Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Philippines Beach Guide
Hospitality, generosity and kindness are all adjectives describing the attitude of people of the Philippines. When thinking of the Philippines however, most of the people think of the clear waters, white sand beaches and the millions of palm trees and somehow they are right about this vision. There is something about the beaches in the Philippines that makes the whole experience different than on another beach in another country and it has something to do with the adjectives we recited earlier. Let us take you on this Philippines Beach Guide to elaborate how these attributes come together in one place.
Our journey starts in Batangas, Luzon where we will visit the first white sand beach through our Philippines Beach Guide. One of the best beaches around Batangas is Matabungkay beach which also has a beach resort and spa where you can stay and relax. Matabungkay beach is full of locals that make you feel like home and even invite you out for a swim in their tire inflatables. You will find vendors walking around giving you tips on the region and also trying to sell a local specialty called ube potato.
The next beach in the Philippines Beach Guide is not so far away and is famous not for the beach itself but for what it yields underneath. We are talking about the most popular dive site in the Philippines; Puerto Galera. The white sand beaches are again a sight of paradise, but also dare to take a dip into the sea and discover the marine life that Puerto Galera beaches have to offer and maybe you will get lucky with seeing a shark, whaleshark or manta ray.
Moving on to the next spot of the Philippines Beach Guide, which is Philippines most popular party and event island Boracay. Boracay is known for its long pristine white sand beaches and you will definitely not get enough of Boracay if you are into events, socializing and party. Just another hop away is another beach in the Philippines Beach Guide which is located on the island of Palawan. Palawan is pure relaxation and is famous for its natural resources such as underwater rivers, natural parks and sanctuaries.
The Visayan Region also yields great beaches such as the ones in Bohol which are on the Philippines Beach Guide as well. Bohol is also another great dive site in the Philippines and you will find many family resorts along the Bohol beaches. The last beach on the Philippines Beach Guide are the beaches in the Mindanao city of Davao. Relax, dive or try to catch some pearls on the pearl farms of Davao.
Beaches in the Philippines are not rare and in every beach you will find a typical Filipino attribute such as the hospitality of the Luzon people, the cheerful moods in Boracay, the generosity of the Mindanao people and the kindness of the Bohol people. Live life to the fullest in the beaches of the Philippines.
The Beautiful of Beaches of the Philippines
The Philippines is classified as an archipelago in geographical terms. This country of about 80 million people in population contains 7,107 islands dispersed in the bodies of water. To the north lies the Taiwan Strait; to the west bounded by South China Sea; to the south by Celebes Sea; and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. Being an archipelago makes this nation bounded by lengthy coastlines which is almost as twice as that of the United States. These coastlines create a bounty of beaches delightful for the tourists, local or international.
These beaches have many advantages to offer. First, it creates local tourism. Beaches are ideal places for relaxation. It attracts tourists coming from metropolitan areas who are trying to escape a modern lifestyle. They are the ones who experienced stress, unhealthy diet, hectic work schedule, noise and air pollution.
Second, it generates revenues for the government. Foreign tourists carry their pocket money with them to purchase local goods being sold near the beaches. Examples are seafood newly caught from the open sea, native handcrafts like bags, hats, necklaces and keychains.
Third, local residents in the beaches also work as tourist guides which helps them augment their income.
Fourth, it invites tourists to invest their capital in the Philippines by building business and creating jobs for the Filipinos.
There are many beaches to choose from. The Ilocos region boasts of Pagudpud. Pangasinan prides itself with the Hundred Islands. Central Luzon has the natural harbor of Subic Bay. Batangas has the beach town of Lian. The Panay Island in Western Visayas has the world-renowned Boracay in Aklan. Camiguin has a number of waterfalls that create cold and hot springs. Surigao del Norte has beaches hampered by strong winds and huge waves which is an ideal destination for surfers.
What makes Philippine beaches so unique that it continues to lure tourists from around the world all year round? The answer lies in the beauty of the beaches during the scorching heat of the summer season. Let’s take this scenario. The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia. The Filipino citizenry are composed mainly by Roman Catholics and Protestants.
Every year, Filipinos observe the Lenten season during the Holy Week. People are used to enjoying their one-week vacation at the beaches. Going to an excursion brings the families together. Beaches provide fresh air with its day and night breeze. Aside from seafood that provides delicious cuisine for the tourists, agricultural products like coconuts are also in demand.
The hospitality of the local residents makes the tourists feel that they are welcome, promoting a friendly environment. With the presence of coral reefs and other marine animals existing near the beaches, one may enjoy the pleasures of diving and snorkeling. After a day’s dip in the blue crystal water, night life is surrounded by bars that offer alcoholic beverages that makes a vacation so exciting with families and friends. Hotel accommodation is affordable. Furnished by fully-air-conditioned rooms, king-sized beds, Jacuzzi, spa and cable-connected television sets, staying in the beaches is a great pleasure. During the rainy season, gusty winds and huge waves attract foreigners who love to take up surfing. They are the ones who take delight in the crest of rolling waves. Thus The Philippines is no different from Hawaii, which is the haven for surfers.
With the great number of local and foreign tourists flocking to the beaches every year, it is the responsibility of the government to preserve and maintain these beaches. The environmentalists in the Philippines act as a watchdog so that beaches can be constantly monitored for any degradation that may occur. The Philippine Coast Guard is mandated by law to prevent fishermen from dynamite fishing that destroys coral reefs. The beauty of beaches is also attributed to presence of coral reefs that provide sanctuary for fish and other forms of marine life.
Puka Shell Beach: Blissfully Secluded in Boracay
When it comes to vacationing spots in the Philippines, tourists and locals alike know that Boracay is number one on the list of great places to visit. Once known for being the ideal destination for a quiet and relaxing island getaway, Boracay is now known for being full of life. White Beach, in particular, is the place to party and the place to be seen. The good news for those who want a little of both worlds though, is that in the northernmost area of the island lies somewhere blissfully secluded—Puka Shell Beach.
Puka Beach is the second largest beach on Boracay Island, and was named after the millions of puka shells that are found here. White from being bleached by the sun, these puka shells were collected by the island’s innovative locals to produce different pieces of jewelry that became extremely popular between the 1960’s and the 1980’s.
Although the waters are slightly rougher and deeper here and the sand is not as powdery white as the sand on White Beach, the peacefulness and beauty of this place, especially during the sunset, is what makes it worth the trip.
If you’re planning on having lunch or spending the day here, you might want to stock up on food and cold drinks. Puka Beach is definitely not a commercial area compared to White Beach. There are no resorts and shops lined up by the shore and the beach is practically isolated, with only a small number of vendors patrolling the beach, selling beads, jewelries, and at times, ice cream.
You may, however, want to try eating at Tesebel’s, the lone restaurant on this part of the island. They are known quite well for their extremely delicious food. Their seafood such as garlic prawns, crabs, and calamari are crowd favorites.
For first-timers to Boracay, Puka Shell Beach is accessible through various ways. The most common transport you can take is a rented banca or paraw, which will also heighten your appreciation for the beauty of this area. You may also opt to go by land, by hiring a tricycle, or for the more adventurous types, by biking or hiking. During the off season though, you may want to arrange for your tricycle or boat to come back for you at a certain time, since you may not have many options going back to the mainland later on.
With blue waters and a serene, 800-meter stretch of fine sand, Puka Beach is an ideal place to spend the day if you are looking for a tropical getaway.
How to Enjoy Philippine Beaches More
Philippine beaches are as many as the shores of this multi-island archipelago. If it has 7,100 islands, count on pristine beaches counting more than that. To make a beach experience more rewarding it pays to do some necessary preparations. Sometimes beautiful beaches are no guarantees of fun swims and diving without the needed preparations.
The best Philippine beaches are often the nearest around. If in Manila, search out beaches nearest to the city. Surf the Internet for beaches in nearby provinces. Of course, Manila Bay is out of the question. Cavite beaches are possible options. Subic and Zambales beaches are next options. Then we can also check out as far as Bicol, or Quezon Province. The latter three are a bit too far and need more preparations to enjoy. Remember, if the Philippine beach destination is too far, more time might be wasted just traveling to and from it.
Why not just swimming pools? Swimming pools are also good but they lack the natural appeal of beaches. Just think of natural sea winds, rushing waves, fine white sand, shore corals, underwater reefs and wildlife, palm trees swaying, gentle sun, morning breeze, and dreamy sunsets. If it’s possible to have these at a pool, still, only Philippine beaches have naturally salty water.
Then there’s the food and water factor. Most Philippine beaches offer grilled sea foods on sight, bottled and canned sodas, bottled water, and native delicacies peddled around. But improper and unsanitary handling of food (we don’t see how it is done) can spoil a beach trip, no matter how beautiful a beach is. Bringing packed food or lunch is not a better option either. We understand how beach heat and time can hasten germ propagation in food. Plus, if food is packed in Styrofoam, food poisoning is more probable. So what do we do?
The best option is bring cash, look for a wet market near the beach, buy fresh food, and cook on red-hot charcoals or in pots over fire. It gives the beach trip an overall perfect rustic picnic experience that is unmatched by any other beach dining option. Just bring along paper plates topped with aluminum or wax paper. Better still, if we’re really after a total native junket by a Philippine beach, use plastic plates covered with plastic bags and topped with banana leaves.
Enjoying Philippine beaches is a given—they are all perfect, in a sense. What’s really important is how to prepare the enjoyment the entire length of a trip.
Wonders of Lingayen Gulf
A very relaxing sea tourist spot in Luzon, Philippines is Lingayen Gulf in Lingayen, Pangasinan. For a bright sunny morning jog at the beach or a windy afternoon stroll at the shore, Lingayen Gulf has a long South China Sea coastline that stretches 56 kilometers (25 miles) from the coastal provinces of Pangasinan to La Union.
Lingayen beach, one of the beautiful beaches that line up the Lingayen Gulf, is where General Douglas MacArthur landed his invasion fleets in 1945 to drive out Japanese invaders in World War II. Other coastal cities of the Gulf are Dagupan and Alaminos in Pangasinan, and San Fernando in La Union, all full of tourist spots.
Lingayen Gulf gets an abundance of northeast and southwest winds but the concave bay created by it serves as a breakwater to tame down sea waves from the South China Sea into gently flowing ripples that washes quietly on the shore. Lingayen Gulf boasts of wide sandy beaches.
Beaches around Lingayen Gulf are known for resorts that offer affordable beautiful beach cabins and huts. Beach hotel resorts and restaurants offer fresh sea foods grilled right before your eyes, the area being a fishing hub—shell foods, oysters, sea and fresh water fish, squids, and other succulent sea food cuisines that burst sweet grill aroma in the air. Seaside “waitresses” are also known to take orders of grilled pork and sea foods while tourists wait. After a few minutes, the dishes are served hot and fresh. The beaches are also known for various native delicacies peddled around to tourists, like “bocayo” (sweets from grated coconut) and “tupig” (a sticky cake from a ground blend of a native root crop and coconut).
Lingayen Gulf also boasts of the famous Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos, known for island bits sprawled on the sea like rock pieces thrown at random by kids. Actually there are 123 islands, but some too small to always remain above water. Most famous of these are Quezon and Governor Islands. Tourists in long motor boats land and wade in shallow crystal clear waters for a rewarding skin dive and snorkel. Colorful fish groups literally swim past one’s legs even in waist deep waters.
Lingayen Gulf is a concave seclusion harboring beaches of natural and historic wonders. It is also a tourist spot that threads a long line of local lodges and restaurants serving native delights, fun, and food that captivate the fancies of exploratory tourists.
A Boracay Primer
Boracay is a favorite beach spot and tourist destination in the country the year round. Rapid progress and a construction boom have changed its landscape somewhat, but not its paradise appeal. For a summary update on Boracay, this is how the pleasure island looks like so far.
Boracay is an urbanized island beach resort 35 minutes away from Manila via plane. This tourist destination is spruced up by the burgeoning businesses on the island, cleared up for a modern habitat right in the heart of beaches and thick foliage. Private resorts and exclusive vacation houses and mansions are also among the line up of edifices.
Night life at the beach resort is still very vibrant and prevalent, present in most entertainment and watering hole establishments. It’s not the dark lonely nights that one often has in the countryside but a gait of leaping, flickering lights and piercing up-beat sounds.
Outdoor entertainment is a major event at the island resort. Partying by the beach with aromatic grills and sizzles come alive by day and night except perhaps in the rainy months from July to November. But roofed clubs and discos permit an undisturbed festivity at the island resort even during rainy days and nights.
Souvenir shops and make-shift native huts along byways are rich and colorful in welcome greeting messages and luring reminders of Boracay beach resort. They come in wood, stringed shells, local rocks, shirts, and other accessories and effects in native designs.
The island resort also teems with almost everything big cities are proud of: five-star hotels and resorts; classy luxury shops and boutiques at the D’Mall; big, stockpiled groceries and marts; fast-food chains; discos and performance stages with live bands; and fine-dining restaurants with classical music accompaniments.
Yet, the beach resort is still very much a paradise with its world famous powdery white sand and sun-kissed beaches, dazzling emerald waters, profuse palm trees by beaches and a covering of trees on hills—all sundry reminders of what Boracay is originally known for.
The seven-kilometer beach on Diniwid Beach offers a more private spot for vacationers looking for peace and quiet. It is some 20 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the commercial center by tricycle. It is where one finds the American Microtel two-storey hotel.
Boracay beach resort is still a must destination for both first-timers and habitués who treasure beaches. It offers enjoyment of modern hotel amenities found in cities and natural beach-side relaxation in the countryside. It is being far from civilization hustles, yet, not really from the treats of civilization.
Explore the Best Beaches in the World
The Philippine archipelago, consisting of more than 7,100 islands, offers some of the world’s best beaches.
Having a wide expanse of coastlines, the Philippines is endowed with beaches which have kept the tourism industry vibrant. As a matter of fact, tourists who have had the pleasure of experiencing the fine white-sand beaches of these paradise islands, more often than not, return for more of the ecstatic experience. The influx of tourists rises together with the ascending quality of services which Philippine beach resorts offer.
One cannot help but be enticed by the splendor that these tropical islands bring. For one, the island of Boracay in the middle part of the Philippines definitely boasts of a long beach line illuminated by fine white sand. The flame of beach enhancement in the Philippines is true even more in the southern parts of the country, where the islands of Camiguin and Siargao are situated. The former has the best hot springs one can experience, while the surf in the beaches of the latter is breathtaking. This, of course is to mention only a few.
Amenities in Philippine beach resorts are abreast with what others in the world has to offer. If relaxation be the issue, one’s vacation would be most relaxing and rejuvenating if spent just lying on the beach savoring the sunlight, or by being indulged and pampered in resort spas, or by the mere taking of a dip in the coolest and clearest waters of these world class beaches.
With the increase in both local and foreign investments in beach resort developments, the number of resorts as well as the number of patronage has increased, proving the viability of this business industry. But it is not only the beaches and its resorts which one can find in a visit to the islands, for festivities are held throughout the year in the different regions of the country.
These festivities celebrated throughout the islands are done all year round and are just as breathtaking as experiencing the beach itself. For one, the island of Kalibo, Aklan where the colorful ati-atihan festival is held is situated adjacent to Boracay Island and would take a matter of thirty minutes travel by motor boat. Thus, a visit to Boracay white beaches during the festivities would mean hitting two birds with one stone in terms of adventure.
In visiting the Philippine islands, one has to see, feel and experience the escapades that its beaches afford. You’ve never seen the world unless you have personally experienced the best beaches which none but the Philippines can offer.
Philippine Beaches on the Go
If you are a person with busy life style and you are tired from all of the hectic schedules you have, all you need is a great vacation hideaway and some nice beaches and friendly people to accompany you.
Why not try to have a vacation in some tropical paradise to wash away that stress. Undoubtedly, the Philippines is an excellent place to go. With its 7,100 plus islands, there are so many choices for your own satisfaction. With so many islands, there is no surprise that it is called “Asia’s beach capital.”
The beaches crystal blue waters and fine, white sands are the most frequently visited tourist destinations in the Philippines by the locals and foreigners.
Here is the list of some famous beaches in the Philippines that are popular tourist destinations throughout the year.
Most tourists prefer Boracay Beach as their travel destinations in the country. Boracay Beach is one of the prides of Philippine beaches for its powder white sands, covering a 4-kilometer coastline. It is also one of the ‘finest beaches in the world’. The vibrant nightlife is another reason why tourists love Boracay Beach.
Another great vacation hideaway is the island of Puerto Galera in Mindoro, it is one of the best diving spots in Philippine beaches- a perfect getaway for diving enthusiasts.
And if you are a nature lover and a beach bum person, El Nido in Palawan is the right place for you. El Nido is loaded of unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, and crystal blue water; it is also the country’s last frontier- a paradise for tourists like you.
Moreover, let us not forget Honda Bay in Palawan as one of the top Philippine beaches in the country; perfect for snorkeling and diving. With islets dotting in the bay with fine sand beaches, island hopping is one of the exciting activity at Honda Bay.
In addition, we cannot fail to bring up the superb beach resort and majestic Pearl Farm in Davao. It was once a pearl farm inhabited by thousands of cultivated oysters yielding white, pink, and gold pearls. It will surely compliment your vacation with its picturesque landscapes and seascapes.
We only mentioned some of the top finest beaches in the Philippines but we assure you that it would complete your list of reasons of having a break apart from your enduring stress and vexing co-workers. Taking a break to Philippine beaches is definitely a way to spend your invaluable time.
Surfing the Southern Waves
If you’re a recent surfing convert, consider this as your head’s up to the continuously growing surfing culture in the Philippines.
Contrary to popular belief, surfing in the Philippines has been stirring the local beach scene for quite some time now - approximately forty years in the South, according to the founding fathers of CNSA (Camarines Norte Surfing Association). CNSA itself has been in operation since 1968, roughly five years after the sport found itself a home in Bagasbas Beach. Thanks to the generosity of some foreign visitors, the locals of Bagasbas were shredding waves in no time. And the rest, as they say, is history.
So how come the Northern spots - La Union and Zamabales - first gained commercial recognition? Blame it on the local powers responsible for each region, but we won’t even go into that. Let’s just say that in almost all cases, the best is always put on reserve. But not for long.
Fairly recently, throngs of road trippers, backpackers, and your all-around thrill seekers, have been paying homage to the thrashings of the Pacific Ocean in the Southern part of Luzon. Surf spots are being discovered left and right from the outskirts of Batangas all the way to the Bicol region, where triple overheads are raging especially in the summer. Yes, the South is the way to go for big waves and long rides from March to August when the Pacific becomes the surfer’s playground. Head North during the months of September to February when the China Sea becomes a surfing paradise.
In the South, Bagasbas Beach in the province of Daet boasts the best beach break during the summer. Here you will find a long and wide stretch of fine grey sand where the surf breaks left and right. This is the ideal spot for beginners and aficionados alike.
Or trek up north of Bagasbas to Tong’s Point if you prefer a shore break. It takes a lot of effort to get here, however, making it the least frequented spot in the area. Rewarding, nonetheless.
The greatest resource of Barangay Bagasbas, however, is not the surf but the people. The locals here are simply the best. They’re, without a doubt, the most accommodating and hospitable people around. You don’t have to worry about lodging, food, or anything at all as the well-known Baker, master of the indomitable Surf Shack, would voluntarily take care of all your travel worries in a heartbeat and still manage to make you feel like royalty. So if any of you adventurous souls should find yourself in Bagasbas, just ask for Baker. Everyone knows the guy.
Another winning spot in Daet is the recently developed Pandan Reef Resort in San Jose, Talisay. This is a private spot whereas Bagasbas is public. This remote getaway is perfect for those who want to surf in peace, meaning, no wave stealers. Your wave, your ride. Locally known as San Jose Beach, it boasts great sets which break left and right on a sand bar. Lodging is also not a problem here as beachfront cottages, cabanas, and tents are available for rent, and cheap, too courtesy of the ever-hospitable Tito Leo.
For you surfing experts who prefer the rush of a reef break, the River Mouth in Mercedes will give you your paddling’s worth. To quench your thirst for more speed, rent a bangka for a very affordable rate.
The surfing scene in Southern Luzon is definitely a reality to be recognized now at it’s most pristine. Experience surf culture free of all commercial politics and side issues. Head South and reconnect - with nature, with fellowmen, and with yourself.
Tags: Philippines, Luzon, Surf, Surfing
Best Philippine Beach Destinations
Pearly shells anyone?
The Philippines have more than enough of them. Trooping to the splendid beaches of this archipelago would take more than your usual summer vacation time. They do have more than 7100 islands and most are gifted with stretches upon stretches of pristine white sands surrounded by sparkling blue waters and some of the best diving spots in Asia!
So, relax! Leave those stuffy suits behind and get ready for an experience of a lifetime! This tropical country has it all, ready to provide you with the best vacation your hard-earned money can buy. Most hotels and resorts offer value for money accommodations for those on a budget. Cottages and hotel rooms with spectacular ocean views are up for grabs! For the high-rollers and guests who want nothing but the best? The red carpet to the most exclusive and first class facilities awaits you.
Here’s a glimpse of Boracay, Palawan, Cebu and Bohol as heavenly getaways.
Boracay
The tropical paradise of beach lovers! Its seemingly endless stretch of white sands and great accommodation is what makes this beautiful island popular. You can take a pick from the numerous hotels lining the beach, ranging from those offering complete privacy, with hotel rooms and cottages tucked within the lush greenery or the ones situated amongst the hottest and most happening places. Take a stroll down the beach as the sun bade goodbye and watch one of the most spectacular sunsets allotted to mankind. Boracay is definitely the place to enjoy the sun, the sea and to party!
Palawan
Located just north of Malaysia’s Sabbah Island, it has a total of 1769 islands and islets that are mostly unexplored. Aptly known as the last frontier, it has the largest wildlife reservation here and is home to the most beautiful, exotic orchids, the Palawan peacock, the dugong or sea cow, the Tabon birds as well as some of the most breath taking caves in the country. The Calamian group of islands, popular for its magnificent white beaches, the clearest water and a wide range of marine resources ideal for diving, houses some of the most beautiful and exclusive resorts in Asia. This is nature at its best. Cottages and villas are strategically located to provide optimum privacy to guests. Stay secluded in a villa amongst magnificent trees or wake up in your cottage on stilts with the sea as your playground.
Cebu
Cebuano bai! Cebu has one of the friendliest atmospheres in the Philippines. Its rich history offers a wide range of activities for everyone. Visit the Magellan’s Cross, join the Sinulog festival held every 3rd Sunday of January (our own version of Mardi Gras), taste the rich flavors- the tablea, the famous mouthwatering lechon Cebu, the puso (rice wrapped in coconut leaves), crispy danggit and much more for a gastronomical blow-out! Visit the Malapascua Island, Camotes Island among the numerous unspoiled beaches of Cebu. First-class resorts are also located in the heart of the city.
Bohol
Its famous chocolate hills continue to be the most popular must-see attraction of Bohol. It is also home to the smallest known primate, the Philippine tarsier. It has already carved a reputation for having one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the country. Explore the centuries-old churches of Baclayon, Loboc, Maribojoc, Loon and other magnificent structures. Take the River safari! From the town of Loboc, cruise along Loay River with the boat ride ending in Busay falls with ample time for a refreshing swim. With over a hundred identified caves scattered around the island, Bohol is ideal for spelunking adventures. Diving is also a must, for Bohol has one of the most wonderful corals reefs that are worth the trip alone!
Tags: Tarsier, Palawan, Bohol, Boracay, Philippines, Loboc, Beach
