. It is surrounded by the Pacific, making the location appeal to tourists around the world, especially during Ber months.
Sabang Beach in Baler has an extensive shoreline and contains a soft ocean bed, making it the perfect surfing spot.
The beach is conveniently placed near hotels, camping sites and inns around the area. According to locals, the best period to ride the waves there is in between the months of September and February.
3. Bagasbas, Camarines Norte
Bagasbas Beach in Daet, Camarines Norte (fondly called CamSur in the country), has been garnering attention as a popular surfing and kiteboarding destination.
Many locals recommend the beach for first time surfers who want to learn because the waves of the sea are consistently near throughout the whole year. Also, the sea-bed is soft and shallow, making it safer for beginning surfers.
4. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Pagudpud in the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines has been coined Boracay of the North for its white sand beaches. There is no describing the beauty of its turquoise water and picturesque sites. The rugged beauty of the place and tiny amount of tourists crowding the beach make it the ideal surfing destination. Being at the northernmost tip of Luzon and very far away from Manila, it can be considered an untouched surf destination. The lack of beach resorts also prevents the place getting damaged.
Areas like the Blue Lagoon, Maira-ira and Saud Beach bring waves almost year-round, say the local surfers. Pro Surfers however time their visits between the months of July to September, when the waves are bigger.
5. Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines
A tear-drop shaped island in the Southeast of Manila, Siargao is considered among the World's 50 Best Surf Spots.
CNN has called Cloud Nine a "death ride" where "fearless surfers will experience a slice of paradise or hallucinations as waves wrap over them like a liquid cocoon."
Beware however, because "razor-sharp coral can be encountered at Cloud Nine. The intensity of the waves is not for beginners. However, its easy access leads to overcrowding hence it being nicknamed "Crowd 9". Surfing season at Siargao is at its peak in between September to March.
Here's a video of Cloud Nine Surfing in Siargao:
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
