Skip to main content

Get Your Surf On in the Philippines

get surf philippines 148170237650
Image used with permission by copyright holder
A small surfing community is flourishing in the Philippine islands. Both novice and experienced surfers will be impressed with San Juan, La Union (Union is pronounced “onion”). It’s just a four to seven hour drive from Manila, depending on whether you take a car or bus. Once you arrive, there are a number of accommodations that go anywhere from basic to luxury, and as a flourishing surf destination that attracts travelers from around the world, restaurants with cuisines from all over are also popping up. The water there is shallow and the waves are easy for the beginners, and more experienced surfers can also take advantage of the good waves.

GETTING THERE
Bus: Taking the bus can be confusing, since there aren’t really any clear schedules on the internet, but the best advice we can give you is to go to one of Manila’s main terminals and ask them where the bus to San Juan, La Union is. Busses usually leave every hour. You can also try checking PinoyTravel for departure times. Once you’re on the bus, ask the conductor to drop you off in San Juan, La Union if your accommodations are on the highway.

Recommended Videos

Car: You can hire a driver for approximately $200 or rent a car, and take on the new expressway, which will get you there in four hours.

STAY
Monaliza Surf Resort
This affordable and charming family-run hotel has 11 rooms right on the beach with all the basics. It was also the first surf resort to be set up on the coast in San Juan when the founder noticed the influx of American air force men coming from nearby Wallace Air Station to catch some waves back in the early ‘80s, so there’s a lot of history there.
Urbiztondo
San Juan, La Union
+63 072 888 4892

Kahuna Hotel
This boutique hotel features 31 rooms with Filipino and Balinese-inspired decor with garden or ocean views. Take up their surf clinic, get a bite at their café, or take a dip in the infinity pool.
Manila North Road
San Juan, La Union
+63 72 607 1040

LEARN TO SURF
Depending on where you stay, you can have the hotel hire a surf instructor, which averages to about $10 for surfboard rental and an hour-long lesson.

San Juan Surf School
This San Juan Surf School, which was established by Australian-Filipino surfer Luke Ladrigan, hails itself as the #1 surf school in the Philippines.
Urbiztondo
San Juan, La Union
+63 916 744 2229

EAT
Halo Halo de Iloko
This eatery serves up delicious, authentic Filipino food, along with the best halo halo, the dessert it was named after, in the area. It also offers Palabokano, a noodle dish with a local touch.
12 Zandueta Street
San Fernando City, La Union
+63 72 700 2030

Gefseis Greek Grill
Two Greek guys helm the kitchen here, so aside from the lack of native Greek ingredients in the area, you know it will be as authentic as you can get for the Philippines. It’s pretty decent if you’re in the mood for cuisine that isn’t Filipino.
Urbiztodo 2514
San Juan, La Union
+63 92 160 49989

Ann Binlot
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ann Binlot is a New York-based freelance writer who contributes to publications like The Economist, Wallpaper*, Monocle…
Plan your adventure: The best time to visit Sequoia National Park
Thinking of going to Sequoia National Park this here? Here's the best time to plan your trip
A stand of Giant Sequoia trees in California.

Sequoia National Park is home to some of the oldest and largest living organisms on earth — sequoia trees. Many of these ancient trees are over 2,000 years old, so it's no mystery why this national park has become a treasured vacation spot for many. These trees really have stood the test of time, enduring millennia of weather changes, forest fires, and environmental shifts. And while the sequoias are one of the most prominent sites to see at the park, it also has deep canyons and serene meadows, plus plenty of wildlife to see along the way. But how do you know what time of year you should go? In this guide, we will break down everything Sequoia National Park has in store for each season so you can make an educated decision.

There's so much to explore, so to make the most of your trip, just make sure that you make any required reservations, like for campsites and tours. After that, the only thing you and your family need to do to access this amazing park is a $35 vehicle pass that can be purchased on the NPS website.
Sequoia National Park in the fall

Read more
Where to stay for your unforgettable multi-day trip to Yosemite
Whatever your comfort level, Yosemite National Park has lodging options that exceed expectations.
where to stay in yosemite national park matthew fournier yedrqd2phy8 unsplash

Yosemite is one of those national parks that you could explore for eternity. We might not have that long, but you'll need a great place to stay for whatever amount of time you plan to spend. Yosemite National Park is home to a variety of lodging options, including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Depending on the seasons and your preferences, you can choose from luxury accommodations to a rustic backwoods campsite. Here's where to stay in Yosemite National Park.
Hotel options at Yosemite National Park

If you're not a fan of sleeping on the ground, Yosemite has several hotels and lodges inside the park that could suit your desires.

Read more
The ultimate travel steamer for your on-the-go lifestyle
You won't have to worry about wrinked clothes on vacation if you have this travel steamer
person steaming a button up shirt

Wrinkled clothes on vacation? No thanks! While many hotels include irons and ironing boards in their rooms, setting up the board and waiting for the iron to be ready can be a pain, especially if you are in a rush to get to a business meeting or a night on the town. Fortunately, there is another option.

If you don't want to deal with an iron, a travel steamer is your secret weapon. They are easy to pack and operate, and they get the wrinkles out quickly and efficiently. But with so many options out there, which one is the best travel steamer?
Product overview: The Hilife steamer 

Read more