To 10 Beautiful & Picturesque Beaches in the Philippines

Are you tired from hours after hours of exhausting work? Do you feel the burnout and wish that you are somewhere away from all the hustle and bustle? Do you want to escape to a tropical paradise, where you can just relax all day long? The best beaches in Philippines are the perfect destinations for people who are looking for the tropical sun, white sand, crystal blue sea and most importantly, serenity.

Being an archipelago, the Philippines has the most beautiful beaches in the world scattered around its over 7,100 islands. No matter where in the Philippines you might end up, there are nearby relaxing beaches where you can go for a quick getaway. Aside from being easy on the eyes, beaches in the Philippines are also very easy on the pocket, with cheap accommodations and affordable meals and other amenities.

Best Philippines Beaches

Here are 10 of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, with instructions on how to get there and some insider tips on the best things to do in these destinations. These Philippine beaches only offer a glimpse of the wealth of natural resources in this majestic tropical country.

1. Boracay Island, Aklan

A list of the best beaches in Philippines will naturally include tiny island bestowed with clear waters and white, powdery sand. This destination, measuring only approximately 315 kilometers, welcomed 1.5 million in 2015 in its 350 resorts with some 2,000 rooms. This island continues to be developed, but its charm lies on its natural beauty. You can just lie on a beach chair all day, feel the fine sand on your feet, take a deep in the cool waters when you feel like it, and watch the picturesque sunset.

The fun continues at night, when the bars on the island pulsate with party music, and when the young crowd troops to the dance floor, local drinks in hand. The next day, you can also try the different water sports offered in this island: from jet skiing to parasailing, from banana boat riding to helmet diving.

This beautiful beach in Philippines can be reached by flying to Kalibo Airport, and then traveling by land and boat for around 3 hours. There are also available local flights to the nearest airport in Caticlan. The best time to visit Boracay Island is from November to May, when the weather is good.

2. El Nido, Palawan

A hot spot for breathtaking Philippine beaches and a perfect showcase of natural resources, El Nido is a must-visit if you happen to end up in this part of Southeast Asia. Although famous for its imposing limestone formations, which you can climb and jump from, El Nido has so much more to offer. It has 50 unspoiled white sand beaches, five different types of forests that serve as sanctuary to various flora and fauna, and three major marine habitats that host rich marine life. It is also a dream-come-true for divers who want to see rare sea creatures, like whales, whale sharks, manta rays and sea cows. No wonder this Philippine beach has been described as one of the best by CNNGo.

To get here, tourists usually fly to the Puerto Princesa Airport, and then travel by land for some four hours. Some private jets also fly directly from Manila to El Nido.

3. Palaui Island, Cagayan

If you are looking for a destination with the best beach in Philippines but would like to get away from all the troubles of urban life, then this is the perfect place for you to visit. Palaui Island is a well-kept secret in northern Philippines, with huge volcanic rocks beautifully formed by nature, and secluded white-sand beaches that will make you feel like it’s just you and nature. Aside from swimming, hiking is also a popular activity on this island, where patient trekkers are treated to a fantastic view of two islands, and a Spanish-era lighthouse. The beauty of this island has once been feature in the American reality show, “Survivor.”

Going here is not the easiest thing to do. It will require tourists to fly to Tuguegarao Airport, and travel by land for three hours, and then ride a boat for over an hour to see the attractions.

4. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

This simple town up north also has the most beautiful beaches in Philippines, even considered by some as comparable to the beach on Boracay Island. While both have powdery white sand, Pagudpud is less touristy and more laid back. Most accommodations here are just modest, and there is not much partying at night. This destination, however, promises serenity and deep appreciation for beauty. There are also a lot of other natural wonders like rock formation and waterfalls near the beach, so it is easy to explore them.

Tourists who want to visit Pagudpud will have to fly to the Laoag Airport, and then travel by land for less than two hours.

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5. Bantayan Island, Cebu

Another island gifted with the best beaches in Philippines is this one located at the center of this Southeast Asian country. This destination will make feel like you’re in an undiscovered tropical paradise, while experiencing the simple rural life in the Philippines. Aside the glistening turquoise waters and the fine white sand, there’s another reason to love this place: the townsfolk. They are very hospitable and cheerful, ready to offer you the best local cuisine and tropical fruits available on the island.

Visiting this place might be challenging, but totally rewarding. Tourists will have to go to the Cebu Airport, and then travel for around five hours by land and by ferry to the island.

6. Panglao Island, Bohol

This island used to be a sleepy town, but has been booming over the past years because of having the best beaches in Philippines. It has a manifold of islets with fine white sand, and is also known for its well-protected coral reefs that serve as home for rich marine life. Aside from sun bathing, tourists also go to Panglao Island to see dolphins, and to scuba dive.

This fascinating island can be accessed through a short drive from the Tagbilaran Airport.

7. Caramoan, Camarines Sur

If island-hopping is your thing, then this must-see Philippine beach is definitely for you. It has numerous small islets you can visit, all with a surprise for everyone to see. Some of these islets have white sand beaches where you can stroll and bask in the blue waters. Others have fantastic rock formations and huge boulders that are really sights to behold. There are also caves, waterfalls and fresh water pools hidden in these small islands, waiting to be discovered. There are also dive sites for passionate scuba divers who want to explore the marine wonders of this place, which has also been featured in the US reality show “Survivor.”

This place with beautiful Philippine beaches can be reached either by flying to or going on a long drive to Naga City, then traveling some more for over 3 hours to the Caramoan town proper.

8. Samal Island, Davao City

Another small island that has the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines is located down south. This island boasts of a 118-kilometer coastline of white and pink sand beaches, and inviting crystal blue waters. Among the most popular resorts here is Pearl Farm, which, as its name suggests, used to be a place where these precious gems are cultivated underwater. There is also the Coral Garden Marine Park, a fish sanctuary popular among those who like snorkeling and diving.

It’s easy to go to this island once you land at the Davao City Airport. You just have to go to a nearby wharf and ride a barge to this tropical paradise.

9. Coron, Palawan

Coron is a treasure chest of natural wonders. It has some of the most breath-taking beaches in the Philippines, including one in Malcapuya Island which has fine white sand and blue waters. This place is perfect for going back to the basics, because there’s no electricity here. It’s just you and nature. Aside from white sand beaches, Coron is also popular for its beautiful underwater resources, and a lake surrounded by beautiful rock formations.

To get here, fly to the Busuanga Airport in Palawan. You just have to rent a boat to be able to see the beautiful beaches and other places that this destination has to offer.

10. Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

This must-see Philippine beach has a simple promise: a relaxing stroll on its white sand beach, which stretches for over a kilometer. The waters here are also crystal blue, making it difficult to refuse basking into it. You can just pitch a tent here, relax, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

To get here, you have to travel by land from Manila for about eight hours, then ride a boat for almost an hour. The view, however, is worth the long travel.

What are you waiting for? These best beaches in Philippines are just waiting to be discovered. You deserve that time away from all your worries, just enjoying the beauty and serenity that these Philippine beaches promise to give.

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Feature image credit: Dr Tr