Tropical Life Philippines

White Beach on Boracay where beach dreams come true. White sand, turquoise water, lounge chairs with umbrellas, and palm trees bending towards the water. Even during the high season when most tourists flock to this paradise island.

White Beach is still totally enjoyable. It’s a 4km beach, which means there is room for everyone. Lots of water activities happen off the shore of this beach such as parasailing, kayaking, and banana boat rides.

White Beach, Boracay

El Nido, Palawan far off on the island of Palawan is the idyllic El Nido. You’ll find a few spectacular beaches here such as Buena Suerte Beach, Caalan Beach, Papaya Beach, Yoga Beach, and more. In El Nido, every beach is more jaw-dropping than the next. El Nido beaches have become a ‘bucket list destination for travelers as they are perfectly picturesque and accessible while being mysterious and full of adventure. You get a sense of pure, unadulterated adventure here the kind that just makes you feel alive.

El Nido, Palawan

Paradise Beach, Bantayan Island is a honeymooner’s paradise that can be found on the small island of Bantayan Island just west of Cebu. Most months of the year, couples will find themselves alone. This desolate beach turns adult couples into playful little children who can forget the world while splashing in the water and running barefoot in the sand. There are no distractions here no resorts, bars, or jewelry hawkers most of the year. The weekend before Easter  Filipinos to travel Bantayan so expect a rush of tourists then.

Paradise Beach, Bantayan Island

Cagayan Valley, Palaui Island is like a scene out of the ever-popular series “Lost”, Cagayan Valley on Palaui Island doesn’t feel real. While bathing in the warm water and looking upon the shore, not only will you gaze upon bright white beaches, but also volcanic mountains and rolling hills with no development in sight. Often referred to as a beach that encapsulates “raw beauty”, and stunning. Visit Egaño Cove where you can visit a World War II lighthouse that almost feels out of place you can “camp” or sleep in the lighthouse.

Cagayan Valley, Palaui Island

Alona Beach, Panglao is located on the tiny kidney bean-shaped island called Panglao. This may be one of the smallest tourist islands in the Visayas but it has a lot to offer in terms of pristine beachfront property. You can stay in a top-tier resort, comfy guesthouse, or dirt-cheap hostel and still enjoy the same tropical oasis. Ditch the beach towel the sand is so soft! Lay at the water's edge with your toes in the sand and a beer in your hand is what every country song sings about and make that come true.

Alona Beach, Panglao

Dumaluan Beach, Panglao - If you’re looking for privacy on your beach holiday, book a stay at one of the few resorts on Dumaluan Beach. When you stay at Bohol Beach Club, South Palms Resort, or Dumaluan Beach Resort, you are guaranteed exclusive access to this 3km stretch of tropical heaven. The staff from the resorts do an impeccable job of maintaining the grounds and putting out colorful beanbag chairs and umbrellas alongside the most comfortable lounge chairs. 

Dumaluan Beach, Panglao

Caramoan, Camarines Sur
‘Survivor’ fans might geek out while visiting Camarines Sur.

This island and its beaches particularly Caramoan beach were used as sites for two ‘Survivor’ seasons in 2010.

The beach is so beautiful, the French version of ‘Survivor’  followed suit by saying, “We chose Caramoan because it’s wild.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Visiting Davao means that you get two islands in one and one of the best beaches to visit- Babau Santa Beach Resort.

This private little island makes for the perfect day trip. Charter a private boat to take you to a beach where you will have tons of privacy.

Lay down in the water near the shore to get a perfect tan without battling strong currents, or waves, or getting too hot on the sand.

Babau Santa Beach Resort, Talicud Island

As the Philippines become more and more popular, it becomes harder and harder to find those elusive secluded beaches where you are the only humans in sight.

When you find one of those beaches still exists in 2017, you jump on the chance to visit. Canibad Beach Cove on Samal Island is an elusive spot. It takes some effort to reach.

Located in the Penalata District, you’ll have to hire a private charter to zip you around to the Davao Oriental-facing side of Samal. 

Canibad Beach Cove, Samal

Ever wanted your own private island? Well, you can make that dream come true on The Island Buenavista.

This small island is inhabited by one beach resort that rents the island out to only one group at a time for an all-inclusive day pass or overnight stay. Group packages start with 10 people for around $740 per day.

That includes transport from Davao Airport, meals, drinks, and activities like kayaking and snorkeling. What a steal!

The Island Buenavista

If you’re on a budget, General Luna Beach on Siargao Island is the place for you. Thankfully, this slice of small beach town paradise hasn’t made its way into the backpacker guidebooks just yet.

Many travelers flock to the beaches of Siargao Island to surf as there are some great waves and swell kicking off year-round.

However, if beach bumming is more your thing, there are calm areas of water as well. Plenty of small watering holes and mom & pop shops offer food and drinks with a local touch.

General Luna, Sairgao

Have you ever seen a pink beach? The sand of Zamboanga is a mixture of crushed red organ pipe coral and that famous white sand. 

Before you go you need to know: the southern region of the Philippines has become increasingly more dangerous for tourists as the rebel guerilla group has become stronger in its stance to control the territory.

 Zamboanga Beach will become a tourist hotspot known worldwide.

Zamboanga, Great Santa Cruz Island

A change of pace, the sand here is a Grand Canyon burnt orange that pops against the green jungle. Walk onto the long jetted peninsula and it will feel like you are walking on a highway towards the end of the earth. Nacpan is relatively undeveloped meaning you’ll only find a handful of guesthouses here. 

What this means, however, is that there is no noise or light pollution so you are connected with your surroundings.

Nacpan

Undoubtedly home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the Philippines, Coron Island has got it all. Rent some kayaks and investigate the small islands surrounding Coron. Discover small beachy inlets and take the perspective view from the waters to truly appreciate how perfect this place is.

Along the shores of Coron, you’ll find huge pools of natural hot springs. At sunset, these pools fill up with other travelers and become sort of a laid-back, pool party minus the chaos.

Coron

While Salagdoong Beach may not be the biggest, it is certainly one of the most multifaceted.

This little strip of beach on the island of Siquijor attracts local families on the weekends and small groups of travelers during the weekdays.

Local families tend to stick to playing in the clear water and relaxing under an umbrella on the beach.

Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor Island

Rock up to the beautiful beach of Leyte and you’ll quickly see why locals called it “little Boracay.” Boracay and Leyte both have attractive qualities in common: the sand is powdery and white, the water fades from a clear crystal to deep turquoise, and the scenery is on a National Geographic level. Boracay is different from many islands in the Philippines because the locals are serious about trash clean-up and recycling making this one of the best-maintained islands around.

Leyte, Canigao Island

When the sun sits just right in the sky, the water off the shore of White Island looks like that of a mirror. Every cloud can be seen and even the green volcanic formations leave their reflection.

You can walk a solid 20 minutes along the sandbar with the sparkling water next to you on either side. This beach has yet to start developments, which means that it is ultra-pristine, but also that there isn’t much shade. You can hire an umbrella before you head down to the beach.

White Island, Camiguin

Because this beach is so underrated, you’ll find that the locals are really happy to have you! The overall experience is fabulous. Don’t come expecting white, powdery sand this sand is a bit coarser but beautiful beige color next to the perfectly warm water!

There are tons of great places along the beach where you can get truly local dishes like pork sisig (pork ears and pigs belly). you can eat more and meet more lovely locals that will be surprised to see you.

Crystal Beach, Zambalas

Off the coast of Luzon is Balesin Island- a private, members-only island that you can access while staying at the ultra-posh Balesin Island Club. This club is set on a 500-hectare piece of greenery that has been designed to be eco-friendly with water recycling, water harvesting, organic farming, and even eco-friendly transportation. The 7-kilometer beach is unlike anything you’ve ever seen with Ombre colored sand that goes from bright white to beige and then to a golden brown.

Balesin Island, Quezon

With palm trees stretching over the sand, dropping coconuts at their feet, and crystal blue water reaching up to touch them, this beach is what dreams are made of. The water is perfect for surfing, body boarding, and skimboarding as the beach faces the Pacific Ocean, creating the perfect waves to play in. 

You’ll also find that resorts are exclusively located on the ends of this 7-kilometer beach meaning that the majority of this strip offers unobstructed lounging space for you.

Dahican Beach, Mati

Extremely clear water, white sand beaches, and just meters away from a once-in-a-lifetime experience because you’re sure to wind up diving with Whale Sharks. These gentle giants can grow up to the size of a bus that’s 40 meters long. While they are huge, they are nothing to be afraid of. Whale Sharks aren’t sharks, but filter-feeding fish. The fishermen feed them a healthy diet so they stay loyal like big puppy dogs instead of migrating.

Oslob Beach, Cebu

It’s not all about El Nido and Puerto Princesa in Palawan! To discover a beach less traveled in San Vicente. This low-key strip of golden sand and palm trees should certainly be in the running for the best beaches in the Philippines. You can snorkel among coral reefs full of rainbow-colored fish and the occasional sea turtle. This beach comes fully equipped with a sleepy little beach town that offers amazing seafood and wonderful hospitality. It’s not too far from the airport, so it’s easy to add a visit to your Palawan plans.

Port Barton, Palawan

Shark Week fans unite! Malapascua Island has incredible beaches to offer but you might not want to swim too far out into the waters. Link up with a tour company or diving school that will take you out to see Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Thresher Sharks, and Shale Sharks. It’s not all scary creatures out here.

You’ll also find sea turtles, devil rays, and manta rays, along with incredible sea life filled with anemones, eels, coral, and colorful schools of fish. It’s a diver’s paradise.

Bounty Beach, Malapascua Island

The cove at Pandan Beach features shallow waters that extend for a quarter of a kilometer into the sea. This means you can tan halfway submerged in the cool water rather than on the hot white sand. Remind me- why don’t tourists come here? “Palawan’s hidden gem” as some like to call it, Araceli often flies under the radar when it comes to holiday plans. If you decide to take the path less traveled, you’ll enjoy island hopping, incredible sea life for snorkeling, and Araceli’s most popular food export, the “Curacha Crab”.  Currently, there is a handful of accommodations for you to stay in.

Pandan Beach, Araceli

In the north of the island Luzon, lies a beach so beautiful that it almost looks fake.

With impossibly turquoise water that seems to glow and billowy sand that begs you to build a sand castle, you’ll want to stay here all day.

Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte has often been referred to as the “Boracay of the North” with a beach that offers resorts, water activities, plenty of restaurants, and picturesque scenery.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte