the 20 Best Beach Getaways this 2020

Holiday season is just over but I bet many of you are now making all preparations for the summer season. Speaking of summer, here’s my 20 top pick of the best beaches you can check out on this amazing 7,641 islands of sun, sand and yes, lots of (vitamin) sea!

20. Calayan Coves (Babuyan Islands) – if there’s one destination on this list that I can call death-defying, the Islands of Babuyan got to be it. Riding on a butt numbing 15-hours land trip from Manila to Claveria, the northernmost tip of Cagayan, then another 4-6 hours of rough boat ride (depending on the weather) in one of the most treacherous waters in the Philippines, is not for the faint of hearts. But reaching the magnificent islands of Camiguin Norte, Fuga, Babuyan Claro, Dalupiri and Calayan is definitely worth it. As of the time of writing, there’s no airport built on any of the islands below Batanes so the only means to reach it is by lampitaw or local cargo boats. I can regard going here as a baptism of fire to become a hardcore lakwatsero/ lakwatsera because not only its perilous, it is also quite expensive. Be sure to tag along your travel buddies to split the expenses. But all that will be rewarded with virgin coves one after the other, amazing out of this world landscapes, eat all you can lobsters and if you’re quite lucky, swim with the humpback whales. This up and coming destination in the North is crowd-less almost 365 days a year. The coves of Calayan boasts fine white sand matched with impressive limestone cliff that would satisfy every inch of your wanderlust.

19. Balabac Islands (Palawan) – if off-the-beaten path is your thing and exploring up and coming destinations excites you much, then head on to the southernmost tip of Palawan- the one that almost touches Sabah, Malaysia. The little group of islands are the final frontier of the final frontier of the Philippines. Off all the beaches that made on this list, I must say that the sand quality on the beaches here in Balabac is the fairest and finest of them all. Not even Boracay can come close, and that’s not an exaggeration. Going to Balabac you need first to fly to the capital Puerto Princesa and take a 5-6 hrs land trip all the way to the tip of the mainland Palawan. From there you jump off from Rio Tuba and said for another 4-5 hours to reach Balabac. A word of caution though, the islands especially the mainland Balabac is crocodile infested so better be careful and vigilant.

18. Cresta de Gallo (Romblon) – super secluded island paradise, ultra fine white sand, water in various shades of blue is all yours for the weekend – maybe more. What’s not to like about Cresta de Gallo (pronounced as gayo) – a gem of an island floating magnificently within the Sibuyan Sea. Legend has it that the name of the island came from the sandbar that appears and disappears upon changing tides resembling cockscomb of a rooster (Spanish like misa de gallo – rooster’s mass) Going here is a bit expensive but Im telling you it’s worth every cent. You have a lot of options going to the island but the main jump off point is in Romblon Island itself, from there you can choose from any of the ports to start your adventure to reach this once in a lifetime island destination.

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17.  Apo Island (Negros) – if the idea of swimming alongside turtles several feet long exites you, you better head to Dumaguete, from there, you can just ride a bus to reach the port (Malatapay) that will take you the the island sanctuary that is Apo Island. Not to be confused with Apo Reef in Mindoro, this small unassuming island you can find turtles, the size of car tires (some, even bigger) lazily grazing the vegetation at the bottom of the very shallow beachfront. Just be careful not to touch them or disturb them as they go on to their day to day activities. Other activities on the area, aside from turtle watching and snorkeling is the riot that is Malatapay Livestock Market which only opens on Wednesdays.

16. Nagsasa Cove /Capones island (Zambales)- head up to Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio Zambales – the jump off point to the coves Anawangin, Nagsasa and Silanguin and to the small islands scattered within the area. Capones island is the biggest of the islets where you can find the Faro de Gran Capon, or the Capones Lighthouse. Anawangin is the closest and and always the busiest, Nagsasa is the smallest and the most laid-back while Silanguin is the farthest and the biggest of the coves. Island and cove hopping are open almost year round except during typhoon season. Perfect beach getaway for family and groups who do not want to stray off that far from Manila. Sleeping cottages and toilet facilities are present in Anawangin and Nagsasa only. Camping by tents is the way to go.

15. Pagbilao Grande Island (Quezon) – more popularly known by the names “Kwebang Lampas” and “Puting Buhangin” this island in Pagbilao Quezon has been steadily attracting beach goers in the past years. Once privately owned, now you can stay overnight at the island. The name “kwebang lampas” came from the tunnel-like cave system at the right side of the beach if you are facing the sea. Calm and clear waters and its fine white sand are the main draw of the place. The easiest route to go to the beach is via Lucena. From Lucena Grand Terminal, there are vans and jeepneys going to Pagbilao. Head to Lukang Beach (old name of the beach) on tricycle.

14. Siquijor Island (Siquijor) – Witchcraft is the one word that deeply associated with this island, but to be honest, its beaches are far more enchanting and bewitching. Give yourself a treat by hopping on a tricycle upon disembarking (Dumaguete is the nearest port from the island) and do a roundabout on the island. You have a lot of choices from the line of private beaches in the island. Coco Grove is one of the most popular pick by the tourists. Do not forget to stop by at the century old Balete tree and the oldest and the biggest convent in Asia found in Lazi.

Coco Grove Beach in San Juan Siquijor

13. Mantigue Island (Camiguin) – A smaller island off Camiguin is the #1 must go place in Camiguin beating popular White Island, according to TripAdvisor. A 4-hectare evergreen forest fringed with white sandy beach where you can find a turtle, giant clam sanctuary and a small fishing village on the northern part of the island. You can even circumnavigate it within an hour. The island is a good place to snorkel, and a great getaway if you’re already rounded up all the cool places to go in Camiguin.

Mantigue Island

12. Honda Bay (Palawan) – you should never leave Puerto Princesa without island hopping in these islands only 45 mins from the Palawan capital. Honda Bay, contrary to what most people thinks, was not derived from the popular Japanese Motor company but from the local word “tunda” which means deep- owing to the trench-like features of most islands. The rest are protected areas or are now privately owned. Among the islands that you can still explore are Cowrie island, Starfish island, Luli island, Pandan island and Verde island where Dos Palmas resort is situated. Snake island is now privately owned and off limits to the public. You can do a whole day island hopping and other water activities such as snorkeling, diving and even  whaleshark watching.

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11. Malamawi Beach (Basilan) –  This amazing beach resort in the heart of Basilan and can be reached by taking a roro boat from Zamboanga all the way to Isabela, the capital of Basilan, from there you just need to cross an island by a pumpboat and ride a small truck that will take you to the island resort. With its kilometer long fine white sandy beach with calm clear waters, you can easily mistaken the beachfront as a giant swimming pool. Our time here was magical, we had the entire area to ourselves.

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10. Panglao Island (Bohol) – Who would thought a film star in the 80’s, Alona Alegre would immortalize the fine white sandy beach of Panglao? She was so popular that a stretch of the beach was actually renamed after her when they are done filming on the location. Shallow, cool waters together with powdery white sands are the main draw for Panglao. The best way to experience your Bohol adventure is to include Panglao in your itinerary.

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9. Potipot Island (Zambales) – regarded as the “Little Boracay” of Zambales, this tear drop shaped island is just 20 mins away or roughly a kilometer away from the mainland shore of Brgy Uacon, is considered as one of Zambales hidden gem. If you are in for a quick, on a budget getaway, Potipot Island should be on top of your list. Potipot Island is located in Candaleria, Zambales which is about five to six hours travel from Manila and four hours from Clark Freeport Zone. You can circumnavigate the island in under an hour. You have options of staying in the island for the night or staying on the nearby resort on the main island. The island have amenities like toilets and huts that you can rent if you don’t want to pitch a tent.

8. Fortune Islands (Batangas) – Once a posh and luxe resort during the ’90s, Fortune Island now stands in derelict and in total abandonment, but that only adds to the appeal of the place that’s why it had become one of the perfect getaway some 14km off the main coast of Nasugbu in Batangas. In the island you can find a reconstructed galleon in a state of dilapidation that used to be a museum and a bar. Another popular feature of the island are the Greek columns and statues erected on top of the hill that overlooks almost the entire island. You can easily mistook the ruins as somewhere foreign, given its Greek inspiration. The island can be reached by chartering a boat and you have an option to stay for the night. The island, given its present day conditions have have fresh water supply nor electricity so you have to bring it from the mainland. The area have very rough sea and underneath was some of the sites of modern day shipwrecks.

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7. Maira-ira Blue Lagoon (Ilocos Norte) – In the early 90’s, this spot was a secret amongst backpackers and budget travelers. Super hush-hush. Maira-ira point in Pagudpud is the northernmost ridge of the mainland Luzon.  The unspoiled white sand beach within the Maira-ira cove is known as Blue Lagoon. I would dare say that this is the best swimming beach in the North and more apt to be called the “Balesin of the North”. It has an undeveloped charm that seduces you to stay despite the lack of proper huts and other urban amenities. It is serene and perfect for presence walks and enjoying bonding time with friends and family.“Luzon’s white sand and bluest water conspire majestically to be situated in one place.” thus said Lonely Planet on this place and I quite agree!

6. Hundred Islands National Park (Pangasinan) – Are you having difficulty in choosing which from the 7,641 islands to check first this summer season? Why not explore a hundred of them- (124 islands to be exact) all at the same time? One of the main tourist draw for Pangasinan, Hundred Islands National Park is a group of islands in Lingayen Gulf, Alaminos. Only five hours away from Manila, Hundred Islands is a perfect retreat from the busy city life. An affordable and fun way to experience the tropical Philippines, be it for a day tour, camping trip or overnight stay on any of the three developed islets- Quezon’s, Governor’s and Children’s. With over a hundred other islands to choose from that harbor powdery white sand beaches, caves, limestone formations and a rich marine life, The place guarantees a well worth visit.

5. Caramoan Islands (Camarines Sur) – Even before the reality show Survivor – American, Serbian, Bulgarian, Swedish, French and Indian franchises made the islands one of their favorite location to shoot and introduce these majestic islands to the world, it has been a pride getaway of the Bicol region. Composed of more than ten islands off the coast of peninsula, it is the perfect island hopping get-away where you can do a lot of adventures like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, limestone cliff / rock climbing, spelunking or just wading and swimming thru its fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Going there though is a bit of a challenge because you need to travel by air (if you dont want a 10-15 hr roadtrip) land and water to reach the place, but sure the rewards of experiencing the place is surely worth it.

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4. Calaguas Island (Camarines Norte) – Mahabang Buhangin or Halabang Baybay in the local dialect is a long beach with fine white sand, crystal blue waters, with scattered volcanic rock on it’s both ends and valued for its untouched beauty and well-preserved nature. This tropical island paradise is located on the northern part of Barangay Mangcawayan, Tinaga Island (Calaguas group of Islands) in Camarines Norte, the entire beach is facing northwest, best for an inspiring sunset, and it is an image of wonderful paradise with its long stretch sand with crystal clear water perfect for swimming/snorkeling.

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3. Bantayan Island (Cebu) – of all the amazing beaches of Cebu, one stood out to be the fairest and whitest of them all – sand-wise. Try to go to the northern-most tip of Cebu during Lenten season and as the whole nation slows down, the whole island turns into a party mecca complete with endless street parties and merrymaking. Going there is not for the faint of heart. May be a test of patience as you need to endure the long travel via air, if you are coming from Manila, land and sea before reaching this island paradise. Located more than 200 kilometers from Cebu City, this island consist of three municipalities – Sta. Fe, known for its white sand beach; Bantayan, the largest municipality and home to the century old Saints Peter and Paul Church; and Madridejos (locals at times use its old name, Lawis), a popular place to watch the sun as it sets.

Virgin Island in Bantayan

2. Morong Beach (Batanes) – In Sabtang, there is a naturally made stone arch that is so heavily photographed, it became an icon and a symbol of the island. Sometimes called as “Nakabuang” or “Mahayaw” or just simply “Ahaw“, this arch was carved by geologic forces together with the sea. The arch also serves as a cooling shade under the scorching sun. It has become a favorite stop for visitors because the waves are much more calmer here compared to the rest of Batanes islands.

1. Palaui Island (Cagayan) – in 2013, this remote place bested all other beaches in the Philippines including the perennial favorites, El Nido, Coron, and Boracay to emerge as #10 of CNN’s Worlds 100 Best Beaches. Glorious and pristine white sands meet volcanic rocks and blue-green waters, while coral gardens and a rich marine reserve meet divers under the surface. Palaui Island is all about raw beauty. Treks to get there require battling thorny grass, muddy ground and a mangrove forest. Having no resorts or hotels, Palaui has only two real options: camping under the stars or home stays. In the same year, it was put on tourist map when the Survivor US filmed there for its 27th season.

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