When the topic of the world’s best beaches comes up, we can’t help but feel a surge of Pinoy pride in our hearts. After all, Boracay and Palawan have consistently made it to these top lists—Palawan comes in fourth in the World’s Best Beaches List, while Boracay is among the Top 5 in Asia in Conde Nast Traveler 2023 Readers Choice Awards for Best Islands in the World.
But the Philippines has more beaches to offer than these two world-renowned spots. Whether you want to go diving, surfing, or just lie on the sand to get a tan, here’s your bucket list of the top 10 must-visit beach destinations around the archipelago—but trust us, there’s more!
Luzon Beaches
1. Batangas
Just a two-hour drive from Metro Manila, Batangas is a favorite of beach lovers because this big province not only has a diverse set of activities you can enjoy, it is also close enough to the city for a day trip.
Those who enjoy scuba diving have two beach options in Batangas: Nasugbu has the popular Club Punta Fuego, which can arrange to take you to Nasugbu’s dive sites and offer other water activities like snorkeling, wakeboarding, water skiing, and more. Anilao, which is popular for its coral reefs, also has Anilao Diving and Beach Resort, which offers dive packages for certified divers, introductory dive for beginners, and snorkeling packages.
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If you prefer to relax by the beach, Laiya in San Juan is a popular destination that has several resorts along the coast, such as Acuatico Beach Resort and The Henry Laiya. Calatagan is also a good option, especially if you want to try camping by the beach. Stilts Calatagan Beach Resorts not only has camping facilities, but it also has beachfront cottages and floating cottages built right above the water.
While you can visit these beaches in Batangas all year long, early November to May are the best times to go diving. The months of March to May are also considered peak season since everyone wants to hit the beach in the summer, but there are resorts that offer cheaper rates for weekday visits.
2. Palawan
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Palawan has four major tourist destinations, each with its own charm. El Nido is famous for its white sand beaches, blue lagoons, snorkeling sites, and the impressive limestone cliffs and rock formations. You can stay at a resort in the town proper, but for the most luxurious experience, book with El Nido Resorts: a group of private island resorts—Miniloc, Lagen, and Pangulasian, the latter being the most luxurious (watch for our feature, soon)—with only 50 accommodations each for guests who want to laze around on the perfect white-sand beach, swim in crystal-clear waters, and have access to hassle-free island-hopping tours to see El Nido’s many natural wonders. All three resorts offer full board—meaning breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are included in your stay.
Coron is also known for its limestone cliffs and rock formations, and is a good spot for divers who want to explore wreck diving sites and coral reefs. Luxury resorts in Coron like Club Paradise and Two Seasons Island Resort offer a relaxing beach stay on their own island. Both resorts can arrange other exciting activities for guests, such as diving expeditions, island hopping, and other water sports.
It may not have limestone cliffs, but Puerto Princesa is home to what is popularly known as the Underground River, or the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 8.2-kilometer underground river goes through what UNESCO calls “one of the world’s most impressive cave systems” before flowing directly into the sea. Apart from touring the underground river, you can visit other beaches like Sabang Beach and Nagtabon Beach. For a beachfront stay, check out Astoria Palawan.
Not to be outdone by the three popular destinations, San Vicente has the aptly-named Long Beach. The 14.7-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand beach lined by coconut trees is the longest white-sand beach in the Philippines and the second longest in Southeast Asia. It’s perfect for those who want to lounge by the beach for hours on end. Try staying at Club Agutaya, as accommodations are still fairly limited in this emerging tourist destination.
3. La Union
If learning how to surf is on your agenda, head north to La Union, colloquially referred to as Elyu. Surf season is from October to April, known as North Swell Season. But the rainy season in the Philippines sometimes extends to November, so it may be best to surf from December until the start of summer in March.
The town of San Juan is considered the main hub of the Surfing Capital of the North, and the coastline is divided into three breaks: the beginner-friendly Urbiztondo or Beach Break, Monaliza Point, and Carrile Point.
As a popular surfing spot, there are many accommodations in San Juan, including San Juan Surf Resort, a hotel and surf school run by popular surfer Luke Landrigan. Other well-loved Elyu resorts include the artsy and Instagrammable Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel and Filipino-Balinese inspired Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa.
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Even if you don’t feel like surfing, there’s still something to do in La Union. You can have a luxurious stay at Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point, hailed as the Santorini of Asia. The resort has a casino, golf course, large swimming pool, and various water activities.
Visayas Beaches
4. Boracay
There’s a reason why Boracay is so beloved by beach lovers! The white-sand beaches make you feel like you’re walking on powder, and the sunsets are always spectacular. It’s no wonder the island has received worldwide acclaim!
White Beach is the most popular beach in Boracay, and is therefore also the most populated. The 4KM stretch of white sand is divided into three stations, each with its own vibe and packed with accommodations and dining options. If you want to stay right by White Beach, check into Discovery Boracay at Station 1.
But if you want to enjoy the beach away from the crowd, resorts like Shangri-La Boracay, Movenpick Boracay, and Crimson Resort and Spa have their own private beach areas. Savoy Boracay at Boracay Newcoast also has access to the leisure community’s private beach and the Boracay Keyhole.
Other beaches in Boracay also offer a different experience. Quiet and peaceful places to swim and snorkel can be found close to the opposite ends of White Beach: Diniwid Beach near Station 1 and Tambisaan Beach near Station 3. Bulabog Beach is on the opposite side of the island, and this windy beach is the jump-off point for activities like kite surfing and parasailing. Puka Beach has coarser sand because of the bits of coral mixed in, but it’s a great spot to catch the sunset in peace.
Because Boracay is a small island, you can choose to stay in any of the accommodations that line White Beach and the main road, and just take a tricycle to explore the different beaches. Expect the island to be lively and bustling during the holiday season in December and the summer months of March to May, so if you want a more tranquil albeit possibly rainy stay, you may want to visit during the low season from June to October.
5. Cebu
The moment you land at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you’re minutes away from a beach adventure since Mactan Island is filled with luxurious resorts like Shangri-La Mactan, Movenpick Mactan, and Crimson Resort Mactan; as well as more budget-friendly beachfront options like BE Resort Mactan—all of which are perfect for beach bumming. (Watch for our list of Mactan resorts, soon!) But the entirety of Cebu has so much more to offer, especially if you love marine animals.
Head to the northernmost part of the island to get to Malapascua, a diving paradise where you can swim with pelagic thresher sharks. You can also head south to experience swimming alongside a million fish at the famed sardine run in Moalboal, or with the whale sharks in Oslob.
Even if you stay at a resort in Mactan, many travel agencies offer day tours to Moalboal and Oslob, since both are in mainland Cebu. If you do want to stay in Moalboal, Hale Manna Coastal Gardens is a beautiful and tranquil option. On the other hand, it would be best to book accommodations like Tepanee Beach Resort on Malapascua Island.
Experience white-sand beaches on all four corners of Cebu: Bantayan in the north, Sumilon in the south, Badian in the west, and Camotes in the east. Both Bantayan and Camotes Islands have their fair share of accommodations available, such as Amihan Beach Cabanas in Bantayan and Mangodlong Paradise Resort in Camotes. As smaller islands, Badian has the Badian Wellness Resort and Sumilon has Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort among the fairly limited options.
As with other beaches in the country, it’s best to visit Cebu during the dry season, which runs from December to May. Expect resorts to be filled with locals and tourists during the summer months. (Also check out our Metro Cebu guide here.)
6. Bohol
Boracay isn’t the only beach strip with white sand and crystal-clear waters! Panglao Island in Bohol has both white sand and clear waters, as well as vibrant marine life. Alona Beach is home to coral reefs that make it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. While there are many accommodations and restaurants nearby, Henann Resort Alona Beach sits right on the 1.5-kilometer stretch of white sand. For those looking for a bustling nightlife, Alona Beach is the place to go.
Those who want a quieter stay in Panglao may explore Dumaluan Beach further down the same coastline, or Danao Beach on the other side of the island (here you can stay at BE Grand Resort‘s luxurious pool villas). If you prefer to walk on the sandy beach and soak up the sun rather than swim, the shallow waters in Doljo Beach may be up your alley.
Resorts in Panglao Island offer island-hopping tours for good reason. The waters around the island are teeming with marine life, so it’s your chance to swim with sea turtles, watch the whales and dolphins, or see the coral reefs by snorkeling or diving. These island-hopping tours usually visit Pamilacan Island, Balicasag Island, Virgin Island, and Snake Island, and start early in the morning to up your chances of seeing whales and dolphins.
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Wherever you choose to stay, it’s key to research and make sure your resort has a beachfront area, as many other resorts simply offer shuttle services to take you to the beach. The Bellevue Resort and South Palms Resort both have their own private beach strips.
Other beach destinations worth exploring in Bohol are Anda Beach for its white sand and turquoise waters, and Cabilao Island for its coral reefs and marine life that diving and snorkeling enthusiasts are sure to love.
7. Guimaras
Known mostly for its sweet mangoes, Guimaras is a hidden gem for beach lovers. Alubihod Beach is the most popular one, and is typically the starting point for island-hopping tours. The province also has unspoilt beaches like Tatlong Pulo Beach, Guisi Beach, and Natago Beach.
However, don’t expect luxury accommodations in this small island. Nature’s Eye Resort offers two-star accommodations, according to its page on Booking.com, but has many favorable reviews. Since getting to Guimaras means taking a flight to Iloilo City, then a 15-minute ferry ride to the island, many choose to book accommodations in Iloilo City instead, and take island-hopping day trips to go swimming and snorkeling in Guimaras. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, in particular, has a Guimaras island-hopping package. (You may also want to check out our Iloilo City guide here.)
Mindanao Beaches
8. Siargao
Siargao may be the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, but surfing isn’t the only thing to do here. Pacifico Beach on the northeast side of the island is in the Top 20 of Lonely Planet’s list of Best Beaches in the World, and is described as “a picture-perfect tropical beach with azure-colored lagoon waters, coconut palm-shaded sands, and a lovely low-key vibe.”
Of course, all the action is in General Luna, as it’s home to the world-class waves of Cloud 9 and is frequented by surfers from all over the world. Siargao surf season is from September to March, hitting its peak from September to October. It’s a good time for beginners to visit and watch the pros in action.
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Stay in resorts like Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa and Kermit Siargao at General Luna so you can get front-row seats to the killer waves and the awesome food around the area. For a more luxurious beachfront stay, check out Nay Palad Hideaway.
9. Samal Island, Davao
Mention Davao and most likely Pearl Farm Beach Resort comes to mind. The popular resort is actually located on Samal Island, which is teeming with coral reefs and marine life. This makes the island a favorite of diving enthusiasts wanting to explore the waters of Mindanao.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort has its own beachfront that its guests can enjoy, as well as access to the private Malipano Beach, so it’s best to stay at the resort if beach bumming and diving are on the agenda. Newly opened Discovery Samal also has its own beachfront with views of the Davao Gulf and offers more luxurious accommodation options, including plush suites and lavish villas. Kaputian Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Samal Island, but it is a public beach, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself. Canibad Beach on the other side of the island is a more secluded alternative, but may have more limited options for accommodations.
Samal Island is also an ideal destination for adventure seekers. You can go cliff diving from as high as 40 feet at Sabang Cliff, see the coral reefs and marine life when you go diving at the Vanishing Island, and get up close and personal with countless bats at the Monfort Bat Sanctuary.
10. Camiguin
Camiguin is the smallest island in Mindanao, located off the region’s northern coast. As a volcanic island, beaches on the main island may look dirty since the sand is mixed with volcanic dust. But that’s not to say the province is devoid of white-sand beaches.
On the contrary, tourists can enjoy powdery white sand in two islets. White Island is a sandbar that’s only visible during low tide, and changes its shape according to the tides. Since it’s a sandbar, expect to see sand, sea, and nothing else. If you prefer to soak up the sun under some shade, Mantigue Island may be a better option, since the island has trees, as well as cottages and tables for rent.
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Camiguin is also a diver’s paradise, with around 30 dive sites located throughout the island. Balai sa Baibai can be your jump-off point, as the resort can arrange for local outrigger boats to take you to nearby dive spots. Aside from White Island and Mantigue Island, the Sunken Cemetery and Old Volcano are also interesting dive spots that trace their history to volcanic eruptions.
