Surfing in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of Asia’s premier surfing destinations, with consistent waves on both the Pacific and South China Sea coasts providing year-round surf opportunities across the archipelago. From world-class reef breaks to mellow beach breaks perfect for beginners, there is a surf spot for every level.

Cloud 9 in Siargao is the Philippines’ most famous wave — a hollow right-hand reef break that hosts international competitions and attracts surfers from around the world. The best time to surf Siargao is August to November. La Union on the northwest coast offers consistent beach break year-round and has a lively surf community with numerous schools. Baler in Aurora is the birthplace of Philippine surfing and is surfable from July to February.

Surf lessons are available at all major spots from around ₱500 per hour including board rental. Always check local conditions before paddling out and respect local surfers in the lineup.

Browse our directory of 199 surf spots below — click any listing to see photos, location, reviews and directions.

The Philippines — Asia’s Surf Secret

Surfers who discover surfing in the Philippines tend to keep coming back. The combination of warm water, uncrowded breaks outside of peak season, incredibly warm locals and affordable living makes the Philippines one of the most enjoyable surf destinations in the world — not just in Asia. Whether you are chasing barrels or learning to stand up for the first time, the Philippines delivers.

Siargao — The Island of Waves

No conversation about surfing in the Philippines begins anywhere other than Siargao. Cloud 9 is the jewel in the crown — a thick, powerful right-hand reef break that barrels over a shallow coral shelf and has hosted international competitions for decades. But Siargao is far more than just Cloud 9. Jacking, Tuason Point, Stimpy’s and Cemetery are just some of the other breaks scattered around the island, offering options for surfers of every level. The island itself has a laid-back, end-of-the-road vibe that makes it one of the most special places in the Philippines full stop.

The best time to surf Siargao is August to November when the Pacific swells are at their most consistent and powerful. Outside of this window the island is quieter, cheaper and still worth visiting.

La Union — The Weekend Warrior’s Wave

San Juan in La Union is the heartbeat of surfing in the Philippines for Manila residents. Just five to six hours north of the capital by bus, it offers consistent beach break year-round, a thriving surf school scene and a cool little town of surf shops, coffee spots and beachfront restaurants that has developed around the wave. It is not the most powerful surf in the country but it is accessible, social and a great place to learn or improve.

Baler — Where Philippine Surfing Was Born

Baler in Aurora Province holds a special place in the history of surfing in the Philippines. The story goes that the crew of Apocalypse Now — filmed partly in the Philippines in the late 1970s — left their surfboards behind when they departed, and the locals taught themselves to surf. Whether entirely true or not, Baler has been producing surfers ever since and the wave at Sabang Beach is a fun, forgiving break surfable from July to February.

Beyond the Big Three

Surfing in the Philippines extends well beyond Siargao, La Union and Baler. Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental is a long wild stretch of coastline popular with skimboarders and surfers alike. Catanduanes in Bicol — nicknamed the Happy Island — offers powerful and relatively uncrowded waves for experienced surfers. Zambales on the west coast has several beach break options within easy reach of Manila.

Learning to Surf

The Philippines is one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. Warm water, patient local instructors and affordable lessons make the experience enjoyable from day one. Surf lessons are available at all major spots from around ₱500 per hour including board rental. Most surf schools also offer multi-day packages for those who want to fast-track their progress.

Surf and Stay

The surf culture in the Philippines has grown a thriving ecosystem of surf camps, hostels and guesthouses around the major breaks. Staying in a surf camp is the best way to immerse yourself fully — early morning sessions, afternoon rest, evening community. It is a lifestyle as much as a sport.

For surf forecasts and conditions visit Surf Forecast.

Also explore our Beaches, Camping and Diving pages for more ways to experience the Philippines.

Browse all 199 surf spot listings above and find your perfect wave in the Philippines. 🏄