No doubt, Siargao Island has a reputation when it comes to surfing. But admit it, the intimidating waves sometimes only allow professional surfers to enjoy. Cloud 9 wasn’t coined if not for the thick waves and hollow tubes that can go as high as nine-foot. However, I didn’t find myself riding a board and doing the Shaka sign on my visit on one of the easternmost islands of the Philippines.

In 1979, when two Australian surfers visited Baras, Catanduanes, they “discovered” what they called the “majestic” waves of Puraran Beach. Since then, the surfers come every year for the surfing season around August to November. And since then, many well-known surfers have followed. Surfing competitions are held every year in August for the town fiesta, and in October for the national and international surfers.

Baler is the first surfing spot in the Philippines and is only a six-hour drive from Manila. But Baler is not just all about surfing, it is also a town of adventures and interesting stories. This place is definitely for all kinds of adventure-seekers!

We asked two of our regular contributors to try riding the waves for the very first time. Here’s how they went from wiped out to blissed out

Recently, a movie entitled Siargao was shown in Philippine cinemas. Shot in the teardrop-shaped island and featuring familiar stories of its locality, the film further attracted tourists to come and see what Siargao has to offer. Whether you’ve watched the movie or viewed the amazing photos of Siargao taken by travelers, here’s the list you should bring if you head over to the Surf Capital.