There are many landmarks in Philippines, one of the seven ancient wonders in the world is in the Philippines. Best tourist spot destinations are here being a tropical country and rich in natural resources.Philippines excels in the beauty in normal scenery such as plain beaches, mountains and other awesome landscapes. The main reason why I love my Philippines is because there are thousands of islands to satisfy my cravings.
Calaguas Islands, Vinzons, Camarines Norte
Long stretches of white sand, and waters so clear and blue that they look Photoshopped — that’s Calaguas. With powdery fine sand like Boracay’s minus the crowds, it is the “kind of private paradise you’ll want to keep all to yourself,” as travel blogger and Bicol local Amer Amor found out. He even claims the sand there is finer than Boracay’s, one reason why Calaguas made it on top of his list.
This beach is so postcard-perfect that, as Amer points out, “It’s that one destination that will have everybody asking, ‘Where on earth did you take that picture?’”
Twin Beaches Nacpan and Calitang, El Nido, Palawan
Walk on this swath of sand and choose between two spectacular beaches on either side. Palawan has many white islands that describe the word “paradise,” but to travel blogger Josiah Sicad, who has been living there for over a year, the best he has seen so far is El Nido’s twin beaches Nacpan and Calitang, two perfect beaches dramatically separated by a swath of white sand dotted with greenery. The sand gently slopes downward to the twin beaches, making the waters perfect for swimming.
Palaui Island, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
WORTH THE TREK. This view is the reward of those who braved the roads to Palaui.
Palaui is one of the more challenging beaches to get to, with over 12 hours of land travel (but you can fly to Tuguegarao to cover part of the trip), a short boat ride, and a two-hour trek. The view overlooking the beach, though, is jaw-dropping, and the beach is as quiet and pristine as a beach could get. Another way to enjoy the stunning landscape is by going up Cape Engaño lighthouse for the sunrise.
Alibijaban Island, San Andres, Quezon
PACKAGE DEAL. Expect not only pristine beaches but also warm smiles at Alibijaban Island. Photos by Dong Ho
Quezon’s white and golden beaches are mostly off the tourist radar, but engineer and beachcomber Dong Ho, who has been visiting and exploring relatively unknown islands he only found through GPS, was quick to point out his favorite: Alibijaban Island.
Aside from the island’s clear waters, white sand, and scores of mangroves, Dong also found that the island has a warm and welcoming community. Upon his arrival, children smiled at him and later on, the barangay captain talked with him and served him a seafood meal fresh from the day’s catch.
“I realized that beyond beautiful island beaches, the people's hospitality is its most priceless gem,” Dong reveals.
Quezon’s white and golden beaches are mostly off the tourist radar, but engineer and beachcomber Dong Ho, who has been visiting and exploring relatively unknown islands he only found through GPS, was quick to point out his favorite: Alibijaban Island.
Aside from the island’s clear waters, white sand, and scores of mangroves, Dong also found that the island has a warm and welcoming community. Upon his arrival, children smiled at him and later on, the barangay captain talked with him and served him a seafood meal fresh from the day’s catch.
“I realized that beyond beautiful island beaches, the people's hospitality is its most priceless gem,” Dong reveals.
Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas
NEARBY PARADISE. For an unspoiled beach, Burot is quite close to Metro Manila.
This is probably one of the closest white, unspoiled beaches to Manila, with travel time around 3 to 4 hours by bus or by car. Perfect for a quick getaway, Burot Beach’s “silence and comfort are next to none,” as travel blogger Missy Penaverde discovered. The beach also promises a spectacular sunset.
She warns, though, that the beach’s pristine condition might change in the future, as SM’s group of companies has bought it. “Do not wait,” she implores. “Now is the time to see this.”
Cibang Cove, Calayan, Babuyan Channel
FAR-FLUNG PARADISE. Cibang Cove’s calm waters, pristine beach and remote location makes it ideal for those who want the beach to themselves. Photo by Estan Cabigas
Photographer and blogger Estan Cabigas calls his experience here a “glimpse of heaven.” Should you see his photos of Cibang Cove, you will understand what he means. Cibang’s quiet turquoise waters and creamy white sand are encircled by gray-green cliffs and mountains.
“The place is just so marvelous,” Estan exclaims. "Think of Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves in Zambales but better.”
Like Palaui, the trip to Calayan takes more than 12 hours, with another land trip from Aparri or Claveria. From there, Cibang Cove can be reached by a 15-minute boat ride or a one-hour trek. As this beach is remote as remote can get and picturesque, Estan could not help feel as though he was “stranded in some unknown but beautiful island paradise.” But, like the case with Burot Beach, though, Cibang’s unspoiled state may not last. Estan reveals that there are plans to build facilities on the beach as well as construct a road getting there.
Port Barton, Palawan
Although not as famous as neighbors El Nido and Puerto Princesa, San Vicente is nothing short of stellar. This relatively low profile is what makes this peaceful town appealing to some travelers. Its forests are undisturbed and shores almost untouched. It is perhaps the reason Port Barton, one of its 10 barangays, is the top choice by Edgar Alan.
“Supple sands hugged by jungle-clad mountains, turquoise waters and lovely coral gardens where turtles and reef fish cruise, framed by sapphire skies and honey-colored sunsets,” recalls EAZY. “An idyllic beach retreat could not get any better than this!”
Bantayan Island, Cebu
The blade-shaped province of Cebu is rich in historical sites and grand churches but it is also teeming with natural resources. Its coasts and outlying islands cradle pockets of white sand. Bantayan Island, off its northern tip, is dumped with some of the finest! Brenna puts this tropical paradise on the top of her list.
Less crowded and less busy than the other famous island destinations in the country, Bantayan Island is perfect for those who chase beaches for a time of relaxation and reflection.
Anguib Beach, Cagayan
“Forget Boracay, dear beach bummers,” Robbie opens his piece about Anguib Beach. “If you are after pristine turquoise waters and powdery white sand with the total seclusion that the former doesn’t have, then you can find the same paradise in the northernmost tip of mainland Luzon.”
It looks like rough roads lead to the best beaches. Anguib Beach may be in Luzon but it is on the far end of it, around 12 hours away if you’re taking the bus from Manila. But Anguib’s remoteness is what makes it extra special. The usual delights are there: fine sand and clear water but its real charm is its very quiet atmosphere and the feeling that you own every bit of it.
Bolobadiangan Island, Iloilo
Like with Anguib, it looks like seclusion is what also made Ron fall in love with Bolobadiangan Island. This off-the-beaten-track destination in Concepcion, Iloilo makes an ideal setting for Survivor make-believe. “The sand is not as fine as boracay, sunset is not as majestic as Manila Bay,” Ron explains, “but the rustic feel, the isolation and the solemnity of the setting made the trip so intimate.”
Hmmm… Intimate! Now you’re paying attention. “We rented the whole sandbar, prepared meals by ourselves, and slept on a hammock,” he adds. Not what you’re thinking, apparently.
Naked Island, Surigao del Sur
Buluan Island, Zamboanga Sibugay
“Buluan Island, a gem of a piece of land off Barangay Buluan in Zamboanga Sibugay’s municipal capital of Ipil is beautiful. And that is even an understatement.” That’s what Estan has to say about this well-kept secret. “The island is tear drop shaped as seen from above with a tadpole like profile. The apex fringed with a white sandy beach and gradually rising up to the top of the hill. On a beautiful morning, its ghost like when seen from Ipil’s port, about 20 minutes by speedboat.”
Subic Beach, Sorsogon
Of the kilometers of shorelines he has seen, Owen is quite convinced that Subic Beach is his top pick. Fringing an edge of Calintaan Island in Matnog, Sorsogon, Subic Beach looks like your ordinary PH beach at first glance. “White coral sand, swaying palms, and clear waters. It’s so beautiful I could feel the cliches against my bare feet as I walked the length of the beach half-looking for algae or any of that shiz that usually turns off beach-goers. None.”
Diniwid Beach, Boracay, Aklan
And you thought this list would end without a mention of Boracay. Not gonna happen.
Boracay is often dubbed the best beach in the Philippines, and in Asia according to the latest TripAdvisor survey. While many are complaining about the island being too commercialized, Boracay still has a few less chaotic nooks. Diniwid Beach is one of them.
Nikka Corsino has been living here for a month now. “It is the the longest we’ve had to stay in any single beach destination,” she shares. “I love its turquoise waters, jagged rock formations, and overall quiet. It is, for me, the best place to see the sunset in Boracay.”
Biri Island, Northern Samar
We all have a picture of the perfect beach paradise — azure water, gentle waves, white sand. Most of the country’s most popular beaches have all three. The northern coast of Biri Island is not one of them.
The waves here don’t roll; they ravage. “Every punching wave is a stroke of art and every gusty storm is a painful dash of necessary sacrifice — the torture in art, the beauty in chaos,” I described it on The Poor Traveler blog. The result: six staggering rock formations, masterfully sculpted by nature, that intimidate not just with their immensity but, more importantly, their splendor.
Biri Island is one of the 18 islands of the Balicuatro Group in Northern Samar. “These rock formations referee the fierce waters of San Bernardino Strait and the Pacific Ocean. But for those who wish to swim, there are also natural pools nestled by the shore that are more friendly to swimmers! Biri Island is also a fantastic diving destination so pack your gears!”
Matukad Island
While Biri Island is my personal choice, PhilippineBeaches.org’s co-founder Vins Carlos sticks to the classic ivory-laced, sapphire-soaked shores! His pick — Matukad Island in Caramoan. But like Biri, it is specked with breathtaking rock formations. “In between these giant rocks are patches of powdery white sand that is sure to delight beach lovers. The island also harbors a small hidden lake.”
Secret Beach, Palawan
El Nido has many secrets. One of them — the Secret Beach, a small half-dipped pocket of white sand that is enveloped by the giant karst cliffs of Matinloc Island. Accessible only through a narrow crevice, it requires visitors to swim one at a time. Challenge, huh? But that’s part of its charm if you ask Enrico Dee of Byahilo.
“I put on my mask and snorkel and voila! The view under my feet is indescribable. I got overwhelmed in everything that I saw. I then started to swim slowly towards the opening,” he recalls. “I was surrounded by towering limestone rocks, while I was just lying on a fine white sandy beach.”
Rumor has it that this is the actual place that inspired author Alex Garland to write his novel The Beach when he stayed in El Nido.
Quiminatin Island, Palawan
“For me, this is the best beach in the Philippines,” Benj Espina makes it clear in his post about this almost unheard of paradise tucked in the middle of the Cuyo Islands. Its remoteness has kept the island’s low profile, but divers en route to Tubbataha Reef who make a stopover here are treated to a rare opportunity to get to know this exquisite beauty.
“It was strikingly beautiful,” Benj adds. “It was great to find a seemingly untouched island out in the Sulu Sea free from human settlements and the development.
“The Cuyo Islands are in the middle of the Sulu Sea. It is relatively far from a major city – Manila is around 24 hours away by boat and the nearest airport that has commercial flights are in Panay Island.”
Kalanggaman Island, Leyte
If you love sandbars, you will fall head over heels for Kalanggaman Island. This barely touched paradise has enjoyed a lot of attention in recent years as more and more beach-chasers discover its postcard-perfect allure. Sinjin Pineda can’t help but agree. “With talcum white sand bars extending to both sides, Kalanggaman Island is a paradise. Its pristine waters and almost lake-like placidness make it perfect for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.” The other side of the island has stronger waves and more sea-like attitude.
And the sandbars! Both ends of this long island are fringed with a sandbar reaching out to the blues. Warning, though: some parts slope so steeply.
Malamawi Island, Basilan
How many beaches in the Philippines are called “White Beach”? We don’t know. But what this woman is sure of is, Malamawi Island’s White Beach is the best of them all. Gay Mitra-Emami has nothing but praises for this humble destination. ” When we docked Malamawi’s makeshift port, we hired motorcycles to get to the beach. I was surprised how beautiful their white beach is,” she shares. “I guess I was captivated by its charm of isolation.”
Puraran Beach, Catanduanes
Facing the mighty and unforgiving Pacific, Puraran Beach is a topnotch surfing site. Located in the town of Baras, Catanduanes, the options to get here by air is quite limited. But those who go out of their mainstream way to get here are greeted with a delightful and highly exhilarating mini-slaps from the ocean.
“It is home to the so-called majestic waves,” Mervz notes. “Stunning landscape of golden sand beach, clean and clear waters, marvelous rock formations, and views of mountains and the bay welcomed us. It’s quite hot during that time as the sun rose higher but the strong wind blowing from the ocean kept us cool.”
Dahican Beach, Davao Oriental
From surfing in Catanduanes to skimboarding in Davao Oriental! This seven-kilometer cove is the sparkling gem of Mati, Davao Oriental. Popular among the wave-riding crowd, it is being groomed as the skimboarding capital. “Time was like a blur as if moments are passing by gracefully, with an after-stroke from a master painter,” Marky describes how it feels to stand at Dahican Beach. “From the blue skies to the crystal clear waters, even to the movements of the skimboarders who are otherwise known as the Amihan Boys, you could sense a feeling of calm.”
Dahican means “to come in from the sea.” The name was given to this beach for the pawikan, Hawksbills and Olive Ridleys, that emerge from the sea and climb up to the shore to lay eggs. If you’re Dahican-bound, make sure to not disturb these gentle creatures when you’re there.
Malapascua Island, Cebu
Malapascua Island is most famous for the thresher sharks that roam its waters. Divers from around the world are drawn to these sharks and other marine creatures that make up the rich biodiversity of the island. But Malapascua has something for beach bums, too! As Edcel witnessed it firsthand, this small piece of heaven north of Cebu stuns visitors with pearly grains and multi-colored sunsets. Edcel was so mesmerized, he wrote the island a letter.
“I swam in your waters and jumped from your cliff. I dove into the deep and cruised along your shores. You shared so many faces in different times of the day. However, only during the later part did you show your real colors.
“I stepped out and the light revealed another shade. Orange and plum; my eyes were at ease despite the lack of rest. I lay on the sand and witnessed how you painted the sky and filled it with enough hue to keep my mind at peace. The sea breeze and the calm waves served as a sweet lullaby. It was almost perfect.”
Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor
For some people, Siquijor is almost synonymous to witchcraft and mysticism. But anyone who has been to the Island of Fire will tell you, if there’s something this place should be known for — its sheer, natural beauty. Beaches, for example, are spectacular in Siquijor. Just ask Renz. His favorite: Salagdoong Beach.
Cradled in the town of Maria, it is managed by the Provincial Tourism Office. “Despite being a public beach,” Renz shares, “it is still clean and well-maintained. Kudos to the local government of Siquijor!
“Sun rays torridly kissed our skin as we explored the public beach. Although in my opinion, the beach would look more quaint if it remained as it is. But still, the beauty of Salagdoong Beach is still there – well maintained and the locals are disciplined as well.”
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