Surigao del Sur
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Positives
- World-class sandy point
- Mostly uncrowded
- Close to Siargao
- Very cheap, virgin Mindanao
Negatives
- Inconsistent swells
- Short surf season
- Difficult access
- UN travel warnings
Surigao del Sur surf travel guide
Located on the northeast coast of Mindanao, the second largest island of the Philippines, is an enchanting land of volcanic mountains cloaked in exotic tropical plants, leading down to squeaky white and pink sand beaches, where boldly-striped vintas ply the waters between houses perched precariously on stilts.
Wave-rich Siargao island is close, so there is little wonder that intrepid travellers have searched around and discovered some perfect, typhoon swell gems like Lanuza's Doot Poktoy. An international longboard contest has been held there since Nov 2005, attracting some big Aussie names and exposure for this budding surf town, helped by the unusual 'breaking of the board' opening ceremony.
Surf spots in Surigao del Sur
Research the 11 surf breaks in Surigao del Sur and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 11 breaks in Surigao del Sur.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Surigao del Sur
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Surigao del Sur.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 7,168,000
- Population
- 109,581,078
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- PHP
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 48.79 PHP PHP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +63
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Filipino (Tagalog) and English (both official) plus many reginal dialects.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- abc
Visas
The Philippines offers visa free travel to all countries for up to 30 days. It is easy to get an extensions to make a total of 59 days and sometimes longer. Small fees are payable for any visa extension.
Getting There
Better to fly to Cebu (CEB) than Manila then Butuan (BXU) or Tandag (TDG) or Manila to Surigao City with Asian Spirit 5 days a week. Cebu to Surigao City (overnight Cokaliong Shipping Lines – daily 7pm except Sunday). Surigao City to Lanuza is 3.5h by bus/jeep/van.
Getting Around
Many spots are within tricycle/tro-tro (long saddle bike/rickshaw) distance of Lanuza. Expect to pay driver around $5/h. Tandag-Lanuza is 1h by bus/jeep/van. Pump-boats are narrow, noisy uncomfortably bumpy, but fast outrigger dug-outs for hire ($20/h) to access the reefs
Accommodation
Resorts and lodging houses are still very limited so look for home-stay program such as Mami's Surf Haus ($4pppn). Poktoy Palm Haven non-aircon rooms at $5 per guest per day while air-con room is $10. Lanuza Surf Camp is in front of Castor left with beds from $3.50/n.
Activities
Check Lanuza Marine Park and Sanctuary, Magkawas Falls, Green Paradise, Campamento Caves and Lanuza Wetland Park and Mangrove Forest. Ethnic tribes weave glorious tales of brave warriors and haughty princesses into colourful tapestries and fabrics.
Hazards & hassles
It is advised against travel to SW Mindanao because of civil unrest. Northern Mindanao should be safer but check with the embassy. Some rocks can be dangerous, but waves are more beginner friendly than Siargao.
Handy Hints
Check with Lanuza Bay Surfing Company, their room rates are reasonable as well as their surfing rates at $4/hour for an instructor and $5/day surf board rental. They make surfboards from the local amakan tree, which costs $70/sq foot. Some of these Pinoy-made surfboards are exported to California.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.