Forget the Maldives, the best beaches are found in the Pearl of the Orient – The Philippines.
Lately, The Philippines has been growing as a popular destination for people looking for a fresh new adventure coupled with crystal blue oceans and the perfect sunny weather. From Palawan to Bohol, Boracay to Siargao – the country is littered with breathtaking beaches, pounding surf, and a diverse marine life.
Chances are that at one point or another, you’ve heard about some of the most world-renowned and most famous beaches in The Philippines. This is no accident – they are so captivating that you will find yourself lost.
YOU DON’T NEED HEAPS OF MONEY
One of the reasons why the country has become so popular among travelers and tourists from all over the world is because of how incredibly affordable it is to visit. Once you’re in the country, flights to different parts of The Philippines from Manila (the country’s capital city) usually range from $200 to $400.
But, if you’re lucky enough, you can even score flights for as little as $60 to $100! A lot of the domestic airlines offer promo flights where you can purchase extremely discounted tickets for basically no cost at all.
Accommodations there cater to all budgets too. You can stay at luxury resorts for $300+ or immerse in a more intimate experience at backpacking hostels for about $20 a night!
And if you’re even willing to stay at a shared dorm-room type place (highly recommended for surfers who want to get to know the local surf scene), rooms cost around $6 per night. Seriously, where do you find prices like that?
BEST BEACHES TO VISIT
With so many beaches to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one. You’ll probably end up falling in love with one place and then extending your trip to visit the other beaches.
Luckily, I’ve got an insider’s opinion on the best beaches you can visit in The Philippines. At least, this can give you a good kick-off point if you’re not sure where to start!
PALAWAN
If there is only one place you can visit in The Philippines, choose Palawan. Even there, you’ll have a number of different options. The most famous islands to go to are El Nido and Coron.
El Nido and Coron are top destinations even for Filipinos from other parts of the country due to the insanely crystal blue waters and powdery white sands. People who visit say there is nowhere more beautiful than Coron and El Nido.
Visitors usually go island hopping and visit multiple beaches, each with its own unique characteristics. It’s a great place to simply relax and unwind. Snorkeling and diving are pretty popular activities in Coron and El Nido as well because the waters of Palawan are home to Dugongs, those big, adorable, friendly-looking marine mammals you sometimes see in cartoons or shows. Also, you can relax in a portable beach chair. SelectedBest have reviewed the best ones.
SAMAL, DAVAO DEL NORTE
Samal is an island city found in the southern-most island group of the country, Mindanao. Samal is not often talked about but it is the perfect place to go if you’re looking to get away from the crowds.
The vibe there is like a mix of Philippines and The Maldives with just a touch of Thailand. Samal is also a pretty romantic place that’s perfect for couples that are looking for an exotic getaway. You can take a cruise around the Island and view Samal’s sugar-white coastlines.
If you’re up for another unique experience, you can swim with giant clams in Samal – around 3,500 of them! The largest of them has already reached a meter in length, which is pretty darn cool if you ask me.
SIARGAO, SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Surf’s up! Siargao is the destination for all your surfers since this is where you will find Cloud 9, the reef wave known for its thick and hollow tubes. It is also the site of the annual Siargao Cup, which is a domestic and international surfing competition.
But even if you’re not a surfer, you can still relish the Siargao experience. You can find tons of cheap accommodations, restaurants, and bars to enjoy over there. You can also eat fresh seafood, rent a bike to explore the natural landscape, or you can go island hopping to find new friends. People in The Philippines are extremely friendly so don’t be surprised if you end up with some new buddies before heading back home.
CARAMOAN, CAMARINES SUR
Caramoan was the first place I visited when I was in the Philippines. It was one of the sites in the TV Series “Survivor”, and it made me incredibly curious. When I got there, I was completely blown away.
The sand was so soft and powdery; I haven’t felt anything like it. The water was so clear that you could see the bottom of the shallow ocean floors and all the corals and fish swimming beneath. The rock formations were also really interesting that I kept having this urge to jump from them and feel free!
There are tons of tour packages you can find that are incredibly affordable. The best thing to do in the beaches of Caramoan is to simply go island hopping, relax, and get to know the locals.
BANTAYAN ISLAND, CEBU
Search for pictures of this place and all you will see are the brightest of whites and bluest of blues. Bantayan Island rests in the Visayan Sea of The Philippines. Like most of the beaches in the country, there are nearby towns and cities filled with other places to visit and things to do.
If you’re looking for white sand beaches with fewer people, Bantayan Island is the escape for you. Life there is unhurried and steady, making it a perfect place to step away from your regular, fast-paced daily life. The place is filled with snorkeling and dive spots, with sea turtles being found every so often.
Seafood is also great in Bantayan! If there’s something you’ll come to learn about beaches in The Philippines, it’s that you will end up not just filling your heart and soul, but your tummy as well!
NOTHING COMPARES…
Traveling to The Philippines is incredibly easy. If you have the chance, I suggest you take it and visit any one of these places. There are so much more beaches in the country that are too many to list right now, but one thing is certain – you won’t be disappointed.
It’s hard to beat the unparalleled beauty of beaches in The Philippines and the experiences you will get there are unlike any other. Immerse yourself with the friendly locals and get to know their culture, and you may even be shown around to other secret sweet spots in the country. Truly, the best beaches in the world are found in The Philippines.
