15 Best Beaches in the Philippines

Come to the Philippines if you’re looking for that postcard location you’ve imagined going to a thousand times. The ideal environment has arrived, complete with countless beaches of flawless white sand that feel like walking on powder and blue water that is both warm and transparent. The beach is covered in palm trees that seem to be posing for pictures, and lounge chairs with umbrellas work together to offer a little extra shade. In the Philippines, where there are over 7,000 islands, a white-sand beach is never far away. The difficult part is choosing which beach to go to. In the Philippines, there isn’t such a thing as a “poor beach,” but many beaches provide something unique. Choose from beaches with wonderful nightlife and restaurants, beaches with water activities, beaches that are so barren that all you can do is sit and reflect on life, and beaches with amazing sea life waiting to be discovered. Let’s take a look at the Philippines’ greatest beaches:

White Beach, Boracay

Beach fantasies come true at White Beach on Boracay. Palm trees swaying towards the water, white sand, turquoise water, and patio chairs with umbrellas. White Beach is still a lot of fun year-round, even during the peak travel season when most visitors arrive on this idyllic island. There is space for everyone because the beach is 4 kilometers long. Parasailing, kayaking, and banana boat rides are just some of the water sports you can do at this beach. Alternatively, you can choose to remain in your lounge chair as hawkers offer you food, drinks, and jewelry.

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido, a picturesque town on the Palawan island, is far away. A few magnificent beaches can be found here, including Buena Suerte Beach, Caalan Beach, Papaya Beach, Yoga Beach, and others. Every beach in El Nido is more breathtaking than the one before it. Travelers now include the beaches of El Nido on their “bucket lists” since they are both perfectly lovely and accessible, as well as enigmatic and exciting. These beaches haven’t had as much development as other beaches near popular tourist destinations in the nation. Here, you experience the kind of genuine, unadulterated adventure that simply makes you feel alive. To find countless coves, caverns, and reefs, climb along the beaches via rocky trails and rainforest trees.

Cagayan Valley, Palaui Island

Cagayan Valley on Palaui Island seems like a scene from the popular TV show “Lost,” which has been on the air for a long time. Not only will you see beautiful white beaches while taking a warm bath, but also volcanic mountains and undulating hills without any signs of urbanization. Cagayan Valley, a beach that is frequently described as embodying “raw beauty,” is breathtaking. Visit Egao Cove to see a lighthouse from World War II that seems almost out of place. For breathtaking vistas, climb the 229-step concrete stairway to the top. You are welcome to “camp” or spend the night in the lighthouse if you feel like doing something slightly insane.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Fans of “Survivor” might goof off while in Camarines Sur. Two seasons of “Survivor” were filmed on this island and its beaches, particularly Caramoan Beach, in 2010. Because of how stunning this beach is, the producers of the French version of “Survivor” opted to copy it, explaining, “We chose Caramoan because it’s incredibly wild.” For candidates to feel as though they are truly lost in the wilderness, they must not see anything but nature. However, not everything you see on television is accurate. The 107 square miles of Camarines Sur are home to 47,000 locals, despite the undeveloped beaches. Actually, there are many shops, stores, and supermarkets on this island. Get some flip-flops in town, stock up on food at the grocery store, and buy a few beers from a local store before heading to Caramoan Beach.

General Luna, Sairgao

General Luna Beach on Siargo Island is the destination for you if you’re on a tight budget. Thankfully, this little piece of beach town heaven hasn’t yet appeared in travel guides for backpackers. The beaches of Siargo Island draw a lot of tourists who want to surf because there are consistently good swells and waves breaking there. There are also calm ocean places if lounging on the beach is more your style. There are several little restaurants and mom-and-pop stores that serve food and drinks with a regional flavor. The experience will make you feel more like a local than a visitor, and more like an adventure than a vacation. When you’re done tanning, the island has lagoons, mangroves, hikes, and more to offer.

Zamboanga, Great Santa Cruz Island

Ever been to a pink beach? I didn’t believe that! Crushed red organ pipe coral and that renowned white sand combine to make Zamboanga’s sand. Hence, the unusual color. But before you go, you should know that the southern Philippines is becoming more dangerous for tourists because the rebel guerilla group is fighting harder to keep control of the area. This suggests that Zamboanga might be a risk right now, but keep an eye on it. If the war ever ends, you can bet that Zamboanga Beach will become a famous tourist spot known all over the world.

Coron

Unquestionably, the Philippines’ most beautiful beaches can be seen on Coron Island. Just arrive and begin looking around. Rent some kayaks and explore the neighboring little islands of Coron. To fully comprehend how ideal this region is, explore small beachy inlets and take a perspective view from the water. Large pools of natural hot springs can be seen along Coron’s coastline. These pools start to fill up with other visitors at dusk and turn into a kind of calm, unruly backpacker pool party. On the Coron coast, time moves slowly, which is pleasant.

Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor Island

Salagdoong Beach is undoubtedly one of the most diverse beaches, despite not being the largest. On the weekends, local families visit this tiny stretch of beach on the island of Siquijor, while on weekdays, small groups of tourists frequent the area. Local families frequently limit their activities to lazing on the beach with an umbrella and playing in the crystal-clear sea. The tourists choose the more intense sports that Saladoong Beach has to offer because they are the wild daredevils that they are. I’m referring to the cliff diving and the waterslide. A dated but reliable waterslide that dumps you into the sea is built on top of cliff rocks. You can run from a cement pier straight into the water to perform the cliff dive. Come early on a weekday to get the least busy window!

Paradise Beach, Bantayan Island

Just west of Cebu, on the little island of Bantayan, is a honeymooner’s paradise. Couples will frequently find themselves completely alone throughout the year. This lonely beach turns grown-up couples into carefree kids who can forget about the rest of the world while splashing in the ocean, running barefoot in the sand, and venturing into the jungle to explore trails that only a few brave travelers have gone before them. Most of the year, there aren’t any diversions like resorts, bars, or jewelry sellers here. But since Bantayan Island is close to Cebu and a popular place for Filipinos to go on vacation the weekend before Easter, be ready for a sudden influx of visitors.

Canibad Beach Cove, Samal

Finding those elusive isolated beaches where you are the only person in sight is becoming increasingly difficult as the Philippines grows in popularity. When one of those beaches is still around in 2017, you seize the opportunity to go. On account of the difficulty of getting there, Canibad Beach Cove on Samal Island is one of those elusive locations. You’ll need to hire a private charter to take you from the Penalata District to Samal’s Davao Oriental-facing side. Once you arrive, you will almost definitely be by yourself. Bring your own snorkeling equipment and towels, as there won’t be any upscale restaurants or stores there! This spot would be great for a private marriage proposal or a steamy photo shoot.

Alona Beach, Panglao

On the little, kidney-shaped island of Pangloa is Alona Beach. Even though it’s one of the smaller tourist islands in the Visayas, this one has plenty of beautiful beachfront real estate to offer. No matter where you stay—luxurious resort, cozy inn, or budget hostel—you can still take advantage of the tropical haven. The sand is so nice, leave the beach towel at home! Every country song describes lying at the water’s edge with a beer in your hand and your toes on the sand. At Alona Beach, you can make that dream a reality. There are a ton of fantastic bars in this area that support day drinking!

Dumaluan Beach, Panglao

Book a stay at one of the few resorts on Dumaluan Beach if you’re searching for a little bit of seclusion during your beach vacation. Whether you stay at Bohol Beach Club, South Palms Resort, or Dumaluan Beach Resort, you will have exclusive access to this 3-kilometer stretch of tropical paradise. The resort crew does an excellent job of keeping the grounds up-to-date. They also set out colorful beanbag chairs and umbrellas alongside the most comfortable lounge chairs. Do you remember that there are hammocks?

The Island Buenavista

Have you ever desired a private island? On the island of Buena Vista, you can make your dream come true. The whole island is owned by one beach resort, which rents it out to only one group at a time for a day trip or overnight stay that includes everything. Group packages cost about $740 per day when there are 10 participants. That covers everything from airport transportation to meals, drinks, and excursions like kayaking and snorkeling. What a bargain!

Nacpan

How come Nacpan is still relatively unknown among backpackers and travelers? We’re unsure, but we’re not complaining in any way. In a change of pace, the sand in this location is a burned orange color that contrasts strikingly with the green forest. It will feel as though you are traveling on a freeway to the edge of the planet as you step upon the long, jetting peninsula. Since Nacpan is still a developing area, there aren’t many guesthouses to choose from. There won’t be electricity (or fans) beyond a certain time at these guesthouses because they run on generators. However, it does mean that there is no light or noise pollution, allowing you to feel completely at one with your surroundings. Just a 45-minute scooter ride from El Nido, Nacpan is still largely uninhabited.

Babau Santa Beach Resort, Talicud Island

When you travel to Davao, you get two islands in one and Babau Santa Beach Resort, one of the top beaches in the world. This exclusive, tiny island is the ideal day getaway. To get to a beach where you’ll have plenty of privacy, rent a private boat. This beach is the kind of place you could spend the entire day relaxing on with friends, alone, or practicing your photography. You may wade out quite a ways and experience bathwater temperatures because the coastline is so shallow. To achieve the ideal tan without having to contend with strong currents or waves or becoming too hot on the sand, lay down in the water close to the coast.