Continent
Asia
Country
Philippines
Next Big City
Caticlan
Next Town
Boracay Island
 
Type:
Lagoon
Rider Ability:
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Features:
Rooms, School, Shop, Repair, Rental, Shower, Toilet, Food

Water

Type:
Shallow, Flat, Chop, Small wave
Hazards:
Animals, Reefs
Quality:
Clean
Best Tide:
Low tide, Coming tide, Falling tide

Big shallow water lagoon, perfect for learning or improving tricks. Flat to choppy water. Outside on the reef small waves. Need booties for beginners as there are a few sea-urchins or just keep your feet on the board. Best waves after two days of 30 knots. The island gets very crowded 15 Dec to 15 Jan, with min. 100 kites in the air. Once you pass the students area (the first 80m) then it's fine. During December to February the low tide is during the day...and March/April the high tide during the day.

Beach

Type:
Sand
Size:
Tidal
Hazards:
Trees
Beach Users:
No information

Long but narrow, sandy beach. Trees close to the water line. Be careful launching and have a hand on the release.

Weather

Spring:
Shorts
Summer:
Shorts
Fall:
Shorts
Winter:
Shorts

Generally, the best time to travel is from the middle of November to April. It's hot all year round. The water is warm and no wetsuit is needed.

Wind

Best Months:
January, February, March, April, November, December
Wind Type:
Trade
Best Direction:
NNE, NE, SE
Main Direction:
NNE, NE, SE

The wind blows sideonshore to onshore. A constant wind which averages 15-25 knots, sometimes reaches 30-35 knots (about 10 times per season). It has wind from end of October till end of April. But the best time to go for wind is between December and March when the wind is at its best. November winds are very unpredictable, but December, January, February and March are consistent. Mainly NNE winds, gustier with SE Winds. During off season SW winds. The Amihan (North) wind blows from October to April and the Habagat (South) wind blows from July to October.



How to get there

Transport
Boat
Access
Short walk

Basically the only way to get to the Philippines is by plane. Manila and Cebu are the only major entry points. There are flights between the Philippines and plenty of Asian cities, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. There are also flights between Davao in Mindanao and Manado on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The island is really small, 1.5 km wide and 7 km long. You can cycle around quite easily or hire a dirt bike to see the island. The local transport is a bicycle with a side cart. These are everywhere and are really cheap.

Extra information

Rules
Fees

In the winter months surfing is only on Bulabog Beach, not White Beach. All kitesurfers and windsurfers must register with the BWA. A 10 euro annual joining fee to kite or windsurf in the lagoon is asked but not mandatory. If you pay the fee, the money will go to the association for beach cleaning. So you have to sign up with a center first before going out the first time. Safety is enforced and those not obeying the rules will have to kite elsewhere. The BWA was formed to prevent a further ban on kitesurfing as happened in 2004.

Nightlife

World famous party island, fun ambient bars with heaps of restaurants. Super cheap prices. Nightlife at: Epic, Juice Bar, Bombom, Exit, Summer Place. Best parties are Halloween, New Years, Easter Week and during events. The highlight will be to attend a full moon party at the famous Area 51 (former Jungle Bar).