In the Philippines, the coast of San Narciso in the province of Zambales is one of the finest beach and a surfing destination in the country. Its proximity from Manila makes it an ideal weekend getaway to escape stress and to regain vitality even for just a brief moment.
The Crystal Beach has its own surfing school for the beginners and a surf board rental for any surfers. It's good that a country like the Philippines is blessed to have one of the best surfing spots in the world. The Crystal Beach Resort, Zambales is indeed a sparkling jewel and a rising surfing destination in the Philippines.
The waves in the month of September until January would be the best since it's a monsoon season when the wind blows stronger. The coast of San Narciso and the sparkling shore of the Crystal Beach is truly a paradise for everyone who appreciates nature.
Here's a list of breathtaking beaches in the Philippines that you should visit:
1. White Beach, Boracay
The beaches in Boracay are blessed with white, powdery sand that would make you feel as if you are walking on white, powdery flour. The natural beauty of the island is truly astounding, earning its spot as one of the most popular beaches in the world. With clear, turquoise waters alternating with palm trees, you will feel that you are truly in paradise!
Boracay is an ideal destination if you travel to Philippines with children, friends or on a honeymoon in Philippines. If you travel to Philippines for honeymoon, it is the best island to throw the house out of the window, along with El Nido. One of the great attractions for many travelers who want to travel to Philippines is to see the Boracay island with the most luxury hotels.
Known throughout the world as the Ibiza of Asia because it is almost the only island destination in the country where there is nightlife Boracay is one of the best places to go in the Philippines. What will really make you fall in love with it is its fabulous White Beach, one of the best beaches in Philippines washed by crystal clear waters.
White Beach is so calm that they often look like a swimming pool, especially during the dry season months, when the winds blow from the Amihan. At dusk, when the sky becomes epic and gives you one of the most photographed sunsets in Philippines, with the outline of the paraw, the typical boats of Boracay.
It is usually quite quiet during the day, although at sunset, happy hours accumulate more people. You cannot smoke or eat or drink alcoholic beverages in White Beach. Here is Willy's Rock, a lineup that appears on almost any Boracay postcard.
Although it is not comparable to Coron or El Nido, it is a good option to get to know other parts of the island, nearby islands and, above all, to snorkel. Island hopping in Boracay often includes Crocodile Island, Tambisaan Beach, several snorkeling spots and other best beaches of Philippines such as Puka Beach.
Here, as there are no hotels, only some reggae style stalls that put on sun beds and serve drinks, the atmosphere is usually more relaxed.
Can you do kite surfing in the Philippines? Of course! Boracay is the best known destination for kitesurfing and Bulabog beach offers many opportunities for both beginners and advanced. There are several schools of kitesurfing where you can hire instructors and rent equipment. The best time to do kite-surfing in Boracay is during the Amihan. Even so, during the Habagat, it is possible to practice it on the other side of the island.
Of course, keep in mind that at Christmas in Philippines, Chinese New Year or Easter there will be many people.
Include Ariel's Point in your list of things to do in Boracay. It is a point near White Beach with several platforms on which to jump several meters high. If you love water sports, Ariel’s Point is the place for you. You can try jumping off a board on the cliff at 3 different heights or you can spend your day enjoying any imaginable water sport.
A few of the many activities are kayaking, snorkeling and paddle boarding. A day spent here would be a day well spent and you will not regret it even a little bit.
Diniwid Beach is one of the favorites, because it has a more backpacker atmosphere and is usually quieter.
Visit Ilig-Iligan, on the opposite side of Boracay. One of the best things to do in Boracay is to taste its gastronomy. Here are some interesting places to eat in Boracay. D'Talipapa is an eminently seafood and fish market. The funny thing is that you can buy the food yourself and then you can go to one of the neighboring restaurants and choose between the cooking methods.
If you want to surprise someone, give them a helicopter ride over the island! And, eye, you can also get married in Boracay. There are many who visit Boracay with friends. These are some of the things to do in Boracay to increase your adrenaline. Fly Fish Ride is a huge inflatable boat that can fit several people, propelled by a jet ski. Of course, you will also find more light options, such as the typical "banana".
While Parasailing you can see Boracay from the heights with a friend while a jet ski boosts you. Zip line, zorb, quad rides are there in the surroundings of Mt. Luho, which offers the best views of Boracay. We are not the biggest fans of diving in Boracay, because if we compare it with these places to dive in Philippines, Boracay does not have the best seabed, but it is a good place to do a baptism or a couple of dives.
The easiest way to get to Boracay is with a flight to Caticlan, but there are cheaper options. Find out in advance about the state of the algae in White Beach. It is a natural phenomenon but many people are disappointed to not see such a beautiful thing. Thanks to Instagram you can see live images.
2. Calaguas, Camarines Norte
Calaguas is a group of islands in the Camarines Norte province, and a two-hour boat ride if you're coming from the mainland. Getting here isn't a breeze, and that's probably why it's one of the most best-kept tropical destinations that has managed to stay untouched for a couple of years.
The most popular beach is Long Beach, located in Tinaga Island where you can camp and swim to your heart's content. You can also rent a hut or basic accommodation if you're staying a day or two here.
3. Dumaluan Beach, Panglao Island
Dumaluan Beach is one of the best beaches in Panglao Island and no doubt, one of the best beaches in the Philippines. The beach boasts of impressive coral formations and an abundance of marine life. It is also considered one of the best in the country. You can also watch out for whales and dolphins when you are on the shore.
After you spend a day at the beach, make sure to drop by Our Lady of Assumption Church, a grand structure that showcases Roman and Byzantine architecture.
4. Kota Beach, Bantayan Island, Cebu
Kota Beach is one of the most stunning beaches of Bantayan Island. Bantayan Island is found northwest of Cebu and boasts exquisite white sand beaches minus the large resorts and other huge commercial establishments. Overall, it's a fantastic destination for travelers who are simply craving for a more laid-back atmosphere and are looking for more unique experiences when they're in Cebu.
5. White Island, Camiguin
White Island is actually an uninhabited sandbar. There are no trees or any man-made structures there that could shield you from the harsh rays of the sun, so make sure you bring a hat and a sunblock! Meanwhile, the actual sandbar is also really stunning. The shape and size changes depending on the tide and the season.
Soak in its fine white sand and crystal clear waters. The place is excellent for snorkeling, as well. And if you're up for it, the view of the Hibok-Hibok volcano makes a great Instagram-worthy shot! The best time to go here is during the summer season. Keep in mind that boats don't usually venture here if the weather is bad.
6. Alegria Beach, Siargao
Located far north of Siargao, Alegria Beach has almost no waves. It is pretty much the opposite of more popular surfing spots on the island, such as Cloud 9. The Cloud nine waves of Siargao in the South is a world renowned and the surfing spot of San Fernando, La Union is both a favorite destination among local and international surfers and beach lovers.
In fact, the waters of Alegria Beach are very calm and clear. And although there is not much to see, it is a serene place to relax, chill, and just mindlessly gaze out in the sea.
Another fun fact: Since this is a local beach, some local kids may want to play and practice their English with you.
7. Apo Island
You can visit the Apo island famous for scuba diving, or see the 7 km of white sand beach in Manjuyod. The marine sanctuaries for snorkeling in Dauin offers a wide range of possibilities for all tastes.
8. Oslob
The Philippines has one of the largest whale shark populations in the world, with almost 2,000 individuals identified. There are few places better to swim with the largest fish in the sea than at the Whale Shark Interaction Eco-Tourism Project in Donsol, an ethical operation than helps protect this incredible species.
The whale sharks are the largest fish of our planet and if you travel to the Philippines, swim with them will surely be one of your most beautiful memories. There are several places to swim with the whale sharks. You can go to Donsol, but you can see them on the Cebu island, specifically in Oslob.
Whale sharks are seen in Tanawan, which is located after Oslob. The difference between Donsol and Oslob is that here you are 100% sure to see the whale sharks in Donsol while you have to have a little more luck. Malapascua is one of the best destinations for scuba diving in the world.
There you have it! We hope that this list has satisfied your wanderlust. Add these gorgeous beaches on your travel bucket list as you plan your trip to the Philippines.