The Philippines is home to beautiful beaches, serene stretches of sand, and a wide array of aquatic activities. As a tropical country, a perfect beach trip in the Philippines cannot be confined exclusively to the summer season. No matter the month or season, so long as you plan ahead, you’ll have a worthwhile tropical getaway you deserve in the pearl of the orient. 

However, it might be challenging to pick which places to visit with thousands of islands and plenty of sophisticated resorts and private villas worth seeing. To give vacationers an insight into what these islands are like, we highlighted the best beach destinations in the country for a tropical getaway worth remembering. 

Boracay 

Boracay checks all the boxes for the perfect summer vacation in the Philippines. This island has the whitest, most refined, most powder-like sands avid beach-goers will appreciate. There’s a reason why this island is renowned worldwide and why patrons have come back, again and again, to experience the tropical life here.

The Boracay sunset is also one of the widely-popular scenes to catch while on the island. For other activities, visit Bulabog Beach for its kitesurfing and Puka Beach for its unmatched colorful puka shells mixed with the sand. More activities on the island include scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing.

Additionally, the island presents a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs on the beachfront. 

Bohol

More than the world-famous Chocolate Hills, Bohol also has some of the best beaches in the country. Visit Alona Beach on the island of Panglao for stretches of breathtaking white sand beaches and world-class diving sites. 

Panglao Island does not only offer tourists access to the sea but also the jungle. There are plenty of places to explore both on land and in the sea, including the Hinagdanan Caves, Arco Point Dive, and many other renowned diving sites. 

Related Article: What Makes Panglao Island Bohol’s Top Tourist Draw

Cebu

If you haven’t visited Cebu yet, consider this a sign to go and tour the island. For adventure-seekers, the city of Oslob is perfect for seeing some sharks. The government of Cebu is strict about the rules on swimming with whale sharks, but tourists still get to snorkel near them and watch them swim. 

Other islands worth visiting include the Malapascua Island, located north of Cebu, and the Bantayan Island, which is off the northwest coast of Cebu. Both islands have beach scenes that look straight out of postcards. Malapascua offers white sand, beautiful blue waters, and great dive spots. Meanwhile, Bantayan has stretches of coconut trees covering the island. 

Beach-goers would also love Kota Beach and Sugar Beach, two of the most charming beaches on the island. Both have powdery, sugar-like textured sands best for those who like to walk on the shores without stepping on sharp pebbles. 

Siargao

Siargao in Surigao del Norte, known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, has gained popularity for its excellent waves with uninterrupted winds and currents from the Pacific ocean. This condition is perfect for both expert surfers and those beginning to learn the sport. Visit General Luna Beach for that perfect surf spot. 

For non-surfers, Siargao has more beaches where the waters are calmer, and the beaches have space for other activities like kite surfing, paddleboarding, and sailing. Visit Alegria Beach, Doot Beach, or Naked Island for an ultimate relaxing tropical beach experience. 

Palawan

The three islands in Palawan to visit are El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa. Each of these islands is unique, with stunning sceneries, beach activities, and natural resources.

Related Article: Which Palawan Paradise? El Nido vs. Coron

El Nido has world-class, stunning beaches ideal for those in search of peak relaxation. This island has consistently made it to the top of the best or prettiest beaches globally, earning the nickname Heaven on Earth. El Nido is also the gateway to an archipelago of 45 islets. Tours are available for visitors to get them to the island’s lagoons, caves, and other historical attractions. 

On the other hand, Coron has the best diving spots and lagoons. Professional local and international divers visit this island and come back multiple times for its diving sites. 

The island of Puerto Princesa is also a must-see. The Puerto Princesa Underground River in Sabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature for its unparalleled beauty.

Baler

Baler also offers incredible waves for surfers without air travel from the capital. The municipality of Baler is the capital of the province of Aurora, which is a five-hour drive from Manila. 

Surfers can visit Sabang Beach, where the waves are known to go as high as over four meters. There are also other tourist destinations to visit, including Diguisit Beach with beautiful rock formations and Dicasalrin Cove with its charming white sands. 

Baler is also home to grand waterfalls like the Ditumabo Mother Falls and Cunayan Falls.

Pagudpud

Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte is also a charming town with natural attractions like coves, caves, and rock formations. Visit Agua Grande for a unique realistic experience where tourists can witness freshwater meeting saltwater. Clean water flows into the Agua Grande from the Mogabog Falls. The stream moves into rock pools, eventually flowing out to the sea.

Other beaches to visit in Pagudpud include Blue Lagoon Beach and Saud Beach. Both have crystal blue waters and offer a laid-back beach vibe ideal for travelers who are looking for relaxation. 

Activities like surfing, banana boat riding, and ziplining are also available.

Camiguin

White Island, a sandbar in Camiguin, is another spot tourists can visit for its unique natural characteristics. The island is uninhabitable, with nothing on it except the white coral sands that continuously shift according to the tides.  

The view from White Island looks like a beautiful pathway to the mountain and volcano. During low tide, the sandbar emerges as a partially submerged island. Outdoor enthusiasts can also hike up the trails to Mount Hibok-Hibok, a remarkably famous volcano, which lead to hot springs well-loved by locals.

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Featured Image: Smile Magazine