There’s nothing more exciting than to explore new places especially if it’s the beach. However, it’s not one for the books if you visit the usual ones. With this, let us help you receive an extraordinary experience with these perfect summer beach destinations in the Philippines that you might not have heard of.
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Anguib Beach (Sta. Ana Cagayan)
Anguib Beach, on Cagayan’s northern tip, is known as the “Boracay of the North” because of its fine white sand and crystal clear waters. Expect big waves on your way to this hidden paradise, as it faces open waters—the Pacific Ocean. Wait for the sunset and be surprised by the dramatic set-up: the shifting hues of the sky, the warm light enveloping the pine trees, and the white sand steadily cooling down.
Since it is mostly isolated and situated in a cove, this is a good idea to host special events such as weddings and honeymoons. It’s also not complicated to get there: you can arrive there with a private vehicle or bus: just follow the route towards Sta. Ana Cagayan. Once you are there, you must make your way to San Vicente Port and finally get on a boat towards Anguib Beach.
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Cagnipa Cove (Pandan, Catanduanes)
Catanduanes garners the reputation of being cold with strong winds, this makes the place very breezy almost requiring a jacket. This is why it now has the nickname of the “Land of the Howling Wind,” this reputation is part of the reason why Catanduanes has failed to gain traction in terms of tourists and visitors This is a shame because this location has so much to offer from beaches to outdoor settings. The Cagnipa Rolling Hills, located in Pandan’s northernmost municipality, is reminiscent of Batanes’ grassland.
To make it even better, it’s only a short hike towards the secluded beaches of Cagnipa Cove. You can have the best of both worlds; you can sip coffee while looking over the view of the hills, then you can sunbathe in white sand shortly after. Getting here isn’t as convenient as a plane ride is required. If you are coming from Manila, you will need to book a flight towards Virac. Another option is to take a bus towards Albay then hop on a ferry to Virac but this will take a lot of time.
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Guisi Beach (Nueva Valencia, Guimaras)
Guimaras Island is said to have the sweetest mangoes. This is something you can bring home to your family and friends as it is a staple in their tradition. Guisi Beach features white sand and sky-blue waters which is ideal for relaxing and lounging around.
It also has incredible rock formations and an 18th-century lighthouse, this is perfect if you are to take pictures. Going here also entails a flight bound for Iloilo, from there you may take a ferry to Jordan Wharf, Guimaras then a short jeepney ride to Guisi Beach.
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Masasa Beach (Tingloy Batangas)
Batangas has become a staple destination as it is pretty close to Manila. It is also a big area with numerous attractions insight. From divers who want to see the stunning underwater world of Anilao to beachcombers who want to relax on the white-sand beaches of Laiya in San Juan, Batangas is certainly popular for beach-goers.
However, there is Tingloy Batangas: an attraction that not a lot of people venture towards. It is a fish-shaped island off the coast of Mabini with secluded beaches like Masasa. The downside is this paradise has no resorts, so be prepared to bring tents and camp out. To get there, just take the usual route to Batangas first. From there, you will then ride a ferry to Tingloy Port and a tricycle ride to Masasa.
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Tambobong Beach (Dasol, Pangasinan)
Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan, wasn’t always as busy or commercialized as it is now. There were no pricey resorts back then, and you could pitch your tent on the white-sand beaches whenever you wanted. Tambobong Beach is still very much like this now and hopefully, it stays that way.
This lesser-known beach is a welcome sight for travelers, particularly after a long journey on dirt roads. You can also take a nap under a Talisay tree, which has orange and red leaves in the summer. The ideal way to get there is to arrive in the Burgos Market of Pangasinan, then you will take a tricycle towards Tambobong.
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Panampangan Island (Tawi-Tawi)
Tawi-Tawi is part of the Sulu archipelago and is still largely unexplored due to the remoteness of the location and ongoing tribal clashes in Mindanao. The high cost of boats, the remoteness of the place, and the inherent danger in some parts of Mindanao all contributed to the preservation of this paradise. Panampangan Island has the country’s longest sandbar, with 3 kilometers of white powdery sands.
Even though there are food stalls and groceries on the island, getting here is no easy feat. They must first arrange their visit with the Philippine Marines and visitors must bring their food and water. Getting there is complicated as you must first arrive in Batu-Batu, Sagala. From there, you will need to take a boat to the island. None of this can happen if you are unable to gain authorization from the provincial tourism office.
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Dinagat Island, Dinagat Island Province
This island is a best-kept secret and is the region’s only island province. It has also remained one of the country’s most unspoiled paradise destinations since it has been off the grid for the radar of tourists. Natural resources abound in the Island province. There are many pristine beach coves, dense woods, lush islands, lakes, and even a tidal pool to be found here. It is also possible to have a home here as there are a few houses on stilts, which are typical of coastal living.
The most common activity in Dinagat is island hopping. In Libjo city, there are seven islands to explore as well as a tidal pool. One feature of this province that stands out is that instead of aquamarine waters, you’ll find emerald green waters, thanks to the lush vegetation all around. To get there, you must first travel to Surigao then take a boat ride to San Jose or Basilisa Dinagat Islands.
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Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur
The island’s beauty was first seen on the international stage when “Survivor” used it as a backdrop for their TV show. In Caramoan, there are many beautiful islands to choose from, each with its distinct beauty and character that makes it more appealing than the next. Caramoan also has a plethora of activities, including diving and surfing.
For the more daring ones, there are limestone cliffs to climb. On its own, the peninsula is a set of natural wonders. You can fly to Caramoan by air or by land from Manila. There are regular flights from Manila to Naga, and from Naga, public transportation is needed to reach Sabang Port. Alternatively, you can take a bus straight from Manila, which will take 8-10 hours, and then get off at Sabang Port.
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Camotes Island, Visayas
With just small changes, the Camotes group of islands has continued to stay the same. The white sand beaches are still pristine, despite the addition of a few businesses, but there are no luxury hotels or accommodations here. On the two most common islands, there is only a simple place to rest with basic amenities.
For the rest, tent camping is still the most common way to spend the night. Snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, spelunking, and island hopping are among the activities available in Camotes. There are numerous ferries available in Cebu going to Camotes Island. Your main objective is to first travel to Cebu by plane.
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Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte
Kalanggaman Island, 20 kilometers west of Leyte province, is a hidden gem. While it is quickly becoming a popular island destination, the majority of visitors are locals, and the island’s infrastructure is still limited to the bare necessities such as toilets, dressing rooms, a few cottages here and there, a multi-purpose hall, and one or two tree houses. The government is promoting Kalanggaman as one of the country’s most popular island destinations, but they are also trying to practice responsible tourism by restricting the number of people who can visit the island daily.
Air travel to Ormoc City via Cebu is the quickest choice. As of today, flights from Manila to Ormoc are not yet available. From the airport, there will be buses and vans going to Palompon. From there, you will then ride a boat towards the island.
That’s it with our list! Now, it’s your turn to make a move – save up and book the date now. Be ready with this magical ride in these amazing beaches.