5 Surfing Spots Near Metro Manila for Active Beach-Lovers

Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours

The nearest surfing spot in Metro Manila to catch some waves is Real, Quezon. Just a mere three-hour drive and you’ll be enjoying an adventurous weekend. Real, Quezon is the nearest entry point if you want to experience surfing in the Pacific Ocean. The beach may be rocky, but the waves are perfect for surfing as they rise from two to four feet—perfect for beginners who want to enjoy surfing without the fear of drowning. Aside from surfing, Real also offers other extreme activities like water rafting and waterfalls adventure.

To get to Real, you can catch the Raymond Bus line in Sampaloc, Manila. Just take the bus going to Infanta, Quezon and ask the conductor to drop you off at Real. Once you reach the beach, there are plenty of establishments in the area that offer accommodation and basic surfing lessons. Just choose one and enjoy an adventurous weekend.

Travel Time: 4 hours

Zambales may be a popular spot for beach bumming and camping, but it also has its own surfing spots that you can visit. If you are a more experienced surfer and want to up the ante, check out San Antonio, San Narciso, and San Felipe in Zambales. These three spots are known for its strong and consistent waves especially during the months of April through September. You can also visit the famous ‘Magic Left’ in San Antonio where the waves rise up to four feet until they break left, thus the name.

To reach Zambales, go to the Victory Liner Bus terminal in Caloocan and catch the bus going to Iba, Zambales. Just advise the conductor to drop you to any of the surfing spots, either in San Antonio, San Narciso, or San Felipe. Once you’re in Zambales, there are plenty of choices for accommodations and surfing coaches who offer lessons and board rentals.

Travel Time: 5 hours

A surfing list wouldn’t be complete without La Union. This not-so-hidden gem in the North has been creating a lot of buzz lately because of its growing popularity to the surfing community. The great thing about La Union is that you can visit all year round and you’ll surely catch some great waves regardless of the month. If you are a proud adrenaline junkie, visit La Union from October to March and you might catch waves as high as eight to ten feet.

There are also various beaches in La Union that you can choose from. San Juan is the most popular area for surfing, but nearby beaches such as Sunset, Carille, and Bacnotan are also great options if you want to avoid the crowd. If you want to go further north of San Juan, Darigayos can be a great option for you as well.

To get to La Union, go to Partas Transport terminal in Cubao and catch their Laoag-bound buses. Advice the conductor to drop you off at Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union and you’ll immediately see the beach. Whether you’re a newbie or not, there are plenty of surf schools and surfboard rentals in La Union so you don’t need to worry if you don’t have your own board yet.

Travel Time: 6 hours

Curious as to where surfing in the Philippines originated? Well, we have Baler to thank for. The surfing community in Baler has been growing since the ‘70’s and it hasn’t stopped since. Today, people from all over the country, and even from abroad, drive all the way to Baler to catch some of its famous waves. Like La Union, you can catch some good waves in Baler all year round, but the best months to visit are from October to April. Aside from the beautiful water, its fine grayish sand also makes it a great beach bumming spot.

To reach Baler, from Genesis Transport Bus terminal in EDSA catch their bus that travels directly to Baler. You can travel as early as 2:00 AM so you’ll reach the beach early in the morning. No need to worry about accommodation and other surfing concerns because Baler has plenty of establishments that you can choose from.

Travel Time: 6 hours

Last on our list is Dipaculao in Aurora. Baler may take all the credit for being a top destination for surfers, but if you want some peace and quiet Dipaculao is a much better option. Because it’s not a popular option for tourists, expect to have the beach on your own! The fine white sand is also a plus for those instagram-worthy photos.

To reach Dipaculao, once you’re in Baler catch the UV Express vans travelling to Casiguran coastal highway and ask the driver to drop you off at Dipaculao Beach. Despite being a hidden surfing spot, there are a few establishments in the area that offer accommodations and surfing lessons.

Check out our list of surfing spots near Metro Manila in the Metro Manila Hotels and Resorts category of Yoorekka.