Entrance fee: ₱100 per day (supports maintenance and typhoon reconstruction). Surfboard rental at beach: ₱150/hour or ₱400/day. Surf lessons for beginners: ₱500-800/hour with instructor. Tower access included in entrance fee.
September to November for the biggest and most consistent swells (professional level). June to October is general surf season with good waves. The Siargao Cup competition is usually held in late September/October. Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) offers the best conditions with offshore winds. Beginners should visit during smaller swells (December-May) and take lessons at nearby breaks.
From General Luna, rent a scooter (₱300-400/day) and drive 10 minutes along Tourism Road to the end. Tricycles are also available for ₱50-100. The boardwalk leads to the tower and beach. Most accommodations in General Luna offer free or cheap bicycle rentals for guests. Organized surf tours from hotels include transport.
Walk along the wooden boardwalk to reach the iconic viewing tower and beach area. The three-story tower provides panoramic views of the reef break and surfers. Watching experienced surfers tackle the powerful barrels is entertaining even for non-surfers. The beach area has small shops, cafes, and board rental huts. The reef break itself is shallow and dangerous - only experienced surfers should attempt it. Beginners can arrange lessons at the gentler breaks nearby. Expect crowds during competitions and peak season. Facilities include restrooms and showers.
Famous Philippine surf spot. Beach 24/7 free. Boardwalk with viewing deck: entrance 50-100 PHP (300m over the ocean). Surfing is free. Free access if you come from the next beach. 10-minute motorbike ride from General Luna. Best surf season: September-November. Surf schools nearby for beginners
faq.subtitle Cloud 9
No, the main Cloud 9 reef break is NOT suitable for beginners. It breaks over a shallow coral reef and produces powerful, hollow waves that require advanced skills. However, beginners can still visit to watch from the tower and beach, and take lessons at nearby beginner-friendly spots like Jacking Horse, Quicksilver, or the beach breaks in General Luna. Many surf schools operate in the area and will take you to appropriate spots for your level.
The name "Cloud 9" comes from the euphoric feeling surfers experience when riding the perfect barrel waves here. In English, being "on cloud nine" means being extremely happy or blissful. When the surf pioneer first surfed this spot in the 1990s, the experience was so incredible that the name stuck. The break consistently produces some of the best barrel waves in Asia, living up to its heavenly name.
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