Top 10 Beaches in the Philippines

If you plan to visit the Philippines to see and enjoy the top beaches, you are definitely in for a treat. The country is home to several beaches, each with its own charm and beauty. There is something for every beach lover, be it a rugged traveler, the one who enjoys his own company, a luxury traveler who wants finer things in life, and even those who are determined to stick on a budget.

With more than 7,000 islands scattered throughout the country, it surely is not impossible to find those that make the heart beat a little faster. Narrowing the list can be a bit of a challenge though so we listed 10 we think are the best.

1 | White Beach, Boracay Island

White Beach in Boracay Island

The most famous beach in the Philippines that is also well-known in the world, White Beach in Boracay Island is a favorite summer destination for locals and foreign tourists alike. Walking along the shore while gazing at the stunning blue green water and powdery white sand beneath your feet is like stepping into your long-awaited tropical dream. The 4-kilometer strip of beach is booming with restaurants, bars, and shops as well. This gem that is a strong reminder of nature’s beauty transforms into a fun and lively spot for night revelers. Boracay has in fact one of the most active nightlife outside Metro Manila. Add the thrill of doing various water activities such as helmet diving, parasailing, and banana boat ride, your Boracay experience will surely be one for the books and will want you to come back for more.

2 | Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Nacpan Beach in El Nido

While its sands may not be as white as Boracay’s White Beach, Nacpan Beach takes pride in its 4-kilometer stretch of cream-colored sand, clear water, a fishing village, and swaying coconut trees instead of hundreds of business establishments like in Boracay. It doesn’t get really crowded too so you can enjoy beach bumming, swimming, and hiking in peace.

READ MORE: Nacpan Beach | El Nido Visitors Guide

3 | Malcapuya Island, Coron, Palawan

Beach in Malcapuya Island

Off the Coron town lies Malcapuya Island, one of the best islands in Coron and is part of the island-hopping package offered by local tours. The island takes pride in its 1.5-kilometer stretch of whitesand beach and clear water that isn’t only great for swimming but snorkeling and diving as well as it is teeming with marine life including various species of fish and colorful corals.

READ MORE: Coron Visitors Guide

4 | Hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan

A View from Hidden Beach

Surrounded by limestone rocks formations, Hidden Beach is an adventure to get to because of its secluded location that requires visitors to swim through a narrow opening. It is far from other popular islands and beaches in El Nido but it is absolutely worth it as you will be rewarded with a scenic beach with fine white sand and azure waters without the crowd of other tourists.

READ MORE: El Nido Visitors Guide

5 | Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol

Alona Beach | Image Source

Its sands may not be as white and powdery soft as that of Boracay’s White Beach but Alona Beach has become one of the most popular beaches in the Visayas and Philippines in general. Along its shore are several restaurants, bars, resorts, and other business establishments which makes it a great destination for beach bumming. And if you’re in for some water adventures, there’s no other place in Bohol you need to be but in Alona. It is the center for various activities like banana boat ride and parasailing, and the jump off point for dolphin watching, island-hopping, and snorkeling in Balicasag Island which has one of the most interesting underwater marine life.

6 | Paradise Beach, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Paradise Beach | Image Source

Located on the southeastern coastline of the popular Bantayan Island, Paradise Beach is a great destination for beach lovers who prefer to avoid the crowd. It’s a peaceful spot that takes pride in its clear water and fine white sand. There are no resorts, stores or whatever facility in the area so you can expect to enjoy the beach without distractions.

READ MORE: Bantayan Island Visitors Guide

7 | Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Calaguas

Mahabang Buhangin Beach | Image Source

The best beaches in the Philippines aren’t always in the Visayas and Mindanao. If you are heading towards this part of the country, don’t miss Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte province. Despite its remote location, this unspoiled beach is one of the most favorite destinations especially for campers and adventure-seekers. Whether you rent a cottage or pitch a tent, you will surely love the beach with its fine white sand and crystal clear water.

READ MORE: Calaguas Islands Visitors Guide

8 | Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental

Dahican Beach | Image Source

It may not be as popular as the other beaches mentioned above but it’s impossibly hard not to like Dahican Beach. This 7-kilometer beach is a scenic view of fine white sand and crystal clear water. And since it faces the Pacific Ocean, its water with its waves is perfect for surfing and skimboarding. It’s even dubbed as the Skimboarding Capital of Mindanao. It’s also a sea turtle sanctuary so you have one more thing to be excited about.

READ MORE: Dahican Beach

9 | Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Long Beach in San Vicente | Image Source

It’s not named Long Beach for nothing. It measures more than 14 kilometers and is recognized as the longest white beach in the Philippines. Devoid of resorts, restaurants, and other forms of commercialism, Long Beach has powdery white sand blessed with crystal clear water teeming with marine life. It’s usually not crowded and is perfect for beach lovers who are hoping to lounge in peace and free of distractions.

10 | Saud Beach, Pagudpud

Saud Beach | Image Source

There’s more to Ilocos Norte than just La Paz Sand Dunes and Bangui Wind Mills. It has Saud Beach that is not only blessed with 2 kilometers of powdery white sand and clear water but also with thick jungle which makes it an ideal destination for adventure-seekers and backpackers. It is dubbed as Boracay of the North but without the crowd and over commercialization.

These are just 10 of the hundreds of beaches in the Philippines. Which among the beaches do you plan to visit when you travel to the Philippines?