Philippines pagudpud or la union for beginner/intermediates

[NonEntity]

Me and the girlfriend are going to the Philippines in January and want to spend about a week surfing. We're beginner/intermediates. Apparently la union or pagudpud are the best spots for our skill level on January. But which is better? Apparently pagudpud is quieter than la union. Any thoughts?

[lucasoulridercamp]

Hi guys!
Did you think about coming to Siargao instead, we have the best waves of all Philippines for all levels!

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cheers!
LUCA

[Mweezy]

I was in Pagadpud at Xmas two years ago. I wouldnt go back. Nothing to do if there's no wave, and not nearly as friendly as the other places in the Phillipines I went to. I got a recommendation for a place to stay from various P. Surfing sites but that was distinctly underwhelming too- the people running it seemed have lost their interest in surfing and were not very helpful. Very frustrating! While I was there my mate was in Siargao (sp?) and scored good waves everyday grrr!

[lcyupingkun]

I'm from the Philippines.

Your best bet is Siargao - the surfing Mecca of the Philippines. Best quality waves, world-class food options, and friendly locals await.

Some things you ought to know about Siargao: most of the breaks are reef breaks, waves are usually hollow, fast, steep, and powerful. Best to go if you are in good surfing shape or if you want to be. Check out the legendary spot Cloud 9 - home of the heaviest wave in the Philippines.

Fly in through Cebu. For arrangements you can get in touch with a lady named Elaine Abonal. Google her Nice resorts abound. Famous surf personalities who have paid a visit include Alana Blanchard and Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers).

Next best bet is La Union. 6 hours by car from Manila, 4 hours from Clark Airport. I suggest you fly in though Clark to avoid the nasty urban congestion. Arrange your trip with people from San Juan Surf Resort, owned by local surf royalty Brian and Luke Landrigan. Best spot in Luzon for foreign visitors, since it has the best resorts in the area. Expect plenty of tourists from Europe, Japan, and Korea who love the waves there. Area is the safest as well, with a hospital just 10KM from the surf break. La Union is composed of mostly beach breaks, with peeling waves. There are spots for advanced and beginner surfers alike. Slow and fast waves abound. My personal favorite is Bacnotan Beach. Ask the locals to take you should the surf gods grant you good surf that day. Warning: La Union is a favorite of beginners. Can get crowded during the weekends.

Explore the rest later on when you decide you'd like to visit more exotic locations.

Good luck and safe travels. Hope to see you here!

[lcyupingkun]

Oh and some photos of the local breaks. Pic 1 is from Luzon. 2 and 3 are taken from Siargao's famous Boardwalk.