If there was a place that I never want to leave from, it would be Lanuza. Almost not a secret anymore, this little surfing paradise on the east coast of Surigao del Sur has been the stuff of tales from soul surfers around.
Quite the opposite of Siargao with its white sand beaches and almost unbearable number of tourists, Lanuza is a romantic, pebble beach surf paradise with numerous breaks to choose from within walking distance of its poblacion.
Every first week of November, the local government of Lanuza holds an annual surfing festival where surfers from different parts of the Philippines come together to compete. A week-long of festivities from numerous booths of different municipalities in Surigao del Sur, a beauty pageant and parties every night, the municipality of Lanuza certainly is the place to be at this time of the year.
With the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour having it’s second leg in Lanuza on its first year, and sure to be back next year November 14 – 24, 2018. With a full year to schedule and plan, here’s a quick guide on how to get to Lanuza, where to stay and where to eat.
Getting Here
There are numerous flights coming from Manila to either Butuan City, Surigao City and from these cities, you can take the bus going to Tandag. From Cebu City, there’s a direct flight to Tandag City. If you’re already in Mindanao and looking to get to Lanuza, there are a few options from Butuan City, Surigao City and Davao City.
Travel time from Davao City to Tandag City is around nine hours with the bus stopping at every municipality’s bus stop. There are only two trips from Davao City and I got on the air conditioned bus that left the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) around 12:00 midnight.
For other cities, you may check your local bus operators for the schedule for Tandag City. From Tandag City, take the Surigao bound bus which takes one hour to get to Lanuza.
Where To Stay
It may not seem like it but surprisingly there are a number of affordable accommodations in Lanuza.
Lanuza Surf Camp – We have the government-owned Lanuza Surf Camp which has air conditioned and non-air conditioned rooms good for four with a private comfort room in each.
Mami’s Surf House – At Mami’s it feels like a homestay program and feels like you’re just at home with Mami’s lovely home cooked meals that make your diet say goodbye.
Department of Tourism Accredited Homestay Programs – During the festival season, almost every place is booked so the government came up with this wonderful idea of having accredited homestay programs. Guests get to stay with host families and have the awesome experience of immersing in the local community and culture aside from just plainly staying in a house.
Babak Bungalows Surf and Yoga Resort – Most of the foreigners stay at this chill and laid back resort which is just in front of a few surf spots and walking distance within the only skate bowl which is privately-owned. Babak Bungalows serve one of the best, if not the best food in Lanuza (especially great if you’re looking for pasta, sandwiches and vegetarian stuff).
Where To Eat
Not being too large and city-like, Lanuza has a lot of hole-in-the-wall food places or pop-ups especially if it’s festival season but for normal days, these are the best places to get your tummy filled without breaking your wallet.
Priz Snack Hauz – They serve the best halo-halo (in my opinion), chicken mami and ice drop. This is the only airconditioned eating place and is located near the market and terminal. Totally not hard to find. It’s the orange-walled air conditioned eatery.
Bamboo House – Located on the opposite side of Priz Snack Hauz, this carinderia serves affordable meals with big servings. If the other places are closed or run out of food, Bamboo House is your next go-to.
Miray’s Kwek-kwek – They open every 2pm except during Sundays and this little kwek-kwek stand is the bomb! With carrot balls at PHP 1 each, your PHP100 could be a street food buffet with fried isaw, kwek-kwek, carrot balls hot off the pan. Wash it all down with sweet cold buko juice with gulaman and you’re ready to go surfing again!
Babak Bungalows Surf and Yoga Resort – Again, if you’re craving for the best gourmet experience in Lanuza, fret not! Babak has it all. From real brewed coffee to vegetarian meals to huge servings of pasta and meat. This is the place to dine and surf with the break just in front of the restaurant area.
If you still need questions or clarifications on where to go and more, Ma’am Glenda at the Lanuza Tourism Office would be more than happy to assist. Contact the Lanuza Tourism Office at telephone number +63 939 916 9512, 086 212 8201 or email them at lgulanuza@yahoo.com and on Facebook at surflanuza. They made my stay last November truly the best! I’d go back the soonest! Thank you so much, Lanuza!