List of beaches in Philippines
1. Calaguas, Camarines Norte
Location: Specifically Tinaga Island in Vinzons, Camarines Norte
Freckling the waters off the coast of Vinzons, Camarines Norte, the Calaguas group of islands hide pretty little secrets. In recent years, however, they are discovered by more and more beach chasers, who easily fall in love with the place. Angel Juarez (aka Lakwatsero) is one of them. His absolute favorite? Mahabang Buhangin in Tinaga Island, the biggest in the group.
“Mahabang Buhangin is a picture perfect paradise with its long stretch of fine white sand dotted with volcanic rocks on its both ends,” Juarez describes his pick. “The place is the most frequented camping and swimming site by tourists.”
2. Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beach, El Nido, Palawan
Location: El Nido, Palawan
Byron has an equally pristine choice — Nacpan-Calitang Beach. Just when you think El Nido is done blowing your mind with its hidden lagoons and secret beaches, you get beach-slapped with two long strips of white sand. Nacpan and Calitang Beaches are two separate beauties that find each other and meet by a hill.
3. Port Barton, Palawan
Location: San Vicente, 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!”
4. Bantayan Island, Cebu
Location: 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.
5. Anguib Beach, Cagayan
Location: Sta. Ana, 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.
6. Bolobadiangan Island, Iloilo
Location: Concepcion, 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.
7. Naked Island, Surigao del Sur
Location: Britania Group of Islands, Surigao del Sur
Speaking of intimacy. Time to get naked. “In the vastness of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur is an island incomparable to its neighbors in Britania Group,” Harry Balais writes about this nude stunner. “Naked Island is made up of a long white sand bar that completely gets lost in the horizon during neap high tide.”
8. Buluan Island, Zamboanga Sibugay
Location: Ipil, 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.”
9. Subic Beach, Sorsogon
Location: Matnog, 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
10. Diniwid Beach, Boracay, Aklan
Location: Boracay Island, Malay, 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.
11. Biri Island, Northern Samar
Location: Biri, 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!”
12. Matukad Island
Location: Caramoan, Camarines Sur
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.”
13. Secret Beach, Palawan
Location: Matinloc Island, El Nido, 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.
14. Quiminatin Island, Palawan
Location: Cuyo, 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.”
15. Kalanggaman Island, Leyte
Location: Palompon, 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.
16. Malamawi Island, Basilan
Location: White Beach, 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.”
17. Puraran Beach, Catanduanes
Location: Baras, 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.”
18. Dahican Beach, Davao Oriental
Location: Mati, 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.
19. Bounty Beach, Cebu
Location: 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.”
20. Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor
Location: Maria, 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.”
21. Manjuyod Sandbar, Negros Oriental
Location: Manjuyod, Negros Oriental
Scribbling the waters of North Bais Bay is the Manjuyod white sand bar. “It is a typical stop-over during the Bais dolphin and whale watching tour,” shares Gael. “It is highly advisable to visit the sandbar early in the morning to catch its momentous appearance. There is no sign of plush resort here, only three native cottages dotting the sandbar, and they all offer a gorgeous tropical isle scene.”
22. Black Island (Malajon Island), Palawan
Location: Busuanga, Palawan
Everything you want in a beach destination you can find on and around Black Island — wide bed of white sand, coral gardens, limestone cliffs, and even a cave that houses a natural pool! Black Island (or Malajon Island) is located off the coast of Busuanga, Palawan.
“Surprisingly, shimmering fine white sand welcomed us, apprehension gone,” Kirk shares. “Sparkling crystal clear water also showed their most treasured vibrant coral garden underneath with colourful fishes dancing gracefully. We couldn’t help but to succumb ourselves to this beautiful paradise.”
What’s more, there is also a Japanese ship that was submerged during World War II near the coast, adding another treat for snorkelers.
23. Malcapuya Island, Palawan
Location: Coron, Palawan
Of all the provinces in the country, Palawan probably has the most to boast about when it comes to the shoreline pulchritude. Palawan has two beaches in this batch and the six overall. (Other beaches that made it to this list are: Nacpan-Calitang, Port Barton, El Nido’s Secret Beach, and Cuyo’s Quiminatin Island.)
Coron is represented by Malcapuya Island; thanks to John Marx, who just couldn’t get enough of it during his visit. “With its long stretch of powdery sand and very clear waters, I couldn’t resist but to take a dip!” Malcapuya is usually part of an island hopping tour that includes Bulog and Banana Islands.
24. Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro
Location: Apo Reef Natural Park, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
Covering an area of 34 square kilometers, Apo Reef Natural Park is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world (next only to the Great Barrier Reef). Although more widely-known for the natural trove of treasure hidden underneath its waves, Apo Reef has some of the country’s finest beaches, too!
“Do explore Apo Island,” Claire recommends. “There are waters so clear you can see the sandy bottom, creamy pinkish white sand similar to the popular pinkish Sta. Cruz Islands in Zamboanga, a mangrove forest, a quiet lagoon, rock formations, and a stunning view from the lighthouse.”
25. Alona Beach, Bohol
Location: Panglao Island, Bohol
Panglao Island has some of Bohol’s best beaches. The most popular of them all? Alona Beach. This powdery paradise is just a short tricycle ride away from the provincial capital Tagbilaran. It remains the most famous, most crowded, and the most developed, but it still retains much of what makes it well-loved.
26. Patar Beach, Pangasinan
Location: Bolinao, Pangasinan
“This jaw-dropping sunset is truly magical,” Darwin recalls one of his best moments at Patar Beach. The place was not yet developed during this visit, making his stay very laid-back. “No loud music, only waves. No screaming, only whistles from the leaves of trees. I’ve been to this place three times and still hoping to go back. I find this beach as my perfect hideout whenever I’m tired and stressed from the hassles of city life. In Patar, you can also visit the lighthouse, the Rock View, and lagoons inside a cave.”
27. Bucas Grande Islands, Surigao del Norte
Location: Socorro, Surigao del Norte
There’s so much to love about Bucas Grande Islands: mystic coves, enchanted lagoons, and a jellyfish sanctuary, to name a few. But when it comes to pearly whites, it has something under its belt, too. Some of the sandy beaches in the area are Markaa, also a great snorkeling site, and Bubon. “Bubon Beach offers a great view of Bubon Group of Islets that appears like gigantic green mushrooms sprouting from the seawaters,” shares Olan.
28. White Island (Medan Island), Camiguin
Location: Mambajao, Camiguin
White Island (locally known as Medano Islet or Medan Island) lies just 1.4 km, about 10 minutes, off the coast of Mambajao. It is Camiguin’s most popular tourist attraction. Some of the finest white sand you’ll ever see makes up this glittery bend. A naked island, it is uninhabited — no houses, no huts, no trees — but umbrellas are available for rent.
“White Island is so beautiful and picturesque,” Ivan writes. “Every corner is worth taking a photo. We even planned to stay in the island until dusk hoping that we will capture the majestic sunset.”
29. Lampinigan Island, Basilan
Location: Isabela City, Basilan
Despite its dangerous reputation, a remote island in Basilan earns a nod from Mark of Kurtzky.com. “Basilan has many potential tourist destinations that remain pristine,” he notes. “The presence of rebels in the province somehow helps in preserving the virginity of most areas, but sadly, not everyone can see the bright side of Basilan… Our quick 1-hour stay at Lampinigan was all worth our time, money, and effort considering the fact that we could have been possibly observed by militants while we were on the island. We felt secure in the duration of our visit, thanks to the armed guys who were there with us.”
30. Pamuktan Beach, Cagayan
Location: Calayan Island, Cagayan
Palaui Island is the prized jewel of Cagayan these days — Thanks to Survivor — but one less famous but no less alluring paradise is Pamuktan Beach. “It’s one of the most inaccessible islands in the Philippines and probably the most beautiful island I’ve visited,” Melo declares. It is part of the five-piece Babuyan Group of Islands. “These islands are a place where you live the dreams of island life. There really isn’t anyplace else like them. The island (Camiguin Norte) doesn’t have a public market. Why? Because they catch their own fish!”.
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