Things To Do
in Lauaan
Lauaan is a sun-kissed coastal town in the Philippines, where turquoise waters fringed by white-sand beaches meet rugged limestone cliffs. The harbor bustles with small fishing boats and friendly locals who greet visitors with warm smiles. Markets along the waterfront overflow with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and handicrafts that reflect the town’s fishing heritage.
A laid-back pace and spectacular sunsets make Lauaan a gateway for ocean adventures and cultural discoveries.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Lanuza and check into your beachfront accommodation. Take some time to settle in and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean from your room. Grab a light breakfast at a local café to fuel up for the day ahead.
Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby beaches, such as the serene Bayay Beach, where you can swim and soak up the sun. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, collecting seashells and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Consider renting a kayak to paddle along the coastline and experience the stunning scenery from the water.
As the sun sets, dine at a beachfront restaurant where you can savor fresh seafood and traditional Filipino dishes. Enjoy the soft sounds of waves crashing as you savor your meal, and take in the vibrant colors of the sunset over the ocean. Cap off the evening with a relaxing walk on the beach under the stars.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then head to the famous surf spots in Lanuza. Take a surf lesson if you're a beginner or rent some boards if you're more experienced. Feel the adrenaline rush as you hit the waves.
After a thrilling morning on the surfboard, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling some of the region's popular dishes. Spend your afternoon at Magdum Beach, perfecting your surf skills or simply relaxing by the sea. Don't forget to apply sunscreen and take plenty of photographs.
Return to your accommodation to rinse off the salt and sand before heading out for dinner. Choose a cozy local eatery and dive into traditional fare, enjoying the flavors of Lanuza. Wind down the evening with a beach bonfire, roasting marshmallows while sharing stories with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi or tricycle ride | $3-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-50 |
| 🎟️Entrance to attractions | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming locals and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere
- Accessible beaches, reefs, and nature within easy reach of the town center
- Limited nightlife options and fewer urban amenities than bigger cities
- Smaller healthcare facilities—plan for remote or emergency needs
- "Kamusta" - Hello / How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Saan ang banyo?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gusto ko ng tubig" - I would like water
- "Tulong" - Help
Places to Visit in Lauaan
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic vantage point over the harbor with soft morning light, ideal for long exposure shots of passing boats and the sea winding toward the horizon.
Cliffside overlook offering sweeping views of white sands, turquoise water, and distant islands—perfect for panoramic landscapes or sunset silhouettes.
Golden-hour scenes of fishing boats returning to dock, reflective water, and colorful fishing nets; a quintessential Lauaan moment.
Shallow-water trails weaving through mangroves, great for bird photography, shadows, and the patterns of roots and reflections on calm days.
Food in Lauaan
Lauaan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Citrusy, tangy raw fish marinated in vinegar, citrus, and sometimes coconut milk; best enjoyed fresh from the harbor stalls or seaside eateries.
Must-Try!
Taro leaves cooked in coconut milk with chili and sometimes shrimp paste, a comforting, mildly spicy dish often served with hot steamed rice.
Grilled whole fish or fillets brushed with oil and herbs, with a squeeze of lime and a side of garlic rice.
A variant of kinilaw made with fresh tuna, featuring a bright, citrusy bite and a crisp onion note.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning market where locals sell recently caught fish, crustaceans, and fruit; a great place to observe daily life and pick up fresh ingredients for a beach picnic.
A lineup of small stalls offering skewers, fried snacks, tropical drinks, and quick noodle dishes ideal for grazing after a day in the sun.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet locals with a warm “Kumusta” or “Magandang araw.” Use polite forms like “po” and “opo” when addressing elders or people you don’t know well. Dress modestly in religious sites and family homes, and remove shoes when entering some local homes.
Safety
Tipping in Lauaan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in casual eateries. In sit-down restaurants, leave around 5-10% if service is satisfactory; rounding up the bill is common in markets and casual stalls. Carry small bills for street vendors and rickshaw-like transport, as change can be scarce.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November to April tends to be sunnier and less humid, making beach days longer and outdoor activities more comfortable. Expect pleasant evenings with cooler nights suitable for strolls along the waterfront.
May to October brings more frequent rain showers and possible tropical storms. Pack lightweight rain gear and plan flexible outdoor plans; mornings are often drier, with showers later in the day.
Between seasons, you may experience warm, humid days with sporadic showers. Early mornings are good for activities, while evenings remain suitable for market strolls and dinners outside.
Lauaan at Night
Hiking in Lauaan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle forest trek leading to a secluded waterfall, with opportunities for a refreshing swim in natural pools.
A scenic route along limestone cliffs offering expansive ocean views and opportunities to photograph dramatic coastlines.
A short ascent to a vantage point overlooking the town and nearby islets, ideal for sunset photos and gentle exercise.
Airports
How to reach Lauaan by plane.
Small regional airport with seasonal flights; connects Lauaan to larger hubs via Surigao City. Ground transportation to Lauaan can be arranged by taxi or local boat charters.
Regional airport serving Mindanao with more frequent connections to Manila and Cebu; access to Lauaan typically via road or short boat transfer.
Major international gateway in the region; provides frequent flights to Manila and international connections, with onward domestic flights to Lauaan via local carriers.
Large hub in southern Mindanao offering extensive domestic connections and some regional routes; convenient for travelers combining Lauaan with other Mindanao destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents who rely on the sea for livelihood, often forming the backbone of Lauaan’s culture and daily rhythms.
Families growing tropical fruits and vegetables, supplying the markets with fresh produce daily.
Local makers who weave baskets, carve wooden trinkets, and create textiles reflecting coastal traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple sport in schools and community gyms; pickup games are common in the evenings and on weekends.
Popular on coastal shores and resort areas, especially during dry-season afternoons.
Traditional kick-and-volley games enjoyed by locals in courtyards and village gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lauaan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Lauaan’s markets and cafes offer a growing range of vegetable dishes, legumes, and coconut-based curries. Ask for vegetable-heavy options, request sauces without fish sauce, and look for “gulay” dishes or dishes labeled as vegetarian-friendly. If unsure, request meals to be prepared with coconut milk and fresh herbs instead of meat stock.