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.