S T O K E D !!!

Location: Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines

Best Time to Travel: Anytime of the year even when rainy. Though not advisable during strong rain or typhoon since waves and current are more unstable.

Accomodation: For resorts and hotel accomodation go to San Fernando or San Juan. Bacnotan does not have any resorts or resting facility. This is still under developed but considered as one of the good surf site in the province. They have more friendly waves and less current. Accomodations can cost you Php 700-3000/room depending on the resort and location.

Surf Lessons: Go to San Fernando and look for Chris Par. He is a very good instructor.

Cost: Php 400/ hour of lesson including rent of surf board. Jeep rent for Php 600-800 if you wish to be taken to different surf sites.

Transportation: There are bus from Manila and other parts of the province. Try Partas or Dominion. Fare from Manila is Php 500-600/ pax (one way).

Food: There are several restaurants in the area so food is not a problem. Fast food are not accessible though. You may need to travel to the town proper for it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars for a tourist and fun destination.

Tips:

• Make sure to wear a rash guard when surfing to prevent rash or wounds when climbing up the board while surfing. Preferably wear longer surf shorts to protect your knee from rash too.
• For newbies I do suggest you take the lessons and don't try it on your own. The first 15- 30 mins should be instructional or surf lessons the rest will be actual ride on the board.
• Do have a surf buddy or an instructor to be safe.
• Definitely wear sun block with SPF 50-70. You will get a tan even if it is cloudy. Sun usually peaks at 10AM-02:00PM.

Surfing my accidental high! Definitely going back soon.