If you are after that postcard image you have dreamed of, then come to the Philippines! Of course, the dream is here with many beaches of pure white sand that feel like you are walking on powder snow alongside crystal water that is as warm and clear. All of these beaches in the country are stunning, with tropical breezes and soft sand, but what they actually offer compared to other beach destinations is a selection of unique and accessible add-ons such as marine life, coral, and caves available in numerous locations close together. Island hopping is genuinely one of the top things to do in the Philippines for this reason.
Since the country has so many beaches you have a lot to choose. These choices includes Oslob beach in Cebu, Crystal Beach, Zambales, Kalanggaman Island, Leyte, Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor Island, Nacpan and Calitang Beach, El Nido, Bonbon Beach, Romblon, Bitaog Beach, Catanduanes, Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental, Islas de Gigantes, Carles, Iloilo, Hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan, Paradise Beach, Bantayan, Island, Alona Beach, Bohol, Naked, Guyam and Daku Island, Siargao, White Island, Camiguin, White Beach, Boracay,
In a country with more than 7,000 islands, beach lovers in the Philippines find themselves in a tropical utopia. And since the abundance of beach destinations can be overwhelming, we have narrowed the search for you. It’s undoubtedly true when they say, “It’s more fun in the Philippines!”
Oslob Beach, Cebu
Oslob Beach is a must-visit location with white sand beaches, extremely clear water, and just meters away from a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Visit Oslob Beach, and you are sure to dive with these fantastic whale sharks. The gentle giants of the sea can be up to 40 meters long. But even though they are huge, there is nothing to worry about. Whale Sharks are not sharks but filter-feeding fish. And you can actually find them all year round on the banks of Oslob. Fishermen feed them a healthy diet and stay loyal like big dogs instead of migrating. So, no matter what season you visit this spot, you have a 99% chance of witnessing and swimming with them.
Crystal Beach, Zambales
Instead of dreading the layover in Manila, exit the airport and head to Crystal Beach. Since this beach is so underrated, the locals will be happy to have you. The overall experience is fabulous. Don’t expect powdery white sand. This sand is a bit thicker but still has a tremendous beige color next to perfectly warm water! Take a tricycle taxi to explore some nearby towns where you can eat more and meet more nice people who will be surprised to see you.
Kalanggaman Island, Leyte
Relax on the blissfully empty Kalanggaman Beach, with its famous fine white sand bar, swaying palm trees, and spectacular azure blue waters that are so clear they make you cry. It is an incredible, beautiful, and striking paradise in the middle of the sea. The government has built basic facilities to meet tourists’ needs, and police officers are always on duty for their safety. This place is just fantastic!
Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor Island
Salagdoong Beach may not be the largest, but it is undoubtedly one of the most diverse. This small stretch of beach on the island of Siquijor attracts local families on the weekends and small groups of tourists during weekdays. Some local families tend to play in the clear water and relax under an umbrella on the beach. But like daredevils, travelers opt for the more extreme activities Saladoong Beach has to offer. Of course, I’m talking about cliff diving and the waterslide. For cliff diving, you can run straight off a cement pier for a free-fall into the ocean. And an old but sturdy waterslide built on cliff rocks that spits you straight into the sea.
Nacpan and Calitang Beach, El Nido
Nacpan beach is actually considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s a nice break from endless island hopping or hanging out on El Nido’s busiest beaches. Here you get pristine blue water and soft sand; sometimes, you have the beach all by yourself. While there are no restaurants on the spot, there are also small huts where you can enjoy some local snacks. There is a small hill that you can climb to see the twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang at the end of the beach. You can just rent a tricycle to get there!
Bonbon Beach, Romblon
At low tide, the crystal blue waters of Bonbon Beach reveal a long sandbar that connects to a remote island paradise. See some schools of fish while you swim or stroll along the white sandbar!
Bitaog Beach, Catanduanes
This incredible paradise is genuinely one of the best-hidden beaches in the country. Completely separated from the bustle and hustle of the city, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and a feeling of isolation. The island is blessed with crystal clear aqua blue water, powdery white sand, and beautiful rock formations! So, whether you want to swim, lay on the sand, or even snorkel, Bitaog Beach is for you!
Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental
Dahican Beach is not like your usual white sand beach; it is also a surfing and skimboarding spot. It has a 7 km stretch of white sand that is excellent for lounging for non-skimboarders and non-surfers. It’s actually a sanctuary for charming sea turtles, so watch out for them. This underrated beach is one of the best in Mati, Davao Oriental!
Islas de Gigantes, Carles, Iloilo
Popularly known as Gigantes Islands, it is a group of about 12 islands and islets off Carles, in Iloilo. You will surely love these stunning islands where the Gigantes Norte is towering 699 ft. in height. In comparison, the Gigantes South is 761 ft., the two highest and most prominent among the 12 islands. The other islands are Cabugao Gamay which is actually the most photographed island, Cabugay, Daku, Bantigue, Balbagon, Bulubadiang, Antonia, Gakitgakit, Gigantillo, Ojatras, and Gigantona. You will be impressed with the islands’ beautiful sandbars, clear waters, gigantic sceneries, saltwater lagoon, immaculate white-sand beaches, caves, caverns, and rich marine life.
Hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan
It is best known for its blue waters, white sand, and the imposing karst formations that hide it, hence its name. You can go kayak or swim from your boat to get to the beach. It’s one of the highlights when it comes to island hopping to El Nido. Although it is far from the other famous islands and beaches, most travelers prefer to relax on Hidden Beach, as it is not crowded. This means you have more options for taking great photos! Of course, with the panoramic view as your backdrop.
Paradise Beach, Bantayan Island
This honeymoon paradise is located on the small island of Bantayan Island, west of Cebu. During most months of the year, couples will be completely alone. However, this secluded beach turns adult couples into playful little children who can forget about the world as they splash in the water, walk barefoot in the sand, and venture into the jungle to explore trails by some adventurers before them. There are actually no distractions here, like no bars, resorts, or jewelry hawkers. However, the weekend before Easter is a rapid time for Filipinos to travel. Since Bantayan Island is just close to Cebu, so, expect a sudden rush of tourists.
Alona Beach, Bohol
Bohol is still a comparably primitive island that is not overrun by tourists, which is why Alona Beach is so charming. Located in the southwestern part, it is a popular place for snorkeling, diving along the reef, and swimming. Alona Beach is the ideal spot to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, but just be wise to wear aqua shoes while swimming.
There are sections under the water with sea urchins and corals. The luxurious suites at the BE Grand Resort and the cozy villas at the Donatella Hotel are just walking distance of the beach. While you’re on the location, make sure to take have time to see the endangered tarsier monkey at the sanctuary that raises them and the iconic Chocolate Hills natural wonder.
Naked, Guyam and Daku Island, Siargao
Naked, Daku and Guyam are a group of islands in Siargao accessible via an island hopping tour. A day trip to these destinations usually begins on Naked Island, named for its lack of greenery or coconut trees. The heat can be pretty scorching so bring sunscreen. The island’s white sand is popular for sunbathing before moving on to the next stop. Guyam Island is an exciting mix of sandy beach at one end and hard coral at the other. The last stop is Daku Island, where you can have lunch with fresh seafood and coconut juice, either in a rented hut or just under the palm trees. Its calm and crystalline water and fine white sand make it perfect for swimming.
White Island, Camiguin
White Island is an uninhabited sandbar, so no trees or man-made structures protect you from the sun. If you go, bring enough water and sunscreen. It is suitable for snorkeling, but watch out for sea snakes and sea urchins. The sandbar is truly impressive: its size and shape change according to the tides and the time of year. You’ll enjoy the fine sand, and clean water as the view of the HibokHibok volcano makes for postcard-worthy photographs. The best time for travelers to visit here is during the summer season, as boats rarely leave during bad weather.
White Beach, Boracay
Beach dreams come true at White Beach in Boracay. Turquoise water, White sand, lounge chairs with umbrellas, and palm trees facing the water. Even during peak season, when most tourists flock to this island paradise, White Beach is still a treat for every traveler. It is a 4 kilometers long beach, which means that there is surely room for everybody. There are lots of water activities happen off the shore of this beach, such as banana boat rides, kayaking, and parasailing. Or, if you prefer, just stay in your lounging space while hawkers offer your jewelry, food, and beverages.
Takeaways
The Philippines is a paradise full of wonderful and relaxing beaches where you can choose from. All over the country, you can enjoy the great destinations of your dreams. The country has so much to offer and you will surely love coming back to the Philippines. If you want to have a fun summer vacation or just want to enjoy the beach, come and enjoy the wonders of the Philippine beaches.