Top Five Beaches in the Philippines!
One of the main draws of visiting the Philippines is undeniably its breathtaking beaches. There are simply so many to choose from, each so incredibly beautiful, it’s difficult to choose which to spend time on! However, there are some benefits of visiting a select few, which not only have picture perfect views, but also a little something extra to offer! Here is our guide to the top five beaches and our reasons why they’re unmissable:
El Nido – Palawan Island
Not a beach, but a town surrounded by the best of them. If you don’t have a lot of time, you’ll find everything a beach lover could ever desire right here. This gorgeous town is known as ‘Heaven on Earth’ and it’s easy to see why. Towering limestone formations serve as an impressive backdrop to powdery white sand and crystal clear ocean. A paradise for nature lovers, El Nido has the most diverse ecosystem in the country, and is home to the largest marine sanctuary in the Philippines.
White Beach – Boracay
4km of gorgeous sand, warm, clear and shallow waters perfect for swimming, and everything you need right at the beach! This is the perfect vacation spot for beach lovers! Divided into unmarked ‘Stations’, each one has a different vibe and price point depending on your budget and preferences:
- Station 1 – Luxury beach resorts and very spacious. Prices of accommodation here are higher but if you are looking for an upscale vacation then this is the spot for you.
- Station 2 – The center of the action. Here there’s plenty to do with shopping and plenty of nightlife to be found here. Evenings are bustling with people catching pictures of the stunning sunsets and enjoying the restaurants. Accommodation here is mid-range pricing and perfect for those that like things busy.
- Station 3 – Peaceful and natural. Budget accommodation can be found easily here and backpackers will love the rustic vibe. The most peaceful of the stations, the sea here gets a little deeper than the rest of the beach. Definitely worth a visit if you want to get closer to nature.
Cloud Nine Reef – Siargao Island
Love surfing? Then head on over to Cloud Nine! The best surfing in the Philippines and the home of the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, an international surfing competition. Beginners can also get in on the action as there are plenty of opportunities to learn with one of the many surf schools. For those that prefer to stay away from the waves, you can sit, relax and just enjoy watching how skilful the pros are. They make it look so easy, maybe you’ll give it a try?
Pink Beach – Great Santa Cruz Island
At least once in your lifetime you have to catch a glimpse of the mystical pink sand of the Pink Beach of Great Santa Cruz Island. It’s a little off the beaten track, but it’s definitely worth the trouble! The pink hue of the beach comes from crushed red organ pipe corals that mix with the white sand. It’s a protected area with plans for development for eco-tourism. You’ll find turtle nests and opportunities to dive and snorkel.
Coron Island – Palawan
Often listed as one of the top dive sites in the world, you’ll be able to enjoy WWII wreck diving here! A Japanese warship fleet was sunk by the US Navy, and you can spend days exploring them! For those that prefer to stay on the surface of the water, one of the shipwrecks is shallow enough to enjoy snorkeling! You’ll find a hidden lagoon if you look hard enough although easily accessible. Here you’ll also find Kayangan Lake, which is classed as one of the clearest lakes in Asia!