In the Philippines, the problem isn’t finding a beautiful beach—it’s picking one. With more than 7,000 islands, beaches are a dime a dozen in the archipelago. The country has kilometers and kilometers of endless coastline with the ocean a drive away from nearly everywhere. If you’re searching for your next seaside escape, start with some of the most pristine and gorgeous Philippine beaches you can visit all year round.
Malcapuya Island (Coron, Palawan)
The 13.5-hectare island of Malcapuya is one of the best destinations in Coron, Palawan, home to a stunning stretch of white sand beach. It’s a one- to two-hour boat ride away from the main town of Coron, but the beach is well worth the journey with crystal-clear waters and milky white sand. Before leaving the island, trek up to a rugged view deck to get the best view of the main beach.
Most tours offer a trip to Malcapuya Island along with the nearby Banana Island and Bulog Dos Island. Book via KKday for round-trip transfers to your hotel, plus a delicious buffet lunch island-style.
Nacpan Beach (El Nido, Palawan)
Known as “The Last Frontier,” Palawan has many gorgeous beaches to choose from. One of the best ones is Nacpan Beach, an island getaway that’s a bumpy tricycle or motorcycle ride away from El Nido town proper. Five kilometers of pristine white sand with the slightest touch of pink stretch out, offering a vast playground for ocean lovers.
Many tourists also visit the smaller Calitang Beach, which is only separated from Nacpan by a small hill. It often features gentler waves than its twin beach. Visit the Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beach as well as Las Cabanas Beach in an El Nido Inland Day Tour via KKday.
Long Beach (San Vicente, Palawan)
San Vicente isn’t as popular as other Palawan destinations Coron and El Nido, but it’s an ideal escape for travelers looking for a quiet, low-key vacation. Found in this small fishing village is Long Beach, the longest white sand beach in the Philippines extending 14 kilometers. Most of this stretch has been left untouched, providing a perfect setting for a peaceful day at the beach.
Mahabang Buhangin Beach (Calaguas, Camarines Norte)
Looking to unplug? The remote island of Calaguas is the perfect destination with creamy white shores, gentle waves, and picturesque rolling hills in the background. Kick off your slippers and sink your toes in a stroll of Mahabang Buhangin Beach, a nearly kilometer-long stretch of perfect powdery sand framing the turquoise sea.
Calaguas is a popular destination among campers and backpackers, but while it can be crowded during holidays, a trip during weekdays will give you a better chance of finding a quiet corner in Mahabang Buhangin.
White Beach (Boracay, Aklan)
Even in the Philippines’ thousands of islands dotted with countless tiny coves and beaches, it’s rare to find an island escape as picture-perfect as Boracay. Many travelers flying to the country make a beeline for this island for its captivating White Beach. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with startlingly clear blue waters, spectacular sunsets, and a creamy, blinding white shoreline extending about 5 kilometers.
Once you step foot on the White Beach, it’s likely that you’ll never want to leave. But if you’re hankering for a little adventure, join a KKday tour to Ariel’s Point for a fun-filled day of cliff jumping, snorkeling, kayaking, and delicious local fare.
Paradise Beach (Bantayan, Cebu)
Cebu is blessed with a myriad of natural attractions, but if you want an off-the-beaten beach escape, Paradise Beach in Bantayan Island is a hidden gem that’s easy to fall in love with. The secluded beach is a small, idyllic stretch of white sand that remains free of hotels, restaurants, and the general bustle of the more popular beaches in the Philippines.
With a laidback vibe and small-town charm, Bantayan Island is a favorite of backpackers and couples.
Alona Beach (Panglao, Bohol)
Another tropical getaway that’s a must-try in the Philippines is a trip to Panglao Island, Bohol. While the province is best known for the picturesque Chocolate Hills and adorable little tarsiers, it has its fair share of pristine beaches. Most travelers head to Alona Beach, a beautiful strip of beach lined with resorts and restaurants overlooking the azure sea.
Besides the pretty beach setting, Alona Beach is famous for being an excellent diving site with a house reef featuring beautiful soft corals and all types of marine life. Go on an underwater adventure with KKday’s scuba diving experience at Alona Beach.
Daku, Guyam, and Naked Islands (Siargao)
The island of Siargao is hailed as a surfing paradise, but beach bums who prefer lying on a quiet beach over riding waves can visit nearby islands to get their fix of perfectly tranquil shores. From Siargao’s central tourist town General Luna, hop on a boat to sail to a trio of tiny isles: Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island.
Make your way to Naked Island, a bare oasis of startlingly white sand in the middle of dazzling blue sea. Daku Island is the largest among the three with a wide expanse of white sandy shore, open huts, and a stunning backdrop of swaying palm trees. Last stop is the tiny, clam-shaped island surrounded by vibrant reefs for snorkeling.
Headed to the Philippine islands? Keep in touch with family and friends during your travels with a Globe Telecom 8GB SIM Card that will keep you connected no matter where you are in the Philippines.
*Featured image via Stephen Green-Price on Shutterstock
