I had never surfed before. I booked a 3-day course at Cloud 9 and by day two I was riding the white water all the way to the beach.

The island is magic beyond surfing too — Sugba Lagoon, the tidal rock pools at Magpupungko, and the best little coffee scene. Rent a scooter and just explore the palm-lined roads. I stayed in General Luna which has everything walkable, and ended up extending my trip twice.