Mindanao, Philippines

[Yuki]

Hi, this is YUKI.
Have anybody been to Mindanao for surf??
I want to know when the best season is.
And is it safe for girl single traveler?

[dtc]

? For safety - Siargao maybe; Mindanao otherwise absolutely not

For surfing- same. Just not in summer

[Big H]

This was big news not too long ago.


https://www.google.co.id/amp/s/mobile.r ... SKBN18N05D

More about Mindanao.....
https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safe ... hilippines

[Yuki]

Thank you for your reply.
Hum, sound no good...
I just want to surf at uncrowded place.
I will search another island that's safe & not famous.
Thank you so much!

[jaffa1949]

Yuki, how surf safe capable are you?
Uncrowned surf destination have few or no lifeguards, long distances for health treatment should you injure yourself.
The further you get out into the rural areas the less likely anyone can swim let alone rescue you.
Bear in mind that local cultural behaviours are often challenged by westerners or foreigners, their dress and behaviours.

Casual dress or beach wear is often seen as provaction and is used as an excuse for rape! Sadly!

[joeridger]

And how is it with weather on a daily basis?

[jaffa1949]

And how is it with weather on a daily basis?

What time of year, monsoons, dry seasons, typhoons, jungle humidity all of the above.
It’s called weather although spelt differently , cause before forecast we didn’t know whether it was going to rain or not!

[BaNZ]

Most places are uncrowded if you go at dawn patrol. Surfing has become a mainstream sport, I don't think you will find a place where it is uncrowded and not famous with good waves.

I would suggest to Taitung in Taiwan where I consider it safe, good waves, cheap and good food. But hey, I'm biased.

[dtc]

I don't think you will find a place where it is uncrowded and not famous with good waves..

plenty of empty Australian coastline! But I guess it depends on what is meant by 'good waves'.

[jaffa1949]

And how is it with weather on a daily basis?

What time of year, monsoons, dry seasons, typhoons, jungle humidity all of the above.
It’s called weather although spelt differently , cause before forecast we didn’t know whether it was going to rain or not!

Maybe yes

[Strela17]

Has the situation with ISIS in the Philippines calmed down since then or are some places still hotspots? I was considering going on a trip there (surf related or not according to whether I progress or find someone to coach me) but I would enjoy not running into islamic militants on my way there.

[jaffa1949]

Mindanao, still risky, to all travelers , ransom kidnappings, Isis maybe, all the advice above applies still maybe slightly less so.
The known areas are ok but all is seasonal.
Siargao has camps and a reasonable series of surf areas, have look there, and I ask are you self sufficient in your surf safety?
More remote areas you will have to have those skills!

Philippines a bit beyond raw beginner level, coral reefs and cuts!

I edited this because I didn’t take note of Strela17 introducing himself, assumed it was the same situation as Yuki