Visiting a beach is always a great idea to unwind from work and escape from the hustle and bustle in the city, especially for those working in Metro Manila, where the commute is always a challenge. Now is your time to take a a mental break or spend time with your family and friends! So, if you have not planned where to go, we have listed the best beaches in the Philippines!
10 Best beaches in the Philippines that you must visit
Our country, the Philippines, is one of the best countries that are rich in beautiful beaches and mountains across our main geographical divisions from north to south.
In fact, we have exactly 7,641 islands in total situated in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. You will surely find the best beach spot you and your loved ones will love!
Top 10 best beaches in the Philippines
Here’s our top 10 best beaches in the Philippines:
10. Coron, Palawan
One of the most popular activities in Coron is wreck diving. World War II Japanese shipwrecks dot the coast of Coron and are excellent diving locations. The famed Coral Garden is best viewed from the Lusong Gunboat.
In addition to wreck diving, Coron is well recognized for its renowned karst limestone cliffs, blue waters, and stunning scenery in general. Put these activities on your schedules!
9. Bitaog Beach in Catanduanes
It’s not suprising if no one had ever heard of Bitaog Beach. One of the best hidden beaches in the nation is undoubtedly this breathtaking sanctuary. It gives a tranquil ambience and a feeling of remoteness because it is completely cut off from the city’s commotion. The island is blessed with gorgeous rock formations, fluffy white beaches, and brilliant turquoise waters! Bitaog beach is the place to be whether you want to swim, relax on the beach, or even go snorkeling!
Photo by Mindanao Tours
8. Alona Beach in Bohol
Photo from Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines on Facebook
Located on Panglao Island, just at the southwestern tip of the island of Bohol, Alona Beach in Bohol is arguably one of the closest beaches to Boracay here in the country.
Boasting white sand, blue waters, as well as great diving spots, a trip to Alona Beach should definitely be on your list if you’re planning to go on a family vacation this summer.
There are also tours available for visitors, and there are also a lot of family-friendly restaurants where you and your family can dine while enjoying the view.
It can be a bit crowded, especially during the summer, so keep that in mind if you’re going to visit. But Alona Beach is definitely one of the places that can be a good substitute for Boracay during the Boracay closure.
7. Malapascua in Cebu
Photo from Guide to the Philippines
Malapascua Island in Cebu is famous for its dive sites as well as its white sand beaches.
Going to Malapascua can be a bit tricky, as you need to take a 4-5 hour bus ride from Cebu going to Maya Port, and then take a boat from Maya Port to Malapascua Island.
The public boat costs 50 per head, while a private boat can cost 1000-1500 pesos. The last boats leave at around 6 pm, so make sure to plan ahead.
Once you’re in Malapascua, there are a plethora of fun family activities that are available. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or just relax on the beach.
There are also a number of resorts on the island, so accommodations shouldn’t be a problem.
6. Coco Grove Beach Resort in Siquijor
Photo from Apenoni
Located in Siquijor, Coco Grove Beach Resort isn’t your usual travel destination.
To get there from Manila, you need to take a flight to Dumaguete Airport and then arrange a pick-up with the resort so that they can take you directly to the resort.
Activities at Coco Grove include dive tours, snorkeling, as well as visiting the Tubod Marine Sanctuary, which houses a lot of coral reefs teeming with tropical fishes.
They also have a game room and swimming pool in the resort, and guests can play volleyball or table tennis. They also offer a bird-watching activity for guests!
5. Honda Bay in Palawan
Photo from Be My Travel Muse
Palawan definitely has a lot of amazing beaches. However, for those looking for something similar to Boracay, Honda Bay is your best bet in Palawan.
Located on the Western side of Palawan, Honda Beach boasts white sand, clear waters, and an unforgettable experience!
Honda Bay is about x minutes away from Puerto Princesa, so getting there is pretty convenient.
Once you’re there, you can tour the numerous nearby islands or go snorkeling.
Equipment can be rented at the wharf, and for those looking to stay on the islands, there are resorts as well as cottages that guests can rent.
It’s best to get there early so that you can get a headstart on the fun activities on the island, especially if you’re planning to go on an island-hopping adventure!
4. Best beaches in the Philippines: Puerto Galera in Mindoro
Photo from Trip Advisor
Puerto Galera might not be a “hidden gem,” but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a great place to visit.
Located in Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera has been dubbed as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and you’ll definitely agree once you see it!
Getting there is as easy as going to Batangas Port and then taking a boat that goes directly to Puerto Galera.
When it comes to activities, there’s almost no limit to all of the fun things that you can do.
Aside from lazing around on the beach or swimming, you can go diving, snorkeling, engage in fun water sports, go island hopping, explore the local waterfalls, and even visit Mangyan Village.
There are also a lot of resorts to choose from, ranging from the most luxurious resorts to simple lodgings that can really make you feel like you’re one with nature.
So if you’re looking to visit someplace new with your family, why not try going to Puerto Galera?
3. Best beaches in the Philippines: Boracay in Aklan
Photo from Boracay Compass
Here’s actually the crowd favorite! A lot of foreign tourists are going to the Philippines to visit this white beach in Aklan.
It has a 4-kilometer-long stretch of powdery pure white sand that you can not find anywhere. That’s the beauty of this beach!
Boracay is not just for couples to hang out and date or single people who want to find a new lover; this beach is also great for family vacations!
With its unique natural characteristics, Boracay is our country’s beach, with the most cited in international travel publications.
2. Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan
Photo from Travel More
Palawan is also home to the best white-sand beaches in the Philippines! And yes, the must-visit beach here is El Nido’s Nacpan Beach.
This beach has a 4-kilometer stretch of white sand and is about 45 minutes away from the town center—a good location where you can easily buy your personal needs.
Nacpan Beach is a real hidden gem in Palawan’s heart that has typically been uncrowded and untouched by many tourists.
Here, you can swim, sunbathe, or go hiking!
1. Siargao Beaches in Surigao Del Norte
Photo from Trip Advisor
Here’s the number one must-visit beach in the Philippines! Why? Not just because this is where Andi Eigenmann and her family live or where Nadine Lustre stayed during the pandemic, you can actually do a lot of activities on this pristine island!
Siargao is considered the Surfing Capital of the country, so many people from all over the world visit the island to learn to surf. Naked Island is also one of the gems of Siargao.
Naked Island has a 200-meter-long strip of sand and is completely bare compared to other beaches.
It has no trees or shrubs, so it is called the Naked Island. This is perfect for families who want to sunbathe and learn how to surf!
Updates by Jobelle Macayan