Siargao Cloud 9 Surigao del Norte’s Pride

SIARGAO CLOUD 9

Photo from: https://www.thetravelmagazine.net/surfing-philippines-cloud-9-siargao.html

The most popular attraction on Siargao Island is the Cloud 9 surfing area in General Luna. It is actually one of the most well-known surfing spots in the entire Philippines, as the right-breaking reef creates a barrelling wave known for its thick, hollow tubes. A surfing competition sponsored by the government of Surigao del Norte is held here every year. Cloud 9 is only recommended for advanced surfers, as it breaks on a very shallow reef. It is also best to come at mid to high tide, as low tide exposes most of the reef.

Even if you are not a surfer or not quite up to the skill level it takes to tackle Cloud 9, it is still highly recommended that you come and take a stroll along the boardwalk. Extending far into the sea, the boardwalk leads to a three-story viewing platform where you can watch the surfers. It is also a wonderful place to take photographs of the ocean. The best time to come is around sunrise or sunset. Read More: https://www.agoda.com/travel-guides/philippines/siargao-island/things-to-do-in-siargao-island-philippines-top-activities-attractions?cid=1844104

Photo from: https://primer.com.ph/blog/2019/11/30/siargao-plus-more-7-sublime-locations-to-add-to-your-surigao-del-norte-itinerary/

One of the well-known surfing waves on Siargao and the Philippines, with a reputation for thick, hollow tubes is “Cloud 9”. This right-breaking reef wave is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte.

The wave was discovered by traveling surfers in the late 1980s. It was named after a chocolate bar of same name, and was featured by American photographer John S. Callahan in the United States-based Surfer magazine in March 1993. Cloud 9 also has a reputation for being a relatively cheap destination for surfers with many cheap accommodations and restaurants and bars to choose from. There are several other quality waves on Siargao and nearby islands, but Cloud 9 has received more publicity than any other surf spot in the Philippines. It is the only wave easily accessible without a boat, leading to overcrowding and the nickname of “Crowd 9” among surfers. Eager foreign and locally owned accommodation and tourist facilities have profited from the magazine publicity and the influx of visitors drawn by the annual Siargao Cup competition in September. Read More: http://travelguidepinoy.blogspot.com/2017/01/cloud-9-siargao-island.html

Photo from: https://travelingdutchies.com/destinations/surfing-siargao-philippines/

Finding the best surfing to go to if you are in the Philippines? You can never go wrong if you are to visit the country’s highly-touted surfing capital, Siargao Island, in Surigao Del Norte.

But when you think that it’s only valid to the locals who hailed it as the best across the country, international institutions such as the CNN recognized the island—specifically it’s “Cloud 9” region—as among the top 10 best surfing spots all over the world, bested only by eight others.

Able to consistently provide decent waves year-round, which makes it a hub for surfing enthusiasts and professionals alike, Siargao Island’s surrounding beaches are at their peak in producing high waves averaging 7 feet in height during September/October up to March of the following year.

The place was so popular among surfers, especially Cloud 9, during peak season, locals often label the same area as “Crowd 9,” hinting how crowded the area can be at times with thrill-seeking surfers. With little to no competition in neighboring areas apart from their equally beautiful beaches, the idea that Cloud 9 getting overcrowded is perhaps expected rather than surprising. Read More: https://thehappytrip.com/2017/02/siargao-surfing/