Top 10 Best Surfing Spots in the Philippines + Travel Tips

Looking for best surfing spots in the Philippines? Plan your trip to these awesome surfing destinations!

The best surfing spots in the Philippines attract wave riders from around the world with their powerful swells, tropical beaches, and vibrant surf culture. With over 7,000 islands facing the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines offers year-round waves suitable for beginners and professional surfers alike. Top destinations for Philippines surfing include the world-famous breaks of Siargao, home to the legendary Cloud 9, as well as the laid-back surf town of San Juan, La Union and the scenic coastlines of Baler. Whether you are searching for the best surf spots in the Philippines, planning a Philippines surfing trip, or looking for beginner-friendly surfing beaches in the Philippines, the country offers world-class waves, stunning island scenery, and an unforgettable tropical surfing adventure.

Surfing is a sport that I always try whenever possible. Though I'm not that good at it, I try to learn the sport the best I can. The Philippines as sandwiched between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, it has plenty of shorelines and a number of excellent surf spots where you could try your skills in balancing over a fast-moving board. So, if you want to learn how to surf (just like me!), here's a list of awesome surfing spots around the Philippines that I've been to.

LAOAG & ILOCOS NORTE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS for TOURISTS & VISITORS

Traveling to Laoag and Ilocos Norte soon? Here are the latest Laoag and Ilocos Norte travel requirements, entry protocols, and travel guidelines for tourists, visitors and other types of travelers!

The Province of Ilocos Norte is under Alert Level 1 from Match 1-15, 2022, in accrodance to the latest IATF Resolution. According to the Department of Tourism Philippine's website, the province is currently open for tourism. As it eases its restrictions on leisure travel, tourists from many parts of the country are welcome to visit Ilocos Norte. Below are the travel and entry requirements for tourists and other types of travelers (Residents, APOR, ROF, etc.) to Ilocos Norte.

Star Cruises announces the First Cruise Ship to Homeport in Manila for Filipinos to Cruise to Taiwan and Hong Kong

Last October, I got to experience a 4-day cruise aboard Star Cruises SuperStar Gemini. We traveled from Manila to Singapore and had a wonderful cruise along Malacca Strait with onshore excursions in Penang and Langkawi, Malaysia. Indeed, it is one of the best and most memorable travel experience I had this year.

TOP PICKS: 16 Exciting Adventures to Experience in the Philippines (PART 1)

Are you tired of just visiting the usual tourist destinations? Why not do some adventurous activities that will redefine your travel experiences this year? Here's a list of my most recommended adventures to experience in the Philippines this 2016! How many of them are in your bucket list?

THINGS TO DO IN ILOCOS NORTE: Surfing in Pagudpud's Blue Lagoon

It's time to surf at Blue Lagoon Beach in Pagudpud on our 3rd and final day of this Northern Luzon trip. We woke up a bit late as we were so tired from yesterday's trip in Apayao Province. We had breakfast in a nearby eatery and then proceeded to Kapuluan Vista Resort where I will be getting my surfing lessons. I've been to Pagudpud in 2011 but missed to surf. I just stayed at Saud Beach back then and was not able to explore this part of the town.

Fly now to the "Sunshine City of Laoag" via SEAIR-Tiger Airways!

Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) - Tiger Airways launched their Manila-Laoag route with its inaugural flight last April 4, 2013. The flight departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 in Pasay City using an Airbus 320 which can accommodate up to 180 passengers. Daily flights leaves Manila for Laoag at 1:00 PM, while Laoag to Manila flight departs at 3:00 PM. This increases their flights to 10 destinations around the Philippines.

ILOCOS NORTE TRAVEL GUIDE: DIY Itinerary, Things to do, How to Get There, Accommodations, Transportation, Travel Expenses, Contact Details

Ilocos Norte Budget Travel Guide

Looking for Ilocos Norte Budget Travel Guide?

This travel guide provides with useful information on how to get there, where to stay (hotels and resorts), Things to do, DIY Itinerary, Budget and Expenses, as well as contact persons in planning your next ultimate adventure in Ilocos Norte.

How to get to Ilocos Norte from Manila
By Bus. Take a bus bound for Laoag. Travel time is 10-12 hours, so I would recommend a night trip for this. Several bus companies such as Partas, GV Florida Transport, Dominion Bus Lines, Philippine Rabbit and Fariñas Transit have regular trips that will take you directly to Laoag City. Check out their websites for the trip schedules.

By Plane. Take a direct flight from Manila to Laoag via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Travel time is about an hour. Flights are usually at night, so better make the necessary adjustments on your itinerary.

ILOCOS NORTE TOURIST SPOTS: Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Burgos Lighthouse and Bacarra Church

After thanking Ate Cathy and her family for a great stay in their home stay facilities, I hopped into the tricycle that I rented for my tour around the towns of Bangui and Burgos. I met Kuya Rene, the tricycle driver, he will be my tour guide for the rest of this tour. On my itinerary for today are Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Burgos Lighthouse and Bacarra Church.

When in Pagudpud, there are 2 options to explore, the north and the south tour. Due to limited time, I opted to do the south of Pagudpud tour which includes a visit to the Bangui Windmills in the town of Bangui, the Kapurpurawan rock formation and the Bojeador lighthouse both in the town of Burgos.

ILOCOS NORTE TOURIST SPOTS: Pagudpud Beach, "The Boracay of the North"

After my tour around the city of Laoag and the town of Paoay, I had lunch at Dap-ayan Ti Ilocos. It is like a food court / fast food where there are stalls offering a variety of food choices. Here, you'll find the famous Laoag empanada and inihaw na longanisa. I had the empanada on my first night in the city, I just had longanisa, fried rice, egg and a bottle of soda for lunch. Open 24 hours and is located near the capitol building, behind Philippine National Bank, it will surely be a delightful treat anytime of the day.

THINGS TO DO IN ILOCOS NORTE: A Walking Tour Around the City of Laoag

Laoag is a 1st class city in the province of Ilocos Norte. It is the province's political and industrial center where the region's only commercial airport is located. Hence, it is considered a major hub for international trade and commerce in the entire Ilocos region.

Within the city limits, there are several interesting places worth visiting. So after having a very challenging sand boarding experience at the La Paz Sand dunes and a visit to Paoay Church and the Malacañang of the North, I roamed around the city to check out these landmarks and attractions.

ILOCOS NORTE TOURIST SPOTS: Malacañang of the North and Paoay Lake

My next stop was the Malacanang of the North, also known in the local dialect as “Malacañang ti Amianan”. Built as the official residence of then President Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte, it is an imposing structure that resembles a 19th Century "bahay na bato" with an overlooking view of the legendary Paoay Lake. This once a seat of power is now converted into a museum that houses several memorabilia of the former President and his family.

ILOCOS NORTE TOURIST SPOTS: Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This is the second reason why I was very eager to visit Ilocos Norte. I wasn't just contented seeing it on postcards, on friends' photos, books and magazines - I have to see it in all its glory.

The St. Augustine Church or popularly known as Paoay Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It's construction started in 1694 by the Agustinian Friars, completed 1894 and was re-dedicated in the same year. It is made of coral blocks and brick that incorporates Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs that add up to its striking appeal.

THINGS TO DO IN LAOAG, ILOCOS NORTE: Sand Boarding and 4x4 Ride in La Paz Sand Dunes

Sand boarding at the La Paz Sand Dunes has been long overdue in my "to do" list of adventures. Aside from visiting Paoay Church, this is one of the main reasons I've been dying to visit Ilocos Norte.

The La Paz Sand Dunes is an 85 sq. km. of protected sandy coastal desert located in the capital city of Laoag. It is part of the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes which stretches from the town of Currimao all the way to the town of Pasuquin, north of Laoag City. As a distinct land formation, it was declared as a National Geological Monument by the National Committee on Geological Sciences in 1993.

Ilocos Norte - My 3rd Solo Trip

Last December, I was able to book a round trip airfare ticket with Cebu Pacific through their Christmas Sale Promo. It was scheduled last April 17-20, 2011. But I was informed that there were some flight changes, so I had an option to re-book it for a later date with no extra charge.

I'll be leaving for Ilocos Norte tonight. To date, this will be my 3rd solo trip and my 26th province to be visited. The first two solo trips were in Albay and Negros Occidental last year.