Philippine Beach Destinations

Summer has officially arrived in the Philippines and for most people, that only means one thing - beach, beach, beach! Below is a list of ten beaches in the Philippines which I wish to visit in my lifetime.

1. Boracay - The most popular beach destination of the Philippines located in the northwestern tip of Panay Island, Western Visayas. Boracay is a favorite of the Manila party crowd because of its very active nightlife.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila or Cebu to Caticlan or Kalibo
By bus/van from Kalibo or Iloilo to Caticlan
By motor boat from Caticlan to Boracay Island

2. Caramoan - This used to be the Philippines' best kept secret until it was featured in the French version of the TV show "Survivor". It is now fast gaining popularity and is touted to be the "next big thing" after Boracay. It is located in Camarines Sur in Bicol facing the Pacific Ocean.


Getting there:
By plane or bus from Manila to Naga City
By van/jeepney from Naga City to Sabang port
By motor boat from Sabang port to Guijalo port, Caramoan
By private vehicle directly from Manila to Caramoan

3. El Nido - One of the many features of Palawan, the Philippines' last frontier. It is located about 238 kilometers northeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan's capital. El Nido is composed of 45 islands and islets.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to El Nido or Puerto Princesa
By ferry boat from Manila to El Nido
By bus/van/jeepney from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

4. Coron - It is the name of both a town in Busuanga Island and an island just offshore. Both Busuanga and Coron Islands are part of the Calamianes Group of Islands along with Culion and several other smaller islands. From Coron, one can also visit the wildlife sanctuary in Calauit Island.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Busuanga
By ferry boat from Manila to Busuanga or Coron
By jeepney/van from Busuanga to Coron

5. Honda Bay - The island hopper's paradise! Honda Bay is also located in Palawan, framing the provincial capital of Puerto Princesa. One can simply hop on a boat and go around the many wonderful islands like Bat Island, Starfish Island and Snake Island.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Puerto Princesa
By jeepney/tricycle from Puerto Princesa to Sta. Lourdes Wharf
By motor boat from Sta. Lourdes Wharf to any island of choice

6. Malapascua - It is more popular as a diving destination located in the northernmost tip of Cebu province. Must do's: drinks at Sunsplash floating bar and a trip to Calanggaman Island.


Getting there:
By plane from international and domestic points to Cebu City
By bus/van from Cebu City to Maya
By motor boat from Maya wharf to Logon, Malapascua Island

7. Bantayan Island - It is located in the northwestern part of Cebu province, composed of the municiplaities of Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe. It is a very popular destination during Lent because it is the only place in the Philippines where eating pork on Good Friday is allowed by the Catholic Church. Bantayan Island is also known as the "egg basket" of the Philippines generating 1.5 million eggs a day!


Getting there:
By plane from international and domestic points to Cebu City
By bus/van from Cebu City to Hagnaya
By motor boat from Hagnaya to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island

8. Romblon - The province of Romblon is recognized as the "marble country of the Philippines". It is located at the center of the entire archipelago and is composed of three main islands: Romblon, Sibuyan and Tablas.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila or Cebu to Caticlan
By ferry boat from Caticlan to Odiongan
By ferry boat from Manila, Batangas or Lucena to Odiongan, San Agustin or Romblon

9. Pagudpud - It is located in the northwestern tip of Ilocos Norte facing South China Sea. Must see: Kaibigan Falls, Saud Beach and Blue Lagoon.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Laoag
By bus/van from Manila to Laoag or Pagudpud
By bus/van from Laoag to Pagudpud

10. Guimaras - It is an island province situated between Panay Island and Negros Occidental. Guimaras is best known for its very sweet mangoes, thus the "Manggahan Festival" every 22nd of April. The best beaches of Guimaras are located in Jordan and Nueva Valencia.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Iloilo
By motor boat or ferry from Iloilo to Jordan
By jeepney/van from Jordan to any municipality


Please note that this list only includes destinations which I have not visited yet. I will write about other popular destinations which I have already visited in my next post.


(photos courtesy of unsuspecting citizens of the internet)