A country made up of 7,107 islands, the Philippines has no shortage of world-class beaches, as each island offers rich landscapes of tropical rainforests, mangroves and mountain ranges. Backed by a lush range of flora and fauna, sun-seekers from around the globe are lured in by the white sand and crystal-clear, emerald waters. Perfect for a tropical getaway without all the crowds, read on to discover the best beaches in the Philippines.
El Nido, Palawan
One of the best beaches in the Philippines, El Nido offers extraordinary natural splendor and has topped the list of many top beaches in the world. There are 50 white sand beaches in this island, in addition to five different types of forest and three major marine habitats, which makes it a great place to discover an array of sea life, marine mammals and coral. With protected flora and fauna surrounded by limestone cliffs, your day’s can be spent snorkeling, scuba diving and exploring secret lagoons.
White Beach, Boracay
Boracay is famous for its powdery white sands and pristine blue waters, where you’ll find activities for all types of travelers, from water sports like diving and snorkeling to a buzzing nightlife scene and an excellent range of restaurants. White Beach is the island’s most famous beach, which has been dubbed the “finest beach in the world.” Outdoor enthusiasts come from around the world to enjoy a tropical island experience, where the water is warm and the sunsets are phenomenal.
Coron Island, Palawan
Both the name of an island off the coast of Busuanga and the name of Busuanga’s largest town, Coron is a small, sleepy town with plenty of beaches to enjoy. You’ll discover beautiful limestone cliffs and shipwreck diving sites, and is considered one of the best places to go scuba diving in the world. Relax on the fine, white sand beaches or dig deeper and snorkel through the hidden coves to find a colorful array of fish.
Siargao Island
While Siargao Island is known as the “surfing capital of the Philippines” with its 20-foot waves and pristine blue waters, it is also a hotspot for beachgoers who want to enjoy a pristine stretch of shoreline. A source of rich marine biodiversity, the island is an excellent choice for those who want to dive, snorkel and surf. Explore the island further and you’ll be mesmerized by its stunning offshore islets, sandbars, tidal pools and rock formations, where its serene crystal-clear waters will melt your worries away.
Panglao Island, Bohol
Panglao Island is home to an array of white sand beaches, and it is the perfect base to explore Bohol’s natural and cultural sights. Nicknamed the “little paradise of pure hearts”, it is popular for its diving spots found around the island with an abundance of marine species, including 250 different species of crustaceans and 2,500 species of mollusks. Explore the underground lagoon at Hinagdanan Cave, or head to Dumaluan and Doljo beaches to soak up the sunshine.
Matukad Island, Caramoan
Matukad Island is located off the coast of Caramoan and is famous for being the location of the hit TV show Survivor. It’s fine white sand beaches are flanked by towering limestone cliffs, while its lagoon is home to giant milkfish. Admire the beaches surrounded by huts, take a stroll along the powdery sand and sip on fresh “buko” juice. Beachgoers are lured in by Caramoan’s unique beauty, where you can explore secluded islands and embrace the laid-back lifestyle at Lahuy Island and the Manlawi Sandbar.
Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental
A seven-kilometer stretch of pristine coastline, Dahican Beach in Mati on Davao Oriental, you’ll fall in love with this beautiful beach area. Surrounded by tall coconut trees, fine sand and crashing waves, Mati is considered Davao Oriental’s best-kept secrets. The crescent-shaped coastline is an unspoiled slice of paradise, where you can regularly spot sea turtles in its waters and enjoy water sports like surfing and skimboarding and the ultimate fun-filled day in the sunshine.
Sambawan Island, Biliran
Sambawan Island is home to white sand beaches and a thriving marine life, where its bright blue waters can be found lapping up the tree-lined shore. Its semi-curved beach has a backdrop of soaring rock formations covered with green grass, where a marine sanctuary offers a great place to go on a scuba diving adventure. Climb the watchtower or to get a bird’s-eye view of the island, snorkel through its vibrant aquatic life or pitch a tent on the shores to go stargazing on an overnight adventure.
Islas De Gigantes, Iloilo
Boasting enchanting lagoons, white sandbars and pristine blue waters, Islas De Gigantes in Iloilo offers an abundance of outdoor adventures along its remote group of islands. Also known as the “islands of giants,” it is lined with beautiful seascapes and jagged rock formations. It has retained an off-beat charm along its stretch of undeveloped coastline, where you can go on an island hopping tour to discover beautiful beaches around Gigantes Norte and Gigante Sur, or explore its many caves that are hidden behind steep rock formations and cliffs.
Halea National Park, Ticao Island
One of the crown jewels of Ticao Island, Halea National Park is a beautiful destination in Masbate that is home to giant manta rays, colorful aquatic life and stunning scenery. Located on one of the three prominent islands of Masbate Province, the area is a hotspot for outdoor adventures where you’re spoiled for choice in whether you want to lounge on the white sand beach or spend your time scuba diving, kayaking, fishing and swimming.
Lambug Beach, Badian, Cebu
You’ll no doubt be lured in by the wide swath of fine white sand at Lambug Beach in Cebu, where its laid-back atmosphere is a fantastic escape from the busier beaches on the island. Unlike some of the nearby overcrowded beaches, Lambug offers a peaceful respite where you can soak up the sunshine and swim in the tranquil waters. This hidden gem is also a great place for you to travel to the cascading Kawasan Falls.
