Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
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.
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.
Going to the Beach
There are several ways to turn your day to a new one. But the best way is to travel. Yes, going to places, meeting new people will sometimes relieve the boredom that we feel.
The beach is one of the best places to go during the summer. There is nothing on this earth that can be as rewarding and adventurous than a trip to the ocean. One can easily re-charge your batteries with a vacation to the many beaches of the Philippines. So pack your summer outfit and don’t forget to bring your suntan lotion with you.
People love to go out with the family to the beach. They get a chance to bathe in the sun, go fishing, or just enjoy the view. For many tourists in the Philippines who love the climate here, these islands are like a paradise. With 7107 islands, there are plenty of beaches you can explore.
With all the fun that we get to see, hear and experience, we still have to be on the lookout for those guys who feed on the ignorance of others. There are the scammers who would take advantage of the tourists’ divided attention. There are also recent reports of kidnapping among wealthy tourists who are unaware of the perils that await them. These kidnappers, scammers, and thieves prey upon the innocent like the sharks in the open water.
For these kinds of people, conscience is nothing compared to the hungry stomachs that they have to feed everyday. To prevent these dangerous people from preying on you, you must scout the area of interest first. Stick to the main beaches on these islands such as Puerto Gallera, Subic Bay, Boracay, Palawan, and more. These areas are more than safe and millions of tourists visit and enjoy their vacations trouble free.
Now that we have been warned, let’s talk about the things we need to prepare before going to the beach.
Money, transportation, and shelter are very important. With money, we can get to travel without the need to acquire a car of our own. Traveling by bus is usually cheaper than having to pay for your own gas. By getting on the bus you spare yourself the trouble of mapping out where you have to go. You also get a chance to take some fancy snap pictures while on the trip.
Now, a place to stay should also be planned in advance, we don’t want to stay out too late at the beach and later find out we don’t have a place to take a nap right? Research the hotels and places to stay before your trip to take the guess work out of your vacation.
Enjoy life, travel once in a while, see life up close.
Philippine Beaches
Travel bugs who can’t decide which Asian paradise to visit first need not look elsewhere. The Philippines has 7,100 plus islands that may well be the pearls of the Orient that you’re looking for.
A vacation in a tropical country would not be complete without a trip to the beach, and the Philippines boasts of island paradises that will make you want to stay forever. Catch some sun. Feel the wind. Sip on that tall glass of your favorite iced drink. Pig out on sun-ripe mangoes. Marvel at that tropical paradise experience.
There is a really long list of beaches that local and international tourists would want to go to, and here are some of the most popular.
First stop up far north is Pagudpud, a town in Ilocos Norte. If you love white sand, go to Burayoc and Saud. In addition, beach buffs would definitely want to stay in these resorts: Arinaya, North Ridge, Pannzian, Tera Rika, and Villa del Mar.
Next would be Boracay’s White Beach, which is best visited between January and May. A lovely three-mile stretch of white sand adorns the island. Windsurfing is best done anytime from December through February. Dive enthusiasts can easily rent a boat that will take them to ideal dive sites.
Another beach worth checking out is Honda Bay in Palawan. The Cannon, Bat, and Starfish Islands off Honda Bay are the islets everyone would want to go to. Divers will love Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, which is hailed as the number one dive location in the Philippines.
A likely substitute destination for Boracay, which has become so popular that it gets crowded during certain times of the year, is a small island in the northeastern portion of Cebu. Shark lovers would want to take a glimpse of thresher sharks that ply the waters between Cebu and Leyte. While in Cebu, you might as well visit Mactan Island if you want nightlife at the beach.
Nobody would want to miss Muelle Bay in Puerto Galera, Mindoro. The best beaches there are White, Tamaraw, Sabang, and the Big and Small Laguna Beaches. Drop by anytime from November to June.
Surfers will surely want to go to Puraran Beach in Catanduanes. October is the best month to surf there. Other destinations to check out are Pamagal and Igang, which have attractive white sand beaches.
Down south, Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island is the place to visit when in Davao. While at Pearl Farm, water sports enthusiasts can go hobie cat sailing or jet skiing. Divers will enjoy exploring two sunken Japanese boats a mere 60 meters from the resort.
Finally, Siargao in Surigao del Norte is a surfer’s paradise that also attracts diving and fishing lovers. Among the best resorts around are Cherinicole, Jadestar, Jungle Reef, Lemurian, Pansukian Tropical, and Sagana Resort Cloud 9.
As soon as you decide to travel to Asia, go visit the Philippines. It will be a worthwhile vacation you will love to tell your friends about. The options are endless.
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.
Bacolod Destination Guides
Overview
Aside from the historical landmarks that one ought to visit when in Bacolod, there are also several other Bacolod destinations that can help one have a really good holiday. The beaches in Bacolod are beautiful and cater to a lot of water sports but aside from these there are other Bacolod destinations that are simply too enticing to pass on.
Sipalay Beach
If it sounds familiar, it’s because the Bacolod destination of Sipalay Beach is very well known. From Bacolod City, getting to Sipalay Beach entails a short jeepney ride and one can even ask a tricycle to bring one there. Because this Bacolod destination is just a short distance from the city itself, it’s not just tourists who frequent this area, locals also spend weekends here to unwind. Sipalay Beach is in Sipalay town and once there, one will realize that it’s not just one beach that one is going to but several stretching for kilometers on end. The waters of Sipalay Beach are pristine and there is a diverse marine life that is any diver’s dream. One does not have to take up diving lessons though and become a certified diver to be able to enjoy the marine life, snorkeling is an option. This Bacolod destination is very convenient for those who feel that one day is not enough time spent at the beach because there are several small resorts there where one can spend a night or two. The cottages that offer lodging at Sipalay Beach are well maintained and they have good facilities so one never feels that the modern necessities are amiss. Another good thing about the resorts at this Bacolod destination is that they equipment for rent for water sports such as snorkeling and diving.
Sipaway Island
The other name for Sipaway Island is Refugio Island but no matter what name one decides to call it, this is also good Bacolod destination if one wants to spend a day or two at the beach. The attraction to Sipaway Island lies in the many activities that can be done at this Bacolod destination including several water sports. While there, take time to ask about the Sipaway Island legends and visit the several centuries old Balete tree which is where most of the stories started. Among the things that are on Sipaway Island are recreational facilities, a couple of resorts and a wharf. The inhabitants of Sipaway Island are also very warm and friendly and speak a little English so feel free to ask them what life is like on the island.
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.
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.
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.
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.
