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Top 10 Best Beaches in the Philippines 2017
Learn where you can spend your next summer getaway!
By: Patricia Marie Prado | February 26, 2017
Composed of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is known for its beaches that come in all shapes, sizes, and even colors. It seems that we will not run out of beach for everyone to discover—from pink and fine white powdery sand to rocky black volcanic beaches. So before you travel outside the country, why not explore what our country has to offer first? Check out our list of the Pearl of the Orient’s best beaches and see where you can travel to next!
10. Samal Island in Davao City and Calatagan, Batangas
Catch some waves and conquer Baler in Aurora. (Image: Iloveph2016 Facebook page)
First on our list is Samal Island located in Davao City. Although Samal Island was once a hidden island only known by the Davaoeños, it has been getting some popularity in the recent years because of its white sand beaches that run for kilometers and the beautiful blue waters that come with it.
From Davao City, just head straight to Sasa Wharf or Sta. Ana Wharf where you can find boats to bring you to Samal Island. Enjoy a luxurious stay at the famous Pearl Farm Beach Resort or go back to basics and enjoy a peaceful day in Dayang Beach and Babu Santa Beach in the nearby Talicud Island.
Enjoy a quick escape from Manila’s buzz and camp at Calatagan in Batangas. (Image: Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort Facebook page)
Another beach that made it to the tenth spot is Calatagan, Batangas. It might not be your perfect white sand beach, but its calm waters and creamy sands would surely captivate you. Before, Calatagan is known for being one of the few underdeveloped beaches in Batangas, so you have to bring your own tent and lie down on a bed of sand. Now, it offers a good place to stay with a number of amenities to make you feel at home.
9. Panglao in Bohol and Nagsasa Cove, Zambales
Alona Beach may be overstuffed with shops and hotels but the water is still worth it. (Image: Alona Beach Panglao, Bohol Facebook page)
When the word “Bohol” is mentioned, its famous chocolate hills will immediately come to mind. But Bohol also has its own set of beautiful shore lines located in Panglao, a couple of minutes’ drive from its city center, Tagbilaran. In the recent years, Panglao has been getting negative reviews because of the hundreds of establishments surrounding its famous Alona Beach, but the powdery white sand is still worth a visit if you’re in the area. If you prefer more privacy, you can stay at some of the exclusive resorts in the area like Bohol Beach Club to give you a better view and feel of the waters of Panglao.
Curious what volcanic sands look like? Visit Nagsasa Cove in Zambales. (Image: The Beach Place at Nagsasa Cove Facebook page)
Another entry on our top nine is Nagsasa Cove in Zambales. When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991, part of its volcanic ashes fell on Nagsasa Cove, destroying its natural beauty and extending the destruction to its land and even its marine life. But today, Nagsasa is a thriving beach known for its brown-ish shore line and its quiet atmosphere perfect for campers and nature lovers. Nagsasa may be hard to reach, but it’s definitely worth the travel.
8. Siquijor Island and Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Nothing scary with the clear emerald waters of Siquijor. (Image: Pinoy Travel Freak Facebook page)
This little province in Visayas is known for witchcraft, dark magic, and aswang (monster), but unbeknownst to many, Siquijor Island is safe and beautiful. It has its own amazing beach to boot. You can roam around Siquijor Island by renting a motorbike or hiring tricycles for a day tour, but the real reward is the beautiful beach of Salagdoong. The beach is surrounded with humungous rock formation, and the shoreline is short and quite rocky as well, but the water is ever lovely with its emerald-like colors.
Puerto Galera is always a quick and worthy escape. (Image: Puerto Galera Online Services website)
Another contender on our eight spot is Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. Puerto Galera has been a favorite for years because of its proximity and natural beauty. One does not need to travel all the way to Boracay or Palawan just to have a taste of white sandy beaches.
Although Puerto Galera is also slowly becoming more developed over the years, people still love its many beaches. The White Sand beach still draws a lot of attention because of its amazing shores and teeming night life, while Coral Garden also has a reputation for its dynamic underwater beauty.
7. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Blue Lagoon is a secret to be discovered in Pagudpud. (Image: Philippine PRIDE Facebook page
On our seventh spot is Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. After you visit the famous windmills of Bangui, make sure you head over to Pagudpud’s Blue Lagoon and enjoy some fun under the sun. Despite the land being largely owned by Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center, the beach is still open to the public.
Its creamy powdery sand and cerulean waters are just some of the many attractions in Pagudpud. The always windy weather of the area makes it a perfect spot for kite surfing as well. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you may go to Hannah Beach. It offers its open water zip line to the public, with more than one kilometer worth of ride.
6. Punta Bulata, Negros Island
Enjoy a rustic but luxurious stay at Punta Bulata in Negros. (Image: Punta Bulata Facebook page)
Sixth on our list is Punta Bulata in Negros Island. Punta Bulata is actually a private resort in Negros Island, four hours’ drive away from Bacolod City. Upon reaching the island, you will be welcomed with creamy soft sand and clear waters with a play of blue and green colors. Aside from Punta Bulata’s own shores, tourists also visit Danjugan Island where you can swim and stroll and take pictures with its sand bar. They also offer diving adventures for underwater aficionados! You can bring your own equipment or visit their dive facility for assistance.
5. Guimaras Island
Guimaras Island’s beach will make your heart skip a beat. (Image: Iloilo City the Heart of the Philippines Facebook page)
Halfway on our list is Guimaras Island, particularly Raymen Beach Resort located at Alubihod beach, the most popular beach in the island. Albeit a populous public resort, Raymen Beach maintains the beach properly so you can expect a clean shoreline and clear waters. Pebbles and stones are abundant in the area, but the clarity of the sea and the many rock formations surrounding the area will make you forget the stony shores.
4. Coron Island, Palawan
See for yourself the iconic Kayangan Lake when you visit Coron. (Image: Places To See Before You Die Facebook page)
On our fourth spot is Coron Island in Palawan. This famous island has been wowing Filipinos for years, but recently, even international media and foreign tourists can’t get enough of this picturesque paradise. People fell in love with Coron’s rugged greeneries, intertwined lakes, and huge rock formations that bring you closer to Mother Nature. Although hundreds of people flock this famous island, Coron is still worth a visit, because it’s not known as “The Last Frontier” for nothing. Take a picture of the famous Kayangan Lake or visit the wreck sites of Barracuda Lake if you are a diving fanatic.
3. Sipaway Crystal Beach in Negros Occidental and Baler, Aurora
Discover the not-so-secret beach of Sipaway Crystal Beach in Negros Occidental. (Image: Cass Pama)
Now on our top 3 is Sipaway Crystal Beach found in Negros Occidental. Sipaway is geographically known as Refugio Island and has yet to be on the radar of most travelers. But despite being relatively unknown, people around the area has been coming to Sipaway for years for some much-needed relaxation. Sipaway Crystal Beach is just one among the many resorts that can be found in the area that offers various water sports and activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.
Voter’s comment:
“Explore Baler! :)” – Elaine
Catch some waves and conquer Baler in Aurora. (Image: Wanderlust.Ph Facebook page)
Also on the third spot is Baler, Aurora. Known for its big waves, surfers from various parts of the country flock to Baler to ride its tides. Even if you are a newbie or don’t have a clue about surfing at all, there are various surfing shops and coaches around the area to help you get to know the basics. Baler’s beach is not only for surfing of course, the fine sands in the area still makes it a fun swimming and sun-worshipping destination.
2. Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte and Bantayan Island, Cebu
Isolate yourself from the noise of the city and visit Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte. (Image: Travel On Facebook page)
Calaguas Island is another gorgeous beach that resembles the beauty of Boracay with its white sand and crystal clear blue waters, but without the restaurants and many establishments. Calaguas Island is actually a group of islands but the most frequented is Tinaga Island where you can find a long stretch of white sand beach known as Mahabang Buhangin. Because the island is yet to be developed, there are no flashy restaurants or accommodations in the area; even cellular service is not available. Hence, you’ll have more time to connect with nature and spend the night in a tent.
Voter’s comment:
“Everything Simply Wonderful..... Best Place to relax and Unwind.” – Toti
Bantayan Island is worth the travel with its clear waters and gorgeous sand. (Image: Bantayan Island Cebu Facebook page)
Another beach that claimed the second spot is Bantayan Island in Cebu. Bantayan Island is located at the northernmost tip of Cebu, and you need to travel by bus and boat before reaching the island. But a few hours of sacrifice will be worth it once you reach the beautiful paradise, where the blue water is shallow and the sand is soft, making it a perfect relaxation for family especially if you have kids. Aside from worshipping the sun, you can also visit Ogtong Cave or island hop through the Virgin Island while waiting for the beautiful sunset that Bantayan Island offers.
1. Boracay Island
Voter’s comments:
“Relaxing and i really love Boracay.” – Iwash Laundry Café
“Ecosystem under water is alive.” – Joy Marinas
And the best beach in the country, and even the world, belongs to Boracay Island! (Image: Boracay Facebook page)
Finally, the beach that won the number one spot is Boracay Island. Despite being recognized as crowded and overly developed, people still visit Boracay every chance they get because nothing beats the paradise-like beach of this island. Even foreign travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler named it the best island in the world in 2016.
If there can be an original white, powdery sand beach in the country, it will be Boracay. Its sand is consistent in texture and color, whatever “station” may you be in. Aside from its pristine waters, Boracay is also known for its wild parties and extreme water sports and activities, making it a bucket list destination among friends and families.
Results are based on the Top Beaches in the Philippines Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from February 13 to 19, 2017.
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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