2013 • 06 • 25
There are many questions that travel bloggers can answer easily. How to get there. Where to stay. What to do in a certain destination. But if you want them to stop dead in their tracks and give them a hard time, ask them what their favorite place is.
And that’s exactly what we did. We asked them what they thought was the best beach in the Philippines. While some were able to blurt out their choice in an instant, many had reactions that were quite amusing. That’s a tough one. Do I really have to pick? Just one? Does it really have to be just one? And who could blame them? With 7,107 islands, the Philippines has more than its share of spectacular beaches! And choosing just one is not an easy task at all. There are a lot of things to consider: the sand, the landscape, their personal experiences. Still, after a long time of bugging, pushing, and — sometimes — blackmailing begging, they were able to give an answer.
Here’s a list of 30 best beaches in the Philippines as chosen by some of your favorite Pinoy travel bloggers. (Note that this is just Part 1. And this is in no particular order.)
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
1. Calaguas, Camarines Norte
Location: Specifically Tinaga Island in Vinzons, Camarines Norte
Blogger: Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero
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.”
Check out this post for more about this: Calaguas Islands Travel Guide
2. Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beach, El Nido, Palawan
Location: El Nido, Palawan
Blogger: Byron Datinguinoo of Peculiar Hours
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.
More photos here: Nacpan Beach.
3. Port Barton, Palawan
Location: San Vicente, Palawan
Blogger: Edgar Alan Zeta Yap of The EAZY Traveler
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!”
Read more about his adventure here: Port Barton.
4. Bantayan Island, Cebu
Location: Cebu
Blogger: Brenna Bustamante of the Philippine Travelogue
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
Blogger: Robbie Bautista of The Travelling Dork
“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
Blogger: Ron Cruz of FlipTravels.com
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.
Read more about this unforgettable island escapade at: FlipTravels.com.
7. Naked Island, Surigao del Sur
Location: Britania Group of Islands, Surigao del Sur
Blogger: Harry Balais
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.”
Learn more about Naked Island or view more photos at: HarryBalais.com.
8. Buluan Island, Zamboanga Sibugay
Location: Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
Blogger: Estan Cabigas of Langyaw.com
“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.”
Curious? Here’s more information: Buluan Beach.
9. Subic Beach, Sorsogon
Location: Matnog, Sorsogon
Blogger: Owen Ballesteros of Two2Travel
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. It’s so beautiful I could feel the cliches against my bare feet as I walked the length of the beach half-looking for algae or any of that shiz that usually turns off beach-goers. None.”
But that’s not all. Two2Travel documented their overnight stay at: Subic Beach, Sorsogon
10. Diniwid Beach, Boracay, Aklan
Location: Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Blogger: Nikka Corsino of Two2Travel
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.
Nikka Corsino has been living here for a month now. “It is the the longest we’ve had to stay in any single beach destination,” she shares. “I love its turquoise waters, jagged rock formations, and overall quiet. It is, for me, the best place to see the sunset in Boracay.”
Check out their original post about: Diniwid Beach!
This is just the first batch. Which of the beaches above have you graced with your presence? What other coves and shores will make it to the next wave of our list of the 30 most beautiful beaches in the Philippines? Make sure you speak your mind in the comments below!
PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3
All maps: © Mike Gonzalez, 2005
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
beauitful compilation Yoshke! Daghang salamat for including me 🙂
You should have listed it in order. Just saying :))) (suggesting) 😀
,..the best talaga ang pinas ‘:)
U R VERY RIGHT!! PINAS IS D BEST!!!
I still need to explore more but for now its Bantayan Island for me. That picture you got there is Anika Island Resort , I love that resort.
I like the Boracay Island and the white, long sandy beaches that runs from coast into the sea and several meters out before it meets the coral reefs. This forms a crystal clear pool like water that makes you don’t wanna leav the place…Their all so great hence, I believe Boracay should be ranked Philippines top isle of paradise…Other destinations are also better.
Before the transformation of Mahabang Buhangin (Calaguas) into mini-Boracay, I agree that is it indeed beautiful and must be part of this list, but now? No, Not anymore. Its mystic beauty has already been gone.
I hope kalanggaman Island in Palompon,Leyte will also be included in the list. It’s indeed a very beautiful paradise island.
try nyo din po ifeature ang mga beaches sa mindoro….tnx
I believe Boracay is still the best beach for me, you got the best of both worlds, from the serene, tranquil beach bumming in the morning, to a party beach place at night, I love how it transforms from a paradise during the day, to a party haven at night! I believe it is still the top ranking beach, coz every beach I go there is this tagline which goes like ” mini-Boracay” “Boracay of the north” “better than Boracay” “sands like Boracay” and the likes.. like they wanna be compared or at least be matched up to Boracay.
Is Palaui on the list? Gigantes Island?
Saud Beach in Pagudpud is the best beach in Luzon
Couldn’t agree more.
I need to check the rest of the article… inspiring! I have to bookmark this one! heheheh… thanks!
good to find out that theres so many good beaches in our country…mabuhay philippines
CNN BEST 100 Beaches in d World , There 3 from the Philippines…. OUR OWN!!!
why dont you try to visit also the beautiful beaches and resorts in BATANGAS,THANKS
Where are the rest of 30 ?
You should include And a, Bohol in this list
i meant Anda, Bohol
Should include samal island.,, it’s heavenly paradise island and lots of nature trip to explore:)
don’t forget Pangasinan.we have a lot to show.we have Hundred Islands to begin with.thanks
What a great article, incl. the maps! Will totally share that! Salamat!
I’ve been lucky that I lived in the Philippines…we have a lots of beautiful natural beaches and no need to travel abroad….I loved this paradise….
I like of course nice beaches but I’m probably even more interested in sea bed, corals & coloured fish, then last but not least, clean and not too crowded places.
In my view one of the best spot is in Guimaras but unfortunately the resort where is located the area that I meant is run too badly. Anyway almost every year despite of that I go for as long as I can bear the negative feature of the accomodation. Thanks to all the people given here good tips for my next trips
Do you have any articles on the best scuba diving in The Philippines? Going back to the ancestral homeland and was wondering where are the best places to dive.
Cheers!
Waiting for Part 2!..
although they said this is in no particular order..i’m glad to see they listed Calaguas Island first. 😀 i just love that beach and would be coming for more of its serenity! 🙂
will include this in my bucket list
Theirs so much world class beaches in the Philippines. I think the PANGLAO beaches in Bohol is also awesome, so with the WHITE BEACH in Camaguin. I noticed, the beaches in CORON, GUIMARAS were not included in the lists, it should also top.
The Nakpan-Calitang Twin Beach in El Nido is truly breathtaking. We were their last July 04, 2013 our last day in El Nido before going back to Puerto Princesa. We are supposed to tour the “D” during that day but because of the insistent of our companion that we have to visit this beach after seeing it in your blog. We took the boat by 45 minutes & visited other nearby beaches before reaching this beach.
It was a relaxing experience, no other tourists have gone during the day. Our group were the only invaders, hehe.
To sum it all, El Nido is truly awesome and so with the rests of Palawan truly heavens gift to the Filipinos and humanity as a whole appreciating God’s marvelous creations.
Kudos and let’s explore more of Philippine’s nature beauty.
Nacpan/Calitang is usually devoid of tourists. This place easily tops my list! According to locals, the biggest island fronting the main beach is owned by Manny Pacquiao!
wheres the rest of the 30s? Isla de Gigantes in Iloilo should be in the list.
This website is awesome! Thanks for the information.
I’m looking forward to visit one these beaches soon
Best regards
hello 🙂 would it be ok if i were to use your photos for an assignment that i am doing 🙂
Thank you
hindi kasama dito ang cuatro islas ng Leyte…di pa siguro nila napupuntahan…pero ok lang para hindi ma spoil ang mga isla namin dito…hehehe…
kalanggaman island, leyte….
ANG GANDA!
SA ISANG ISLA BA ITO?
DI BA TYPHOON PATH ITONG PART NA ITO NG LEYTE?
This is in Palompon Leyte. I’ve been there last 2013 before Yolanda struck and the place is nice. There is a 1 hour boat ride from the mainland of Palompon. You have to pay entrance fee of 230 per person. Boat fare ranges from 3,500 to 4,500 depending on the size of the boat. The rented boat will remain on the island until tourists goes home the next day. The island has no electricity and no hotels. They have cottages that you can rent out so it is advisable to bring tents. The place is beautiful with three sand bars accessible through walking or kayaking. There are also other water sports available on the island. This is one of the must-visit islands in Leyte.
Speaking as someone who specialises in the Philippines, it’s great to see articles like this, promoting the beauty of the country and its beaches.
Lovely. Should have 1 link version of these so that I can share one only in facebook.
wow super namangha ako sa mga nakita kong mga larawan….pupuntahan ko yan,,,,gawin ko cover photo para ma ing gan nyo ko mga fwends ko sumama sakin….
cagbalete island,mauban quezon
Cagwait White Beach, Cagwait Surigao del Sur, Philippines
Great List! But check out my beach here in Bataan. fb page: BATAAN NATURE ADVENTURES
I LOVE THE VIEW !!!
Hi, May I ask where is the exact place of this beach in Bataan? Thank you 🙂
GIGANTES ISLANDS at the north-easternmost part of Iloilo is a must-see for beach-lovers, rock-climbers, divers and nature-trippers. Caves await you to explore, corals to view and people to befriend with.
ISLAS DE GIGANTES in Carles, Iloilo is a place to see. with so many things to offer, one can choose what kind of sand beach to walk, caves to explore, lagoon and sand bars, corals to snorkel and rocky mountains to climb.
I think Pagudpud of Ilocos Norte is also a beautiful place. It’s clean, calm, and beautiful.
we went to Pagudpud with my family (we were 16 in all) july 2010 and stayed at Hannah’s. for 2nights. the beach is good no trash but pieces of wood and seaweeds were washed up to shore and nobody cares to clear it up. and the sea is rough and murky for an enjoyable swim. if Boracay is to be the gauge on which to compare this beach it will be in the very bottom of the scale. but we went to see the viaduct and the windmills which no other province had. and by the way I am an Ilocana who migrated to Or. Mindoro in the early 50’s. We visited my brother in Suyo,Ilocos Sur and the green mountains, waterfalls and the hanging bridge is worth the travel.
the philippines is endowed with beautiful nature
I havent seen the list but i would love to include our own in Aurora, Casapsapan in Dilasag Casiguran Aurora Province, try to search it, pero same with other post mas maganda hindi madiscover para di masira yung nature… kami kami nalang hahaha….
here’s another one with my wife, just situated at the back of our property in casiguran, No inhabitants, no resort just us… its called Pinanoktokan, dark sand but super beautiful.. in view, with mountain cliffs… and nice waves…
Great post. So where are the other 20 beaches? I’m a Filipino-Canadian, and haven’t travelled much back home, but now I’m intending to do it more because of this article.
Unspoilt , very lovely beaches all in Quezon proince.
There are so many beautiful beaches in the Philippines, that’s why I love my country! My friends and I make sure we travel to a local spot each year and I blog about them. I want to share a post I’ve written //firsttimetravels.com/a-first-time-travelers-3-best-kept-secret-islands/. You can also find other Philippine beaches in my site. 🙂 Thanks for this post and looking forward to more!!!
Can we have some tips on how to go to these places…thanks a lot and mabuhay!
There’s just a lot to put it in 30. We all have a long list to go guys! #itsmorefuninthephilippines
Islas de Gigantes, Carles Ilo-ilo is one awesome beach too.
//liberisimo.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/islas-de-gigantes/
Ito po ang Sta.Cruz Island ,Zamboanga City
All I can say is that we Filipinos are very Lucky to have all of these Beautiful Beaches that surrounds our country… All we have to do is explore it and not to exploit it. Sabi nga… WAG MAGING DAYUHAN SA SARILING BAYAN.
Wanniban Island, Mati City, Davao Oriental….
This website is superb! Very helpful and I must admit….I’m your avid fan. I hope Caramoan beaches may be included in your lis. Looking forward to more informative and thrilling blogs!
Nice list.
Guys, I am renting out our studio condo unit at PICO DE LORO Nasugbu Batangas. Please email me at marvsdg@gmail.com for more details.
You may want to check their website as well. It’s //www.picodelorocove.com/
Thanks
Yes, I agree! Bolinao should be included here. Bolinao has many things to offer especially with the beaches as well as the undeniably primordial caves which will exquisitely amazed you with its natural and original designs.
Panampangan Island
Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi
Very beautiful! How do we get there? I always dream to live in this area.
(Sand Bar) sa bais city negros oriental. Sana mapuntahan nyo. White sand nasa gitna ng cebu at negros island tapos may mga whale at dolphin pa kyong makikita. Tapos doon na kayo mapalipas ng araw sa cottages nila mag rent kayo don. Try nyolang
anguib beach in sta. ana, cagayan is awesome!
saud beach in pagudpud, ilocos norte is awesome, too!
si chocoleit ba yung nasa kanan? lol
hahahahaha
Guinanayan Island, Rapu Rapu, Albay
NICE DESCRIPTION OF THE BEAUTY OF THE BEACH.
BUT I NEED INFO ON HOW TO GET THERE.