Puraran Wahines Surfing Retreat

What a whirlwind of a week. We surfed, we visited beautiful places all over the island, we ate lovely healthy food and the best mangoes I have ever eaten. We also were plied with gin, music and such lovely and welcoming people! Do it!

The surfing was good, and the days were full of activities. I do wish the accommodation was much nicer as I wish I stayed for the whole trip for the full surfing course. The staff did provide toiletries which was appreciated as there was no shops nearby. Food was generous and fresh.

If you’re looking for raw, authentic island and surf vibes in an area untouched by mass tourism this is the place!!! We went and did things pretty much everyday, all the activities are super well organized and planned. The people are an absolute blast. Some of the best time and money I’ve spent!

A truly authentic experience, immersed with the locals and culture of the Philippines. You will never feel left out, they will look after you and make sure that you are taken care of. This is the perfect place to be if you are looking to be immersed in the warmth of the Philippine culture.

Ich bin ganz und gar begeistert von dem Retreat. Die vielen unterschiedlichen Aktivitäten, sowie so viele fantastische und wundervolle Menschen haben die Zeit wie im Flug vergehen lassen. Die Atmosphäre ist sehr familiär und ich hatte zu keiner Zeit das Gefühl, nicht am richtigen Ort zu sein. Man kann mit jedem herum scherzen, Karten oder Brettspiele spielen, Feiern & lachen! Beim Surfen konnte ich, durch einen guten Trainer, schnell Erfolge feststellen. Jeden Tag gab es frische Früchte & abwechslungsreiches lokales Essen, welches immer ausgezeichnet geschmeckt hat (Pallets bester Koch 🫶). 15 Tage sind definitiv zu kurz im Paradies, ich hoffe ich kann nächstes Jahr länger bleiben. :)

Such an amazing experience!! Beautiful location, good surf and overall great vibes!! What I loved the most are the people. Kissy our hostess is such a kind and generous soul and she made our every day special!! Her, the instructors and all the people working at the camp are always so positive and give the place a heartwarming vibe!!!

It was such a wonderful experience! The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming. Besides surfing, there are so many activities to enjoy, so you definitely won’t get bored. A big plus is that there aren’t too many tourists. Thank you so much; it was amazing, although the week flew by quickly! I’m really happy I chose this place.

One on one surf lessons is such a great way to improve your skillset, whether you’re a beginner, experienced, or somewhere in between. The staff and instructors are helpful and fun, the day trips, excursions and activities are amazing, the food is top notch and the vibe is immaculate👌

The location was a dream! My surf instructor was Boboy and he really listened to me and we worked on my surfing. With him I had a fantastic time in the water. He was so lovely and caring that I think he was my best surf instructor ever.

Also the food in the restaurant is pretty good. You can get a fresh coconut there everyday.

I just had the most incredible experience at the surf and yoga camp in Catanduanes Island! From the very first moment, it felt like family—Kissy and the boys are so kind, caring, and full of good energy. We had so much fun together, and I truly felt welcomed.

Every day included a private surf session, allowing you to progress quickly and make the most of every wave, followed by a warm and relaxing yoga class to unwind. On top of that, there were so many beautiful activities to share, making the whole experience even more special and authentic.

I honestly don’t have enough words to express how grateful I am. This place is pure magic, and I’m sure I’ll be back!

I had the most incredible experience at Majestic Puraran Beach Resort! From the moment I arrived, Kissy, Angel and the team made me feel like part of the family — and I know that sounds like a cliché, but it couldn’t be more true. The vibe was super relaxed and all about having fun, with everyone genuinely supporting each other both in and out of the water.

The instructors were amazing — kind, patient, and always there to help. The 1:1 instruction really sets this surf camp apart from any other on the island. I was pretty anxious about getting in the water at first, but my instructor, Dominic, made me feel completely safe and confident. His calm guidance, encouragement and humour made all the difference.

The food was fantastic, and the cooks were adaptable to tastes, adding a little extra spice and sourcing ingredients across the island to make each meal hit the spot.

Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to improve your skills, Kissy and the team offer so much more than just surf lessons — it’s a place where you get a real immersion in to island life, meet the kindest locals, and get to feel a part of something special. I hope to come back for another unforgettable experience!

Thank you Kissy, Dominic, Angel, Edmund, Jeson, Boboi, Palat, Kurt and everyone in the extended group!

I really needed this vacation! you could live such a simple life, with kind hearted and fun people at a very beautiful part of the Philippines! I enjoyed the community life, the calmess and the "easy going" mindset. if you are looking for an authentic experience - its the place to go. :)

Had the absolute best time at the surf camp. The location was absolutely beautiful and the hut was nice and cozy. The people from the hotel where so nice and they had really good food.

I really loved surfing (it was my first time) and all of the instructors where so nice. It was really nice to have your own instructor to really learn from it. It really is one big family and they are so welcoming and friendly. Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to learn how to surf.

-One on one surf lessons, so you really learn quickly

-the people there were just the best!!

-I was booked in for two weeks and liked it so much that I extended for another 10 days

The teachers!!!

It was our first ever time surfing and the instructors were really kind and patient. Kissy and the boys were really fun and brought us around the island. I also manage to meet lots of new people and had an amazing time!

Still words are missing to describe the happy place I found at Wahine Surf Retreat. From day one and beforehand I felt in good hands thanks to the beautiful soul and manager of the retreat Kissy. Whether it was hiking to a sunset spot, sitting and talking at the bon fire on the beach, exploring Virac, cooking together- there are plenty of things to to and I never got bored. It was also my first time surfing and I really enjoyed it and made quick progress thanks to my instructor Boboi. The yoga classes by Anna perfectly complement the everyday surfing. It is a happy place and I managed to just switch of and enjoy the peace and the quiet. After only one week I can say: First, I will continue surfing. Second, I will definitely come back.

Everything think! The place is soo nice and ni noise only the beach.. and the Teams is the best of ever! Very good teaching and the boss Kissy IS very nice.. the Cook IS very good! I was so sad to live this place..

The community is excellent and everyone is really friendly. You will learn a lot from the instructors and will feel like a confident surfer after the 6 days. Lovely island with lots to do!

What I liked most at the surfcamp were the people working and living at there. Super welcoming, warm, incredibly helpful and with the objective of providing guests with an authentic and successful Filipino-style surf camp. The camp itself is located in a remote village, well away from tourism. The beach, the Majestic surfing spot and a beautiful coral reef are right on the doorstep. The focus here is on authentic local life. If you expect luxury, you are definitely in the wrong place. It may happen that you share your room with a gecko or that there is a short power or water cut. If you take a relaxed view of things and adapt to the chill Filipino lifestyle, you can have a wonderful vacation, improve your surf skills, while getting to know the local culture. There is plenty of activity options as well. Everything can be done, but nothing has to be. One of my highlights was a unique island-hopping tour, with a snorkeling adventure in the most incredible coral reefs and a super picknick on one of the islands. Volleyball, billiard, bonfire karaoke or just pleasant chats over a cup of coffee in the morning... there is always something to do at the camp. Of course that also depends on the guests. As for surfing, I went out on the water every day and improved a lot due to the helpful feedback. There weren't many other guests and the spot was not crowded, which made the atmosphere very chill and perfect for a successful surf vacation. All in all, a wonderful stay!

Ik zou het iedereen aanraden!!! super mooie plek met hele lieve mensen en goede surfinstructeurs.

Since we arrived they made us feel as part of the family. It is not only a surfcamp, you get involved in their life and at some point, you don’t want to leave this magic place.

Edmond and Boboy were our instructors, we don’t have enough words to appreciate everything they did, the lessons were funny and dynamic, 10/10.

Then James, such an amazing guy, thanks for your kindness and your 24/7 smile!

The place is amazing, but people make the difference, and they know how to do it. Kissy, excellent job, we will come back to try to get an sponsor!! 😂😂

We hope to see all of you soon!! 💚🌴

I absolutely loved my trip! All of the instructors and people staying at the resort were really lovely. I felt like I knew everyone really well by the end. The scenery was gorgeous - it was a really nice place to surf with a beginner section and bigger waves for more confident surfers. I also loved to range of activities I got to try from hiking to yoga to waterfall trips. I can’t wait to come back and see all of the amazing people I met there again!

Even before I arrived on Catanduanes, Kissy was the perfect host, answered all my questions and made the journey there as easy as possible. I was picked up from the airport on the island and enjoyed a wonderful Tuk Tuk ride where I got to see so much of the island. Kissy was waiting for me at the resort with breakfast ready for me and a great energy that immediately made me feel right at home. The first day was spent relaxing by the beach and getting settled in, followed by some yoga and a bonfire in the evening on the beach. The rest of the days I was there were spent doing activities in the morning (such as a sunrise hike, boat trip, waterfalls) and then surfing in the afternoon. Having never surfed before, this was a perfect place to learn with really professional and friendly instructors. The surf spots are not too busy and have waves for beginners, intermediates and advanced. The evenings usually also included an activity (such as a bonfire, fiesta, poker night) and also great Filipino food. There was always so much to do so you’ll never be bored, but also there was also no pressure to say no to an activity and choose to relax alone instead. The best part of the entire experience was that Kissy and her whole team are all so relaxed, welcoming and friendly. They really made me feel like part of a family.

I liked how the village had a small population and the beach wasn't crowded. It was a good opportunity to meet locals and see what the village was like.

The excursions we went on to see waterfalls were beautiful.

Everything was so good, and Kissy and her team were so nice to us, we were here during the happy fiesta, and they made us meet some locals and participate to all the events, it was incredibly nice, you’ll get to meet amazing people, soft and kind heart, with a lot of activities, amazing spots, nice waterfalls. Long story short, don’t hesitate and go there !

Das Surfcamp ist abgelegen und man kann super zur Ruhe kommen, da es fast nichts ausser surfen gibt. Was perfekt für uns war. Alles Surfinstruktoren waren sehr freundlich und haben uns perfekt unterstützt. Kissy und James haben verschiedene Ausflüge mit uns gemacht, welche immer hervorragend waren. Die Unterkunft ist sehr einfach, aber liebevoll gestaltet.

The quiet, the view, the locals

Wenn man auf der Suche nach authentischen Leben auf den Philippinen ist, ist das Surfcamp genau das Richtige. Es war super mit den Locals Zeit zu verbringen. Lachen ist da vorprogrammiert :)

Die Unterkunft ist direkt am Meer gelegen, so dass man mit Meeresrauschen einschläft und aufwacht.

Das vegetarische Essen hat super lecker geschmeckt.

I booked this surf camp late and had no idea what i was in for. It was better than anything I could have expected as the food was good, the surf instructors were very helpful and the excursions were well planned and fun. I planned to stay one week and ended up staying for another. I would highly recommend doing this surf camp

The people there are incredibly welcoming and accept you as part of the community. I immediately felt at home. The surf lessons are great, the surf instructor focuses on the student and constantly encourages and improves. Unfortunately, I had to finish early due to an emergency - the situation was handled very understandingly. Thanks again for that - I really appreciate it! I will definitely be back to enjoy the experience to the full!

It was an amazing week staying in this camp. The people I met were so much fun and friendly. The surf insctructors are cool and very helpful and every day I felt I was making a good progress. The island has very few tourists, so the surf spots were completely uncrowded. Besides surfing there was many other activities: we visited many beautiful places on the island, played cards with locals at nights, volleyball, one night there was a bonfire on the beach, an amazing dinner on our last night and there is much more. They also make delicious mango shakes at the cafe. One week is just not enough. I would love to come back here again.

From the moment I arrived Kissy and the team made me feel very welcome!

It was a very unique experience being able to experience authentic island life as it is not touristy at all which is so nice.

The surf lessons were good, the teachers were fun and helped us a lot!

We had some fun excursions too which was a nice break in between the surfing!

The food was also good especially our leaving meal that we all had together, so delicious and fresh!

Overall it was a great week and experience with some amazing people!

I spend the week with Kissy and friends but it was not long enough! However they still managed to include so much, from one on one surf lessons every day to tours all over the island to beautiful spots, it really was an action packed week (helped by a wonderful massage midweek). The quality of the surf lesions was excellent and I felt myself progressing everyday thanks to their detailed feedback. The activities that Kissy planned for us were both interesting and fun, whilst giving us a very authentic experience of Catanduanes. The evenings were lovely with delicious food, plenty of card games, good conversation and the odd gin. I will definitely be coming back and I miss it already!!!

The surfing was really good, the instructors where patiant and enthusiastic and we did also surf for a long time every day!

The whole week was just amazing. There was no rush in anything, we had a lot of other activities besides surfing and Chris and Kissy were the most welcoming hosts i’ve ever had. They really made me feel like i’m a part of the family and they do anything you may fancy in order to manage the best time for you.

You got to really experience the local vibe of the island that few tourists know about, everything from the accommodation, which matches the quiet life on an island to the food, surfing, and the local people who you spend a lot of time with and go surfing with. You get to feel like a part of their group where they do their passion - surfing.

The beach is very calming and nice with only a few people. Food was always fresh and delicious plus great staff!

It’s a simple and happy life. Surfing, volleyball, cards, meals, and the people are happy and inclusive.

Experience is always about people, and for that reason, no matter season, weather, or condition people from this place made this trip memorable. Exceptional thanks to Kissy and Edmond (my surfing instructor). People around said they have a secret for surfing and everyone can catch their first wave on the first day. I was no exception:)

The location is also very special, helping you to recharge and enjoy nature. Hope to visit this place again

My time at Majestic Puraran Beach Resort was absolutely... well, majestic. The location is so serene and secluded, like standing at the end of the earth.

I had a very basic idea of how to surf, but by my 12th day there, I was catching some really fun waves. Elvis was my instructor and he is a total gun on a board and his ability to read the waves had me (a rookie) in awe. There was a bit of a language barrier, but by and large I think we both understood what we had to. (Be prepared to PADDLE tho!)

Food was devine! So fresh, so clean. Each day was something new and they were very accommodating to different dietaries.

The rooms were simple - bed with a mosquito net and a fan. But there is so much to do around the area/island that other than sleeping, I was never in my room.

But what makes Majestic more than a surf camp is the community. On reflection, I don't know if I have ever been around a group of people that were so lovely, so warm, so caring of one another and made me feel so at home. It honestly humbled and inspired me.

I cherish the time I spent there and look forward to returning. Thank you all so much.

<3 Yaya

Great experience in this place, all the staff and people around were so welcoming and helpful, so great time at surfing in different spot, learned so so much !

You are in a welcoming peaceful place, definitely worse it and everyone is so lovely.

I would come back for sure !!

The people were awesome. I was the onlu foreigner because I was there during there 'winter' but they made sure I had an awesome time! Will definitely go back.

Also the instructor really helped me a lot as it was my first time surfing and because of him I was able to ride some awesome waves!

Edit: I'm from the Netherlands, not Vietnam as it states in the header

I had so much fun over the 7 days that i stayed here. Allthe staff are super friendly and a lot of fun. Big thanks to louisa for all the yoga lessons and to Val for being my instructor, photographer, tour guide and driver! Having the option of two lessons a day really gave me a chance to pick up surfing quickly. This place is not that well known so you baisically have the ocean to your self.I would love to go back one day!

The place is quiet and beautiful, the food is very good and people are welcoming, also the accommodation are very nice.

I would recommend it!

Puraran is a small beach that never gets crowded, feels like you are on an island far away from everything !

Kissi, Nelson, Elvies and all the members of the surfcamp team were lovely and welcoming.

I would definitely go back there !

Remote location, empty waves, fun atmosphere, was invited to a great dance party in the village, did the day long island tour! The whole experience was awesome and fun!

First, and most importantly for me, it’s a quite secluded surf area with only a few small, rustic resorts on the beach. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere.

My accommodation was very simple. The cabin had a twin bed, mosquito net (which needs to be used), hammock on the porch, bathroom with very little water pressure from the shower. There are bugs. I’m okay with bugs but if having some bugs in your room is a deal-breaker, you should consider I different resort. I didn’t have a clothesline or hooks in the room, but you can hang clothes on the hammock. Again, expect a very basic accommodation.

The staff is very kind and helpful. talk to them about whatever you need and they’ll do their best to arrange it. Prices are reasonable for food, on site shop items, and rides to other spots in the island. I never had the impression that they were charging me extra.

The surf is great for beginners. There are two sessions per day, typically 1.5-2hours each, and you’re given an instructor (if you want). Instruction is limited, to be honest. They tell you the basics in a quick warmup, and then you’re straight into the water where they line you up with waves and push you off. It’s useful, of course, as for a beginner it’s necessary to get that practice, but as I improved I found the instructor had less and less info to offer outside of the basics.

There are two (maybe three) spots to eat in the beach resort area, and Majestic is the best. I’d recommend the grilled fish.

Absolutely the place and the staff!!

They are like a family and I never felt alone!

Puraran beach is one of the best places I have ever been!

Firstly, the guys are wonderful! They had taken all care of me. It was really great.

Booked the surf camp on June for 1 week initially and loved it so much extended another week.

On my first night had a big bonfire and welcome party with the chef instructors and other guests - felt so welcome!

The location is amazing. Very rural and peaceful, the views will take your breath away. Especially surfing at sunset.

The people are very welcoming and friendly - probably the nicest people in Asia that I have experienced.

The accommodation is very cute, rustic beach cottages a stone’s throw away from the beach. You can wake up and check the waves from your window!

Food is delicious with a variety of local and foreign cuisines. You need to try the mango shake - game changer.

The surf lessons are 1-1 and incredible value for money. My instructor Val was very patient, encouraging and thorough in his lessons. Also very funny. Would definitely reccomend Val, I was standing on my first lesson.

Lots of extra activities to do as well. Yoga, visiting local falls and endless local feista’s.

The atmosphere was great and the people were very friendly and inclusive. Although basic, the facilities were good and comfortable. Stunning location!

I love this place! Just a amazing stay with great people. It's the perfect mix between surfing, relaxing, drinking and enjoying the life. The people who lives there are friendly, helpful guys who makes yout stay unforgettable. I had a lot of fun and extended my stay here twice and hope to come back again for a longer stay!

The surfing was also fun, not always easy, but still a lot of fun and I always felt totaly safe with my instructor!

The entire place is really safe and has a homey feeling. You get your own personal instructor, and he will help you whenever you need it. Everything is so chill and laid back, but still very social. You could always find someone who was keen on playing cards or vollyball or just sitting in the restaurant chatting. The island tour is amazing aswell, they take you to a waterfall and another great surf spot. I actually just loved everything about it.

The place was amazing. Nice beach arounded by green jungle. Realy simple place but it has everything you need. I enjoyed every minute i stay there. And all the people who works there were all the time happy and nice and helpfull. Thanks a lot to everyone.

Great People, Great atmosphere!

Everybody was hospitable, very kind, extremely generous and very nice. I felt really like part of the family and was very well treated.

The place was peacful and full of good energy.

The location is perfect, right on the beach with 2 spots to surf, depending on the swell. It is undeveloped and beautiful, but with an organized kitchen that produced amazing meals. It is also really quiet and relaxing with a friendly and accommodating staff.

The Surfcamp and the people were amazing! It felt like my home-away-from-home, the surfing and the relaxed island life: couldnt have asked for more :)