Although the beaches in the Philippines are among the most stunning in the world, not all of them receive the recognition they merit. It appears like the Philippines has it all. The nation’s abundance of sights and activities appeals to beachgoers, culture vultures, and adventure seekers alike.
The beaches of the Philippines are arguably the most popular attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world who are eager to tan on the fine white sand and snorkel in the many beautiful coves.
Aside from beaches, the nation’s more than 7,000 islands are home to an abundance of rice terraces, misty volcanoes, several national parks, prime diving locations, former headhunters, a world-famous tattoo artist, colonial architecture, and a rich cultural history, all of which combine to make the island nation one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse.
Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach, a 4-kilometer stretch of pristine white loveliness, is frequently cited as the most gorgeous beach in the Philippines. Although several other beaches in the Philippines compete fiercely for it, the title is well-deserved.
Nacpan is actually one of the two beaches that make up El Nido. Despite being close by and accessible at the same time as Nacpan, the second half—Calitang—is nothing special and is best avoided.
If you want to spend your holiday in the Philippines doing nothing but relaxing on the sand, tanning, or swimming in the beautiful seas, Nacpan is the place to go. It is a spectacular stretch of sand and coconut trees.
About 20 km from El Nido town, Nacpan Beach is reachable by tricycle, motorbike, or even bicycle if you’re seeking to get some exercise (I wasn’t).
In fact, the tricycle will wait for you while you enjoy the beach for a set fee.
Almost all businesses in El Nido offer the El Nido Tour E, sometimes referred to as the Inland Tour, which includes a stop at the shore. Stops are made to the adjacent Nagkalit-kalit Falls and the twin beaches.
Panglao Island Beaches
Only a few of the rocky and white sand beaches on Panglao Island in the province of Bohol are well-known. Alona Beach, one of the most well-known beaches in the Philippines, is by far the most well-liked beach destination.
I discovered it to be overly busy and expensive yet still lovely because of its popularity. A short tricycle ride from Alona, which is largely visited by curious locals who will be eager to ask you all kinds of questions about why you are there, is Dumaluan Beach, which is quieter and less well-liked.
A popular destination is the Virgin Island sand bar off Panglao, which can be reached by private boat or by taking one of the many shared boat tours available on the island.
Despite the sand bar’s popularity with visitors in Panglao, you can venture a short distance from the main area to locate some vacant locations for some peace and quiet or fantastic Instagram photo opportunities!
White Beach
The principal beach in Boracay, White Beach, is undoubtedly the most well-known of all the beaches in the Philippines and is frequently the main attraction for visitors who are planning brief stays there.
White Beach is both romantic and family-friendly. There are numerous resorts, eateries, and pubs there. The afternoons are a great time for beach water sports, and at night, the bars come alive!
Finding a quiet area on this beach can be challenging during the high season due to its tendency to get somewhat busy. The sunsets here are amazing, and the smooth white beaches also embrace the stunning blue waters.
White Beach is only one aspect of boreacy. If you wish to avoid crowds, the island is home to several more stunning and peaceful beaches.
Cresta De Gallo
Without a doubt, this is my favorite beach in the Philippines and possibly my favorite location overall. It is simple to understand why. This tiny islet has the purest, whitest beaches and blue waters that make you think of the Maldives.
One fishing family lives on the island, which has neither electricity nor running water. It is even more amazing because it is far away and challenging to reach, and during my stay, the island was essentially empty.
The El Nido Beaches
Nacpan Beach, which is near El Nido, merits its own section (above). But aside from Nacpan, which is reachable by land, several other stunning, undeveloped beaches can be reached from El Nido town by boat trips that are conveniently referred to as trips A, B, C, and D.
Several beaches are visited throughout each of the tours; my personal favorite is Hidden Beach, which is reachable via Tour C. This remote area cannot be seen from the boat you’re on because of the tall karst cliffs that surround it and wrap around the tiny beach, giving it its name.
The beach’s shallow, cool waves are perfect for relaxing while taking in the sun. The sand bar on Snake Island and Talisay Beach are two additional beaches that are equally beautiful and well worth the boat ride. Don’t neglect to bring a dry bag.
From Puerto Princesa or other major towns in Palawan, one can go directly by bus or van to El Nido.
Sabang Beaches
Few visitors stay in the tiny Palawan village of Sabang since tours from Puerto Princesa can take them to the area’s main attraction, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, without them having to spend any time in Sabang. As a result, Sabang’s beaches are kept largely free of tourists, trash, and noise.
The main beach is not particularly lovely, but if you take a short trek to the right of it (facing the water), it will lead you to several deserted beaches with several lovely, secluded areas.
There are no tourist amenities beyond the main beach in Sabang because the beaches there are less well-known than those in other parts of the Philippines, so make sure you pack enough food and water to last you for a while!
Also, Read 10 Undiscovered Locations in Southeast Asia
Siargao Island
Siargao is a busy place, but it is mostly known for having the best surfing conditions of any beach in the Philippines. On the eastern coast of the Philippines, you may either learn to surf here or, if you’re an experienced surfer, visit one of the many surf sites to look for the ideal swell.
When you need a break from surfing, you may engage in other pursuits like island hopping and exploring the peculiar Magpupungko rock pool. Of course, the beaches near General Luna are also quite enjoyable for non-surfers.
Coron
Although Barracuda Lake and the stunning Kayangan Lake are what most people come to Coron for, the island itself and the other islands around also have several isolated beaches that are accessible by boat trips. Here are also some of the top resorts in the Philippines.
It is well worth visiting CYC beach and the incredible Siete Pecados Marine Park, which is not a beach but one of the best snorkeling locations in the Coron area. Best of all, these locations are less crowded than the lakes.
Like many other beaches in the Philippines, those found here have soft white sand, and clear turquoise water, and make for ideal photo locations. On your boat trip, make sure to have a waterproof camera!
Camiguin
This tiny island’s magnificent beaches should not be overlooked, even though it may be more well-known for having the highest density of volcanoes per square kilometer of any island in the world.
Uninhabited and constantly changing in shape due to the sea is the sand bar known as White Island which lies just off the coast of Camiguin Island. It is one of Camiguin’s most picturesque locations, and getting there requires a 10-minute boat voyage. There is no shade on the island, so use plenty of sunscreen unless you want to burn.
Saud Beach
Saud Beach, a gorgeous location with brilliant blue waters and coconut trees bordering the silky fine sand, is found in the town of Pagudpud, which is situated in Ilocos North right at the point of Luzon island.
There are several lodging alternatives nearby, and despite being one of the busiest beaches in the north of the Philippines, it is big enough to accommodate a sizable throng of sunbathers without feeling congested or unclean.
