I've always known that my country, the Philippines, is a piece of paradise on earth. But it was only a few years ago when I started working and earning my own money that I realized that my home country is truly unlike any other place. The more I traveled, the more I discovered the beauty of the Philippines.
The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands (only 2000 are inhabited), each one offering a rich biodiversity ranging from tropical rain forests, mangroves, and coral reefs to mountain ranges, world-class beaches, beautiful islands and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Conservation International identified it as one of 17 megadiverse countries in 1998.
The country also offers one of the longest white sand coastlines in the world, one of its many tourist attractions. So, if you’re looking for a tropical getaway and still don’t have a destination in mind, odds are you’ll find something you like in the Philippines.
Here is my list of the Philippines' best beaches.
1. Boracay, Aklan
Boracay is a small island 315 km south of Manila in the province of Aklan. Famous for its powdery white sands and pristine blue waters, Boracay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. It has over 350 white sand beach resorts and about 2,000 rooms to accommodate guests, which range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly inns.
This island has something for everyone, from water sports, scuba diving, and snorkeling, to nightlife with great pubs, bars, and restaurants, to a relaxing and tranquil environment.
If you do go scuba diving or snorkeling, you’ll see many species of aquatic life that are indigenous to the Philippines. You could also take the opportunity to go helmet diving, which is where you simply put on a helmet with glass plates, climb a ladder down ten feet to a (shallow) ocean floor, and walk around as if you were on land.
The Beaches
The best and most famous beach in Boracay is the White Beach, which has been called the "finest beach in the world.” In 2012, Boracay Island was named “Best Island in the World” by international travel magazine Travel + Leisure. Puka, on the northern side of Boracay, was also among on CNN's 100 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World.
While the western side of the island is known for the White Beach, the eastern side is home to Bulabog beach, which is a great place for extreme sports like wind and kite surfing since it has strong winds all year round.
More Details
When to Visit: Waters are calm off of White Beach from November through May. Monsoon winds blow June through October. Unless you enjoy being soaked, aim to visit between November and May, though you'll have fewer crowds June through early October.
How to Get There: There are no direct flights into Boracay. To get there, you either need to fly into Caticlan (the closest airport) or Kalibo (an airport further away that sometimes offers cheaper flights). Then, you’ll need to take a vehicle to Caticlan Jetty port, where you'll get a boat to Boracay, which is about a 10-20 minute boat ride away.
What to Do: For extreme sports, visit the east side of the island for your fair share of kite and windsurfing. For life on the resort and relaxing on the beach, stay on the west side and party it up at night.
What It’s Known For: The White Beach
Recommended Article:
- Boracay 2014 - Still a Paradise? A Travel Guide to Philippines' Most Visited Island
This is a very detailed article about visiting Boracay, with information on where to stay, where to eat and drink, and how to get there.
2. El Nido, Palawan
According to CNNGo, the travel news website of CNN, El Nido in Palawan is one of the Philippines’ best beaches and island destinations because of its "extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem." It is frequently called the Philippines' last frontier and is currently ranked No. 14 among the CNN's Top 100 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World.
There are about 50 white sand beaches on the island, five types of forest, three major marine habitats, and many different species of birds. The water is also rich in sea life, which includes marine mammals like dolphins and dugongs of which six are endemic, over one hundred species of coral, and almost one thousand different kinds of fish.
El Nido is also the largest marine reserve and sanctuary in the Philippines with a total area of 903.21 sq. km. It is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country and its flora and fauna is protected, along with its geologic formations such as its limestone cliffs, home of the Swiftlets (apodidae birds whose nests are entirely built from threads of their own saliva, an ingredient also used for the famous bird's nest soup).
More Details
When to Visit: The best time to visit is December through March because the weather is nice and dry but travel will be easier because it's kind of a low season. If you're traveling during Holy Week or high season (April and May), be prepared for more tourists and higher prices.
How to Get There:
- By air: Islands Transvoyager Inc. flies from Manila to El Nido, and you can also fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa then drive off to the tip of mainland Palawan. You’ll ride on an outrigger boat to reach parts of El Nido. SEAIR also flies from Manila to Taytay daily. You can also fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa, and then take a four-hour bus ride to Taytay (the capital of Palawan).
- By sea: From San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa, there are buses bound for El Nido. Travel time is five to six hours.
What to Do: Scuba dive, snorkel, relax on the beach, visit a secret lagoon, eat bird’s nest soup, and take an island hopping tour.
What It’s Known For: Bird’s nest soup, beautiful lagoons, limestone cliffs
Recommended Article:
- Guide to Traveling to El Nido, Philippines
This is a very detailed article on how to get to El Nido, when you should go, what you should bring, and what to do and where to stay. Basically, this blogger has done all the hard work for you. His blog is also very good in general.
CNN
3. Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
A UNESCO-protected site since 1973, Puerto Galera is located in Oriental Mindoro Province about 130 km south of Manila. The name Puerto Galera is used among travelers to refer to the area surrounding the town as well, including Sabang and White Beach.
Puerto Galera boasts beautiful white sand beaches that are good for swimming, relaxation, snorkeling, and sailing. It also offers one of the most diverse diving sites in Asia and has the densest population of marine species in the world according to research conducted by the University of the Philippines.
More Details
When to Visit: Visit in the high season (April through June) if you don't mind the heat and the crowds, or during the low season if you don't mind slightly colder weather.
How to Get There: Puerto Galera is pretty easy to get to from Manila by car and only takes about three hours. Simply drive through South Luzon Expressway, turn right to Star Toll gate and then head to Batangas Pier. When you get there, you can either park your car and ride a ferry going to Puerto Galera or have your car ride a RoRo (roll on, roll off) ship so you can take your car with you to Puerto Galera.
What to Do: The marine sanctuary makes for great diving, which is often what Puerto Galera is known for. You can also do your standard beach and resort activities: water sports, spa days, lounging, etc. This is not your best destination for incredible food, however.
What It’s Known For: It’s often considered a good alternative to Boracay if you haven’t the money or the time to get there.
Recommended Articles:
- Puerto Galera's White Beach Guide 2012: Where to Stay and What to Eat?
Though a little out of date, this article has lots of photos and some good general information about what to expect from Puerto Galera.
- My Epic Guide to Puerto Galera
One thing that's nice about this article is its very detailed instructions on how to drive to Puerto Galera from Manila.
4. Samal Island, Davao City
Samal island is also known as the Garden City of Samal. It’s approximately 2 kilometers away from Davao City, the capital of Mindanao, and a whopping 1400 kilometers from Manila.
It has the distinction of being one of the most developed vacation destinations in the Philippines and has a good number of white sand beaches as well as world-class resorts including Kaputian Beach Resort, the famous Pearl Farm, and the Paradise Island.
With 70 different resorts around the island, you can take your pick from the best (or not best, depending on your budget). It also boasts numerous marine reefs and crystal blue waters good for relaxation.
More Details
When to Visit: Expect crowds and heat iin high season and August, and cooler weather from December through Feb but less crowds.
How to Get There: Fly into Davao City. From Davao City, it’s very easy to take a ferry to reach the island.
What to Do: Enjoy relaxing at a resort and exploring the many islets and beaches. Also, check out the vanishing island, which disappears as the tide comes in.
What It’s Known For: There are some truly excellent places for diving, along with all the other excitements that come with island life like hiking or lounging on the beach. If you can, you should check out Montfort Bats Conservation Park, where you can see more than two million fruit bats, a number which has earned it a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most fruit bats in a cave.
Recommended Articles:
- The Beautiful Island Garden City of Samal: 16 things to do
This article isn't so helpful with logistics, but it does give a good overview of everything you can do on the island.
- Samal Island Travel Guide
Not the best-written perhaps, but this guide is somewhat helpful for learning about places to stay.
5. Panglao Island, Bohol
Located off of Bohol, Panglao is similar to Boracay, boasting fine white sands and crystal clear blue waters. The diving spots around the island are among the best in the Philippines and marine species are abundant in the island, with about 250 different species of crustaceans and 2500 species of mollusks, some of which are newly discovered.
In fact, the Panglao Marine Biodiversity Project discovered that Panglao Island has more marine species and biodiversity than both Japan and the Mediterranean sea combined. Currently, Panglao Island is being developed and the government has plans to build an airport to further boost the island's tourism.
Alona beach is usually the place associated with Panglao island, which can be unfortunately congested and generally over-priced. That said, there is some great diving. Dumaluan and Doljo beaches are also popular.
More Details
When to Visit: The dry, cool season between December and March is the perfect time to go and summer heats up between March and July, breaking with the onset of the rainy season.
How to Get There: Panglao Island is accessible from Bohol, which you can reach by flying into Tagbilaran Airport (about one and a half hours from Manila). It takes about 30 minutes by land to get to Panglao.
What to Do: If you like architecture, you should check out the Our Lady of the Assumption Church, which combines Byzantine and Romanesque influences and has some impressive frescoes as well as a small well that is believed to hold miraculous healing water. It was slightly damaged in the 2013 earthquake but is still worth a visit.
What It’s Known For: Explore the Hinagdanan Cave’s underground lagoon.
Recommended Articles:
- Travel Guide for Bohol, Philippines
Though it doesn't focus exclusively on Panglao, it does give some good information on it and has useful links to other information about traveling in the Philippines.
- Alona Beach Guide
This guide focuses specifically on Alona Beach and has some recommendations for lodging and eating, though it's not based on personal experience so you'll want to double-check its suggestions with another resource.
6. Coron Island, Palawan
Coron is both the name of an island off the coast of Busuanga as well as the name of Busuanga’s largest town. Coron Island is inhabited by the Tagbanua people and is a gem of natural beauty with steep limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and seven mountain lakes. It's actually been listed among the top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world by Forbes Travel magazine.
In addition, behind majestic rock formations, there lies a secret beach (which is actually more like a lagoon) with crystal blue-green waters encircled with limestone formations and white sand on the shore. This secret beach is really a paradise! You’ll have to make an effort to get there, however, either by climbing over cliffs or swimming through a sea tunnel. It's totally worth it, though!
More Details
When to Visit: Though Coron isn't as packed with tourists as other beaches, visiting in the low season can still be nice to avoid the chance of crowds.
How to Get There: Fly into Busuanga and then take a van to Coron (takes about 45 minutes).
What to Do: Go scuba diving! This is one of the best places in the world to do it.
What It’s Known For: Beautiful limestone cliffs and shipwreck diving sites. You should also know that no one can stay on the island overnight, though lodging can be found in the city of Coron, Busuanga.
Recommended Articles:
- A Practical Travel Guide to Coron, Palawan
This is a very detailed article about how to get to Coron and what to do there, and also includes links to other useful resources.
- Travel Guide: Coron
Check out the sample itinerary for an overview of the best way to spend your time.
7. Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley
Palaui Island beach is the only Southeast Asian beach that made the top ten of CNN's 100 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World.
CNN describes Palaui Island as a raw beauty where nature unfolds with flora and fauna, volcanic rocks, powdery white sands, and rich marine biodiversity. You won’t find hotels or other luxury items here; it is literally an untouched paradise. If you want to stay, you’ll have to find a homestay or camp on the beach (though camping is now prohibited near the lighthouse).
More Details
When to Visit: Similar to Coron.
How to Get There: Make your way to Sta. Ana, Cagaya either by bus or car from Manila. If you fly, you can fly in to Toguegarao or take a bus the rest of the way. Once in Sta. Ana, make your way to San Vicente and then you can hire a boat to Palaui.
What to Do: Hike, beach bum, see the lighthouse.
What It’s Known For: Unspoiled beaches and a colonial lighthouse. Also, in 2013, the popular American television show Survivor filmed a season here.
Recommended Articles:
- Palaui Travel Guide
This article has great recommendations and a very comprehensive price list for what boating should cost around the island.
- Updated Travel Guide: Palaui Island and Sta. Ana, Cagaya
This article has some information on where to stay as well as a detailed itinerary for your time on Palaui Island.
8. 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 staying at private resorts) and of course crystal blue waters. However, unlike Boracay, it is a simple municipality. This is not the place to go for shopping or malls. In fact, there aren’t even any ATM’s. Its Blue Lagoon beach is now becoming more famous but not many tourists go there, yet.
If you drive to Pagudpud from Laog City in Ilocos Norte, there are many attractions on the way such as the Patapat Viaduct.
More Details
How to Get There: You can fly into Laog City in Ilocos Norte and then hire a bus or a car from there. Many hotels and tour agencies include Pagudpud as part of their itinerary as well. This area is a nice place to drive, so many tourists rent cars as well.
What to Do: See the Bangui Windmills and the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Or just relax on the beach!
What It’s Known For: Its beautiful white sand that is reminiscent of Boracay. It's also one of the top kitesurfing destinations in the Philippines.
Recommended Articles:
- 'Biyahe ni Drew:' Pagudpud for Every Budget
It's nice to have a breakdown based on budget, with recommendations on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay.
- Travel Guide: Ilocos Norte
Another great article from Pinoy Adventurista. This covers all of Ilocos Norte but there is a good amount of information on Pagudpud as well.
9. 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 is a source of rich marine biodiversity. The island is a great location for diving, snorkeling and most specially, surfing.
It's actually a surfer's paradise. Adrenaline-seekers from around the globe flock here because of the large waves that form at Cloud 9 reef because of the uninterrupted winds that flow over the Pacific ocean. This reef is where the annual Siargao surfing cup is held.
More Details
When to Visit: Don’t come between June and October (unless you’re a surfer). Better to come in the off season or before the big waves hit. If you're a surfer, of course, this is reversed.
How to Get There: You can fly to Siargao Island, take a boat or a ferry, or take a bus.
What to Do: Go surfing! Also, anything nature-related. This is the nature-lover’s destination and isn’t overrun with hotels, bars, and shops like some other destinations. Game fishing is also big.
What It’s Known For: Cloud 9 waves (the thick, hollow tubes that form at Cloud 9 Reef).
Recommended Article:
- Ultimate Siargao Guide for Non-Surfers
There's also some good information in this article for people who like surfing too. An excellent guide with detailed info on getting in, getting out, and making the most of your time.
10. Mactan Island
Mactan Island is located in Cebu Province. Home to 430,000 people, it is the most densely populated island in the Philippines and has many tourists spots and attractions. As a coral island, Mactan offers rich marine biodiversity which is good for diving and snorkeling.
While you’re there, you should be sure to island hop since the island is composed of numerous islets. There are also numerous water sports activities, like jet skiing, sailing, para-sailing.
More Details
When to Visit: Try to visit in the off-season to avoid overcrowding. January through May are the driest months, and you should expect rain the rest of the year. Even the driest months have rain though, since Cebu is one of the wettest areas of the Philippines.
How to Get There: You can fly or take a boat to Mactan. Mactan Island is also connected by two bridges from Cebu city.
What to Do: Live up the resort life in one of several world-class resorts or check out the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary or the aquarium, the only one in the Visaya region.
What It’s Known For: A popular in-and-out holiday destination with plenty of world-class resorts to choose from.
Recommended Article:
- Mactan and Olango Islands: It's More Fun in the Philippines
This is the official tourism site of the Philippines. Information is a little thin, but it's reliable and broad.
More Resources to Help Plan Your Trip
Some of these were mentioned earlier in the article, but I just wanted to highlight them again as resources that could be useful for you.
- Pinoy Adventurista
This blogger and adventurer challenged himself to visit all the provinces in the Philippines, and he did it! There are a lot of resources here for planning any trip in the Philippines and even abroad.
- Pinay Solo Backpacker
Another great blogger with first-hand travel tips to many beautiful places in the Philippines.
- The One Way Ticket
This Berlin-blogger has resources for travel all of the world and has spent a good amount of time in the Philippines as well.
- It's More Fun in the Philippines
The official travel site of the Philippines, with good information on the most popular tourist destinations.
No comments:
Post a Comment