The Best Beaches in the Philippines: Where to Go

The Philippines is famous because it has some of the best beaches. With their crystal clear waters and picturesque views, these beaches offer the perfect spot to unwind and relax. However, with several available options, deciding which ones to visit can take time. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best beaches in the country that you should check out.

Best Beaches: White Beach, Boracay

Boracay Island is in the Western Visayas region, on the northwestern side of Panay. The island is famous for its sugary white sand beaches and clear blue waters. The four km-long White Beach, one of the world’s best beaches, is the most popular spot on the island. The water around the island is shallow, and the sand is finer and brighter than other beaches in the Philippines.

White Beach has three distinct sections, each possessing its appeal and distinctiveness. Station 1 offers a serene and laid-back ambiance, with many luxurious resorts and hotels. In contrast, Station 2 is bustling with activity and is home to various shopping, entertainment, and dining options. Finally, station 3 is the most tranquil of the three, boasting several native houses and bungalows.

White Beach is the most popular spot in Boracay, famous for its soft, powdery sand. Visitors usually stay in this area and are familiar with the three former boat stations. These stations used to be the arrival point for small boats from nearby Caticlan. The southern part of Station 3, called Angol, is where most budget-friendly accommodations are located, including a few remnants of Old Boracay.

Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

A picturesque beach known for having the longest stretch of white sand is in the Northern region of the Philippines. Its powerful waves and winds are comparable to Hawaii’s, making it a haven for wind and wave surfing enthusiasts. Pagudpud Beach’s visitors can experience breathtaking views, crystal-clear blue waters, and powdery white sand. A visit to this secluded paradise promises a memorable experience for all.

Pagudpud is a town located on the coast of North Luzon’s Ilocos region. It is a famous holiday destination with tourist attractions like windmills, lighthouses, and beautiful beaches. One of the most popular beaches in Ilocos Norte is Saud Beach, known for its calm waters and breathtaking sunset views. The beach has a 2-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand, making for a picturesque photo backdrop. Take the chance to visit this stunning beach during your trip to Pagudpud.

Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol

Panglao Island is an ideal destination for those who seek a fantastic scuba diving and beach vacation. This little island is in the southwest of the larger Bohol Island in the Philippines. Panglao’s southern shoreline boasts several resorts located right on the beach.

Alona Beach is a popular tourist attraction in Bohol that spans 1.5 kilometers and got its name after a famous Filipina actress from the 1970s. It is renowned for its pristine white sand and is often part of Bohol tour packages alongside the famous Chocolate Hills. Families will find it ideal for a beach getaway since it has several resorts along its coast.

The water is calm and free of rocks and corals, perfect for swimming and water activities. However, you may want to add some excitement to your beach vacation. In that case, there are plenty of fun activities, such as banana boat rides, UFO rides, parasailing, and Bohol island-hopping tours to nearby islets and islands like Bohol Balicasag Island.

Alona Beach stretches for roughly 1.5 km on Panglao Island in Bohol and is famous for its pristine white sand, crystal-clear blue waters, and exceptional diving opportunities. This bustling beach area is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and outdoor massage spots, making it the go-to place for entertainment.

Alona Beach is perfect for people who enjoy observing others and socializing. During the day, visitors can indulge in diving or snorkeling activities. Alona’s liveliness increases as food vendors and live bands take over the shore in the evening. Although some sections may be narrow due to development, it is less crowded than many of the beaches in the Philippines.

White Island, Camiguin

Camiguin Island, which has a phonetic resemblance to “come again,” is considered the most stunning island in the Philippines. It is the “Garden of Eden” in the country. Numerous waterfalls that produce hot and cold springs are just one of the many attractions of this paradise-like island. The landscape is undeniably tropical, but the atmosphere is distinctively Western. Camiguin Island is a fascinating contrast that will captivate anyone who visits, leaving them yearning to return soon.

White Island is an uninhabited sandbar that lacks trees or artificial structures to protect it from the sun. Pack enough water and sunblock to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Although snorkeling is a good option, be cautious of sea urchins and snakes. Nonetheless, the sandbar’s shape and size are breathtaking, changing with the tide and season. You’ll appreciate the fine sand and clear water, while the view of Hibok-Hibok Volcano makes for picture-perfect moments. Boats may not venture out during inclement weather, so summer is the best season to visit White Island.

Best Beaches: Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan

El Nido is an extraordinary place that boasts towering marble cliffs that serve as homes to various tropical birds. It is also the origin of the famous Nido Soup, a delicacy in Chinese restaurants. The soup is from the bird nests that are abundant in the area. However, El Nido has much more to offer than just the soup. It takes pride in possessing the most stunning Palawan seascapes, known as the country’s last frontier. Due to its unparalleled beauty, El Nido has earned the moniker “island of the gods” or “heaven on earth.”

Nacpan Beach stretches for 4 kilometers and boasts white sand in El Nido, Palawan, which takes about 45 minutes to drive from the town center. This beach is part of the famous Twin Beaches attraction and Calitang Beach, part of some El Nido tour packages.

Many travelers consider Nacpan Beach the true hidden gem of El Nido and one of Palawan’s best beaches due to being uncrowded and untouched by mass tourism. You can spend a relaxing day here swimming, sunbathing, or hiking to the hill to view the Twin Beaches. Nacpan beach tours are famous among local and international travelers when planning an El Nido itinerary.

Aside from island-hopping experiences, you should try a Nacpan Beach inland excursion in El Nido. If you have more time, plenty of other beaches in El Nido are worth exploring.

If you’re searching for a quick getaway from El Nido, Palawan, you can take a tricycle or motorbike and head north to reach an amazing white sand beach in Nacpan. Although there has been some development in the area, with new guesthouses, boutique hotels, and posh tented camps springing up, the overall vibe of the place is still laid-back and relaxed – at least for the time being.

Final Thoughts

If you are fond of the sensation of sand between your toes, the refreshing seaside wind, and relaxing on vast stretches of fine white sand, then the Philippines should be on your list of must-visit destinations. Remember to explore the top islands in the Philippines for your island-hopping tours.