The sandy white beaches of Bantayan Island used to be a sleepy fishing village many years ago. After its powder white sand beach, that rivals Boracay’s sand, gained popularity among tourists, the village gained a new earning revenue from tourism. Bantayan is a favorite as a laid-back alternative because of the serene atmosphere, beautiful views, shallow depths, and crystal clear water. While the main feature is beach, there are other beaches on the island that shouldn’t be missed out on. For those who want a secluded relaxation area, there is Paradise Beach that is open from 9am to 5pm with an entrance of PHP 50. Kota Beach and Sandbar is another beach bum fave that isn’t far from the rest of the Islands. Other activities is visiting the Kota Park, that used to be a fort for the Spaniards in the 1790s, and Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park, a mangrove forest you can explore. Sts. Peter and Paul Church is also a sight to behold as it is the oldest parish church, built in 1580, in the Visayas and Mindanao. For those who want to splurge and take in the island from a different view, there is always skydiving.

Carabao island is a little known paradise just miles away from the lively and tourist flocked Boracay. It boasts the same picturesque views and powder white beaches, and the clear blue waters are cool and perfect for swimming. The island actually used to be a marine sanctuary years ago but is now open to the public. According to locals, the name of the island was due to the many carabao that lived on the island. Other say that it is because the island’s shape is similar to the shape of the carabao. Apart from the beach, there is the Ngiriton Bat Cave and Koding-Koding Point. The jagged, and rocky cliffs may be daunting at Koding-Koding but it is actually a popular cliff jumping spot. However, during the rainy or stormy seasons, the local guides restrict tourists from doing any water activities for safety purposes.

The creamy white sands of the twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang are located in Silito Calitang. This area is approximately 17 kilometers north of El Nido town. The best feature of the twin beaches beaches is the four kilometer stretch of cream sand and the blue clear waters. This beach was under the radar before but tourists are starting to flock it for its picturesque views and its amazing sunsets. Imagine visiting two beaches at the same time.

The Calaguas group of islands have three major islands: Tinaga, Guintinua, and Maculabo. The long stretch of Mahabang Buhangin Beach has fine, powder white sand that rivals those of Boracay. While it is a popular place for campers and backpackers, the local government does their part to protect the natural resources and beauty of the Island. It is highly suggested to bring food from Daet as there aren’t a lot of stores that are fully stocked in the area. It is good to be prepared with enough money, food, powerbank, and water supply. Also, to keep the island looking beautiful, all trash should be disposed properly.

Port Barton is relatively unspoiled island and still retains its rural charm. It is considered a quieter, smaller laid-back El Nido with the same white beaches and same activities. It’s location, a small village on the north-west coast of Palawan, doesn’t attract busloads of tourists because of how remote it is. Apart from enjoying the beaches, there are many other activities to do. Island hopping is a popular activity and trekking in the rainforests as well. There are also other attractions like Pamuayan Waterfall or Bigaho Waterfall. The best time to visit here is December to April as they are the driest and sunniest months during the year. However, it is also peak season as many foreigners flock the island for a vacation getaway.

Anguib Beach is a strip of white sand far from the bustling Sta.Ana. Tourists consider it the Boracay of the north as the beach has the same powder white sand. However, those who visit prefer Anguib as there isn’t any algae infestation and the waters are pristine and untouched. The best times to visit the island is during March to May as the waves are much gentler and the water reaches up to the waist only. Those who visit around January or February may have to bring a jacket because the waters and the air get cold. Plus, a well-known fact, is that this beach and other beaches were included in the reality show Survivor.

The beach lines the western side of the northern barangay of Pagudpud in the Ilocos Norte province. It lies approximately 74 kilometers north of Laoag City and around 561 kilometers from the north of Manila. From the beach you will get the best view of the South China Sea and also an amazing sunset. While there isn’t a bustling nightlife experience, the beach and the surrounding attractions are enough to keep you busy. In fact, there are so many other attractions like the Bangui Windmills near Saud Beach. The coastal town makes most of their living through farming, fishing, and subsistence retailing, but tourism is also becoming a big part of their economy.

Bulobadiangan Island is a privately owned island in North Eastern Iloilo and its main feature is the 200-meter sandbar that is exposed at low tide. Tourists can go around the island, but since it is relatively small it can be circled in a few hours. There are interesting rock formations at the back of the island that is a great place to take pictures. While the white sand beach and rich blue waters are the star of the island, it offers a great view of the outlying islands of Concepcion. Some even compare the view to that of El Nido and Caramoan. However, its panoramic seascape is a sight to behold once the sandbar comes into view.

It is called the Naked Island because that is just what it is. Compared to other islands nearby that have some greenery on this, the Naked Island is a bare powder white sand island. Despite its baren-ess, there are still many who make this a stop during island hopping.

Subic is located along the northern coast of Subic Bay and is a fast growing town. It is better known as the former home of one of the largest US military facilities, the Subic Bay Naval Base. It is now a growing tourist destination for it’s Duty-Free shopping and its numerous activities. Camayan beach is just one of the many attractions in the area. It has white sand and aquamarine waters that are close to a lush forest. Apart from playing on the beach, there are many activities to do in the water. Apart from the beach, there are other places to visit nearby like Zoobic Safari, Tree Top Adventure Subic, Ocean Adventure Waterpark, and the Inflatable Island to name a few.

Matukad Island is a popular spot for Caramoan Island hopping. It’s powder white sand beaches are so fine it is almost soft to the touch. Many of those who visit love the island for beach bumming or taking a dip in the pristine waters. While its beach is a sight to behold, Matukad Island is known for its mystic bangus or milkfish. It is said to reside in the Matukad lagoon which is accessible by climbing the “matukad” or steep rock formations. According to the locals, there used to be two mystic fishes but one got eaten and brought misfortune and death to a fisherman and his family. Since then, none of the locals touch the fish in the lagoon.

Quiminatin Island is the furthest Island from Palawan and is a popular island hopping destination. The white sand beach and crystal blue waters are beautiful to look at but it’s limestone formation is also quite a sight. There is so much marble fused with the limestone and many rocks are scattered about the island.

Kalanggaman island is Leyte’s virgin paradise and a favorite beach destinations for travelers. It is within Palompon, a barangay west of Ormoc City. While it doesn’t get as much attention as Boracay, it is getting a healthy dose of praise from bloggers, travel writers, and the like. The beach has white sands and blue waters amidst an isolated island setting. It is perfect for beach bumming and relaxing. Although the sand isn’t as powdery as other beaches, its creamy white color is still a pretty sight. Those who travel to the island should bring all the necessities with them along with enough cash, clean water, food, water gear, and power banks. There are limited supplies on the island and there is no electricity either. It is also important to note that locals don’t provide trips during unfavorable weather for safety precautions.

Coron Island is the third-largest island in the group of Calamian Islands in northern Palawan. The island and the surrounding grounds are part of the ancestral territory of the indigenous Tagbanwa people. Coron itself has three islands that boasts white sand beaches and pristine waters: Bulog Dos Island, Banana Island, and Malcapuya Island. Each of the islands provide a different experience as they give different sceneries. Bulog Dos and Malcapuya Island are perfect for beach bums who just want to relax and take pictures, while Banana Island is perfect for snorkeling due to it’s rich underwater life.

Alona Beach is one of the most popular spots in Panglao Island, one of the main tourist destinations in the Philippines. It has fine white sand and crystal clear waters that are just as beautiful as those in Boracay.

Puerto Galera is a barangay in Oriental Mindoro and is located at the north-westernmost part of the island. The island has a lot of things to offer in terms of beaches and activities, but its underwater coral gardens is it’s asset. In fact, Puerto Galera was recognized as Man and Biosphere Reserve back in 1973 by UNESCO. There are a total of seven white beaches on Puerto Galera. For beach bums there is White Beach, Aniuan Beach, Palauan Beach and Talipanan Beach, and the more adventurous can go to Sandbar Island, Bayanan Beach, Coral Garden, and Antonio Island. Amazingly, the seven beaches have sands can range from powder white to creamy white. Puerto Galera definitely has its own party scene on the shores but there are other things to do on the Island. There are many waterfalls to visit and a mangyan village to explore. If you come at the right time then there is the Malasimbo Festival to look forward to.

Dahican is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the Philippines. It’s laid back and relaxing setting is the charm that is hard to come by. This is a secluded beach that isn’t commercialized yet. So those who like the rural vibe will definitely enjoy the raw beauty of the beach and seascape. It is definitely a paradise away from the bustling city life.

Salagdoong Beach has fine white sand and azure blue waters. It is a sight to behold both above water and below water. Snorkelers will definitely enjoy the luscious marine life in the deeper emerald waters near the beach. Although the beaches are the first things tourists like about the island, it is the cliff jumping that gets people pumped. This isn’t for the faint hearted as the rock near Salagdoong beach has two diving platforms: one at 20 feet and one at 35 feet.

Samal Island has a lot of white beaches but those that have dazzling powder white sand are Kaputian Beach Park, Isla Reta Beach Resort, and Babu Santa Beach Resort. Apart from having an affordable price tag, they also offer a lot of activities as well. Both Babu Santa and Isla Reta have their own resorts, and they offer breathtaking views and a beautiful place to stay. Isla Reta, for example, has amazing corals nearby that are perfect for snorkeling. Kaputian Beach Park, on the other hand, is government owned and provides affordable prices that still have the sparkling blue waters and fine white sands. Samal Island is located in the province of Davao Del Norte and is just 2 kilometers away from Davao City. Samal is the only city in the country that encompasses two islands. Ready to hit the beach with your family and friends? Make sure you book your flight and hotel withTraveloka!]]>