2023 • 09 • 06
Zombie apocalypse. Imagine it happening in Manila. Almost 14 million people in one dense megacity. The chaos. The desperation. The paranoia. The nagging stress.
Sounds familiar? If your life in the city feels like you’re in an episode of The Walking Dead minus the zombies, you probably need a little break. (Or a long one, if your tired routine slowly turns you into a walker, day after day.) The bad news is, there really isn’t any beach in Manila that wouldn’t try to poison you with trash. (Cue: “Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura?”) The good news is, Manila’s friendly neighbors are here to the rescue!
Metro Manila’s surrounding provinces are blessed with miles of gorgeous beaches! The usual crowd-magnets — Laiya in Batangas, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, and Anawangin Cove in Zambales — are popular for a reason and are still worth a visit (if you don’t mind the thick swarms of tourists especially during summer). Others are yet to be “discovered” by most urban dwellers.
Save those airfare bucks because here are 13 beach destinations that do not require you to fly and are all within 5 hours of the metro.
But first, here are time saving tips:
- Be an early bird. Leave in the early morning not just so you could have more time at the beach, but also to avoid the heavy rush hour traffic. You’ll be surprised how much time you will be wasting just to get out of the city if you leave when the sun is out. (Or maybe that’s not surprising at all.)
- Take the Expressway. This one’s obvious if you’re driving but not if you’re taking public transportation. Choose the bus that takes the short cut. For example, if you’re Batangas City-bound, there are two routes that transport companies use. The first one passes through the cities of Tanauan and Lipa, which entails braving the traffic and making a dozen stops. This makes the travel time a lot longer. The other takes the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (what they commonly refer to STAR Tollway or CALABARZON Expressway), which goes straight to Batangas City and bypasses all the others. Board the bus with the CALABARZON sign and you’ll be in your destination in 2 hours or shorter.
And now, here’s the list:
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
San Antonio, Zambales
Beaches: Nagsasa Cove, Silanguin Cove, Anawangin Cove, Talisayin Cove. Their coasts are blanketed with volcanic ash straight from the guts of Mt. Pinatubo. It’s a Baguio-meets-Boracay world out there, thanks to the agoho trees rising from the ashes (literally).
Don’t Miss: Fishing! The waters of San Antonio are rich. If you have the skill and the patience (or you just want to give it a try), ask your boatman about fishing tours.
How to Get There: Travel by bus to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales and get off at San Antonio Public Market (P380, 4 hours). Take a tricycle to Pundaquit (P40-60, 10-15 minutes). From here, boat tours for two cost around P1800 for Anawangin, P2000 for Nagsasa, and P2000 for Silanguin.
Where to Stay: Pundaquit Hotels and Resorts
Calatagan, Batangas
Beaches: Burot Beach is the best beach in this part of Calatagan.
Don’t Miss: Cape Santiago Lighthouse (Entrance Fee: P50). Built in 1890, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines that continue to function. The construction began on December 15, 1890, led by Engineer Magin Pers y Pers, and was completed by Guillermo Brockman.
How to Get There: At EDSA-Taft, there are vans and buses that carry passengers straight to Calatagan (P210-320, 3-4 hours). From the town center, take a tricycle to the lighthouse (P150-P200, 20-30 minutes).
Where to Stay: Calatagan Hotels and Resorts
Malabrigo, Lobo, Batangas
Beaches: Malabrigo Point. No white sand here, either, but its beaches are strewn with smooth medium-size pebbles.
Don’t Miss: Submarine Garden, where the water is so crystal clear, you can see live corals and other life forms even without goggles. Also, the Malabrigo Lighthouse can be easily accessed from Malabrigo!
How to Get There: Board the bus to Batangas City and alight at Balagtas or Diversion (P240-290, 2-3 hours). From here, ride a jeepney or tricycle to SM Batangas and get off at the Batangas-Lobo terminal. Board a jeepney to Lobo (upwards of P55, 1 hour), then a tricycle to Malabrigo (P150, 15 minutes).
Where to Stay: Lobo Hotels and Resorts
Nasugbu-Lian, Batangas
Beaches: The sand at Bamboo Beach and Tali Beach in mainland Nasugbu isn’t sparkling white (not white at all), but it doesn’t make it any less relaxing. It is also home to Olive Ridley turtles that visit to nest each year. Hamilo Coast is also a good spot.
Don’t Miss: Fortune Island, a short boat ride away. It is surrounded by shipwreck diving sites including the Dutch warship Mauritius, which sank on December 14, 1600. Also, the Greek-style ruins are perfect beach selfie setting. (We got you at selfie, yes?)
How to Get There: From EDSA-Taft, take the DLTB bus to Nasugbu (P230, 2.5-4 hours). All the beaches are accessible by jeepney or tricycle. If going to Matabungkay, take the bus or van to Calatagan and tell the conductor to drop you off at the junction to Matabungkay (3-4 hours).
Where to Stay: Nasugbu Hotels and Resorts
Laiya, San Juan, Batangas
Beaches: Laiya Aplaya, laced with White sand spread over a long stretch!
Don’t Miss: Batangueno dishes. You’re in Batangas, dig in to a bowl of sticky lomi and sinaing na tulingan!
How to Get There: Take the bus to Lipa City and get off at the bus terminal (1.5-2 hours). Ride a jeepney bound for San Juan, and when you reach the town market, take another jeepney to Laiya.
Where to Stay: Laiya Hotels and Resorts
Anilao, Mabini, Batangas
Beaches: Anilao is more of a diving mecca than a powdery paradise — it is widely regarded as the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines — but there are pockets of white sand hidden in between its rocky promontories.
Don’t Miss: Mt. Gulugod Baboy! It’s an easy, fun climb with breathtaking views of Balayan Bay. Or, conquer the deep blue sea and learn how to scuba dive!
How to Get There: Ride the bus to Batangas City Grand Terminal (P170+, 2-3 hours) then a jeepney to Anilao in Mabini, Batangas (P40, 45 minutes).
Where to Stay: Mabini Hotels and Resorts
Tingloy, Batangas
Beaches: Masasa Beach, Sepoc Point, Sombrero Island. They’re all completely isolated from the rest of Batangas. Masasa Beach, for example, has no resorts on site. It could give you the peace of mind you’ve been needing for a while now!
Don’t Miss: If you have more energy, climb the nearby hill and meet Mag-asawang Bato, a curious rock formation on top of it!
How to Get There: Ride the bus to Batangas City Grand Terminal (P170+, 2-3 hours) then a jeepney to Anilao in Mabini, Batangas (P40, 45 minutes). From here you have 2 options. If you’re staying overnight, try to catch the 7:00am public boat to Tingloy (P80, 50 minutes). If not, charter a private boat for an island hopping tour for P2500.
Where to Stay: Mabini Hotels and Resorts
Subic, Zambales
Beaches: It may not be as fair as Boracay or Laiya, but Halfmoon Beach is a decent beach getaway with grayish sand hugged by gentle waves.
Don’t Miss: Duty-free shopping! Aside from the beaches, you might want to take a look at the stores on your way back to Manila. Beach + retail therapy. No other formula is more effective in relieving stress.
How to Get There: Travel by bus to Olongapo City (around P200 – P300, depending on your chosen route). Travel time is around 4 hours. Take a jeepney to the freeport.
Where to Stay: Subic Hotels and Resorts
Morong, Bataan
Beach: Nagbalayong Beach
Don’t Miss: Pawikan Conservation Center. Morong celebrates Pawikan Festival every November, but you might still want to visit the center for more info about our turtle friends!
How to Get There: Take Victory Liner or Bataan Transit bus to Olongapo City (around P200 – P300, depending on your chosen route). Take another bus or jeepney to Morong, Bataan (45-60 minutes).
Where to Stay: Morong Hotels and Resorts
Padre Burgos-Pagbilao, Quezon
Beaches: Dampalitan Island and Puting Buhangin (Kuwebang Lampas) are your usual white sand beaches, but Borawan Beach has something else to brag about, karst cliffs! Borawan, however, can get too crowded during peak season.
Don’t Miss: Stargazing. No electricity, you won’t have that many options at night.
How to Get There: Board the bus to Lucena Grand Terminal (P260, 3.5 hours) and a UV Express van to Unisan (P200, 45-75 minutes). Get off at QCRB Bank in Padre Burgos and take a trike to Aplaya (15 minutes). You’ll find boats for rent here.
Where to Stay: Padre Burgos Resorts
Ternate-Maragondon, Cavite
Beaches: Marine Base/Boracay de Cavite.
Don’t Miss: Aside from swimming and lazing on the beach, this part of Cavite is popular among hikers and mountaineers for its rugged terrain (Parrot’s Beak, Mt. Marami, and the rest of Maragondon Peaks). Also, Mt. Palay-Palay National Park is worth a visit.
How to Get There: Ride the Saint Anthony de Padua or Saulog bus to Ternate or Saint
Gabriel bus going to Nasugbu via Kaybiang at PITX. You may also ride the bus to Naic, Cavite. From there, take a jeepney or bus to Ternate.
Where to Stay: Ternate Hotels and Maragondon Hotels
Hundred Islands, Pangasinan
Beaches: Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, Children’s Island. Hundred islands, man. Can’t enumerate them all.
How to Get There: Victory Liner, Five Star, and Dagupan Bus are among bus companies that have daily trips to Alaminos (3.5-4.5 hours). Take a tricycle ride to the Lucap Wharf (10 minutes).
Where to stay: Hotels Near Hundred Islands
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Beaches: White Beach, Sabang Beach, Haligi Beach, Bulabod Beach
Don’t Miss: Dolphin watching! In 2007, a study by the Smithsonian Institute described it as the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity, citing the high concentration of marine species. The best places to see marine mammals here are the Lubang Islands and Batangas Bay, but most dolphin and whale watching tours are offered in Puerto Galera.
How to Get There: Ride a bus in Alabang to Batangas City Pier (P210+, 1.5 hours) and board a ferry to Puerto Galera (P250+, 60-75 minutes).
Where to Stay: Puerto Galera Hotels and Resorts
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Beaches near manila are so not worth the trip. Book a flight elsewhere. You’ll have more time at the beach than the 4-8 hours one way drive.
I beg to disagree. You probably have not seen Masasa Cove. It’s probably strictly for real adventurers because its complete isolated and you have to pitch a tent and poop in the bushes… but the beach is so worth it all… the farm before the cover is also a nice treat.
Tingloy nga teh…
You said pitch a tent..
How is the legal situation in the Philippines about camping?
Where I can put up a tent and where you shouldnt?
Is it just about “not in national park” (and of course not private property) or are there more rules?
There are designated places where you are allowed to pitch a tent. Most of the time the places that they wont allow you to pitch a tent are protected areas or areas that are not safe.
Most of the time if you have your own tent they would have a fee for tent pitching. if not you can rent a tent.
This is perfectly awesome. So now I know where to bring my partner, family and friends. 🙂
Awesome list. Thanks!
I used to live in Manila and I’d go to some of the other beaches that are mentioned here. But I’d always go by car.
I wanna go on vacation next summer and I don’t really feel like paying for a rental car since it’s not really cheap. So my question is.. considering that I’m “white” and don’t look phil at all, do you think it’ll be okay to take buses? I did it in Thailand and it was totally safe but I’m not too sure about Manila.
Maybe u can get along with a Filipino friend– it would be more fun!
Hey there buddy. Just board the newer buses, not the old/reconditioned/modified china buses and you will be safe.
Awesome! Thanks! :))
bring a Filipino friend.. it’s gonna be fine.
Yeah! I’ll try to do that but I think they’ll all be working during my stay there. We’ll see! Thanks 🙂
I do it all the time . Safer than a greyhound for sure.
Jaims llanes lein cruz..summer?!
Lein cruz,jaims llanes..lezgo summer?!
Try mine just 3 hours from Manila here’s my fb page https://www.facebook.com/pages/BATAAN-NATURE-ADVENTURES/149928045395
Marinduque~
OMG bat wala ang Bolinao or Patar White Beach ng Pangasinan!
marami ata d nakakalm nito ! sobrang ganda di pa maraming tao ! tas diretsong cindys cave pag may hangover HAHAHAH
Hi! How to get here? White sand ah! 🙂
yeah! dapat kasama ang Bolinao.. been there, ganda!
caramoan island isa sa pinaka magandang beach
accessible na ba ulit ang Caramoan?,.. close yung island during the Survivor US season 25 and 26
Just this week, Gov. Salceda of Albay announced that the best way to Caramoan is from Albay (Legazpi City) 1 1/2 hrs straight. Legazpi City to Tabacco. Taking MV Gracia Salvacion ferry from Tabacco port at 7am to Guihalo Port. 600 Php two way fare.
Please visit the facebook site of the Governor Joey Sarte Salceda to know more about the booming ALBAY! I’m planning to go back there on May 29. Will visit Caramoan, Masbate, CWC, and a lot more! They are now considering the accessibility of the spots as well as the budget just to introduce what ALBAY has to offer!
i will be there in nov
it says NEAR Manila. Caramoan? you’ll be needing around 14 hours to get there, 10 hours bus + 2 hours van + 2 hours boat ride… duh!!! But yeah you’re right, the place is awesome…
it is a peninsula group of different islands 🙂 Caramoan Islands 🙂 some were used for Survivor series by different countries 🙂
kc malayo na sa manila…
Agree! Bolinao has beatiful beaches. Been there and we enjoyed it.
yeah dapat kasama. also mariveles. quite a view.
AY sobrang ganda dito!!!! it took me only 4 hours to get here from Mandaluyong. Recommeneded!
alin ang sobrang ganda na 4hrs from mandaluyong?
Hi, paano ang way mo from Mandaluyong? Thanks
Ask ko lang, kung pwede po ba mag set-up ng tent, or kelangan mag rent ng kubo?
Thanks
San yan? Ano sasakyan from taguig to bolinao? Patar white beach
Awesome pics of beaches near Manila..Must try one of those for a bit escape of crowded city..
I want to visit them all, regardless how by flight or not, the sound of the waves and feeling the kiss of the sun are the antiseptics for a busy mind 🙂
Nice! Thank you
Adding estimated travel time from Manila would’ve been helpful 🙂
That’s also what I’m looking for, and I still feel that some of the list here are far from Manila.
more! :))
I think the article should have a more accurate title! Most of it are nowhere near Manila, trust me!
Agree, because if Hundred Islands in Pangasinan falls under the Author’s Category…… then there are other beaches to be considered.
the article title is alright. never binding. it says, “13 beaches near Manila…” so it’s self-limiting. It DIDN’T say these are the ONLY 13 beaches near Manila.
Haha, thanks Chrissunner! We really wanted it to be not binding because it looks like our list grows (adding more entries over time). 😀
What about Baler. It’s just as far as Pangasinan?
Malapascua island is missing!
malapascua is located at cebu, the article says near manila..
Marinduque is the nearest province from Manila, with undiscovered awesome beaches.
yeah sayang nga lang at mahirap puntahan lalo na ngayong holy week kase sobrang daming tao mahirap tumawid from dalahican port napaefficient kase ng mga shipping lines na bumabyahe dyan
Title is 13 beaches near Manila but you make no mention of how near or the travel time…
they did mention the travel time via commute
Congrats….
i would love to be here someday if i have a chance why not…
YEAH, SURE YOU CAN.
Thank you for this post!!
If the traffic is not too bad …
sb ng china kanila p daw isla yan talagang mga walang hiya ang mga INTSIK dapat sa kanila ibaon ng buhay.
Sure i will visit when i arrive this year to Philippine manila great ….!
Yep even near and IN Manila they have awesome beaches 😉
wheres is manila bay on the list ?
Thank you for the lists… I’ll definitely look into it on my next visit to the Philippines.
Cam sur has nice beach to ..
Batanguiño pride!
Talisayen Cove- wala sya sa list pero maganda din doon. tapos di pa masyadong maraming tao, pag gusto mo ng tahimik na beach OK na OK sya.
There are lots of breathtaking beaches in our country, but the title of this article includes the description “NEAR MANILA.” 🙂
correct! patar beach in bolinao,pangasinan…it’s the best!!
Well-researched and well-written. Thanks!
Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon. You should’ve included that in your list.
Agree, dapat nasama Cagbalete , sa Mauban Quezon lang to 🙂
7. TINGLOY, Batangas was the best option for me and my boyfriend.
And THERE IS ONE ACCOMODATION – LOVELY BEACH COTAGES.
Some of the beaches from your list are very far from Manila. We went to Masasa beach on the way from Batad (North Luzon) and have only 2 nights before our flight home. This location was the best choose. We slept in Rosie meting beach cotages at the end of Masasa beach. This place was for us like a paradise. There were no tourists on Masasa beach and we had a chance to get closer with the owners family. They were so great, the prepared lots of food for us…the best chicken and squids on Phillipines. (We were traveling all around the Phillipines for one month). They took us on private boat around and we could see the places which are mentioned here (Sombrero island etc.). There is a roof build from wood in the sea and above the sea (inside the open house), there are hammock. So you can rest in hammock and listen the sound of the waves under you. They give us also coconuts and the price for accomodation was the cheapest we ever had on Phillipines. Dont go there if you are looking for high level resort but go there if you like to be connected with nature, listen to the waves, enjoy sandy beach, snorkeling, private boat, have fun with great family, enjoy homemade food and watch the sunset sitting on the rocks…See the rocks:)
Magkano lahat nagastos mo
Hi,
I’m planning to go there (Tingloy) next week. Just wondering if you have the contact number of the owner for me to book my stay. Thank you:)
Masasa beach and number 7: Tingloy, Barangas was perfect.
There are Beach cotages at the end of Masasa beach. Great food, private boat, hamoocks above the sea waves, sandy beach and its cheap. We were there three days before our flight home. Its close to manila and its calm island. In this article, there is written good how to get there.
ang dami dami magaganda beach a Zambales n nafeature n s mga international magazine gaya ng Potipot at Magalawa Islands
Great post. Thanks!
Someone should actually go to Borawan and think again if it should be included in the list. There’s no Boracay or Palawan factor to it. The hell.
OMG YES! It should be avoided!!! Dont know whats the hype with that island ugh worst beach that I’ve been to, not worth the hassle!!!
Guys, I have a unit at Pico de Loro, it’s for rent P4500/ night. Please email me at marvsdg@gmail.com
Burot beach should have been included in the Calatagan section. same trike rates
Hi Christopher! It is included. 😀
It’s more fun indeed if u have fundsssssssssssssssssssssssss!
Haha, true. But some of these are really cheap. Masasa Beach in particular will cost just around P800. 😀
i will go there to enjoy the most beautiful beaches
Malapad Beach and other beach resorts in Real Quezon is just 3 hours away from Manila and mind you, you will be swimming in the Pacific Ocean …check it out!
Thanks for sharing! 😀
Hi Roncapz! Thanks for pointing out. Fixed! 😀
Anong beach resort ang meron sa laiya san juan batangas?
Cagbalete island deserves a spot 🙂
You forgot to include South Beach in Corregidor. I was there this Tuesday and the water was clear. Clearer than that of Nasugbu or Quezon. You can see pilot fish from the south dock.
dicasalarin cove aurora
Hello Traveler,
Yes! we have private, local tour guides in Manila but not the expensive! =) YET the friendly and well-trusted ones!
Please ask me anything under the sun! I can really help you! How long will you be here in Manila?
Tell me what are your plans so I can create and give you an example itinerary! We have the experts to suggest where you can go to? where to eat at? and definitely have a lot of fun here in Manila your WAY! =)
Our client from Brunei too was very happy and satisfied…watch this video:
//youtu.be/CfgylFncq6k
Who knows you could be our next happy client right? =)
You can also visit us on:
Blogger
//travelenthusiastsinc.blogspot.com
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/travelenthusiastsinc
WordPress
https://travelenthusiastsinc.wordpress.com
I am sooooo excited on your happy and safe trip here! =)
Thank you very much!
Best Regards,
Travel Enthusiasts Inc.
I went there in 2011, Caramoan Island, most beautiful beaches in the world like paradise
do not miss to go to Marcos Island in Hundred Islands and climb up to the top, enter the cave and dive inside it. i have been to many beaches including Boracay and I can say the best sand is here. It is not powdery white but it is grainy light brownish/pikish in color which makes the water so clear.
TAKO beach the best in the world
WOW! I’m impressed Zambales made it to the top of the list!! I love Zambales, but it was so remote I didn’t think that many people would know how to find it!
Here’s some of the cool stuff I found in the Philippines, if interested 🙂 https://wheresidewalksend.com/category/guidebook/asia/philippines/
I love the Philppines!
Thank you for sharing this article! 🙂
Cheers,
Sarah
WE know right!
Calaguas ISland isa sa magandang island na napuntahan ko….
I hope you include Nilandingan Cove – Cagbalete Island. My friends and I have been there last year and we’ll be back this summer. Totally love our stay there. Warm people and Excellent food.
see and try also pico de loro
First in foremost ” 13 BEACHES NEAR MANILA (And How to Get There)” is the title of the are article ” the blogger didn’t necessarily say that this are the nearest nor the most beautiful beaches… So stop arguing which is beautiful or not ,which is nearest or furthest… he is just giving some info about beaches near metro manila..
Visit Lambanog beach, Misong, Pola, Oriental Mindoro
Visit San Andres, Isla Verde, Batangas City
Hi everyone,
Pwede po ba mag set-up ng tent or kelangan mag rent ng kubo?
Thank you.
Amazing Beaches. <3
Do you know this beach? Its Naked. No trees and all.
//touristspotsfinder.com/2015/01/top-10-beaches-in-the-philippines/
Laiya beach is a ‘must-miss’ experience …unless of course you love Karaoke drowning out nature right on the beach – I call Laiya “Edsa on the Beach”
good day, naghahanap ako ng nearest beach resort na magnda at malapit sa
metro manila. mura ang entrance at mura rin ang rooms. need ko mag rent
ng dalawang rooms for my family. kasama ko po kc parents ko may sakit.
need nila beach hindi swimming pool. sana help nyo ako makahanap. mga 15
pax kmi. marami salamat po! gibs_santos@yahoo.com
Hi guys. I’m from Vietnam. I’m in Eastwood, Quezon city now.
I really wanna go to a beach this Wednesday & Thursday.
Please give me a recommendation (there are so many beaches on this thread). And is anyone available at that time, join me. :D.
Thanksss!!