Deciding where to spend your next vacation? Be sure to read our top 10 best beaches in the Philippines. Learn about what makes the beaches in the Philippines so amazing and why visitors return to enjoy more of this paradise.
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The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia comprised of more than 7,000 islands dotting the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to the geographical features of the Philippines, the country is gifted with stretches of pristine white sand beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
Top 10 Must-Visit Beaches in the Philippines
El Nido Garden Beach
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It is one of the hidden destinations of the Philippines and has an idyllic setting of Paradise Island. The beaches here offer white sand and turquoise water and adventure activities such as snorkeling and rock climbing on the limestone cliffs. Visit the beautiful Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls and take a guided tour of Balay Cuyonon, a well-preserved traditional Cuyonese home to learn about village life. Also, go for overnight island hopping and camp on a deserted island.
The best time to visit this white sand beach in the Philippines is from November to May. Visit it for at least four nights to see the island and explore the lagoons, coves, and caves it offers. El Nido is one of the best beaches in South-East Asia. It is also a beautiful beach for diving. It is a quick and easy way to explore the underwater world as a complete beginner. The whole experience will be conducted by certified professionals in a safe and secure environment. You don’t need to worry!
Boracay Beach
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It is a rocky beach with a laid-back atmosphere and a two-mile stretch of sparkling sand of White Beach. It is one of the most beautiful destinations for budget beaches in the Philippines.
Indulge in water sports like windsurfing, kiteboarding, and also horseback riding at Bulabog Beach and view the island from Mt Luho View Deck. With a three-day trip, you will get the perfect getaway.
Boracay is also a great beach for diving and snorkeling. There are many Dive Centers that offer a complete diving holiday from beginner to experienced level. Enjoy the beauty of the underwater world with a smooth dive from beginning to finish. You won’t be alone in your aquatic adventure, a professional instructor always guides you and makes sure you are okay under the water while in the dive.
The best time to visit this beach is from November to April.
Puka Shell Beach in Boracay, Philippines
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The second largest beach on Boracay, this popular destination is also called Puka Shell Beach after the prevalent white seashells.
Exploring Puka Shell Beach is a serene escape to a quieter and more natural side of the island. The beach’s powdery white sand and the vibrant Puka shells scattered along the shoreline create a picturesque scene. It’s a place to relax, sunbathe, and take strolls along the shore. The clear waters and gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Bantayan Beach, Cebu
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Located at the northernmost tip of Cebu, Bantayan Island boasts of stunning white sand beaches and eco-tourism sites. From the Mactan Cebu International Airport, the island is easily accessible by boarding a bus at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. The journey will take you on a scenic ride to the northern tip of Cebu including a short ferry to the island. Activities in Bantayan include swimming, cliff diving, island-hopping, kayaking, and even skydiving. One can soak in the local culture by approaching locals who engage in fishing and the production of savory dried fish as their main source of livelihood.
White Beach in Moalboal, Cebu
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This is the most popular of the beaches in Moalboal. It’s a spectacular beach of white sand and shallow turquoise waters. There are loungers, tents, and small wooden shelters available for rent on the beach and sorts of activities including kayaks, snorkels, boats, and volleyballs! There are also plenty of snacks and drinks huts along the beach to grab some refreshments, so White Beach in Moalboal has plenty to keep you occupied all day.
Stay for the sunset and you won’t be disappointed; the skies light up in incredible colors to provide the perfect end to a perfect day.
Panagsama Beach, Cebu
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Panagsama Beach is the area of Moalboal where most of the activities, accommodations, and bars are located. Despite being a stretch of coastline, you can enjoy a beautiful snorkeling moment where you can often see Sea Turtles and small jellyfish.
Puerto Galera Philippines White Beach
This beautiful white sand beach is located on the north coast of the island of Mindoro and is known for its crystal clear waters and relaxed atmosphere. If you want to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in the Philippines, you can’t miss Playa Blanca.
The white sand and crystal clear waters create a dream landscape that will take your breath away. In addition, Playa Blanca is a quiet and relaxing place, ideal to disconnect from the stress of everyday life. There are also many fun activities to do on the beach, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Finally, locals are friendly and welcoming, making your stay in Playa Blanca even more enjoyable.
Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga City
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If you are looking for a unique island you should visit Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga City. The island itself is famous due to its fine pink sand that glows under the sunlight and calm waters with some mangrove trees as background.
As an eco-tourism site, Santa Cruz Islands only allow low-impact structures, and activities, to ensure that the islands’ natural environment remains pristine and habitable for various animal species.
Aside from enjoying the scenic beach and strolling around the island, you can also do other activities such as snorkeling, diving, bird watching, lagoon tours, and cultural immersion in a small peace-loving Sama-Bangingi community. If you are looking to experience local cuisine, then locals can prepare good ol’ seafood dishes just for you.
Sila Island in San Vicente, Northern Samar
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Sila Island charms tourists because of its pink sand hue and natural beauty. Plus, the island is a clear example of clean and beautiful, where you can submerge yourself under the sea to discover what this beautiful island has to offer. Also, Sila Island is considered one of the Philippines’ best snorkeling spots.
Romantic Beach Villas Philippines
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The resort is located directly on the beach with white fabulously fine sand which runs into a shallow lagoon protected from the rough Pacific Ocean by a coral barrier. The turquoise water in the lagoon is crystal clear and can be as warm as 35°C so you may feel at times as if staying in a spa resort.
This place is just steps from the best beach area on the island, you can enjoy easy access to world-famous diving, fishing, and surfing spots around the island. It also provides speed boat trips, wakeboarding, surfing, and kayaking among other activities.
Travel Tips for Beach Lovers Visiting the Philippines
- Know where NOT to go: Check current advisories as political changes may affect safety. Make sure to check here when planning your trip.
- Do not visit too many places in one trip: We strongly recommend you choose a maximum of three places to visit if you only have 2 weeks in the Philippines.
- Keep in mind the language: English is an official language.
- Buy an eSIM card: The Philippines is said to have the worst wi-fi connectivity in Asia, so buy an eSIM card to avoid poor connectivity and costly roaming charges. Yoho Mobile’s eSIM is recommended due to poor wi-fi connectivity.
- Mix with friendly locals: Filipinos are exceptionally warm and welcoming. Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions!
- Respect the environment: Don’t litter, avoid touching coral, and pick up any plastic you see. Learn more about how to travel more sustainably here.
- Be aware of the weather: The Philippines has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C year-round, and weather changing quickly. Avoid traveling during the peak typhoon season from July to October.
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FAQs
What are the most amazing beaches in the Philippines?
The most beautiful beaches in the Philippines are White Beach in Boracay; Nacpan Beach in El Nido, Palawan; and Alona Beach in Bohol.
Where to go in the Philippines aside from Boracay?
Aside from Boracay, you can go to Hidden Beach and Nacpan Beach, El Nido, and Palawan. There are beautiful pink sand beaches like Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga City and Sila Island in San Vicente, Northern Samar.
Are there tourist places in the Philippines?
There are a lot of tourist places in the Philippines you can visit such as the breathtaking views of the natural rice terraces at the Batad Rice Terraces, the Spanish and Filipino heritage mix at the Casa Gorordo Museum, or the impressive Mayon Volcano, even after it erupted, it still has its perfect cone.
Is it safe to travel to the Philippines?
Traveling to the Philippines is safe, but it depends on where you go. The Philippines is a large country, which means there are plenty of options. But certain regions are cut off for foreign travelers such as the Sulu Archipelago, the Mindanao regions, the Ermita, and Malate areas in Manila. Be sure to follow travel advice, take basic precautions, and adhere to local laws, then the Philippines is as safe as any other international tourist destination.