Philippines Beaches
Photo by Jim Bonner
© All Rights Reserved
So you’re off on that business trip to Hong Kong and the one question on your mind is: Where can I put in a little quality beach time? And face it, while you can shop till you drop in HK, it's not known as the sun'n'fun capital of Asia. The answer lies a quick jet hop south along the white sands and green coastlines of the Philippines.
"Mabuhay! Welcome to beachcomber heaven."
While Philippines beaches are not as numerous as in other island nations, what it lacks in quantity is made up for by their natural beauty, the friendly locals and the laid-back lifestyle.
"While you’re up bro, grab me a nice cold frosty San Mig. I can't seem to get off this hammock."
For endless miles of sand and smiles, start with the beaches of Malapascua, Pangloa and Bantayan near the northern tip of Cebu in the central Philippines. Here, as relaxing days slide seamlessly into balmy nights and the moonlight glints off gentle waves, you'll drift to sleep asking yourself why you should ever go back to wherever it was you came from. To cap off your 'escape', take a day trip to Calangaman Island, a big sand bar with a few palm trees shading it. But don’t forget that cooler of ‘San Mig’ and a good supply of ‘balute’ cause there ain't no beach bars on this little desert isle, Zeno.
For absolutely pristine Philippines beaches head for Palawan and its neighbor islands. This undeveloped tropical paradise is only beginning attract the attention of tourists. You can be one of the first to experience its unspoiled splendor. Or hop over to Boracay for some of the best developed beach scenery in the PI.
For you corporate adventurers with pinstripes in your luggage, stop over at Pagudpud Beach at the northern tip of Luzon, not far from Hong Kong. But don't be lulled into complacency by the area's natural serenity, for the sea here can take down a corporate mogul faster than a hostile take-over or roulette wheel at the local casino. Hedge your bets on this one.
Photo © Jacom Stephens - Istockphoto.com
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| Region | Country | Best Season | |||||
| Asia | Philippines | December - April | |||||
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Alona Beach, Panglao Island | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 8 |
| Soft white sand, golden tanned Filipinas, frosty amber brews. Can it get any better?
Watch for pesky sea urchins hiding in sea grass near shore. Nearby Accoms: Palm Beach, Bohol Beach, Panglao Nature Resort. Photo by Paulo A. Gaeta © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Miniloc Island, Palawan | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 9 |
| Not far from El Nido and just as inviting. Another dive favorite as are many in this crystal water area. Nearby Accoms: El Nido, Og's Inn, Rosanna's, Lally & Abet, Ricco's Cottage. Photo by Judith Distal © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Bantayan Island | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 8 |
| Another island paradise in the central Philippines. Low-keyed, laid-back and friendly locals.
"If anyone calls tell them I went fishing." Nearby Accoms: St. Bernards, Sante Fe Resort. Photo by Charles Humblet © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Bounty Beach, Malapascua | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 9 |
| An island like Bantayan, also located off the northern tip of Cebu. The perfect place to relax with a few San Mig's.
Nearby Accoms: Blue Coral, Blue Water, Cocobana. Photo by Robert Hammerslag © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Dilumacad Isle Palawan | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Small | Crystal | White | Required | No | 9 |
| Also called 'Helicopter Island'. Twenty minutes by boat from El Nido. Beautifully peaceful and serene. Nearby Accoms: Og's Inn, Rosanna's, Lally & Abet, Rico's Cottage.
Photo by Judith Distal © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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White Beach, Boracay Island | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 9 |
| As a natural setting it's unsurpassed. One of the more popular Philippines beaches, it can get crowded with students in April and May.
Nearby Accoms: Nami, Red Coconut, Regency, Seraph, Waling Waling. Photo by Paul Zimmerman © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Coron Island, Palawan | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Small | Crystal | White | Required | No | 9 |
| Off the northern tip of Palawan, this island is a fovorite for scubers because of the water clarity. Serenely pristine and tranquil. Nearby Accoms: None unless you have gills or stay in Busuanga. Photo by Moody75 © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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El Nido Beach, Palawan | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 10 |
| One of Palawan's best beaches, although the entire region is quite unspoiled. Visit the nearby islands as well.
Nearby Accoms: Bayview Inn, Lally & Abett, Marina Garden. Photo by James West © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Sabang, Palawan | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | White | Required | Yes | 9 |
| Halfway down the east coast of Palawan Island. A good place to get away from it all. Not much development or activity.
Nearby Accoms: Asiaworld Resort, Dospalmas, Hotel Fleuris in Puerto Princesa City. Photo by Warren Chua © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Pagudpud Beach, Ilocos Norte | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Large | Crystal | Fine | Required | No | 8 |
| This beach borders a crescent bay with little development in the area. Be careful of waves and strong currents.
Nearby Accoms: Fort Ilocandia Resort & Casino. Photo by Jim Patrick Orbe © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS | |||||||
| Let's keep it safe out there! Because ocean conditions change daily, follow these rules: (1) Always check with 'locals' about hazards before entering the water, (2) Obey all 'warning flags', (3) Swim inside 'safety areas' provided, (4) Never swim alone, and (5) Never swim far out. Finally, when in doubt, don't go in. | |||||||
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