(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Baler is probably the most over rated surf spot in Philippines. Just cos Apocalypse Now was shot here doesn't mean the surf is any good. Whenever I surf here it's a matter of 1. Finding a bank that's not closing out 2. Finding a wave that's not closing out on that bank. Majority of waves are 1 or 2 turn waves and racing to flick off the back before they close out. Late drops are absolute necessity to make the most of it, often they feel the bottom for ages and can get very frustrating, but...take off late, the drops aren't as scary as they first seem, even at 6'+ and you can have a fun session. Just don't expect anything close to epic waves. Cobra is dominated by local crew, 1 person wave, 1 take off point, hardly worth the hassle. Compared to Australian waves I'd give Baler area a 2 out of 5. Or maybe a 1 haha. but if you're starved for surf it'll do.”
Puki from PHILIPPINES - 19 Nov 2022
Baler - Sabang Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 2 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.5(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.0(1: Baler - Sabang is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 1.0(1: Baler - Sabang is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in West Luzon. 5: the best break in West Luzon). |
Difficulty Level: 1.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Baler - Sabang can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 4.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Baler - Sabang, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Water Quality: 2.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.5(1: Often too crowded. 5: Baler - Sabang is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Baler - Sabang requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 4.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 5.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Baler - Sabang for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 5.0(1: Camping at Baler - Sabang is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 5.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Baler - Sabang is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 5.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 5.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Baler - Sabang, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 5.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Baler - Sabang where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
Nearest