When you’re packing for a trip back home to the Philippines, one thing’s for sure: You won’t forget the pasalubong and bilins of your family and friends, but you may forget (or forgo!) a few essentials that you’ll need for your out-of-town trips to the beach. This might especially be true if you were unprepared for the scorching heat index in several areas around the Philippines, like in Metro Manila, Iloilo, Zambales, and Northern Luzon. The good news is, you don’t have to worry. This KUBO guide will help you figure out where to get everything and why you should consider packing a few other items for your getaway.
KUBO Tip: Try to get everything before you leave Metro Manila or the city closest to your beach destination. Depending on where you’re going, the resorts might sell the same things at a higher cost—especially if it’s located somewhere that’s a little more remote or isolated.
Beach Essential 1: Sunscreen
You can easily find options at a nearby drugstore or supermarket, but since not all sunscreens are the same, check out this KUBO feature about our favorite sunscreens for every budget. Keep in mind that the sun in the Philippines hits your skin different since we’re closer to the equator and it may burn you faster. So if you’re on the fair side or if you’re traveling with kids or a foreigner, choose a gentle, water-resistant formula with broad-spectrum protection like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF50, PHP647, available at Watsons branches nationwide and online.
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Beach Essential 2: Waterproof Shoes
Keep in mind that not all Philippine beaches have Boracay-like sand, so to help protect your feet from painful cuts and scrapes, a pair of aqua shoes (you can find these at local department stores) or waterproof sandals are a must. Depending on the beach you visit, sea urchins, pieces of glass, and rough coral may be present, so packing footwear that you can wear in and around the water (like these hybrid ones from Merrell, with stores nationwide) is always ideal.
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Beach Essential 3: Waterproof Bags
If you like taking action shots in the sea or plan on going island hopping via our local bangkas, having a waterproof bag (and a waterproof case for your phone!) can definitely help keep your valuable items and gadgets safe from random splashes or accidental drops in the ocean. There are usually vendors selling these at the beach or at the resort, but you might want to get these online via Shopee or Lazada to help save a few bucks. Just look for sellers who ship somewhere close to your city to ensure that your items get to you on time.
Check out this dry bag and this phone case.
Beach Essential 4: Cover-Ups & Swimwear
Want more outfit options for your tropical escape? We shared our favorite places to shop for swimwear here. Most of these online brands offer loungewear, cover-ups, and dresses that’ll look super cute at the beach, and some of them even offer same-day delivery if you’re based in Metro Manila. But if you don’t have time to shop and just want to find something at the mall, you’ll find lots of summery and linen options at the Frankie General Store at SM Aura in BGC or Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center, Makati.
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Beach Essential 5: A Chic Beach Bag
If you’re going somewhere special for dinner or just want to elevate your beachwear, try packing a stylish and proudly Pinoy-made tote that you can whip out whenever you want to feel a little more fancy. Our go-to brand for artisanal, locally-made bags: Aranaz (available online at aranaz.ph—they also ship worldwide—and at physical stores at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center and Greenbelt 5, both in Makati; and Alabang Town Center). Their bags are made to last, and they also have many options ranging from clutches, embroidered baskets, and bucket bags, so you will definitely find something that’ll suit your style.
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Beach Essential 6: Sunglasses
One of the easiest things to misplace when you’re having fun under the sun would be your sunglasses. That’s why we reco that you leave your designer pair at home (the sandy seawater might damage or scratch the lenses) and opt for a stylish yet budget-friendly pair that you won’t regret losing. Check out the latest vintage summer collection from popular Filipino brand Sunnies Studios here (available online and at physical stores in major malls around the Philippines), owned by Pinay It girls including Georgina Wilson.
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Beach Essential 7: Mosquito Repellant
Have you noticed that mosquitoes in the Philippines tend to gravitate toward those who are from abroad? To keep bites away, make sure you pack anti-bug patches that use natural oils like lemon eucalyptus. Since you’ll already have a layer of sunscreen on, we like how you can stick these on your clothes before walking along the shore or even while you’re sleeping. You’ll usually find these on kids, but hey, adults can totally wear them, too.
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Moskishield Mosquito Repellant Patch, PHP176, is available online via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok; as well as in drugstores, supermarkets, and department stores nationwide.
Beach Essential 8: Snorkeling Gear
If you’re planning on snorkeling during an island-hopping trip or want to go on mini dives to explore the reefs, there are usually places where you can rent goggles and snorkels. As long as these are sanitized well, then there’s nothing to worry about. But if you’re a germaphobe or just want to be extra careful against risks like Covid, you might want to bring your own gear. We found some affordable options here and here, both available at Decathlon.ph.
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Beach Essential 9: Beach Hats
Wearing a hat when you’re under the sun is a stylish way to give your skin and hair a little protection from the harmful and drying UV rays. If you want something with a more summery flair, we like these straw hats from Kultura (available online and in SM department stores and malls nationwide). But if you want a more Gen Z vibe or just want something you can easily toss into your bag, then check out these surfer girl caps from Roxy (starts at PHP1,290, available online via Lazada and Zalora, as well as in physical stores nationwide), including what celebrity surfer mom Andi Eigenmann wears in this cute pic with her kids:
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Beach Essential 10: Glow-Enhancing Makeup
We admit that this might not exactly be an essential, but it’s definitely something that can help you show off your beach glow when you’re shooting selfies and souvenir photos from your Philippine vacation. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a dewy blush that can bring out the warmth of your skin (celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury recommends using peach or nude tones). Try a multi-tasking and easily blendable blush that you can use over the different areas of your face, like Lucky Beauty Blush & Lip Cream in Fluff or Muse, PHP349 (available online via Lazada), from the cosmetics brand of actress Andrea Brillantes.
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You may also want to pack some long-lasting and moisturizing lip products to keep your puckers hydrated in spite of the heat, like the new Hydra Tint, PHP395, from local makeup brand Spotlight Cosmetics (available online via Lazada and Watsons, as well as Watsons and SM Beauty Store branches nationwide).
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Want more tips on how to look your best despite the hot and humid weather in the Philippines? Read our guide here for our summer-friendly makeup picks.
