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.
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.
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.
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.
Traveling to the Philippines is almost always tantamount to going to its beaches. Being an archipelago of seven thousand one hundred and seven islands and islets, it is an inevitable temptation to visit a beach resort somewhere around the country.
Here are some helpful tips to make your beach vacation the very best:
1. SET your budget.
2. Always have a checklist of what you want or expect in the place you would like to stay (price range, cleanliness, amenities, kind of food, etc.).
3. Know the location, culture and/or topography of the vacation spot.
4. Time your visit during the proper season. FYI: There are only two seasons in the Philippines, the wet/rainy and dry/summer season. The rainy season starts from June to February while summer starts before April and ends in May.
5. Beaches are very populated during summer as most tourists prefer to experience the beach while being drenched under the hot sunshine. This is during the months of April and May.
6. Always know the full details of the accommodation. There are resorts that have a cheap entrance fee but will charge you twice as much upon usage of any of its amenities while there are other resorts that charge a very high entrance fee but will allow full and unlimited usage of its amenities.
7. Weigh your options very well. Check #1 & #2.
8. Do not compromise your vacation with the cheap price of accommodation. Always compare prices with other places located in the same vacation spot. In canvassing, you might come across a resort which offers only 150pesos/night while the one adjacent to it offers 2,500++pesos/night. While the former is really affordable, it may not be the type of cottage or room you would like to end up in the night. Check #6 and compare it with #2.
9. There are different types of beaches in the Philippines depending on the color of the sand: black, brown and/or white. The black sand beaches are easy finds while the most sought after are the white sand beaches. There are also man-made white sand beaches in the Philippines, but it really has no significant difference as compared to the natural ones. Check #6.
10. In going out, always bring your sun block and umbrella with you.
11. Always apply sun block lotion each time you plan to expose your skin under the sun. In buying sun blocks, always check the expiration date of the lotion. Choose a sun block which has an SPF of at least 30.
12. If you are going to have a tan, do it before 10 am or after 3pm. Avoid exposing your skin directly under the sun, between 10am and 3pm, to avoid skin cancer or UV-damage on your skin.
13. If you are a foreigner, it is best that you bring with you a trusted friend who knows or can speak the Filipino language or the dialect of the place you plan to visit. You should also be able to familiarize yourself with the Philippine currency, its coins and bills, before deciding to visit your vacation spot.
14. Always bring with you peso coins and small bills especially if you intend to travel via public transportation.
15. Do not go island-hopping without having your dollars/foreign bills changed to Philippine currency.
Popular locations / beach vacation spots in the Philippines are the following: Boracay Island, Puerto Galera, Mindoro Island, Pagudpod, La Union, Palawan, Punta Fuego, Laia, Batangas, Caylabne, Cavite, Cebu, Bohol, Catanduanes Island, Pangasinan and the Batanes Group of Islands.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]Bohol, Palawan, Beach, Philippines, Boracay, Tarsier, Loboc, Cebu, Beaches, White Beach[/Tags]
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.
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]Surfing, Philippines, Surf, Luzon[/Tags]