The central part of the Philippine archipelago – the Visayas consists of several islands.
Being primarily surrounded by the Visayan Sea, Visayas has its fair share of pristine and white beaches that everyone loves to keep coming back to.
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Beaches in Luzon
The largest and most populous island in the Philippines is Luzon.
Ranked 15th largest in the world by land area, it is in the northern portion of the Philippine archipelago.
Luzon houses the economic and political centre of the country. It is home to the capital city, Manila, and the most populous city, Quezon City.
Luzon is bordered on the west by the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea on the east, and the Luzon Strait up north.
This is why, in Luzon alone, you won’t run out of lovely beaches to explore and visit.
Pagudpud
Pagudpud is known as the “Boracay of the North.” Its pristine coastline offers more than a place to chill, swim, or surf.
Not too far from the shore are 20 wind turbines that convert wind into renewable energy.
Pagudpud is part of Southeast Asia’s first windmill farm that produces enough energy to power up communities nearby.
- Location: Ilocos Norte province, Luzon, northern Philippines.
- How to go:
- By air to touchdown at Laoag International Airport (LAO)
- By land – 10 to 12-hour drive from Manila
- Famous for: miles of lush tropical greenery, hills, valleys to reach, pure white sand
- Ideal for: Because it is up north, it receives strong winds that make it the best location for kite surfing.
- Famous places near the beach: Bangui windmills and Paoay Sand Dunes
Baler
Baler is the capital town of Aurora province and is well-known among surfers and bikers.
However, the waves are what make this laid-back coastal town is primarily known for.
Moreover, bikers enjoy the scenic ride passing roads that zigzag through the mountains.
- Location: Aurora province, Luzon, north-east of Manila
- How to go: By land – 5-hour drive from Manila
- Famous for: Waves as high as 14 feet.
- Ideal for: Surfing
- Famous places near the beach: Aurora Memorial National Park
Fortune Island
What used to be an exclusive luxury resort is now an abandoned paradise.
Fortune Island is the beach with a crown. Its crown? The Grecian pillars and statues at the top of the island’s limestone cliff that overlooks the sea.
- Location: Batangas province, south of Manila
- How to go: By land – 4-hour drive from Manila
- Famous for: Grecian pillars and statues on the edge of the island overlooking the sea
- Ideal for: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving
- Famous places near the beach: Lighthouse and bat cave
Bolinao Island
You might have heard of Hundred Islands in Pangasinan but, there is another gem you might not have heard of – the town of Bolinao.
Bolinao Island is a hidden jewel in the north of the Philippines where you can not only swim, surf, and dive but get a majestic view of the West Philippine Sea.
- Location: Pangasinan province, north of Manila
- How to go: By land – 5-hour drive from Manila
- Famous for: untouched and serene beauty, spring water in enchanted caves
- Ideal for: Swimming, scuba diving, cruise
- Famous places near the beach: Bolinao falls, Enchanted Cave
Coron
When you hear Palawan, Philippines, you may instantly think of the Underground River that made it to 2012’s 7 Wonders of the World.
But, indeed, Palawan is rich in natural wonders; that aside from the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, it has Coron Island, which houses the most beautiful rock formations, beaches, and caves.
- Location: Palawan province, south of Manila
- How to go:
- By land – 17-hour drive from Manila
- By air – 1.5-hr plane ride from Manila
- Famous for: best scuba diving sites according to Forbes Traveler Magazine
- Ideal for: Swimming, scuba diving, paddleboarding
- Famous places near the beach: WWII Japanese shipwreck, Mt. Tapyas
Beaches in the Visayas
The central part of the Philippine archipelago – the Visayas consists of several islands.
Being primarily surrounded by the Visayan Sea, Visayas has its fair share of pristine and white beaches that everyone loves to keep coming back to.
Kagusuan Beach
Kagusuan Beach is Siquijor’s little secret. It lies in an already quiet and laid-back location in the southeastern part of Siquijor.
Its calmness is what you’ll love about it. Plus, it does not get as crowded as most popular beaches in Siquijor.
- Location: Province of Siquijor, Central Visayas region
- Nearest airport: Sibulan Airport. There is no direct flight from Manila to Siquijor. You will have to travel by sea and land once you land in Dumaguete to get to Siquijor.
- What you’ll love: It has both rough and charming appeal. Its powdery sand, rock formations, and rough seas tirelessly invite you to get into the water and get a tan.
- If you have more time and budget: Go beach hopping around the town of Siquijor. There are different places where you can go diving, hiking, and caving. You can also swim with the turtles as you explore Dumaguete’s Apo Island.
Guisi Beach
Reward yourself with sights as beautiful as the island seascapes of Guimaras, particularly that of Guisi Beach.
An old lighthouse will greet you before reaching the golden-yellow sand beaches, emerald green waters, and stunning rock formations.
- Location: Province of Guimaras, Western Visayas region
- Nearest airport: Roxas Airport. There is no direct flight from Manila to Guimaras. Upon landing, ride a “Nueva Valencia” jeep, then ask the driver to drop you off at the Guisi Beach intersection.
- What you’ll love: Guisi beach has sands that weren’t perfectly white or fine but have alluring waters and rugged coastlines.
- If you have more time and budget: Follow the light trail, and it will take you to a 15-minute uphill trek to the Guisi Lighthouse that gives the best view of the beach. The ruins of the Spanish-colonial outpost and the rotting remains of the lighthouse will take you back in time.
Islas de Gigantes
Aside from the Miag-ao Church that UNESCO holds as a World Heritage Site, Iloilo offers another beauty that beach bums will surely love – Islas de Gigantes.
Islas de Gigantes is a small group of islands located off the coast of Carles and Estancia towns in the northeastern part of Iloilo, Philippines.
It presents exhilarating beautiful seascapes and a laid-back island lifestyle.
- Location: Province of Iloilo, Western Visayas region
- Nearest airport: Roxas Airport. From the airport, ride a tricycle to get to the bus terminal that will take you to Estancia. Travel is about 2 hours. In Estancia, take a ride to get to the Bancal Port in Carles.
- What you’ll love: Islas de Gigantes is blessed with white sand beaches and sandbars. Hidden behind steep rock formations are beautiful caves you would love to take a look at. Theirs are spacious caverns that can be with no trouble explored.
- If you have more time and budget: Visit the ruins of a Spanish-colonial lighthouse at the northern shore of Gigantes Norte Island. You may also go rock scrambling, where you can take the rocky trail that leads to the top row of limestone cliffs.
Caluya Islands
Caluya Islands’ absence of high-rises makes it the perfect getaway for nature lovers who want a hiatus from the pains of city life.
It offers unspoiled coastlines with ivory sand and clear waters, verdant seaweed farms, and palatable treats.
- Location: Province of Antique, Western Visayas region
- Nearest airport: Iloilo Airport. From the airport, take a bus or van bound for Libertad, Antique. Travel time from Iloilo to Libertad may take about 6 hours.
- What you’ll love: Stunning white beach and friendly locals. Its white and powder-fine sand is comparable to Boracay’s. The local delicacy – tatus. A coconut crab that thrives in coconut trees. Its tasty meat can be cooked in different ways. You will be surprised at just how costly their meat can be.
- If you have more time and budget: Visit Lusot Lusot Cave and swim or check out the seaweed farms.
Sumilon Island
One of the clearest waters in Cebu is found in a small sandbar island in Oslob.
Sumilon Island is a sandbar spreading over 24 hectares. Most people don’t know that Sumilon Island is a private island owned by Blue Water Sumilon Resort but maintained by the municipality of Cebu.
This arrangement allows for locals and tourists to be able to enjoy the beauty of Sumilon Island.
- Location: Province of Cebu, Central Visayas region
- Nearest airport: Cebu Airport. From the airport, take a bus or a cab to reach Oslob. Then, ride a boat at the port to reach Sumilon Island.
- What you’ll love: Sumilon’s crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving. The surrounding dive sites are well-known for the ideal visibility of various tropical fish and marine species. If you’re lucky, a blacktip reef shark or whale shark may pass by right in front of you.
- If you have more time and budget: Swim with the whale sharks and go canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
Beaches in Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest chunk in the Philippine archipelago.
A beach haven itself, Mindanao has some of the finest beaches that remained untouched by commercialism.
News of terrorist attacks caused tourists to feel wary about traveling to this part of the Philippines.
But, with an extensive military presence in Mindanao, tourism is starting to catch up.
No wonder Siargao is becoming more and more well-known internationally, especially in the world of surfing.
Dako Island
It would be best if you didn’t miss Dako Island when in Siargao.
One of the biggest among the three island destinations in Siargao, Dako takes its name from the Visayan term “Dako,” which means “big.”
The powdery sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, and picturesque sceneries are enough to tempt even the non-swimmers to dip in!
- Location: Surigao del Norte Province, CARAGA Region of Mindanao
- Nearest airport: Siargao Airport. Ride a passenger van from the airport that will take you directly to your hotel in General Luna.
- Where to Stay: Siargao is slowly becoming famous among local and international surfers. Thus, transient houses, hotels, and all sorts of accommodations are available in Siargao. Here are some according to Agoda users: Isla Cabana Resort, Ocean 101, Cloud 9 Beach Resort, Bravo Beach Resort, Eddie’s Beach Resort
- Don’t miss:
- Island hopping tour that also includes Guyam and Naked Islands.
- Play beach volley and Frisbee
- Surf, swim, and snorkel
- You can also: Check out diving activities at Magpupungko Rock Pool. Rent a motorbike to explore the island’s beautiful countryside. See Sohoton and its lagoons and fantastic rock formations.
Dakak
Dakak is a diving mecca located in northern Zamboanga.
Not only does it offer sights of copious coral reefs but colorful sanctuaries of native plants and animals.
Dakak sprawls along 15 hectares of wooded land and a well-preserved white sandy beach.
- Location: Dapitan City, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao.
- Nearest airport: Dipolog City Airport. Take a cab from the airport to get to the hotel.
- Where to stay: You can stay in Dakak Park and Beach Resort, or you may choose from nearby hotels such as Dapitan Resort Hotel, Seabreeze Lodge and Café, Gwandalan House
- Don’t Miss: Aside from the already exciting swimming activities, you can:
- Rappel and rock climb
- Zipline onto 1,364 meters long and 300 meters high cable
- Ride ATVs or Horses
- You can also: Enjoy other aqua sports activities like scuba diving, parasailing, paddleboarding, water bicycle, glass canoe, kayaking, etc.
Samal Island
More popularly known as the Island Garden City, Samal Island is the largest resort city in the Philippines as it houses more than 30 resorts with over 1,000 rooms.
It is one of the top tourist destinations for travelers visiting the capital city of Mindanao – Davao City.
- Location: Samal, Province of Davao del Norte, Davao Region in Mindanao
- Nearest Airport: Davao International Airport. From the airport, take two jeepney rides to reach your preferred port. You can either go with Sasa Wharf or Santa Ana Wharf. Both ports have ferries bound for Samal Island.
- Where to stay: The most prominent resort city in the Philippines, you won’t run out of choices for places to stay. The top picks are, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Costa Marina Resort, Indo Bali House
- Don’t Miss: Have a quiet retreat on the white sandy beaches or swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters. Or simply appreciate the beauty that nature offers.
- You can also: Visit the Monfort Bat Cave. Snorkel or scuba dive in Talikud Island. Go Hiking at Mount Putting Bato
Sta.Cruz Island
No one gets tired of white sandy beaches, but just in case you are looking for something different, Sta. Cruz Island offers a pink sand beach – unique and beautiful.
In reality, the sands of Sta. Cruz Island is just like most beaches – powdery white.
However, the red organ-pipe corals break down continuously, and its pulverized form gets mixed with the sand, thus the pink shade.
- Location: Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Peninsula region of the Philippines
- Nearest airport: Zamboanga City airport. Ride a tricycle that will take you to Paseo del Mar. From Paseo del Mar, ride a motorboat to reach the island.
- Where to stay: Enjoy the pink sand beach while staying at cozy and accommodating hotels Isteraha Haven Inn, Marcian Garden Hill, Cityinn Hotel
- Don’t miss: Dipping on the pink beach and diving into the waters to see corals onshore or snorkel to see them up close. Play with some stingless jellyfish.
- You can also:
- Tour the mangrove forest and harvest sea grapes
- Explore the sandbars
- Play beach volley
Author Bio
Rachael Taylor, the owner of www.surfhungry.com, is a passionate beach lover, surfer and traveller hailing from Western Australia. In this blog post, Rachael brings her adventurous spirit to the Philippines, exploring the best beaches and crystal-clear waters that this beautiful country has to offer. Her extensive knowledge and love for all things to do with the ocean make her the perfect guide to discover the Philippines’ hidden gems, making for an unforgettable beach experience. When Rachael isn’t out on the water surfing, she can be found supporting eco-tourism initiatives or indulging in surf adventure travel. Join Rachael and discover the stunning beauty of the Philippines through her eyes.