The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands. And, yep, that indeed means that there are a whole lot of beaches to check out here!
Whether you enjoy people-watching on a crowded beach or prefer a secluded spot, there’s a little somethin’ for everyone in this Southeast Asian archipelago.
Without a doubt, a lifetime would hardly be long enough to visit every beach in the Philippines. Instead, focus your itinerary on one of these stunning top beaches in the Philippines….
Enjoy solitude on laid-back Banol Beach
Banol Beach on Coron in Palawan is the perfect spot for those who want to get away from it all. It’s one of those hidden gems that still hasn’t been too over-commercialized. (Well, not yet.) Even with growing popularity, much of the area remains relatively untouched.
Don’t come here expecting Phuket: Banol Beach isn’t exactly a wild party beach. It is, however, one of the most romantic getaways in Palawan and absolutely perfect for couples looking to chill out together under the sun with little distraction.
And while Banol Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy some quite food & drinks by the white sand & turquoise water, there’s plenty more to do here. You can enjoy scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and all the typical activities you’d find on just about any beach in the world.
Catch some serious waves on San Juan Beach
San Juan in La Union is widely considered the top surfing destination in the Philippines. It’s about a five-hour drive from the capital city of Manila. If you leave early in the morning, you should beat out most of the crowd.
While the waves at San Juan are great, the jellyfish here aren’t so entertaining. However, if you can brave these (literally) irritating sea creatures, you’ll get to enjoy some of the best waves in the region and hone your skills with surfing classes from real pros.
View Grecian pillars on Fortune Island
Need something a little out of the ordinary? Fortune Island might just be what you’re looking for.
Located off the coast of in Nasugbu in Batangas, Fortune Island was, for a short period of time, a premier private luxury spot. Bad times, however, befell the island (due, many would say, to a lack of a fresh water supply), leading to its up-and-coming resort project getting axed.
Fortunately, there’s still hope for those wanting to check out this paradise.
The best way to experience Fortune Island on more than just a day trip (it’s only about 8 to 9 miles off the coast) is to pitch a tent and rough it one one of the local beaches. This’ll leave you with plenty of time to enjoy the quiet beaches and the sights including the notable San Diego shipwreck and the Greek-like acropolis still standing from the abandoned resort.
Watch tarsiers play on Panglao Beach
Another beach in the Philippines that you need to see to believe is Panglao Beach. Of course, you won’t be surprised when you find gorgeous white sand and clear waters here (I mean, this is the Philippines after all!). What helps set this beach apart from the others in the archipelago, though, are its tarsiers.
Tarsiers are tiny primates with massive eyes. They typically only grow to about five or six inches and are commonly found throughout the region.
Along with keeping an eye out for these bug-eyed monkey cousins at Panglao Beach, you can crash somewhere along the beach. There are a variety of places to stay here from resorts to rustic beachside cabins.
Whichever of these Filipino beaches you choose, keep in mind that these aren’t your only options. There are thousands more in this fascinating country that are worth checking out.
If you’ve got more time, don’t stop at this list. Ask the locals and other tourists for recommendations and be sure to not to rush exploring the beauty of the Philippines.