SUP Tour Philippines
Nothing is better then travelling and exploring new places. It is even better to travel with Stand Up Paddle board. This post desribes our sup tour in Phillipines with Bass boards.
First question which appeared after booking flight tickets to Manila – capitol of Philippines – was how to transport the boards? It was first time we planned trip with these non-standard luggage and we had few concerns. How to pack boards properly to avoid any demages during transportation? How to check-in luggage? How to pack fragile paddle? There were a lot of questions, but now we are the experts.
If you are interested in tips how to transport stand up paddle board by plain check supsurfer.pl article where we described in details how we packed (sorry, it’s in polish only)
Stand Up Paddle boards which we took with us are produced by only polish SUP brand – Bass. These were iSUPs (inflatable stand up paddle boards) models: Breeze and not yet available on market, board we called Almond, which we got from Bass team for testing purpose.
Plan for Philippines was to try also SUP surfing, that’s why wider Breeze board model was great solution. Almond is a wave board model, so also ideally fitted to our plans. Both boards were pretty light, Breeze weight was around 10 kg and Almond even less because around 7 kg. This is only the weight of boards itself, we had to add paddle, pump, fins and backpacks. However whole luggage was less then 20 kg each, so sports equipment together with our private staff in backpack was checked-in at the airport without any problems.
Below you can find map with our sup tour route marked. Phillipines are spread among 7 tousands bigger and smaller islands. We had a hard choice to decide where to go. Finally we planned few internal flights, which was the most effective way of transportation beetwen the islands.
After landing in capitol of Philippines – Manila – we headed to the north to search for SUP surf spots.
Surf spot no. 1 Baler – East Coast
First spot we have visited – it was Baler city at the east coast of Luzon Island. Luzon is the biggest from all Philippines islands. Surfing conditions there are amazing. Coast is washed by big waves of Philippinian Sea.
Unfortunatelly SUP surfer beginner can only watch there tricks presented by more experienced surfers. Waves, which we have seen were up to 5 meters. This is not a SUP surf spot where you can learn teh basics. Wave conditions
require experience in SUP surfing. It was even hard to get on water without being constantly turned back to the shore by upcomming waves. Definately this is a spot for SUP surf ninjas.
Surf spot no.2 San Juan, La Union – West Coast
Our next stop, this time perfect for SUP surfer beginners – San Juan. San Juan was more welcoming with smaller waves and huge amount of surfers learning there. All of them, starting from kids to adults, were tryin to catch a wave. First surf school was established here in ’80s, so this is a spot with surf tradition. It was also a great spot for long distance paddling nearby shore, as further from the coast, water was pretty calm and without waves. We got to know from the locals, that here are also SUP yoga classes organised. San Juan is a good spot for SUP surf beginners, however other places we’ve visited in Phillipines were more breath taking because of nature and surroundings.
SUP tour with SUP Tours Philippines on Bohol island
After first internal flight on Bohol Island, we decided to visit first place in the world where sup tours started to be organised – SUP Tours Philippines. Resort is located in 45 min car crive distance from main city. Placed next to amazing Loboc river is an eco&organic lifestyle spot. We stayed here for the night in bamboo bungalow (Fox and the Firefly Cottages) and next day joined sup tour on Loboc river. Stand Up Paddle on a calm river surrounded by palms in a scenry as Amazonka river was amazing. We felt like explorers discovering virgin exotic areas.
Sup tour finished on a beach, where we have found lost till now Bass team member – #likeaboss.
Eco Bee Farm Resort i Panglao Island
Going with the eco flow next days we have spent on a bee farm on Panglao island. Bee Farm Resort is a place where bees are breed and from their honey various organic products are made. There is also organic vegetables farm and workshops with handmade products to support Phillipino manufacturers. This is a fantastic place for all organic freaks! Shop in resort is full of natural cosmetics, organic honey products, organic fruits, vegetables, tea, spices, eco souvenirs, rafia bags… everything 100% eco and handmade.
Panglao island has a lot to offer for stand up paddle boarders. Pretty coastaline and hidden beaches are my favourite thing. We have booked a boat and together with friendly belgian couple spent whole day island hopping.
El Nido – amazing Stand Up Paddle spot
After flight from Bohol island to Puerto Princessa on Palawan island and half day ride by van, we reached our destination, the most beautiful place we have seen in Philippines – El Nido. El Nido is the real dream spot for Stand Up Paddlers and tourists as well. Town is located in awesome harbour surrounded by fully green, rocky islands. Breathtaking! The best thing to do in El Nido is to hire a boat with a crew and do the island hopping to discover all paradise beaches, lagoons and small islands nearby. There is a lot of coral reefs all around El Nido therefore it is a great diving and snorkeling spot. SUP boards were with us every day on a boat while island hopping. With stand up paddle boards we could reach hidden beaches and explore lagoons.
One day we have rented scooters and drove with SUP backpacks to a wide beach nearby 40 km from the town. El Nido is a dream spot for Stand Up Paddle.
During our SUP Tour Phillipines we were travelling with SUP boards with very different kinds of transportation. Starting from flight by plain to typical philippino tricycle. It was unforgettable experience!
If you have visisted Philippines or you have travelled with SUP, please share your experience in comments below. Waiting to connect with other SUP travellers!
To see more pictures from sup tour in Philippines check our suptours.pl instagram account.
See ya on water!
