29/05/2020
29 Gorgeous White Beaches in the Philippines You Have to Visit
Raisa Tan
With thousands upon thousands of beaches scattered across the country, it’d be quite an undertaking to visit them all! But why not though? They are, after all, almost always breathtakingly gorgeous.
If you’re determined to cross of all of the country’s beaches off of your bucket list, then you may want to start with these 30 gorgeous white beaches in the Philippines.
Bantayan Island
Carabao Island
Nacpan- Calitang Twin Beach
Mahabang Buhangin Beach
Port Barton
Anguib Beach
Saud Beach
Bulobadiangan Island
Naked Island
Camayan Beach
Matukad Island
Quiminatin Island
Kalanggaman Island
Coron Islands
Alona Beach
Puerto Galera Beaches
Dahican Beach
Salagdoong Beach
Samal Island
1. Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island Cebu
Location: Cebu
How to Get There: From Manila, take a flight to Cebu then take a taxi to the Cebu Bus Terminal in The city. It will take 3 hours to Hagnaya Port where there is an Island Express Ferry Boat to Sta. Fe Port, Bantayan Island. From the Port, take a tricycle to your resort.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, jet skis, kayaking
The sandy white beaches of Bantayan Island used to be a sleepy fishing village many years ago. After its powder white sand beach, that rivals Boracay’s sand, gained popularity among tourists, the village gained a new earning revenue from tourism.
Bantayan is a favorite as a laid-back alternative because of the serene atmosphere, beautiful views, shallow depths, and crystal clear water.
While the main feature is beach, there are other beaches on the island that shouldn’t be missed out on. For those who want a secluded relaxation area, there is Paradise Beach that is open from 9am to 5pm with an entrance of PHP 50. Kota Beach and Sandbar is another beach bum fave that isn’t far from the rest of the Islands.
Other activities is visiting the Kota Park, that used to be a fort for the Spaniards in the 1790s, and Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park, a mangrove forest you can explore.
Sts. Peter and Paul Church is also a sight to behold as it is the oldest parish church, built in 1580, in the Visayas and Mindanao. For those who want to splurge and take in the island from a different view, there is always skydiving.
2. Carabao Island
Location: San Jose, Romblon
How to Get There: From Manila, take a direct flight to Tablas Airport in Tablas Island, Romblon. From there take a public jeepney at the public market to go to Sta. Fe, Romblon. A passenger boat leaves daily to Hambil (Carabao Island) and takes an hour to reach the destination.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, cliff jumping, underwater tunnel
Carabao island is a little known paradise just miles away from the lively and tourist flocked Boracay. It boasts the same picturesque views and powder white beaches, and the clear blue waters are cool and perfect for swimming.
The island actually used to be a marine sanctuary years ago but is now open to the public.
According to locals, the name of the island was due to the many carabao that lived on the island. Other say that it is because the island’s shape is similar to the shape of the carabao.
Apart from the beach, there is the Ngiriton Bat Cave and Koding-Koding Point. The jagged, and rocky cliffs may be daunting at Koding-Koding but it is actually a popular cliff jumping spot. However, during the rainy or stormy seasons, the local guides restrict tourists from doing any water activities for safety purposes.
3. & 4. Nacpan- Calitang Twin Beach
Location: Palawan
How to Get There: There are a few options when it comes to travelling to Palawan. The most common way is to take a flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa. From there tourists usually take a van or bus to El Nido.
Activities: Sunbathing, swimming
The creamy white sands of the twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang are located in Silito Calitang. This area is approximately 17 kilometers north of El Nido town.
The best feature of the twin beaches beaches is the four kilometer stretch of cream sand and the blue clear waters.
This beach was under the radar before but tourists are starting to flock it for its picturesque views and its amazing sunsets. Imagine visiting two beaches at the same time.
5. Mahabang Buhangin Beach
Mahabang Buhangin Beach
Location: Calaguas, Camarines Norte
Entrance Fee: It depends on which resort you stay at
How to Get There: Take a flight from Manila to Naga City and take a tricycle to Daet, Camarines Norte. From there you take a 1.5 hour boat trip to the Calaguas Island.
Activities: Snorkeling, swimming
The Calaguas group of islands have three major islands: Tinaga, Guintinua, and Maculabo. The long stretch of Mahabang Buhangin Beach has fine, powder white sand that rivals those of Boracay.
While it is a popular place for campers and backpackers, the local government does their part to protect the natural resources and beauty of the Island.
It is highly suggested to bring food from Daet as there aren’t a lot of stores that are fully stocked in the area. It is good to be prepared with enough money, food, powerbank, and water supply. Also, to keep the island looking beautiful, all trash should be disposed properly.
6. Port Barton
Location: San Vicente, Palawan
How to Get There:The best way to get here is to fly to Puerto Princesa. From there, you can opt to take a bus, which takes 4 hours, or a van, which takes 3 hours.
Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking
Port Barton is relatively unspoiled island and still retains its rural charm. It is considered a quieter, smaller laid-back El Nido with the same white beaches and same activities.
It’s location, a small village on the north-west coast of Palawan, doesn’t attract busloads of tourists because of how remote it is.
Apart from enjoying the beaches, there are many other activities to do. Island hopping is a popular activity and trekking in the rainforests as well. There are also other attractions like Pamuayan Waterfall or Bigaho Waterfall.
The best time to visit here is December to April as they are the driest and sunniest months during the year. However, it is also peak season as many foreigners flock the island for a vacation getaway.
7. Anguib Beach
Anguib Beach
Location: Sta. Ana, Cagayan
Entrance Fee: PHP 100 day tour, additional PHP 50 for overnight; PHP 80 for children
How to Get There: From Manila, the fastest way is to take a flight to Tuguegarao then make a commute to Nangaramoan Beach. The other option is a 12 to 14 hour drive to Sta.Ana at Nangaramoan Beach. From there take a 10 minute boat ride to Anguib Beach.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, jet ski, banana boat, kayak, open water diving, wakeboarding
Anguib Beach is a strip of white sand far from the bustling Sta.Ana. Tourists consider it the Boracay of the north as the beach has the same powder white sand. However, those who visit prefer Anguib as there isn’t any algae infestation and the waters are pristine and untouched.
The best times to visit the island is during March to May as the waves are much gentler and the water reaches up to the waist only. Those who visit around January or February may have to bring a jacket because the waters and the air get cold.
Plus, a well-known fact, is that this beach and other beaches were included in the reality show Survivor.
8. Saud Beach
Saud Beach
Location: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
How to Get There: There are many buses that go to Pagudpud directly from Manila. Those who don’t want to sit 10 hours on a bus can opt for a flight to Laoag and then a bus to Pagudpud.
Activities: Snorkeling
The beach lines the western side of the northern barangay of Pagudpud in the Ilocos Norte province. It lies approximately 74 kilometers north of Laoag City and around 561 kilometers from the north of Manila.
From the beach you will get the best view of the South China Sea and also an amazing sunset. While there isn’t a bustling nightlife experience, the beach and the surrounding attractions are enough to keep you busy. In fact, there are so many other attractions like the Bangui Windmills near Saud Beach.
The coastal town makes most of their living through farming, fishing, and subsistence retailing, but tourism is also becoming a big part of their economy.
9. Bulobadiangan Island
Location: Concepcion, Iloilo
How to Get There: From Manila, take a direct flight to Iloilo and then take a HPQ bus to Concepcion at Tagbak Terminal in Jaro. The trip is 2 to 3 hours long. Once at Concepcion, head to a fish port to hire a boat to go to the island.
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, island hopping
Bulobadiangan Island is a privately owned island in North Eastern Iloilo and its main feature is the 200-meter sandbar that is exposed at low tide. Tourists can go around the island, but since it is relatively small it can be circled in a few hours.
There are interesting rock formations at the back of the island that is a great place to take pictures.
While the white sand beach and rich blue waters are the star of the island, it offers a great view of the outlying islands of Concepcion. Some even compare the view to that of El Nido and Caramoan. However, its panoramic seascape is a sight to behold once the sandbar comes into view.
10. Naked Island
Location: Surigao del Sur
Fee: P800 to P2,000 – depends on the island hopping tour packages available.
How to Get There: From Manila take a flight to Cebu and transfer to a flight to Siargao as there are no direct flights.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling
It is called the Naked Island because that is just what it is. Compared to other islands nearby that have some greenery on this, the Naked Island is a bare powder white sand island. Despite its baren-ess, there are still many who make this a stop during island hopping.
11. Camayan Beach
Location: Subic, Zambales
Entrance Fee: P400 to 500
How to Get There: From Manila, ride a bus to Olongapo via Victory Liner in Cubao or Caloocan.From there ride a yellow jeep to SBMA then take a taxi to Camayan Beach as it is the only transport available.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, banana boat, jet ski, scuba diving, kayaking
Subic is located along the northern coast of Subic Bay and is a fast growing town. It is better known as the former home of one of the largest US military facilities, the Subic Bay Naval Base. It is now a growing tourist destination for it’s Duty-Free shopping and its numerous activities.
Camayan beach is just one of the many attractions in the area. It has white sand and aquamarine waters that are close to a lush forest. Apart from playing on the beach, there are many activities to do in the water.
Apart from the beach, there are other places to visit nearby like Zoobic Safari, Tree Top Adventure Subic, Ocean Adventure Waterpark, and the Inflatable Island to name a few.
12. Matukad Island
Matukad Island
Location: Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Fee: P2,000 to P3,500 – depending on the island hopping package.
How to Get There: From Manila, take a flight for Naga City. From there take a jeep or van to Sabang Port, and then take a passenger boat to Guijalo Port. Ride a jeep or motorbike to Caramoan Sentro where you can take a tricycle to Bikal Port. At Bikal Port, take a boat for island hopping.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling
Matukad Island is a popular spot for Caramoan Island hopping. It’s powder white sand beaches are so fine it is almost soft to the touch. Many of those who visit love the island for beach bumming or taking a dip in the pristine waters.
While its beach is a sight to behold, Matukad Island is known for its mystic bangus or milkfish. It is said to reside in the Matukad lagoon which is accessible by climbing the “matukad” or steep rock formations.
According to the locals, there used to be two mystic fishes but one got eaten and brought misfortune and death to a fisherman and his family. Since then, none of the locals touch the fish in the lagoon.
13. Quiminatin Island
Location: Palawan
Fee: P2,000 to P3,000 – depending on island hopping package.
How to Get There: From Manila, take a flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa, Caticlan, or Iloilo. From there take direct flight to Cuyo Airport via Air Juan. Another option is to take a ferry.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving
Quiminatin Island is the furthest Island from Palawan and is a popular island hopping destination. The white sand beach and crystal blue waters are beautiful to look at but it’s limestone formation is also quite a sight. There is so much marble fused with the limestone and many rocks are scattered about the island.
>14. Kalanggaman Island
Location: Leyte
Entrance Fee: P150 to P750 – depending on rates.
How to Get There: From Manila, take a flight to Cebu and take another flight to Ormoc City. From the airport, take a van or bus from the terminal nearby to Palompon. To get to the island, hire a boat for island hopping.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling
Kalanggaman island is Leyte’s virgin paradise and a favorite beach destinations for travelers. It is within Palompon, a barangay west of Ormoc City. While it doesn’t get as much attention as Boracay, it is getting a healthy dose of praise from bloggers, travel writers, and the like.
The beach has white sands and blue waters amidst an isolated island setting. It is perfect for beach bumming and relaxing. Although the sand isn’t as powdery as other beaches, its creamy white color is still a pretty sight.
Those who travel to the island should bring all the necessities with them along with enough cash, clean water, food, water gear, and power banks. There are limited supplies on the island and there is no electricity either.
It is also important to note that locals don’t provide trips during unfavorable weather for safety precautions.
15. Coron Islands
Coron Islands
Location: Palawan
How to Get There: The best way to get here is to fly to Coron. From the airport, take a van bound for Coron town. Boats are the only way to travel to see the white beaches.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving
Coron Island is the third-largest island in the group of Calamian Islands in northern Palawan. The island and the surrounding grounds are part of the ancestral territory of the indigenous Tagbanwa people.
Coron itself has three islands that boasts white sand beaches and pristine waters: Bulog Dos Island, Banana Island, and Malcapuya Island. Each of the islands provide a different experience as they give different sceneries.
Bulog Dos and Malcapuya Island are perfect for beach bums who just want to relax and take pictures, while Banana Island is perfect for snorkeling due to it’s rich underwater life.
16. Alona Beach
Location: Panglao, Bohol
How to Get Here: From Manila, fly to Tagbilaran and then take a tricycle to Alona Beach.
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, island hopping, dolphin watching, swimming, kitesurfing, fishing
Alona Beach is one of the most popular spots in Panglao Island, one of the main tourist destinations in the Philippines. It has fine white sand and crystal clear waters that are just as beautiful as those in Boracay.
17. – 23. Puerto Galera Beaches
Location: Oriental Mindoro
Fee: PHP 500 for the boat fare, additional fees depend per resort.
How to Get There: From Manila, take a bus bound for Batangas Pier from lines Ceres, DLTB, and Jam Transit at LRT Buendia. It takes 2 hours to get to the pier. From there, take a boat to Puerto Galera.
Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, banana boat, jet ski, flying fish
Puerto Galera is a barangay in Oriental Mindoro and is located at the north-westernmost part of the island. The island has a lot of things to offer in terms of beaches and activities, but its underwater coral gardens is it’s asset. In fact, Puerto Galera was recognized as Man and Biosphere Reserve back in 1973 by UNESCO.
There are a total of seven white beaches on Puerto Galera. For beach bums there is White Beach, Aniuan Beach, Palauan Beach and Talipanan Beach, and the more adventurous can go to Sandbar Island, Bayanan Beach, Coral Garden, and Antonio Island. Amazingly, the seven beaches have sands can range from powder white to creamy white.
Puerto Galera definitely has its own party scene on the shores but there are other things to do on the Island. There are many waterfalls to visit and a mangyan village to explore. If you come at the right time then there is the Malasimbo Festival to look forward to.
24. Dahican Beach
Location: Mati, Davao Oriental
How to Get There: From Manila, take a flight to Davao City. From there take a Mati bound bus from the highway as there is a regular schedule for buses there.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing
Dahican is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the Philippines. It’s laid back and relaxing setting is the charm that is hard to come by.
This is a secluded beach that isn’t commercialized yet. So those who like the rural vibe will definitely enjoy the raw beauty of the beach and seascape. It is definitely a paradise away from the bustling city life.
25. Salagdoong Beach
Location: Siquijor
How to Get There: From Manila, take a flight to Cebu City. From the port area, take a ferry or a boat to Siquijor.
Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing
Salagdoong Beach has fine white sand and azure blue waters. It is a sight to behold both above water and below water. Snorkelers will definitely enjoy the luscious marine life in the deeper emerald waters near the beach.
Although the beaches are the first things tourists like about the island, it is the cliff jumping that gets people pumped. This isn’t for the faint hearted as the rock near Salagdoong beach has two diving platforms: one at 20 feet and one at 35 feet.
26. – 29. Samal Island
Samal Island
Location: Davao
Entrance Fee: Depends on which resort you are staying at.
How to Get There: From Manila, book a flight directly to Davao City. From the airport, ride a cab going Sasa Wharf and take a 10 minute trip via barge to Samal Island.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, spelunking, scuba diving
Samal Island has a lot of white beaches but those that have dazzling powder white sand are Kaputian Beach Park, Isla Reta Beach Resort, and Babu Santa Beach Resort. Apart from having an affordable price tag, they also offer a lot of activities as well.
Both Babu Santa and Isla Reta have their own resorts, and they offer breathtaking views and a beautiful place to stay. Isla Reta, for example, has amazing corals nearby that are perfect for snorkeling.
Kaputian Beach Park, on the other hand, is government owned and provides affordable prices that still have the sparkling blue waters and fine white sands.
Samal Island is located in the province of Davao Del Norte and is just 2 kilometers away from Davao City. Samal is the only city in the country that encompasses two islands.
