The Philippines is an archipelagic country comprising of 7 107 islands (high tide or low tide) with which each island offers a rich biodiversity ranging from its tropical rain forests and mangroves, coral reefs, mountain ranges, world-class beaches, beautiful islands and diverse range of flora and fauna. As a tropical country, it is one of the few mega diverse countries in the world.
The country also offers one of the longest white sand coastlines in the world which is one of the many tourists attractions. So, If you have plans of travelling and still has no specific destination to go to, The Philippines is the perfect place for you...Here are some most beautiful beaches in the Philippines.
Boracay, Aklan
Boracay is located 315 km south of the Philippine archipelago. A small island in the province of Aklan which is considered as the most popular tourist destination in the Philippines. It is famous for powdery white sands and pristine clear blue waters. Nightlife is also a popular tourist attraction because nightlife here boasts numerous and exciting activities. Numerous pubs, bars and nightclubs line the coastal areas of the island. It also offers activities good for relaxation and is an outstanding environment for tranquility.
El Nido, Palawan
El Nido in Palawan is the Philippines best beach and island destination according to CNNGO-travel news website of the international Cable News Network, for its "extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem. It is most often dubbed as the Philippines' last frontier. It is currently rated at No. 14 among the Top 100 Most beautiful Beaches in the world.
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Puerto Galera is located in Oriental Mindoro Province about 130 km south of Metro Manila area. It boasts of beautiful white sand pocket beaches good for swimming, relaxation, snorkeling and sailing. It offers one of the most diverse diving sites in Asia and contains one of the highest diversity of marine species in the world according to research conducted by the University of the Philippines.It is also protected by UNESCO since 1973.
Samal Island, Davao City
Samal island is also known as the Garden City of Samal. It is approximately 2 kilometers away from Davao City, the capital of Mindanao. It is also named as the largest resort in the Philippines because it has a good number of white sand beaches and world-class resorts including Kaputian Beach Resort, the famous Pearl Farm, and the Paradise Island. It also boasts numerous marine reefs and crystal blue waters good for relaxation. Because of this, The Department of Tourism named it as one of the most visiting island destinations in Mindanao and is now considered as the fastest growing tourist destination in the country.
Panglao Island, Bohol
Located in Bohol island, it is a lot like Boracay with all the fine white sands that it has and crystal clear blue waters. The diving spots around the island are also among the best in the Philippines. Marine species are also abundant in the island. It contains about 250 species of crustaceans and 2500 species of mollusks which are newly discovered. Such discovery was initiated by Panglao Marine Biodiversity Project who discovered that Panglao Island has more marine species and biodiversity than Japan and Mediterranean sea combined. Currently, Panglao island is being developed and soon the government will start the project on building an airport to boost the island's tourism further.
Secret Beach, Coron, Palawan
Coron Palawan is best known for its limestone cliffs and shipwreck diving sites. It is listed among the top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world by Forbes Travel magazine. Aside from this, behind the majestic rock formations, there lies a secret beach (actually its more like a lagoon) with its crystal blue-green waters encircled with limestone formations and white sand on the shore, this secret beach is really a paradise! You have to exert so much effort in going here though because it is behind tall cliffs either you climb the cliffs for adrenaline rush or you swim underneath...mind you, it's all worth it!
Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley
Palaui Island beach is the only Southeast Asian beach included in the list of top 10 of CNN's Top 100 Most beautiful Beaches in the world. It is listed as number 10. CNN described Palaui Island as a raw beauty and where nature unfolds with all the flora and fauna, volcanic rocks, powdery white sands and rich marine biodiversity. No hotels and other luxury items are found here. It is literally an untouched paradise...so whether you want to go there camping on the shores to stare at the stars at night or Homestay, it's your choice.
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is often referred to as The Boracay of the North because of its fine white sands,numerous water activities (for those who are checked in some private resorts) and of course crystal blue waters...It is a simple municipality. No ATMs, and no malls. Along the way to Pagudpud, there are also numerous attractions such as the Patapat viaduct. Although there is a bus going there directly from Manila, most tourists prefer car rentals in getting there because there is no other means of transport aside from the tricycles found in the area.
The Blue Lagoon is now becoming more famous because of its secluded beach and not many tourists go there.
Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Siargao island is a tear-shaped island in Surigao del Norte. It has the largest mangrove forest in Mindanao which caters to rich marine biodiversity. It is good for diving, snorkeling and most specially it offers outstanding conditions for surfing. The island is commonly known as surfers haven. Surfers all around the globe flock to this island because of large and cloud 9 waves perfect for adrenaline rush. This cloud 9 waves are greatly influenced by the uninterrupted winds from the Pacific ocean. The cloud nine reef waves is the site where annual Siargao surfing cup is held.
Mactan Island
Mactan Island is located in Cebu Province. It is considered the most densely populated island in the Philippines because it is home to 430 000 people. It boasts many tourists spots and attractions. As a coral island, Mactan offers rich marine biodiversity which is good for diving and snorkeling. Island hopping is also recommended since the island is composed of numerous islets, water sports activity is also popular for leisure and entertainment. These includes jet skiing, sailing and para-sailing. Cultural activities are also found in the island.
Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte
Calaguas is a group of islands composed of three major islands Tinaga, Guintinua and Maculabo and some minor islands that showcase the true definition of nature’s beauty. The most famous and most frequented is Tinaga because of the reputed Mahabang Buhangin beach which offers fine, powdery white sand and respite from the hustle and bustle of modern living.
Malapascua Island, Cebu
Situated at the northern most portion of Cebu, the island is famous for the rich ecosystem that flourishes in its waters. Malapascua is a sunken island with a 230-meter drop off and the abundance that Malapascua offers has attracted the Thresher Shark. This is the reason why diving adventures have become common and popular around the island because these sharks are easy to spot given the exact time and location. Aside from an extraordinary diving adventure, the island in itself is a beauty which has more to offer to its visitors. To name a few, tourists can go beach bumming, biking and cliff jumping for the adventurous at heart.
Anguib Beach in Sta Ana, Cagayan
This beach belongs under the goldmine list of beaches in the Philippines. The place does not have any commercial establishments save for simple resorts that offer accommodation, thus it is ideal for those vacation goers who want adventure and respite rolled into one. During non-peak seasons, you can have the island to yourself together with the locals who are nothing but accommodating. There are only designated areas where camping and cooking are allowed so make sure to ask first before you start pitching your tent.
Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City
If you have had enough of white beaches, maybe you might get interested to take some time off in an island getaway with pink sand. Yes, you heard it right – pink coralline sand courtesy of red organ pipe coral pulverized and mixed with white sand. Open to the public is the bigger Sta. Cruz Grande while the little one, Little Sta. Cruz is off limits to the public because it is being used as a military camp. Although there had been some dispute over security, the recently growing popularity of the island brought by more and more positive reviews it has garnered over the years from the online community is enough indication that it could be a potential vacation destination on your next summer trip. There are cottages in the island that you could rent overnight especially that camping is not allowed.
Malamawi Island in Basilan
Another hidden beauty in Mindanao that is yet to see its own share of crowding tourists is Malamawi Island in Basilan. Contrary to how Basilan has been portrayed negatively in news, the island offers one of the best beach sceneries you will ever see in your lifetime. It is serenity and beauty rolled into one. Once you reach the place, you will really wonder what took you so long to visit place. The accommodation is superb and the experience is just surreal.
Paliton Beach, Siquijor
True to the tales of magic and enchantment that Siquijor is famous for is the experience that Paliton Beach offers. With its captivating beauty, no wonder it has earned a commendable reputation among its visitors. It does not only offer the beauty of white sand beaches and crystal clear sea water. It also gives you the best getaway especially that Siquijor is one of the remaining island province in the country that has remained, to this day, tied to traditions.
Caramoan, Camarines Sur
There are just a lot of things to do in the island if marveling at its beautiful white sand beaches is not enough for you. Aside from the almost unlimited beach activities to spend your time on, you can also go caving, rock climbing, trekking and rappelling. You might even find yourself not wanting to leave the island anymore.
Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan
The trip going to this place is tough and tedious – but it is definitely all worth it. The coastline is just beautiful amidst it not having much maintenance at all considering that it is a pubic beach. You pay, however, for accommodation which could be anywhere from backpackers affordable to the more expensive hotel-type lodging. The mixed view of the sand, the mountain and the sea is just captivating and memorable.
Gumasa Beach, Sarangani
Aside from tuna, another reason to come packing your backs to head to Saranggani is Gumasa Beach. It has been able to maintain the countryside feel of the place but has also been developed to cater to the varying needs of the tourists. The seafood here is recommendable. While enjoying a beach escapade, you can buy from the selling locals who go resort hopping to peddle their catch or just go directly to the nearby wet market and indulge seafood treats at a very affordable price.
Dakak Beach in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte
Dakak is very ideal for people who want to have a grand beach vacation complete with superb accommodation while enjoying one of the best beaches in the Philippines. It is one of the longest running resorts in the country and, aside from its pristine waters, it has also a lot of activities that visitors could enjoy. For the more adventurous and backpacking tourists, there are also a lot of affordable accommodations around the area.
Islas de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo
If you think one island is not enough, then what about an island hopping experience to visit six islands to marvel at. Because of limited electricity, there is no nightlife. Thus, if you are one of those travelers who have had enough of crowded and noisy beaches, then this place is ideal for you. But there are a lot of things that will definitely pre-occupy you in your stay. After island hopping, you can go caving in nearby caves, go and visit the lighthouse at Bgry. Asluman and a whole lot of beach activities.
White Island, Camiguin
An island paradise that is literally secluded from the main island Camiguin. During high tides, a majority of the White Island disappears but during low tide, the stretch of its white sand could take you minutes to travel. During the day, some locals can be seen putting up their mobile stores for travelling tourists. The island is somehow different from the mainland considering that, as its name suggests, its sand is white whereas the mainland’s is the typical black sand common in Philippines.
Beaches in Quezon Province (Borawan Beach, Kwebang Lampas and Cagbalete Island)
If you are looking for an almost endless beach escapade, then the best place to visit is the Quezon Province. Pagbilao, for one, has Patayan Island, Kwebang Lampas, Biliran Sand Bar, Silangang Nayon and Pueblo Por Aplaya to boast of which could all be best enjoyed through an island hopping activity. There is also Borawan Island which is said to combine the beauty of both Boracay and Palawan, thus the name “BoraWan”. And, in Mauban there is Cagbalete Island which is just spectacular in all its all natural and rural beauty.
Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan
The Hundred Islands in Pangasinan has been making good impressions among local and foreign tourists. During high tide, island head count is 123 while its 124 during low tide. Cabarruyan Island, which is the largest of all the islands, is considered to be the “mother” island of the group. The islands which are best enjoyed through island hopping have been declared as one of the Philippine’s national parks. While island hopping, you can also try snorkeling, fish feeding, swimming and explore some of the islands’ caves and cliffs.
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San Antonio, Zambales
If you are planning to go to Zambales, make sure you get to visit both the Anawaning Cove and the Camara Island. Tourists can go and set up camp in Pundquit and from there go on an island hopping adventure to Anawaning and Camara. Make sure to bring you swimming and snorkeling gears with you to make the most of your visit. You can even go skim boarding and surfing. If you are planning to do other activities, a trekking adventure might interest you or capturing every fine details of the islands using your camera.
Ticao Island in Masbate
Somewhere in Masbate separated by a P35 boat ride is the island of Ticao which is home to four towns, old churches and houses with a lot of history to tell and the beauty of nature that is meant to be explored. Aside from the clear waters of the sea, you can also explore Halea Nature Park, Matangtubig Spring and Catandayagan falls to name a few.
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