Cloud 9 a Surfing Mecca in the Philippines, General Luna, Surigao del Norte

Witness the thunderous waves chasing the surfers!

Cloud 9 is simply the name of the place where giant waves started to emerge like forming 9-shaped waves. Head to Cloud 9 in the town of General Luna, Siargao Island, walk on the long wooden bridge and watch the adrenaline surfers play with the 9-shaped waves!

The wave was discovered by traveling surfers in the late 1980s. It was named after a chocolate bar of the same name (yes, Cloud 9), and was featured by American photographer John S. Callahan in the United States-based Surfer magazine in March 1993. Cloud 9 also has a reputation for being a relatively cheap destination for surfers with many cheap accommodations and restaurants and bars to choose from.

There are several other quality waves on Siargao and nearby islands, but Cloud 9 has received more publicity than any other surf spot in the Philippines. It is the only wave easily accessible without a boat, leading to overcrowding and the nickname of “Crowd 9” among surfers. Eager foreign and locally owned accommodation and tourist facilities have profited from the magazine publicity and the influx of visitors drawn by the annual Siargao International Surfing competition in September.

Siargao, particularly the municipality of General Luna, is well known as “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines” with a reputation among surfers within the Philippines and the International scene.

Location: General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Caraga Region

How to get there: From Butuan City by bus or van to Surigao City, then RORO or Pumpboat for crossing the sea to the port of Dapa, then from Dapa taking a ride by jeepney or private vehicle to Cloud 9, General Luna.

Distance: It will take for estimated 2 to 3 hours from Butuan City to Surigao City using public utility bus or private vehicle, then from Surigao City seaport crossing the sea by RORO for about 3 to 4 hours or pump boat for 2 to 3 hours in reaching the port of Dapa. While in Dapa, hiring a jeepney or private vehicle for at least half an hour going to Cloud 9, General Luna.