Siargao vs. La Union: The Ultimate Showdown for the Best Surfing Spot for Beginners

🌊 The Barkada’s Dilemma: Where to Catch Your First Wave

If your barkada has been dreaming of surfing in the Philippines, the question almost always boils down to this: Siargao vs La Union. Both are iconic, both are beginner-friendly, and both promise waves, sunsets, and memories you’ll laugh about for years.

But they’re not the same. One is the laid-back “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” in Mindanao, while the other is the north’s accessible weekend warrior escape. So how do you choose kung saan kayo unang mag-surf? Let’s break it down para malinaw.

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💸 Surf Trip Budget: Which Is Easier on the Pocket?

Surfing doesn’t need to be mahal. Both spots offer board rentals and instructors for beginners — but the costs vary.

👉 Verdict: If your barkada is tipid-mode, La Union wins for affordability and accessibility. But for those willing to spend for a “bucket-list” island experience, Siargao is worth every peso.

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🏄‍♂️ Surfing Conditions for Beginners

Both Siargao and La Union are surfing meccas in the Philippines, but the experience feels quite different in each spot. For beginners, knowing where to start and when to go can make the difference between a fun introduction to surfing and a frustrating wipeout.

🌴 Siargao: The Surf Capital of the Philippines

Siargao is world-famous for Cloud 9, but don’t worry — first-timers don’t have to brave the intimidating reef break. The island has several beginner-friendly surf spots where waves are gentler, rides are longer, and crowds are thinner.

Famous Beginner Spots:

• Jacking Horse – consistent small waves, ideal for lessons.

• Daku Island – sandy-bottomed waves, safer than reef spots.

• Guiuan – less crowded, popular with surf schools.

Best Season:

• July–November (main surf season) for consistent waves.

• But for beginners, there are surfable small waves year-round, especially in Jacking Horse.

Wave Quality:

• Waves are generally cleaner and more consistent compared to La Union.

• If you go beyond Cloud 9, you’ll find fewer crowds and more space to practice.

Lessons & Rentals:

• Surf lessons: ₱500–₱800 per hour (board + instructor included).

• Board rental only: ₱200–₱300 per hour.

Vibe:

• International surf town feel — backpackers, digital nomads, surf addicts.

• After surf: island-hopping, motorbike exploring, lively nightlife in General Luna.

Tip: If you’re nervous, start with a soft-top board and practice on the inside waves with a local instructor.

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🏖️ La Union: The Accessible Surf Playground

If Siargao is the surf capital, La Union is the country’s surf classroom. Just 5–6 hours from Manila, it’s the go-to weekend surf escape for beginners, barkadas, and even corporate teams looking for bonding activities.

Famous Beginner Spot:

• San Juan Beach – the main surf area, lined with surf schools, cafes, and hostels.

Best Season:

• October–March – surf season with bigger swells.

• But beginners can enjoy small, playful waves almost any time of year.

Wave Quality:

• Waves are softer and slower, perfect for first-timers.

• But weekends can get crowded, with dozens of learners paddling out.

Lessons & Rentals:

• Surf lessons: ₱500–₱600 per hour (board + instructor included).

• Board rental only: ₱200–₱300 per hour.

Vibe:

• Chill, hip, artsy town with cafes, hostels, and a strong creative scene.

• After surf: coffee shops, sunset drinks, live music at Flotsam & Jetsam.

Tip: Go on weekdays for fewer crowds — you’ll have more wave time and less chance of colliding with another beginner.

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📊 Table: Siargao vs. La Union for Beginner Surfers

👉 If you want gentle waves + crowd energy, go La Union. If you want island paradise + world-class surf town, go Siargao.

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🏨 Accommodations & Lodging: Pang-barkada Choices

Where you stay matters just as much as where you surf. For barkadas, the ideal accommodation is budget-friendly, social, and close to the beach or surf schools. Both Siargao and La Union have options ranging from bamboo-style hostels to boutique stays, but the vibes differ.

🌴 Siargao

Siargao’s lodging scene is as laid-back as its surf culture. Expect bamboo-style hostels, surf lodges, and beachfront resorts that attract travelers from around the world. It’s popular with digital nomads and long-stay travelers, so you’ll often meet people who came for a week but stayed for months.

Barkada-Friendly Picks:

• Kermit Surf Resort – Famous for its pizza nights, surf packages, and community vibe. Prices: ₱800 dorm beds; ₱2,500–₱4,000 private rooms.

• Lampara Hostel – A beachfront glamping-style hostel with dorms and tents, perfect for young groups. Prices: ₱700–₱1,200 dorms.

• Hiraya Surf Hostel – Trendy and social, with a pool and co-working space. Prices: ₱800–₱1,500 dorms.

Vibe: Backpacker-meets-digital nomad. Nights often end with bonfires or jam sessions. Perfect if your barkada loves meeting fellow surfers from abroad.

🏖️ La Union

La Union is more compact, which means everything is walkable — surf schools, hostels, bars, and cafes are often just a few minutes apart. Accommodations here cater heavily to barkadas and Manila weekenders, from budget surf hostels to Instagrammable boutique hotels.

Barkada-Friendly Picks:

• Flotsam & Jetsam – Probably the most famous surf hostel in LU. Dorms, hammocks, and a lively artsy bar. Prices: ₱700–₱1,200 dorm beds.

• Vessel Hostel – Eco-conscious with stylish dorms made from shipping containers. Prices: ₱800–₱1,500 dorms.

• Circle Hostel – No-frills, all-barkada hostel with hammocks and bunks. Super budget at ₱600–₱800.

Vibe: Hip, artsy, and community-driven. Expect coffee crawls in the morning, surf lessons by day, and live music or bonfires by night.

📌 Tipid Tip for Barkadas

In both Siargao and La Union, dorm rooms are the cheapest option for groups. Not only do you save more, but you also meet fellow surfers and travelers — perfect if your barkada likes a social vibe. If you prefer privacy, family rooms or renting an Airbnb-style house is another affordable choice.

🍽️ Food, Culture, and Nightlife

Surf trips aren’t just about waves — they’re also about food adventures and late-night bonding. Both Siargao and La Union deliver on this front, but the flavors and vibes are very different.

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🌴 Siargao: Laid-Back Island Feels

Food Scene:
Siargao is a melting pot of flavors. You’ll find local carinderias serving fresh seafood at budget-friendly prices, right alongside cafes that cater to international tastes. The island is especially known for healthy eats — smoothie bowls, poke bowls, and plant-based meals that fuel surfers after long sessions. Still, the local side remains strong, with fishermen bringing in daily catches that end up in your carinderia lunch.

Must-Try Eats:

• Shaka Café – Their smoothie bowls are legendary; colorful, refreshing, and perfect for post-surf recovery.

• Kermit Pizza – Probably the most famous restaurant on the island; their brick-oven pizzas are a barkada staple.

• Carinderia-style seafood – Don’t miss grilled squid, kinilaw, and fresh crabs cooked the Pinoy way.

Nightlife:
Siargao’s nightlife is island-style and relaxed. Instead of loud clubs, you’ll find reggae bars, beach bonfire parties, and acoustic nights where travelers jam with locals. Nights often end with strangers turning into friends over beers under the stars. Popular spots rotate their “party nights,” so there’s always something happening somewhere.

Vibe: Chill, communal, and perfect if your barkada wants a mix of surfing by day and meaningful hangouts at night.

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🏖️ La Union: Hip & Social Energy

Food Scene:
La Union is famous for its café culture. Coffee lovers are spoiled here, with third-wave cafes scattered across San Juan. The food scene blends comfort Pinoy eats and hipster dining, making it a playground for foodies as much as surfers.

Must-Try Eats:

• El Union Coffee – A pioneer of LU’s café culture. Their Spanish latte and s’mores are legendary.

• Flotsam & Jetsam Bar – Cocktails + creative Filipino dishes, perfect for barkada dinner nights.

• Local empanada stalls – Affordable street food snacks, often enjoyed after surfing.

Nightlife:
La Union’s nightlife is livelier and more diverse than Siargao’s. Bar-hopping is part of the culture — from laid-back surf bars to hip clubs with live DJs. Expect craft cocktails, bonfires by the beach, and dancing into the night. Weekends can feel like a mini festival, especially when Manila crowds roll in.

Vibe: Energetic, artsy, and youthful — ideal if your barkada wants both surf sessions and party nights.

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🚍 Getting There: Accessibility Matters

👉 If your barkada only has a weekend off, La Union is unbeatable. If you want something special and you can file vacation leaves, Siargao is the dream.

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🗓️ Sample Itineraries for Barkadas

Siargao 3D2N Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, surf lesson at Jacking Horse, sunset at Cloud 9 boardwalk

• Day 2: Island hopping (Daku, Guyam, Naked Islands) + surfing in the afternoon

• Day 3: Sugba Lagoon trip, quick surf before flying back

La Union 3D2N Itinerary

• Day 1: Bus ride, arrival, surf lesson, sunset at San Juan Beach

• Day 2: Morning surf, café-hopping (El Union, Clean Beach), bar crawl at Flotsam & Jetsam

• Day 3: Early surf + pasalubong shopping before heading back to Manila

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💡 Tips for First-Time Surfers

Learning to surf can feel intimidating at first — but once you catch that first wave, it’s addictive. For barkadas trying it for the first time, the experience is less about perfection and more about fun, laughter, and teamwork. Here are some beginner-friendly surfing tips to make sure your first session is safe, smooth, and unforgettable.

🧥 Wear Rash Guards

Surfboards can give you board rash, and the tropical sun is no joke. A rash guard protects your skin both from friction and harmful UV rays. Plus, it dries quickly and feels comfortable in the water. Barkadas can even buy matching rash guards for that Instagram-worthy surf squad photo.

🏄 Don’t Be Shy with Instructors

Local surf instructors in both Siargao and La Union are incredibly patient and approachable. Most are seasoned surfers who’ve taught thousands of beginners before you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, laugh at your wipeouts, and let them guide your stance and timing — they’ve got your back.

🤸 Warm Up & Stretch First

Surfing is physical. Even paddling out can feel like a workout, especially for your shoulders and core. Do some light stretching and warm-ups before hitting the water to avoid cramps or early fatigue. A few jumping jacks on the sand won’t just prep your body, it’ll hype you up too.

🌊 Embrace the Wipeouts

Here’s the truth: you’ll fall a lot. Everyone does. The key is to enjoy the process — laugh when you tumble, cheer for your barkada when they stand up, and celebrate small wins. Surfing is as much about mindset as skill.

🛍️ Support Local Surf Shops

Renting boards and hiring instructors isn’t just convenient — it supports the local surf community. Many surf schools are family-run, and your rentals help them sustain their livelihood. Plus, you’ll often get insider tips and even new friends along the way.

💸 Bring Cash

ATMs can be limited, especially in surf towns like Siargao where machines sometimes go offline. Always bring enough cash for lessons (₱500–₱800), board rentals (₱200–₱300/hour), snacks, and beers after surfing. Nothing kills barkada vibes faster than scrambling for money after a long day in the waves.

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📌 Extra Pro Tips for Barkadas

• Go on weekdays if possible — less crowded waves, more fun.

• Hydrate well before and after sessions. Salt water + sun = dehydration.

• Share stoke, not just selfies — cheer on your friends and enjoy the community spirit.

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📚 Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for a first surf trip — Siargao or La Union?
La Union is more convenient for beginners due to its sandy beach breaks and accessibility, while Siargao offers more variety and a full surf-town experience.

Can you learn to surf in just one lesson?
Yes, most beginners can stand up on the board within their first hour, but mastering it takes more practice.

Which is cheaper, Siargao or La Union?
La Union is much cheaper overall. Siargao requires flights and higher lodging costs, though still affordable compared to other international surf spots.

Is Siargao safe for total beginners?
Yes, beginners are taught in specific safe areas, not the heavy reef breaks like Cloud 9.

What’s the vibe difference?
Siargao = island lifestyle, slower pace, nature-heavy. La Union = hip café culture, bar scene, accessible for Manila weekenders.

Do both places have surfboards for rent?
Yes, rentals and instructors are widely available in both for beginners.

Which one is less crowded?
Siargao feels less crowded overall. La Union gets packed on weekends and holidays.

Can we combine both in one barkada surf year?
Absolutely — do La Union for a quick weekend, then plan Siargao for the big barkada trip.

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✨ The First Wave Is the Sweetest Memory

At the end of the day, choosing between Siargao vs La Union isn’t just about the waves. It’s about what your barkada needs most right now.

When I first surfed in La Union, I remember faceplanting into the water more times than I could count — but hearing my friends cheer me on from the shore made it one of the funniest, most bonding trips ever.

Then years later, in Siargao, I stood up on a board while the sun rose behind Cloud 9’s wooden tower. The wave carried me farther than I expected, and for a few seconds, it felt like flying.

So whether it’s the budget-friendly spontaneity of La Union or the dreamy island vibes of Siargao, the real magic is in catching that first wave together. That’s a memory your barkada will keep replaying — long after the trip is over.