Because we all need—and deserve—a break

Planning to hit the beach but dreading the summer crowd? If so, it would be best to stay away from the obvious options, like Boracay. Fortunately for us, the Philippines has so many more beaches that are yet to become mainstream attractions. So take a deep and satisfied sigh of relief because you have a lot of options to choose from—you just don't know it yet! 

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Anguib Beach

Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley

Image taken from A Wanderful Sole

Dubbed as “The Boracay of the Far North,” Anguib Beach has the same white sand you just want to dig your feet into and the same clear blue waters you can spend literally hours in.

How to get there:

• Take the Victory Liner or GV Florida bus to Tuguegarao
• From there, take a can to Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley
• Then take a tricycle to San Vincente Port, where you can charter an outrigger boat to take you to Palaui Island

Subic Beach

Matnoag Sorsogon

Image taken from Shoe String Travelers

You have to remember that sometimes, you have to take the long journey to get to where you want to. It takes 12 hours to reach the town of Matnog, which is why its beaches see just a trickle of tourists every now and then. But don’t let the distance faze you, because it’s worth it.

How to get there:

• Take a bus from Manila to Matnog
• From there, charter a boat to take you to Subic Beach
• Another alternative from Manila is to get on a bus bound for Sorsogon
• Get off at the Sorsogon Integrated Bus and Jeep Terminal, and take the jeep to Matnog

Nagsasa Cove

San Antonio, Zambales 

Image taken Instagram/ LiveOnPurpose

Nagsasa Cove has majestic views, beautiful gray volcanic sands from Mt. Pinatubo and pristine waters that will undoubtedly enchant. And if you feel like roughing it just a little bit, the Agoho pine trees litter the area and make for the perfect campsite.

How to get there:

• From Manila, take Victory Liner bus to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales via Olongapo
• Get off in front of the San Antonio Municipal Hall
• Hail a tricycle to take you to Pundaquit where you can charter a boat to the cove

Kalanggaman Island

Palompon, Leyte

Image taken from Out of Town Blog

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Kalangganman Island a long-stretched white sandbar and crystal clear waters, which are surprisingly (and fortunately) still unmarred. But the island’s natural beauty is well-preserved thanks to strict local government regulations, so make sure to do your part.

How to get there:

• From Tacloban downtown, ride a jeep to the New Bus Terminal in Brgy. Abucay
• From there, ride a van to Palompon, Leyte
• Once in Palompon, head straight to the Palompon’s Ecotours office

Santa Fe Beaches

Bantayan Island, Cebu

Image taken from Travels with a Hobo

The municipality of Santa Fe is a haven for beach lovers—it is blessed with many white sand beaches that are uncrowded and are most of the time free! How amazing is that??

How to get there:

• Take the MyBus shuttle from the Mactan Airport to the Cebu Bus North Terminal.
• Hop on a bus to Hagnaya Port in San Remigio.
• From there, get on a ferry to Bantayan Island.

Manjuyod Sand Bar

Manjuyod, Negros Oriental

Image taken from The Pinay Solo Backpacker

An elusive and rare beauty that only shows itself when the tide recedes, Manjuyod Sandbar is breathtaking. And before you starting thinking that there’s not much to see (or do), take it into consideration that you can also go dolphin-watching in the area.

How to get there:

• From the Dumaguete Airport, board a bus to Bais and alight at Brgy. Calindagan
• Take a tricycle to Canibol Wharf, where you can charter a boat to take you to the Sandbar

White Island

Mambajao, Camiguin

Image taken from The Poor Traveler

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With its powdery white sand, clear waters and a magnificent view of Mt. Hibok-hibok, White Island is a feast for all the senses.

How to get there:

• From the Cagayan de Oro Airport, take the shuttle to Agora Terminal
• Board the bus bound for Balingoan Pier, and get on a ferry to Benoni Wharf in Camiguin
• From there, take a tricycle to Brgy. Yumbing, where you can charter a boat to take you to the island

Waniban Island

Mati City, Davao Oriental

Image taken from Mati City

Aside from the seclusion and the idyllic view above water, Waniban Island is an ideal snorkeling spot and is teeming with marine wildlife. So whether you want to hit the sand or dive the seas, you’re covered here.

How to get there:

• From the Davao Airport, go to Ecoland Bus Station and board a Bachelor bus to Mati
• Once there, hire a motorcycle to take you to Brgy. Tamisan, where you can rent a boat to tour you

Malamawi Island

Isabela City, Basilan

Image taken from Akros De Unibers

Overshadowed by the bad and often misleading reputation of the province, Malamawi Island remains pristine and uncrowded. If you can brave the waves and the rumors, include this beach to your summer itinerary. And with a view like that, how can you not?

How to get there:

• From Zamboanga Airport, ride a multicab to Canelar and get off at the plaza near the Zamboanga City Hall
• Head for the port, which is behind the City Hall
• Once at the port, get on a boat to Isabela, Basilan

There are still so many destinations off the beaten path that are just waiting to be explored. Our list has merely scratched the surface, so go out there and experience them for yourself!

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Now that you have the beaches to hit, you can pretty much start packing your bags. But before you do, make sure that you have everything you need, including a reliable mobile plan that will keep you connected and help make the trip much easier.